A Hundred Thoughts at Once

Hello friends!

I don't get much of a chance to write blogs as much as I used to. Just have been in heavy production with the new KICKSTARTER FOR STARSLAM BOOK 4 and commissions. Also my PATREON PAGE. Plus day job taking up lots of time. It is necessary though. I've just been busy. Looking forward to a vacation we will be taking to Lake Michigan in September for a couple nights of camping. To get away from it all is very much desired. I'm looking forward to some peace and quiet and nature surrounding me. Just disconnect and get away from it all. That is what I need!

My mind is so busy lately. So much going on. So many things that attempt to bring me down. I got a new sketchbook yesterday and it exploded into some sketches, writings and single panel comics all in one day. I've done this sort of thing since high school. I write poems, do quick sketches, to do lists and other various notes and ideas I hope to one day get to. I think I have about twelve fully loaded sketchbooks full of things. Maybe someday my kids will read them. But I've wrote some DARK shit in those. I hope they don't think I was a massive depressive person all my life! Usually my sketchbooks are for therapy. I get out the crap I am feeling. Seems like something new is always around the corner to come along and try to fuck me up. But that's life, isn't it?

Things are okay. My bills are paid. My Kickstarter is off to a good start. I'm pretty sure things will keep rolling and it will get funded. Its slowly trickling together. I'm damn proud of it. My colorist is working extra hard to get things rolling with me and he's kicking so much ass. I have some friends doing pinups and fan art for the book and beyond. Its incredible to see! I'm truly blessed in these things.

This week, this album turns 25 years old:

This is an album in my top 10 of all time. I got turned onto it by my friend Tim, to whom I am forever grateful for that. It took me a while to fully listen to it beyond a casual listen. I pulled it out while I was in some down times back in 2015. I call it the "soundtrack to my divorce" album. It was my therapy. It helped me fall in love again. I owe a lot to this album. I became a total Jeff Buckley fan, chasing down every live CD/DVD, his demos of his unreleased second album. I have all the Record Store Day releases too. Just a month ago I found the LEGACY edition with the extra disc and DVD full of videos and documentaries. Jeff was that soul of a poet whose life was taken from us way too soon. But man, what an album to leave behind. So fucking great.

Currently also I have been listening to this:

I saw the movie in the theaters a couple weeks ago and I absolutely loved it. My favorite of the year so far. The soundtrack comes complete with radio ramp ups and commercials. You toss it on and its like you are cruising around in 1969. I know people are trying to assign a certain agenda and crap to Tarantino now, but I think the man is just wonderful. He is my favorite modern director out there. I love all of his films. My favorites being Kill Bill and Jackie Brown. Just fucking awesome.

I don't get out to the comic shop much but I am absolutely loving the new YEAR FIVE Star Trek series from IDW. The art and writing on it are top fucking notch. I think I practically own every single STAR TREK comic that is out there. These new ones are greatness. Total wood.

And I am still diving through STAR TREK DISCOVERY, despite my initial reaction to it. I am almost done with the first season. As a show, I like it. As a STAR TREK show, I don't. But I do watch it. I like most of the characters. I just try to not pay attention that it is a Star Trek prequel and just think its an alternate timeline. Much like I think STAR TREK PICARD will be. But hey, at least I am getting new Star Trek. I'll take it.

So many cool things are coming. A BREAKING BAD movie, THE MANDALORIAN, STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, GHOSTBUSTERS REMASTERED for PS4, LINKS AWAKENING and DRAGON QUEST 11 for Switch... I'm just bursting. Good shit is on the way! I can't wait.

I got big things coming up. I got this current Kickstarter that is running. Then Fantasticon Mt. Pleasant in October. A nice vacation in September and of course HALLOWEEN SEASON all the fall! Greatness just around the corner. For now, I just gotta clean house, keep drawing and enjoy the ride. Keep that depression and the toxic people at bay. I'm doing a good job of it so far. But man sometimes it is so hard.

I'm trying, folks. I really am.

Cheers, T

Father's Day Week

Hey friends!

Father's Day weekend was awesome! I got to spend time with two of my little buggers and then I got some nice presents from everyone! D got me a SLIMER Pop and METROPOLIS complete on Blu-ray and a neat little pop up Beatles card. Her parents got me a large coffee table book on the making of RETURN OF THE JEDI. My oldest son got me this really cool metal STAR TREK display that I will hang in my collection. James and Scotty got me hand made cards and paintings. It was all very lovely. And I got to spend time with them over the weekend.

James laid on me while we watched Cars 3. Some nice cuddle time. I got Scotty some discs and James some candy. Scott also played a bit of an old Family Guy video game I got for him. That is a very old and frustrating game!

Speaking of video games, I got this:

Its been on my radar for a while to have one, so I got a Nintendo Switch! So far I have played MARIO ODYSSEY. I haven't plugged in ZELDA yet. I got a couple other games that are out that I want to get but I've been too busy to go out and get them. I guess this was a Father's Day treat for myself. Its been a rough go of things as of late. Needed a nice pick me up.

But don't think for a minute that I am just playing video games and ignoring my creative duties! I finished the VAMPIRELLA card set. Here's a look at some of them:

 In comic news: I've got about 15 pages on STARSLAM to ink. Here's a couple teaser images, no spoilers!

Plus also I got hired to do an 8 page horror comic for a nice dude. I gotta shoot pencils to him this week sometime so no video gaming until I finish that! But, I got a sore left thumb right now, so video gaming is off the table until that is healed. Just sore from biting my nails too much. Stupid me, but no biggie.

I also got some commissions that are overdue so I am not taking on anything else until these are done and out. I also shipped out all the books from LATE NIGHT SHORTS, so that is done. Just gotta finish a couple things for the bigger reward level people, as understanding and supportive as they always are! And then its my job to color all the completed PATREON stories... of which I am done and scanned in all the way to November, with a couple more in the pencil stage. I just want to get them all done and off my plate so I can finish these other things. So much to do. I feel guilty even getting a new movie or game system to distract me sometimes... but I know you need to take a break or else I go mad.

Coming up this fall are some great Switch games like Dragon Quest 11 (Where you can switch back and forth between regular modern and SUPER NINTENDO style graphics). Also a new LEGO STAR WARS game next year. A couple other ones I am forgetting too as I type this. But what is also coming out this fall is something I must get:

Look at that beauty! She's gonna cost a bit... like $500 but it should be out in November. This game and GALAGA are my two favorite arcade video games of all time. To have that in my kids' room along with all my toys might make me the biggest nerd... but perhaps the best dad ever! If I had this in my room as a kid? Oh man...

Not that my childhood wasn't great already, its just that now in this modern age we can get cheaper versions of these nostalgic things and I can share them with my boys. (But they gotta wait til daddy is done with them first!)

Thanks for reading!

--T

Ramping Up

Hey friends. Taking some time from a busy and very productive week to check in on some various things.

First of all, the Kickstarter for THE EROTIC ZONE is less than 20 hours away from its end. As it stands, we got funded and hit one of the stretch goals. I couldnt be happier or prouder of its success! It didnt hit the numbers of its big sister: STARSLAM, but it did well on its own and got lots of new readers interested in what Im doing in the world of erotica. I work hard to write and draw sexy stories with substance, where all the characters have a brain, a spirit and a soul... much more than just a sexy body that serves the needs of the person in the story who fucks it. What I do isnt just a bunch of fuck books. I keep reaching to hit that deeper level. I hope you folks enjoy it.

The money earned will go to pay for printing/shipping and what is left will help pay my colorist for STARSLAM 3 and other things. I really appreciate the support. The book order will go out on Monday morning and I will begin prep for all the things to come.

Meanwhile, I cracked the pens open on my new card set this week. So far, I am very happy with the results! I cant share yet, but when I can, I will! I really need to stay on top of these cards this month because the time frame in which they are due is short. But so far, its going smooth!

I am taking the time to smell the roses around me a bit, in an effort to keep my stress levels in check. My GF and I are watching THE IT CROWD on a nightly basis so I can finally scratch that show off my list. I like it so far. Also, THE ORVILLE continues to be the best STAR TREK show on tv. I know some dont want to try it for fear it is too Seth McFarlanesqe... but please, give it an honest shot. Its very STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION and orgasmic Trekking. I have given up on ST: DISCOVERY, and from what I am reading, its a good thing I did. Maybe they will turn it around, but I am trying to avoid negativity right now. So thus, I avoid DISCOVERY.

I had hoped to play some SNES today but we lost power for about 5 hours, so I drew by cloudy sunlight. Its back on now, thank the lords, so I am just catching up on TV and other things. All this week I have been checking minor things off the big TO DO list in my life. It feels good to stay productive. So many great things are on the horizon... its an exciting time! Im just ramping up until it all comes to fruition!

Anyway, I thought I would just drop a note catching up a bit. Here are some recent pics:

Some of my finds out and about this week. I was pretty happy about the inbox Black box NES game for $2!! Box is in considerable condition. But looks nice on the shelf. Its a goal of mine to have all the original black box NES games complete. One day...

My new acoustic I got from Jacob. I look forward to writing some new music on this bad boy. I havent given it a name yet but I will consider options. You gotta name every guitar you get!

The boys in their Halloween costumes. DC/Marvel crossover!

Thanks for coming back! Its about to get REALLY busy in Adam~land. Lets hope I can keep up with it all!

~~T

Labor Day Pains

STREEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!

Heh... anyway, welcome back, folks. Yeah its been a crazy weekend. I did relax a little.

On Saturday, I went to my co-worker's house, where we all collectively played the re-release of NIGHT TRAP (videos coming) and then beat MEGA MAN 2. Took me 30 years but its finally done. Check that off the list!

After a long week of work, I had planned on getting a lot of shit done around me. I managed to clean the car and finally move around and organize my shelves of books and comics at home. Saturday night I hung with co-workers playing video games. But then when I got home I was sick and vomiting. Something about Little Caeser's Hot N Ready pizza sauce, I can't handle anymore. The man in my tummy hates me.

Sunday I got the kids the majority of the day and then spent some time with D getting groceries and doing stuff around the house.

Monday, I got up early and got the last of the boys' bday presents and got them all wrapped. Then I finally sat down and got some artworking done. I got 5 commissions fully penciled, inked and halfway colored. I also inked and scanned the Erotic Zone cover and a couple other pieces for Starslam 3... one of which might be the cover. I am not sure yet. I'll color it and we'll see.

This week I got a ton of stuff to get done. More artworking, laundry, keeping the house straight... my dad is coming this week to stay with us over the weekend and he's bringing my sister. Also this weekend I will have the boys. It will be a full house in our tiny apartment, that is for sure.

Anyway, just giving an update. Barring any major event to come this week, I might be MIA for a while due to being busy. I hope everyone's weekend was great. I'll see you on the flipside. The EROTIC ZONE book is almost complete!!! Kickstarter soon.

Cheers, T

Back to the Grind and a Confession

Hey friends,

Well, Vacation week is over. It doesn't seem like it should be, but it is. I worked very hard for this last week and now its gone. I did a lot, saw a lot of people I never get to see, got comic work done, reading done, went to the movies (saw SNATCHED. Not bad), Had TV marathons, went out to dinner, deep talking with friends, played video games, napped, cleaned, petted kitties, got drunk, jammed on music, drew 5 pages, lounged out in front of air conditioner, ate a shit-ton of crappy food, traveled 600 miles and back and much more.

And now its over. Back to work today. Back to the daily grind.

It really flew by, man. It seems like yesterday. I honestly could do another week of this. I'm not sure I feel rested at all. But I do get some rest coming up. There is the TOOL concert in early June. End of June is the Chicago trip. The summer will bring some fun with the kids and holidays and all that. But my entire vacation time is spent. I gotta make it to January 1st now with not much rest to have.

Honestly, that is okay. I got things planned. Things I have to do (finally). There is so much work ahead. I got probably THREE books to launch before the end of the year. Right now the focus is on my health. This carpal Tunnel thing will continue to be worked with and monitored. And I am focusing on my weight loss. We haven't had sodas in the house for almost two weeks now. I've had them if we go out but the weaning has already begun. I plan to go hardcore on the fruits and veggies until I get below 300.

I'll be brutally honest here. I think its the best way I can be in this life. I find strength in being honest. About two weeks ago, I got on the scale and I crossed a margin. An unthinkable margin. The total I weighed that day?

402 pounds.

Yes, I crossed the 400 pound mark. Severely morbidly obese. I stepped off the scale and I was in shock. I have gained 82 pounds in over a year. I am now officially one foot in the grave. I cried to myself as I wondered how it all happened. But I knew. Of course I knew. The depression led me to eat. I have a sedentary job, I snack. The sodas. The fast food. No exercise... its no mystery as to what I did to myself. I'm scared to go to the doctor. I'm scared to do anything, honestly. I don't feel right. I feel wobbly and full of panic.

But all this means is I am awake and aware of what I have done and what I must do now.

My goal is to drop 100 pounds. Right now. Immediately. So I am going hardcore. I gotta get out of the danger zone.... or die trying. And right now, I feel like living. I got shit to do. So I am going to get this freight train back on the rails and kicking ass at this thing. I'm struggling to survive and its time I woke up and get myself under control.

There are so many other things I want to do beyond just the weight loss. I have to save for many things coming up. I have to find time to get work done. I have to this, I have to that. And it will be easy to do because everything is a choice. What do you choose? What are you more hungry for? Future dreams, to live thinner and happier or what I have been doing so far with a very limited life? I wasn't created to live depressed, defeated, ashamed or condemned and unworthy. I was created to be victorious. And its my turn. I choose life.

So 'scuse me while I take care of some personal business. Stuff I keep saying I have to do but now, HAVE to do it. And I will. Because I can. And if you are in a similar boat as mine, so can you.

Anyway, back to the grind of work and getting my life under control. Meanwhile, here are some pics to entertain:

The kittens got adopted out! Chloe went to her new home and Sebastian went to one as well. The grey one (we named her Luna) was declared the winner and we chose her to stay with us. We're happy with our decision but miss all of them greatly.

Co-worker NES party.

Lots o' gamez being played!

DC represent!

Luna and Sebastian. Last time together.

Sebastian, moments before he was picked up. I'll miss that boy. :(

Here's our Luna... very cute and loving kitten.

Some edited for content and spoiler free new pages from STARSLAM 3. Its really coming along!

Vacation Week!

Hey friends!

I'm reporting to you from my much needed vacation week. We took some travels to go see my father in southern Illinois, and it was a good trip all around. We ate hearty, saw all the family and spent as much time with dad as we could. He seems to be getting along mostly okay, which is all you can ask sometimes. We visited the graveyard and paid respects to everyone there too, especially Mom and Gloria. We found the drive there to be enjoyable but the drive back was a pain. It rained the whole way, semi trucks were not able to stay in their lane (had a couple close calls). It just took a long damn time to get back. We are taking the time now to relax and enjoy each other's company, as well as just enjoying being home. We are NEVER home due to working so much. And when we are home, we usually have a house full of kids or friends... so there's never any US time or even ME time. Yesterday we did just that. We had separate ME time and then US time. Much needed. I'm getting some reading done, which is good. Yesterday I spent time with Mr. Booze and played guitar for a while. I was happy that my carpal tunnel didn't act up very much so I could get some playing in. One day I cooked us a big breakfast and we were enjoying the nice weather and air flowing through the apartment.

Its taking in the little things that make a vacation worth having.

And of course boredom creeped in and so I had to get some work done. I shrunk and scanned over 25 pages of art for Starslam 3. I cleaned them up digitally and then sent them to my colorist. I even penciled 5 new pages before my hand gave out. I'm trying to adjust, folks. I'm trying.

This weekend I got some activities planned that I keep delaying. Including yet another Nintendo party with friends. That should be fun. Then a planned outing on Sunday. Also I hope to squeeze some more artworking and reading in there somewhere. I feel the vacation days dwindling away and I hope I can feel nice and refreshed before Tuesday rolls along and I am back to the day job grind.

This last week some stuff went down that I didn't comment on yet publicly. I've been too busy. First up was the passing of Roger Moore. He was the first 007 that I remember watching as a kid. Later on as an adult I'd go on to enjoy all the Bond movies, making Sean Connery my favorite. But Roger always had a special place in my heart for starting it all for me. He made being a deadly spy fun. RIP.

Also this week was the 40th Anniversary of STAR WARS. Now most know me as a hardcore STAR TREK guy, but credit where credit is due... Star Wars came first in my life. I remember watching it on Betamax as a kid for the first time and how the world changed for me. I listened to the records and books. I played with all the action figures (some I still have). In college I collected all the new figures (Still have em). Even today I still buy the occasional Han Solo or Jedi Luke. I remember my college job of working in a theater during Phantom Menace opening night. I was watching my kids the other day waving their light sabers while watching Star Wars. So many memories.... so many good times.

Well I got relaxing to do and I'm likely to cook a meal for my bae here in a bit. Then off to my gatherings. Everyone have a good Memorial Day weekend! Let's enjoy the time off while we still have it.

--T

Same Ol Same Ol

Here I am. No worries. Well, some were worried. I got messages from folks who were worried because its not like me to not post a blog twice weekly. I think its been about two weeks since the last one. Even longer for a podcast.

Truth is there's a few things going on and ways to explain my absence:

 #1 My major "production at home" days were Sundays. Now I am down to two of those because I keep my kids Sat-Monday morning twice a month so that knocks two of them out. The other two are usually reserved for some business that I don't have time to do during the week. So I get two nights free a month really. It kind of sucks but so it goes. At least I get to see my boys more. But that means that any time at home to do stuff like that usually takes a back seat. And my two Saturdays free a month involve time with D that we don't get during the week or with friends.... or severely drinking til passing out.

#2 Thing going on is that I am back into a major depression swing. I had to leave my therapist for several reasons and I am seeking a new one. I thought I was through some shit but apparently there's plenty more that has bubbled to the surface to help destroy what sanity I've tried to claim for myself. So I have wrote, but its been in private.... and you don't want to read what I wrote. Here on the blog and social media, I try to stay somewhat upbeat and positive. I'm supposed to be entertaining you folks. All my other writings shows a person in constant fear of rejection, inadequacy and emptiness. Its full of fear at every perceived failure and an endless need for acceptance and meaning. Its not fun to read. But it helps on some level. It gets it out of my brain. But it is easy to spiral down into the hole I've created for myself and just get the stone face.

I've really always been this way. Ever since I was a kid. It is hard to find someone who can deal with me when I'm like this and not take it personally. Thank the lords for Kitty D, who totally understands and helps me cope with myself when I am like this. We have a nice special mixture and can take on the drama when it heads our way. I got some doozies I'm dealing with right now. But she's there and helping me where she can. That is a good feeling.

You always try to dwell in the good feelings.

On the production front, you'll be surprised to know that I have been very productive on comics and things. I penciled ten more pages last week and things are rolling right along. I got a big new batch of pages to send to my colorist and I am coloring my own pages for my other projects too. Perhaps I owe you an update:

STARSLAM 3 - I got 45 pages in the can, complete. Another 22 are ready to be scanned and colored. We're getting into the major points of the storyline. So far there are about 6 major sex scenes... and thats SO FAR. So there is lots of nudity and sex this time around. I'm going all out for this last book!

PATREON R.I.P. - What does that mean? Well, I've done a lot of thinking about it, while still working on pages and things for it, but I decided that I cannot do a patreon. I just cannot guarantee my output with the depression issues and the carpal tunnel now limiting my drawing and writing. Its frustrating but I have to be honest with myself. I'm on a time limit with what I can do and how fast I can do it now.

BUT----- I still got these stories, pinups, written sex stories and things Ive sat on for years now. I decided that I will finish them and collect them in a new tradebook to be launched on Kickstarter. Probably before STARSLAM 3 comes out. Maybe end of summer-ish. I have a title and a premise. Its basically a sex anthology. For those that love my stuff, you'll love it! It will be around 120 pages or so and I cannot wait for you guys to see it. It collects everything erotica that I've done beyond STARSLAM. So that is exciting, right? Look for that soon.

PLEASANT LIFE 2 - I'm still working on it sporatically. I'm trying to decide how I want to get it out into the world. Eventually I'll probably try a Kickstarter to grab new fans for the series... but I do expect the numbers to be less considering it has no titties in it. But expect that next year.

WISE INTELLIGENCE - Remember this? This was a 4 issue mini series that writer Ryan McLelland and I did almost a decade ago. Terry Moore (SIP) did a cover for it even! We decided to get EVERYTHING together for this project and release it via kickstarter. I'm likely going to let him handle that, as I have enough on my plate right now. But I will be putting the book together for him and doing new stuff for it most likely. Will be nice to put a button on that book and have a nice collected trade of those comics that very few have seen! More on this later.

NOVELS -- Right now I got two novels (the short story/poem anthology and the tell all of my porn store days) in production. They've taken a back seat to the comics. I think once those are out my way, I'll get these done. Hopefully by Xmas or early next year. Because I have my first original novel (fiction) that I am itching to work on after that. Its something I've been half working on and writing dialog on for a few years now. Its a great idea and I would love to get it done... but all this other stuff has to get out of the way first. But consider this a tease.

So there ya go. Stuff is happening, despite my depression. I'm alive. Sometimes I'm angry about it, but I am alive. I know, that sounds dark. But I'm just being honest. I am determined to grow out of the depression that happens and continue my work. I'm determined to face everything the universe throws at me. Cause I'm not afraid to face it. I'll certainly bitch about it, but I will face it all. Sometimes, you just have to climb the mountain yourself just to show people that it can be done. I know I inspire others by what I'm doing and I am not going to let them down. I'm not doing all of this for me, I'm doing it for you. I hope you know that.

Anyway, here are some pics of things beyond all this depressing shit. KITTIES!!!!!!!!

Cuteness overload.

Sebastian. We picked the right one I think.

We will miss this Grey goober when she goes to her new home though.

Mommy is still protective.

Scott Bot lounges around.

What do a bunch of thirty something guys do when they get away from the girls for a night? Do they hit the strip club and the hooters? Nope. They have a NINTENDO PARTY! A bunch of my co-workers got together a couple weeks ago on my only night off and did this gathering where we played through Ninja Gaiden 2, Punch Out, Excitebike, Kung Fu and many other games. It was a lot of fun and we're already planning NES championship night 2. 

Lastly, a note a screenshot reminding me that there are some out there who care: 

I thank everyone for their messages and care. I'll be okay, no worries. I'm gonna work with this new therapist and get to a good place with the shit plaguing me. But rest assured... THE WORK WILL CONTINUE!

Cheers, T

Milestones

Hello friends!

Well, the Kickstarter for TALES FROM THE GORE, my Caleb Stevens horror anthology tribute book went live yesterday and I'm proud to say it was funded in less than 12 hours. This marks the third Kickstarter in a row for me to do that. I'm beyond thrilled about it and how people are jazzed about it! We're even doing some exclusive copies to be sold at the SALT CITY HORROR FEST In Syracuse, NY on April 15-16th. Some will be sold and some will be raffled off along with some other goodies I am tossing to them. For details on that horror show, check out their Facebook link HERE
-- There will be some cool guests there, dealers and movies on 35mm playing. The people that run that show are good people. Check them out.

Meanwhile, the Kickstarter rolls on! You can learn the ins and outs about the kickstarter and stories behind its making and why it means so much, by checking out the new episode of the IDIOTHEAD MORNING SHOW PODCAST by clicking HERE

Lastly, you can check out the actual Kickstarter fundraiser for my new book: TALES FROM THE GORE by clicking HERE

_______________________________________________

Whew, now that is out of the way. We can talk about other stuff going on.

I'm still in heavy overtime mode at the day job. And with me juggling commissions, Kickstarter launches and more book production, I really haven't had much time to breathe or do anything really. My PS4 just sits there collecting dust. Plus we're adjusting to life with our new baby:

We decided to name her "BELLE" after the character in "Secret Life of a Call Girl."

Lily and Belle don't get along super well, but they are adjusting.

Between work and all this production, I really am just burning my candle at all ends. Even the middle! I got my boys the next two weekends and so that will be a handful of a different sort.  I decided after this weekend to take an extra day off just for me to unwind, spend time with Kitty D and just be still for a moment.While it feels good to make things happen and get things done, inside I'm just screaming for the train to slow down for a minute! The stress and the overall run run run life gets to me. Its something to talk about in my therapy sessions, for sure. I need to make those more of a priority very soon.

I discovered a new hobby, that of perler beading old 8-bit NES game sprites and things. But I haven't had much time to devote to it. But one night last week, I took a few hours and just sat and did it. It was great to turn my mind off and just put beads into a rack and make things. It reminds me of putting together legos, but way less expensive! These are the things I made the other night:

I like the hobby and will continue it. I feel like it centers me a bit. Hopefully after the rush of the Kickstarter is done, I can indulge a bit more and do other things I want to do with the perler beads.

Next month is Horrorhound Weekend. I've already booked my hotel and I'm excited as shit. If all goes well, I'll be getting my first tattoo there. Its a tribute piece I thought up for Caleb. Of course I will take pics and videos there for my VLOG and BLOG here. No worries. And a trip away will be nice. Because after that, things are going to ramp up with heavy production on my remaining projects, as well as new challenges at the day job where I am cross training on some new stuff. These things will take a lot of my time and focus. Ah, the stress to come.

But today, I am happy that we crossed the line comfortably with the new Kickstarter. I did all this for Caleb and Joe's family. I did it for Caleb. And I want it to be hugely successful for them and we sell a mass amount of comics. But this is just the basic cost needs for the book to get out the door. We still got far to go with the funds to raise. So much more can be done. And we've got 13 days to do it. Please repost or check out the Kickstarter for my new book: TALES FROM THE GORE right HERE

I appreciate the support, as do Caleb and Joe's family. I've done all my work. Its up to us to keep it going. Let's rock this thing!

--T

Back to the Grind

Hey friends.

Well, started the work week back into OT at the day job. Thats fine to an extent because I got a bunch to save for in the next year. But the downside is that Kitty D and I feel like ships passing in the wind. So it goes. Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.

I was having a bummer of a Monday. A couple crappy things happened to start my week off into a slump. Then her kindness led to me getting to unbox one of my gifts early:

The Pat NES PUNK guidebook to NES. It was the main thing I wanted for Xmas this year! Its 450 pages and VERY heavy! I toss this at your face, you're dead. No buts about it. But man is it awesome! I will be reading this for a very long time. Wish it wasn't so heavy so I could read it on the toilet like I do everything else!

I have a ton of reading to catch up on. And I really should. Its preferable to scanning the Facebook and the news every day. I only hop on FB maybe twice a day now, if that. My posts there are slim. I'll post a pic there from my phone but then just stay away from it. Every time I log in its the same old stuff. I just like the quieter times in my life now. I need that more I think. That and work.

Not only are Kitty D and I feeling the effects of working a lot, so is Lily Munster... who waits by the door for us to come home. She loves us... 

Her waiting for me at the front door when I was off to work on Monday.

This really leaves no time for any sort of production on the 50 things I gotta do currently. I'm just drained all around. But I did manage to pencil a couple new Starslam pages for a commission and ink one of them. Here it is: 

Such a cool idea, I think I will make it part of the main story of Starslam 3!

I got this weekend off with the kids so hopefully they will let me get some more pencils and inks done. I really desire to get these comics done and out into the world. (And off my mind!) Luckily I got a colorist here to help with me now. I don't know what I would do without him. With my productivity slowed to a crawl, and motivation slower than it ever has been, he is the spark that keeps my head in the game. Gotta keep pushing through.

Get it done.
Get it done.

I don't plan on going anywhere during the winter months. Just staying home, hunkering down and saving money. Let's hope that I emerge with some quiet productivity on these things. Days drift on by and do does my zeal for all things that used to define me. Its a weird feeling. What is it that is causing this?

I don't know, but I'm scared shitless.

Luvs, T

Disconnect/Reconnect

Hello friends. Thought I would reach out again from the depths of my fortress of solitude to let you know I'm still alive and how my week went. My social media break has been serving me well. I feel like my mind and body are getting some much needed rest and quiet. I certainly recommend doing this for yourself! Give a listen to this song by the Rollins Band. The lyrics are exactly what I feel about what I'm doing:



I have not been super productive to be honest. I have done some writing and finishing up some reward things for the Starslam kickstarter. But other than that, nothing else. We'll see what happens. Right now, I am just enjoying the break from everything.

In my time of disconnection, I'm taking time to reconnect to parts of me and my life that I had forgot about.

Saturday I finally had a full day off with myself. I had many thoughts of what I should do with a whole day on my own. Maybe get some work done. Maybe take a trip to Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids to do some shopping. But ultimately, I chose to drive to Saginaw/Midland. I hadn't been to Saginaw in well over ten years. I have friends in Midland and while I was hoping to possibly run into them, it didn't happen. We all lead busy lives and my trip was quite unplanned. So in a way, I preferred it as a solo trip for me. A chance to clear my mind and just enjoy the drive.

I went a back way into Saginaw and hit a couple newer stores that sold used media, coming up empty handed. Then I found an old stomping ground: The Fashion Square Mall on Bay Rd.

The exterior looks the same. However inside, lots of my favorite stores are gone. The large bookstore is now an Ambercrombie and Fitch. But there was a used video game store in there, where I purchased NES DRAGON WARRIOR in the box! The clerk told me he had been there for over eight years. Good for them!

Near the mall were the remnants of what I used to hit up every time I went to Saginaw on a shopping trip when I lived in Mt. Pleasant (High School to College years). The big Media Play is no more. Its now a sporting goods place or something. The used CD/DVD store called "The Turntable" is long gone.  In a way, its sad to see those places gone but exciting to know that new places have popped up to replace them. Not as good, but they are trying.

After hitting the mall and a used game store called "GAME ON," I headed to Midland, making a stop in the legendary town of Bay City. I was tracking down the rumor that one of the only two HOT N NOW restaurants still thrived there. So I took the chance and did a search and I struck gold!

There she is! THERE SHE IS!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH....

 Hot N Now used to thrive in the mid-90s to mid-2000s here in Michigan. They were everywhere. Burgers for 39¢. I used to frequent them a lot when I was in college. The one in my hometown of Mt. Pleasant closed in the early 2000s and that was the last time I had them, until now! I placed my order and got the bag. Immediately a smell of fries and their burgers hit me. Like a smell I hadn't encountered in well over 14 years. The taste was the same. It put a smile on my face. I kinda quit fast food almost a month ago but this was a special treat. I sat in the parking lot and ate the burger and fries, just like I did in college. It really took me back. Its rare that you can reach into the past and pull out an experience like that. I enjoyed every bite just for that reconnection to my past.

After that I headed to Midland to find another used video game store for NES classics. I drove past old haunts, seeing that the old porn video rental store is gone. The Ponderosa I used to eat at every Midland trip is gone. But something special still remained....

In Midland, there is still a LIL' CHEF Restaurant. The old one in Mt. Pleasant, a frequent haunt of mine and well documented as a location in my comic: PLEASANT LIFE, is no more. So it was nice to see at least its cousin once again. I'll never forget that sign with the cute little chef on it. I didn't go inside, but it was just nice to see it and remember it again.

On Saginaw Rd. in Midland I found the other GAME ON used game store. I found a special Gem: The Legend of Zelda for NES, in the box! I had to scoop that up. The Legend of Zelda is my favorite video game of all time. To have this piece of my childhood, complete and in the box was a rare treasure. I felt like I had been gifted for my idea to come to these old haunts, just by finding that. I was saddened to learn that the old video store that was near there had closed. So it goes. Things and time have come and swept away lots of the places I had loved going to.

On my way out of town, I stopped by this old porn store called AFTER DARK FANTASIES. It was among the first porn stores I used to go to when I was younger. This swinger couple used to run it. Now it has new owners and its a couple doors down from where it was in the same strip mall outside of Sanford, MI. I walked around inside but didn't get anything. But it was nice to know that for as many places I used to know are gone, the porn store still remains! 

I hit M-20 and drove to Mt. Pleasant just for a quick run through, before hitting the expressway for home. I thought about stopping to see my brother but it would have added a couple hours to my trip and I wanted to get home to actually maybe get some work done. He was probably busy anyway. I guess I got cold feet about it because I struck out seeing my friends in Midland. But I was enjoying being on my own anyway. So I just drove through the old hometown seeing how much had changed. There were some new buildings and restuarants in place of old ones. Facades of buildings have been upgraded. Everywhere I looked I'd think, "Such and such used to be there. Now its gone." Nothing reminded me of what I once knew. Its like I was taken back in time going to Saginaw, only to be reminded that its 2016 and so much has changed when I hit Mt. Pleasant. 

I drove home in silence. Not saddened, but comfortable. Happy I took the trip down memory lane but content that change has happened and it is good. 

Change happened everywhere. 

In places. 

In me. 

Time came and swept away lots of what I once knew as "my life." But it was good to know that I still remembered what it all looked like, and how it tasted and smelled. A stupid little failed burger chain helped me reconnect with what was. That feeling alone, was worth the trip.

I get back to my home and put away my nostalgic finds of old video games and used Blu rays from my trip. 

My NES collection is growing! I'm especially proud of my inbox game finds!

Everything I own is a shrine in a museum of my life. The posters I got for my new apartment are all old movies I love. I bought special cleaners to take care of my 30+ year old video games. I did some writing and then I curled up and watched some STAR TREK, a 50 year old TV Show. And I felt content. I felt happy. Calm. It was a nice sensation. Later my girlfriend came out and we talked and I told her about my experiences reconnecting with my past. Then we held each other until I fell asleep with her. 

I don't think I've had a better night's sleep in a long time. 

--T

Milestones and Happiness

Hey my friends! Crazy weekend. Lots of ups. A few downs, but who cares about those? Life is going too well!

First of all, the major one: I surpassed a personal goal. The first STARSLAM Kickstarter raised $2,896. And now with Starslam 2, this Saturday, we passed that goal and are fast approaching $3K!!! That means Starslam 2 is now the highest grossing pre-order of any comic book I have ever done. I'm humbled and greatly thankful for the love and support this book has got so far. And we've still got 18 days left in the campaign!!!!!!!! What this book and the support as got so far means to me, I cannot begin to describe. Its a long, long story and full of little meanings and feelings for me. I am beyond thrilled that the work is appreciated that much! Thank you!!!

With that, comes this:

The work never stops in STARSLAM world!

Yes, I was able to sling some lead on pages for more Starslam to come! So yeah, exciting! I also had my boys this weekend:

James being crazy like his dad!

New friends!

James reading Danielle a bedtime story. So cute!

I stole her glasses! I always look great in glasses!

On Sunday I took the kids around town for shopping. Scotty got a new disc (natch) and James got a Paw Patrol car and figure, which he's WAY into right now. I dropped them off and then went to my co-workers house. He introduced me to a ton of old NES games I have never played but finally got to sample! 

The lovely Snow Bros! Brings me back to working at the Broadway Theater in Mt. Pleasant...

One of his cats had VERY familiar markings.. looks like my old beloved JAKE! Man I miss that cat. I almost stole this one, they looked so similar. Of course, Jake was way fatter. I think about him a lot. Best cat ever. RIP.

Long weekend. Its gonna be an even longer week this week. I'm doing some different hours at the dayjob for some new training and I gotta get my kids one morning on almost no sleep. Its really gonna mess me up, but its part of the gig I guess. Then somehow I gotta squeeze in the time to get things together for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at Summit Comics in downtown Lansing. I'll literally be there all day from 8am onward into the later hours. Then Sunday I'll have the kids again. No rest for me! Oh well.

 Lastly, I wanted to share these thoughts. This is from my pal Jim who had the grand opportunity to reboot his life a while back. And these words hit home with me because I know that is what I have been trying to do in my life too. And I think its working....

Honestly, I have no regrets. The universe unfolded as it was supposed to. And we all survived so far, didn't we? That's something. So don't let the barking dogs get to you. Its just noise. Drown it out and live the life you are worth. Reclaim who you are and what you want. It's all about YOU!

Peace and Love,

T