Further Confusion 2004. I managed to go, and I had a great time there. I'm telling you, there is absolutely nothing like being around other artists and writers and such to get the creative juices flowing. My drawing arm is sore, but I don't mind. The only part that makes me go 'awr' is that some of the things I drew in other people's sketchbooks I wanted to keep! But I figure that's the case with everyone. *grins* There were some fantastic costumes there, and I'm all set to try and make one of my own. I wore my minotaur mask a few days, and it was a hit with some people. Even got my picture taken a couple times. How 'bout that? *laughs* I saw another minotaur walking around there - impressive costume, if not exactly how I intend to do mine. Drooled over some cloven hooves on various costumes, stayed up far too late, spent too much money - really, and I only bought three things. A dragonfly (small dragon with butterfly wings you can hang, and that's for my grandmother), a cd of Heather Alexander, whom I listened to in concert, and a couple prints, one of a unicorn anthro by Cara Mitten, and one of a coyote dancer done by Kyoht. Gorgeous, both of them, and I saw so much more artwork I'd kill to even be close to in skill. *sighs wistfully*Not to mention buy.

Even so, I did get a few tips here and there, so hopefully I'll improve a bit. We'll see. I found myself drawing mostly equines, oddly enough. Though since there was a distinct lack of reference materials in the Creator's Lounge this year, I guess that figures. Minotaurs - what I drew second most often, surprise, surprise - are something I am focused on now, but I used to do horses a great deal. They're easy for me to whip out in a decent amount of detail. Well. Easier. I still erase a lot when I'm drawing. I got a couple of sketches from others - and I have a bunch of my own new stuff all done and inked even. It's time for a trip to get them scanned... and I'm out of money to do so. Mreh. It'll be at least 2 weeks before I get paid again, and with the days off I took to go to the con, it'll be an iiiiitty bitty paycheck. I likely won't be able to afford to do so for a while. Which is really frustrating now, since I want to show everyone, and get a few of those finished pics out to whom they belong to. Zarx just needs scanning, Colin! I think you'll be pleased with how he came out. *grins*

I saw Kishma and Tanamin again this year, and their puppy, Buffy, is grown up now, still as cute as ever. Once again, I mooched off their company, got another minotaur pic from Tanamin (Yay!) and generally had a good time listening to stories about other cons, other folks, and even meeting a few that came by to talk to those two. *waves to Ben* Ben showed me some of his awesome costumes, and answered a few of my questions on jaws and how to make them move. Ed Kline was ill, so didn't get to attend. (Hope you're feeling better, Ed.) But that just saved him from having me chatter at him about how I used to watch the old Dungeons and Dragons cartoon, and the little unicorn he came up with was my favorite character. I saw Furlow in the Creator's Lounge, and he's still nuts. Gotta love it.

Other good news. I had an interview for a job at the city shelter which should be opening in a few months, and I feel it went well. They won't be doing callbacks for second interviews for a couple weeks though, so I'm just crossing my fingers. Full time job good. Money, better.

The morning of the interview was also the first day of the con, though there was nothing much going on, really, just opening ceremonies and a social of sorts, and that not until the evening. Even so, the possibility of a new job and knowing that I'd be going to the con made me feel good. I mean, it's kind of hard to tell just how much everyday events and situations weigh you down until for a moment, you've got hope of escaping them. I sang on the way to work. Sang. A snippet of song that I'd heard when I was in college, and along with other such snippets, have stayed with me.

And it's a new day,
here comes the morning.
It's a fresh start,
there's so much to be done.
It's a new time,
I feel like singin'.
It's a new day,
gonna rise like the sun.
Gonna rise like the sun...

It may not last long, but by god, I thought my soul had forgotten how to dance. It feels wonderful, like warm sun on your face after a cold wind.

Kaz