I took Friday off in hopes of getting some work done on my costumes. When I first tried to sew, the machine started a fight with me. It won. I think my husband may be able to referee between us later, but for now, I did not make any progress on the gloves. :( However, I did get something done. I made the clasps for the cloak: old jacket buttons from the 80s (literally), funky foam, and 2-sided adhesive. They look pretty good, but I want to sand down the foam to get the outer edge nice and smooth. I'll try to put up pictures later.
I also got some work done on my Jane Sagan patch. I traced the design that I did several months ago (seen here) onto some stabilizer fabric. I have basted that onto the actual patch fabric and placed it in the hoop. It is now ready for stitching. I will probably attack it with a series of satin stitches. The hardest part was getting it set up. Hopefully I will have pictures of it when I am done.
I am working on another cross-stitch project, one that has helped me generate ideas for my latest story (which I have been stuck on for some time). It is a cross-stitch rendering of a George Perez sketch of Raven, as seen on Bill Walko's site. I imported the JPG into a rendering program and turned it into a chart. I've been stitching on it since New Year's Day, and it is nearly complete. Again, I will post a picture once I'm done. I probably won't post it on deviantArt since it's not my sketch originally, and I just don't feel comfortable posting it on an art site. I don't mind showing it here as a "Here's what I'm doing now" sort of thing, though.
I hope everyone is doing well!
Namaste
KTH
Monday, January 14, 2008
Friday, December 28, 2007
I Hope Everyone Had a Great Christmas!
It's hard to believe it has come and gone already. I am one of the few people here at work in the week between Christmas and New Year's. There are tumbleweeds blowing about in the aisles. I don't mind so much, as it is nice and quiet so I can get some coding done for my deadline that is only a couple of weeks away.
I cannot report any progress on anything story or costume-related. However, once the holidaze are over, I hope to get my act together and back to work on them. I haven't even had time/energy to cross-stitch, which is really sad. This weekend will be spent shaping up the homestead for our New Year's Eve party, then hopefully after that I can focus on my Titan-ic stuff. I'm looking forward to the party: friends, food, movies on the telly (maybe The Transformers movie that I got for Christmas from the mister), watch the ball drop, kiss the mister at midnight, wave bye-bye to friends and collapse into a long winter's nap. Maybe not the most glamorous party around -- I have sparkling grape juice instead of champagne as I cannot drink -- but it's enough for me.
Please have a safe and happy rest of the year. May 2008 be an even better year for all of us!
I cannot report any progress on anything story or costume-related. However, once the holidaze are over, I hope to get my act together and back to work on them. I haven't even had time/energy to cross-stitch, which is really sad. This weekend will be spent shaping up the homestead for our New Year's Eve party, then hopefully after that I can focus on my Titan-ic stuff. I'm looking forward to the party: friends, food, movies on the telly (maybe The Transformers movie that I got for Christmas from the mister), watch the ball drop, kiss the mister at midnight, wave bye-bye to friends and collapse into a long winter's nap. Maybe not the most glamorous party around -- I have sparkling grape juice instead of champagne as I cannot drink -- but it's enough for me.
Please have a safe and happy rest of the year. May 2008 be an even better year for all of us!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Shhhhhhh.... It's Stalk Like A Ninja Day
*sneak* *sneak* *sneak*
In case you haven't heard of it, here's the Wiki on "Stalk Like a Ninja Day". It's kind of the counterpoint to "Talk Like a Pirate Day", which happens in September. I love these extra holidays. Just another way to let the people I work with know that I'm totally insane.
So, get out your throwing stars, play a round of "Ninja Burger", and have a great day.
*sneak* *sneak* *sneak*
In case you haven't heard of it, here's the Wiki on "Stalk Like a Ninja Day". It's kind of the counterpoint to "Talk Like a Pirate Day", which happens in September. I love these extra holidays. Just another way to let the people I work with know that I'm totally insane.
So, get out your throwing stars, play a round of "Ninja Burger", and have a great day.
*sneak* *sneak* *sneak*
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Congratulations to B &M Amusement...
... on the occasion of their 8th anniversary. B&M is my local comic shop. Buddy, Mary, and Tyler always make shopping there fun! If you are ever in Chattanoog in need of a comic shop, give them a try, out on Highway 58. Or you can visit them on the web at this link: B & M . They make Wednesdays fun!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!
I hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!
I normally wear a costume to work on this day, but I just wasn't feeling well when I left this morning. I just didn't have the energy to get into the full regalia today. So I grabbed a pair of bunny ears before I went out the door and just wore them with my regular work clothes.
It's amazing how much attention one gets when one is wearing bunny ears, even on a day when people dress up. The ears made a lot of people smile, and that is a good thing. A lot of people cracked up because all they could see of me were my ears bobbing around over the cubicle walls all day (I'm too short for them to see the rest of me).
I made gingerbread for the first time last night. It was pretty good, but it was a lot of effort for what I got out of it. Way too many steps to prep the ingredients before they even went into the batter. I used my Pampered Chef TM mini-loaf pan to make four loaves. The recipe claims that this does not freeze well. I'm not sure why; maybe it's the chunks of pears that this particular recipe uses in the batter. I may reserve a little dab and freeze it anyway just to see. If it doesn't, I'll need to find a better, freeze-able recipe. The mister and I just can't eat sweets that fast, and it's better to freeze something like that so I can eat it in small portions later. (The zucchini bread I made this summer froze VERY well. I thawed out the last loaf this past weekend, it was just as moist then as it was the day I made it. Maybe I should just stick with that and banana bread.)
I found a great, versatile recipe for a roll-up this week. Basically, you use refrigerated pizza dough (found with the whomp biscuits near the milk), sliced deli ham, and mozzarella cheese. Remove the dough from the can and roll into a rectangle. Sprinkle whatever seasonings you like on it, to within a half inch of the edges. ( I used Italian seasoning, although I will probably vary it as I go.) Then spread thin slices of deli ham ( or turkey or pepperoni or whatever) over the dough, again to within a half inch of the edges. Then sprinkle with shredded cheese. The recipe calls for mozzarella, but you could use any other cheese you like. I want to try it with goat cheese! Then roll it up and pinch the edges shut. Put it on a baking sheet, seam side down, and bake according to the directions on the pizza dough container. Keep an eye on it, because it will burn quickly! Remove from the oven, let it cool for a moment, and slice it up. It will look like little swirls of crust, meat, and cheese. You can eat it like that, or you can make a dip out of salad dressing or spaghetti sauce or whatever takes your fancy. This is good for a snack, a quick dinner, or even lunch. If you try it, let me know what you think!
Oooh, making myself hungry now.
I normally wear a costume to work on this day, but I just wasn't feeling well when I left this morning. I just didn't have the energy to get into the full regalia today. So I grabbed a pair of bunny ears before I went out the door and just wore them with my regular work clothes.
It's amazing how much attention one gets when one is wearing bunny ears, even on a day when people dress up. The ears made a lot of people smile, and that is a good thing. A lot of people cracked up because all they could see of me were my ears bobbing around over the cubicle walls all day (I'm too short for them to see the rest of me).
I made gingerbread for the first time last night. It was pretty good, but it was a lot of effort for what I got out of it. Way too many steps to prep the ingredients before they even went into the batter. I used my Pampered Chef TM mini-loaf pan to make four loaves. The recipe claims that this does not freeze well. I'm not sure why; maybe it's the chunks of pears that this particular recipe uses in the batter. I may reserve a little dab and freeze it anyway just to see. If it doesn't, I'll need to find a better, freeze-able recipe. The mister and I just can't eat sweets that fast, and it's better to freeze something like that so I can eat it in small portions later. (The zucchini bread I made this summer froze VERY well. I thawed out the last loaf this past weekend, it was just as moist then as it was the day I made it. Maybe I should just stick with that and banana bread.)
I found a great, versatile recipe for a roll-up this week. Basically, you use refrigerated pizza dough (found with the whomp biscuits near the milk), sliced deli ham, and mozzarella cheese. Remove the dough from the can and roll into a rectangle. Sprinkle whatever seasonings you like on it, to within a half inch of the edges. ( I used Italian seasoning, although I will probably vary it as I go.) Then spread thin slices of deli ham ( or turkey or pepperoni or whatever) over the dough, again to within a half inch of the edges. Then sprinkle with shredded cheese. The recipe calls for mozzarella, but you could use any other cheese you like. I want to try it with goat cheese! Then roll it up and pinch the edges shut. Put it on a baking sheet, seam side down, and bake according to the directions on the pizza dough container. Keep an eye on it, because it will burn quickly! Remove from the oven, let it cool for a moment, and slice it up. It will look like little swirls of crust, meat, and cheese. You can eat it like that, or you can make a dip out of salad dressing or spaghetti sauce or whatever takes your fancy. This is good for a snack, a quick dinner, or even lunch. If you try it, let me know what you think!
Oooh, making myself hungry now.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Comfort Food
I've had a rough week so far. I came home today feeling like a freight train had gone through my head. So I made some Appalachian comfort food: a pone of corn bread. Now, if you've never had Southern corn bread, let me describe it for you: it is savory, not sweet like the usual restaurant corn muffins (which I refer to fondly as "Johnny cake"). It's a white corn meal instead of yellow. Lots of butter... if you have a nice cold glass of milk to dip it in, that's even better. Some folks like buttermilk with it, but I prefer sweet milk (translation: regular, non-butter, milk) with mine. I hope to dive into it as soon as the mister gets home from karate.
A few words of advice for first-time Southern-style corn bread bakers:
- Pay attention to the meal that you are buying. I learned the hard way, that there is corn meal (much like you would buy flour) and then there is corn meal mix (kinda like Bisquick, except with corn meal). The mix already has the correct proporations of baking soda, salt, etc., to make it rise. Plain corn meal does not. My favorite mix is Three Rivers. I think it's only a regional brand, though, because in my short stint in Boston a decade ago, I couldnt find anything but Martha White. However, if you are lucky enough to live in a area where Three Rivers is available, I highly recommend it. Most of the measuring work is already done for you, and it is a high quality blend.
- Watch what kind of cooking oil you use in the batter. I advise using a mild-flavored oil, such as canola. I used olive oil once, and I hated it. Now, I am a big fan of olive oil over all, but it just overpowers the corn-breadiness of the batter.
- Be sure to grease the pan well (with butter!) to allow the bread to release when it is done.
- It'll keep on the counter for a couple of days if you put it in a sealed plastic baggie. You can reheat it by wrapping it in a paper towel and nuking it for 10 - 20 seconds, but it is also great cold. It is good for lunch the next day.
- Cast iron skillets are wonderful for cooking it in. They can go in the oven safely and are usually well-seasoned enough to release the bread well. The various pans you can buy to make corn sticks or corn "fish" or corn "cactuses" are fun too.
- Fried corn bread is a delicacy. This is basically pancakes, except you use cornbread batter instead of pancake batter. I don't change the recipe at all from baked corn bread. My daddy loves to make this, line his plate with the cakes, and pour white beans (cooked slowly all day in a crock pot with a ham hock) over them and crumble some more cakes on top... a feast fit for a king!
I haven't been able to work on my costume at all this week. I've had very little time to play at all. Hopefully things will lighten up soon.
A few words of advice for first-time Southern-style corn bread bakers:
- Pay attention to the meal that you are buying. I learned the hard way, that there is corn meal (much like you would buy flour) and then there is corn meal mix (kinda like Bisquick, except with corn meal). The mix already has the correct proporations of baking soda, salt, etc., to make it rise. Plain corn meal does not. My favorite mix is Three Rivers. I think it's only a regional brand, though, because in my short stint in Boston a decade ago, I couldnt find anything but Martha White. However, if you are lucky enough to live in a area where Three Rivers is available, I highly recommend it. Most of the measuring work is already done for you, and it is a high quality blend.
- Watch what kind of cooking oil you use in the batter. I advise using a mild-flavored oil, such as canola. I used olive oil once, and I hated it. Now, I am a big fan of olive oil over all, but it just overpowers the corn-breadiness of the batter.
- Be sure to grease the pan well (with butter!) to allow the bread to release when it is done.
- It'll keep on the counter for a couple of days if you put it in a sealed plastic baggie. You can reheat it by wrapping it in a paper towel and nuking it for 10 - 20 seconds, but it is also great cold. It is good for lunch the next day.
- Cast iron skillets are wonderful for cooking it in. They can go in the oven safely and are usually well-seasoned enough to release the bread well. The various pans you can buy to make corn sticks or corn "fish" or corn "cactuses" are fun too.
- Fried corn bread is a delicacy. This is basically pancakes, except you use cornbread batter instead of pancake batter. I don't change the recipe at all from baked corn bread. My daddy loves to make this, line his plate with the cakes, and pour white beans (cooked slowly all day in a crock pot with a ham hock) over them and crumble some more cakes on top... a feast fit for a king!
I haven't been able to work on my costume at all this week. I've had very little time to play at all. Hopefully things will lighten up soon.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Costume Updates
Well, I gave up on the homemade pattern for the gloves and bought a Kwik-Sew pattern. Silly me finally figured out that it doesn't matter if my pinky doesn't fit in a standard glove well... the McKone Raven gloves HAVE NO PINKIES. Why did I forget that?!? Anyhoo, I have a pattern now. Later this week I'm going to try to cut them out of the bolt of spandex lurking in the corner of my study. I'm losing weight slowly, so I'm not ready to cut out the dress part of the Raven outfit just yet. I want it to still fit me when I get to next Labor Day! However, the gloves should not change all that much. I can do them and the cloak (whose size shouldn't change at all), then the boots.
Ah, the boots! With my husband's clever tips, I think I have found a solution to the sole problem for my thigh boots. I have a pair of flat sandals that have served me well for several seasons. The tops are about to fall apart, but the soles are in great condition. I think I will recycle those for my boots. Spandex "hose" + Dr. Scholl's liner + some kind of heel cup + Glue! + soles may give me what I need. They are the right size, and it will be easier to remove the tops from these than from full shoes. He told me that I should take pictures of the process. If it turns out well, I might make an Instructable for it. We'll see how it goes.
I made the basic shirt for the Gar Logan bear last night. I found an old shirt of mine that I didn't wear any more and used it. It wasn't suitable for donation to Goodwill, but it would do nicely for this project. I love to recycle old clothes! I basted it and had him try it on last night, and he was quite happy with it. Later on, I will machine-sew it and add the purple collar, sleeves, and side-and-back panels. I have a piece of purple material from a Fat Quarter that will do nicely. If it turns out well, I'll post the picture of the finished product here.
Ah, the boots! With my husband's clever tips, I think I have found a solution to the sole problem for my thigh boots. I have a pair of flat sandals that have served me well for several seasons. The tops are about to fall apart, but the soles are in great condition. I think I will recycle those for my boots. Spandex "hose" + Dr. Scholl's liner + some kind of heel cup + Glue! + soles may give me what I need. They are the right size, and it will be easier to remove the tops from these than from full shoes. He told me that I should take pictures of the process. If it turns out well, I might make an Instructable for it. We'll see how it goes.
I made the basic shirt for the Gar Logan bear last night. I found an old shirt of mine that I didn't wear any more and used it. It wasn't suitable for donation to Goodwill, but it would do nicely for this project. I love to recycle old clothes! I basted it and had him try it on last night, and he was quite happy with it. Later on, I will machine-sew it and add the purple collar, sleeves, and side-and-back panels. I have a piece of purple material from a Fat Quarter that will do nicely. If it turns out well, I'll post the picture of the finished product here.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
You Might Be An Obsessed Gar Logan Fan if...
...if the Fluff-n-Stuff (local version of build-a-bear) has a sale on GREEN BEARS this month. It looks like the one you drew a year ago, so you feel compelled to buy it.
...if you can put a wishing star in it, and you put in a purple one (which will make sense to my fellow members of RBSU)
...and if you don't buy an outfit for it because you intend to go home and sew up a McKone purple and white shirt for him...
GUILTY!!!!!
...now I just need the material for the shirt...
...if you can put a wishing star in it, and you put in a purple one (which will make sense to my fellow members of RBSU)
...and if you don't buy an outfit for it because you intend to go home and sew up a McKone purple and white shirt for him...
GUILTY!!!!!
...now I just need the material for the shirt...
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Crafty web site
I found a cool crafty web site last night. I am getting more interested in multiple kinds of crafts -- especially needlework -- and this looks like a great place to get information and post pictures of your own projects:
Craftster
It is a forum that has many, many members and has lots of great craft ideas.
I no longer have a reason to be bored. At all.
As Archimedes once said, "Give me a bottle of Mod Podge, and I will decoupage the world." Or something like that.
I have started work on the pattern for the McKone Raven opera gloves. I have never made gloves before, so this will be a challenge. I am going to mock up a pair from my scrap fabric pile, but I STILL need to keep in mind that my final version will be stretchy and should be cut somewhat smaller than the mockup. If all else fails, I can get a store-bought pattern to make them with, but I prefer to make them myself. I have incredibly small wrist bones that are very hard to fit into standard sizes. Also, my little finger is a little on the crooked side (on both hands)... gloves that fit the other four fingers tend to NOT fit my pinky!
Wish me luck.
Craftster
It is a forum that has many, many members and has lots of great craft ideas.
I no longer have a reason to be bored. At all.
As Archimedes once said, "Give me a bottle of Mod Podge, and I will decoupage the world." Or something like that.
I have started work on the pattern for the McKone Raven opera gloves. I have never made gloves before, so this will be a challenge. I am going to mock up a pair from my scrap fabric pile, but I STILL need to keep in mind that my final version will be stretchy and should be cut somewhat smaller than the mockup. If all else fails, I can get a store-bought pattern to make them with, but I prefer to make them myself. I have incredibly small wrist bones that are very hard to fit into standard sizes. Also, my little finger is a little on the crooked side (on both hands)... gloves that fit the other four fingers tend to NOT fit my pinky!
Wish me luck.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Jane Sagan Makeup
We had a wondeful weekend. We went to go visit my folks, since it was my niece's birthday. What a great time! My family is a lot of fun to hang out with. We took the land yacht out for the first time in a while and stayed in my brother's driveway.
While we were there, my wonderful sister-in-law helped me work out some of the green body makeup that I may use for my planned Jane Sagan costume. She does a clown ministry with her church, so she has a collection of various types of clown/theatrical makeup. We played with some Snazzeroo and some grease paint before we found a combination that seemed to work. She even jogged my memory as to the makeup that friends at Dragon*Con told me about. It was on the tip of my tongue for weeks... I kept thinking "Krylon". But then I would think, "No, KT, that's not right, that's SPRAY PAINT." (Then I would hear Jeff Foxworthy in my head, saying "Just say it with Krylon!" GAH!) But she told me the correct term: Kryolan. (Once I saw it written down, I could remember it. I can't remember a word very well if I don't know how to spell it.) It's amazing how just a few letters make such a big difference! Unless, of course, I want permanent body makeup. But that's a horse of a different color. Anyway, I was going crazy trying to remember that one brand name, and now I have it.
I liked the Snazzeroo. It isn't very expensive, and it felt light on my skin. I am concerned that it may run if I get too hot and sweaty (which is a hazard at Dragon*Con). We tried using a paintbrush and a sponge for applying it, and the sponge worked much better. I'd like to try some Kryolan at some point, too, but I think I am happy with the preliminary stage of my research so far.
Now for the preliminary stage for my eyes. The soldiers in "Old Man's War" have cats-eyes, which means... theatrical contacts! I have never worn these before, so I am doing my research. One piece of advice I have found that I will pass along... do not order theatrical contacts from anyone who does not require a prescription from a doctor. Even if you don't need them for vision correction, you still need contacts that fit your eyes properly. Ones that don't fit properly may damage your eyes. I have enough trouble with mine that I don't need more! I may check with my optometrist to see if he sells any specialty lenses. Some do, I have found. And he already has my measurements. I will need "powered" lenses... otherwise I'll have to navigate the con by sonar!
I am still going through various designs for the costume, with help from my older brother, who has also read OMW. He has a lot of great suggestions that will help in this design.
While we were there, my wonderful sister-in-law helped me work out some of the green body makeup that I may use for my planned Jane Sagan costume. She does a clown ministry with her church, so she has a collection of various types of clown/theatrical makeup. We played with some Snazzeroo and some grease paint before we found a combination that seemed to work. She even jogged my memory as to the makeup that friends at Dragon*Con told me about. It was on the tip of my tongue for weeks... I kept thinking "Krylon". But then I would think, "No, KT, that's not right, that's SPRAY PAINT." (Then I would hear Jeff Foxworthy in my head, saying "Just say it with Krylon!" GAH!) But she told me the correct term: Kryolan. (Once I saw it written down, I could remember it. I can't remember a word very well if I don't know how to spell it.) It's amazing how just a few letters make such a big difference! Unless, of course, I want permanent body makeup. But that's a horse of a different color. Anyway, I was going crazy trying to remember that one brand name, and now I have it.
I liked the Snazzeroo. It isn't very expensive, and it felt light on my skin. I am concerned that it may run if I get too hot and sweaty (which is a hazard at Dragon*Con). We tried using a paintbrush and a sponge for applying it, and the sponge worked much better. I'd like to try some Kryolan at some point, too, but I think I am happy with the preliminary stage of my research so far.
Now for the preliminary stage for my eyes. The soldiers in "Old Man's War" have cats-eyes, which means... theatrical contacts! I have never worn these before, so I am doing my research. One piece of advice I have found that I will pass along... do not order theatrical contacts from anyone who does not require a prescription from a doctor. Even if you don't need them for vision correction, you still need contacts that fit your eyes properly. Ones that don't fit properly may damage your eyes. I have enough trouble with mine that I don't need more! I may check with my optometrist to see if he sells any specialty lenses. Some do, I have found. And he already has my measurements. I will need "powered" lenses... otherwise I'll have to navigate the con by sonar!
I am still going through various designs for the costume, with help from my older brother, who has also read OMW. He has a lot of great suggestions that will help in this design.
Monday, September 24, 2007
...and there was great rejoicing...
It just got announced at work... I've been promoted from Programmer/Analyst III to Systems Analyst! I've been working toward this for a while, so I'm glad it has arrived.
Sorry about the weird colors on the blog. I've been playing with the template lately. I'm making adjustments as I have time, such as playing with the colors. Hopefully it will look better soon.
Also, my weight is finally going back down. I am back below 150 for the first time in over six months! I'm looking to get back down to about 130, which is the high end of 'normal' for my age and height. I've lost about 7 pounds since Dragon*Con. I hope to get to my goal before next D*C. I've lost 50 pounds in 6 months before, so I think I can do this.
Why is it so easy to gain and so hard to lose when it comes to weight?
This will change the size on my costumes a little, so I'm going to wait a bit before I do anything that's closely tailored.
Here is my basic design for the patch for the Jane Sagan costume:
CDF Patch Rough Design
I went with the Phoenix-and-Torch motif, as explained in the artist's comments in the link above.
What do you think?
Sorry about the weird colors on the blog. I've been playing with the template lately. I'm making adjustments as I have time, such as playing with the colors. Hopefully it will look better soon.
Also, my weight is finally going back down. I am back below 150 for the first time in over six months! I'm looking to get back down to about 130, which is the high end of 'normal' for my age and height. I've lost about 7 pounds since Dragon*Con. I hope to get to my goal before next D*C. I've lost 50 pounds in 6 months before, so I think I can do this.
Why is it so easy to gain and so hard to lose when it comes to weight?
This will change the size on my costumes a little, so I'm going to wait a bit before I do anything that's closely tailored.
Here is my basic design for the patch for the Jane Sagan costume:
CDF Patch Rough Design
I went with the Phoenix-and-Torch motif, as explained in the artist's comments in the link above.
What do you think?
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Greetings on Talk Like a Pirate Day
Arrrrrh, me matey, it be Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Talk Like a Pirate Day Official Website
(*sings "It's a Pirate's Life for Me"*)
So, grab yer cutlasses and yer parrots and let's set sail!
Arrrrrrrrhhhhh...
Talk Like a Pirate Day Official Website
(*sings "It's a Pirate's Life for Me"*)
So, grab yer cutlasses and yer parrots and let's set sail!
Arrrrrrrrhhhhh...
Monday, September 17, 2007
Getting Back Into the Groove
Oi! I've been back from the Con for two weeks now. I'm still trying to get used to NOT seeing Klingons and Stormtroopers around every corner. It is amazing how quickly I get used to the Con atmosphere and how long it takes me to "decompress" back into the "Real World" TM.
I am already planning my costumes for next year:
1 - Raven. I already have the OYL costume done. Now I want to be brave and try the McKone style Raven (cloak, dress, thigh boots). I have the spandex. I have some patterns that I can adapt to create the other parts. Now I just need to get started!
2- Jane Sagan from Old Man's War. This one is going to be a challenge, since I cannot find any illustrations of this character. I love Mr. Scalzi's work, however his penchant for leaving things undescribed makes it difficult to cosplay his characters. In re-reading the series, I've come up with the following description for the CU CDF dress uniforms: blue.
All righty, then. I do have something to start with. I have designed a military patch for a uniform, and it will match a blue one pretty well. Since the planet Phoenix is pretty prominent in that 'verse, and since torches have long been a symbol on military uniforms, I decided to go with a phoenix-and-torch motif, with the body of the phoenix behind the torch in such a way that the head of the phoenix becomes the "flame" for the torch. I have it sketched out on graph paper now. I may scan it in later and post it here to see if folks like it.
I just need to come up with a plausible design for the actual uniform. Something military and dressy, but not too flashy, since she is Special Forces... and they don't like to advertise themselves. Oh, and green skin and cat's eyes. This will be my first foray into theatrical makeup! (*rubs hands together*) This oughta be interesting.
I am already planning my costumes for next year:
1 - Raven. I already have the OYL costume done. Now I want to be brave and try the McKone style Raven (cloak, dress, thigh boots). I have the spandex. I have some patterns that I can adapt to create the other parts. Now I just need to get started!
2- Jane Sagan from Old Man's War. This one is going to be a challenge, since I cannot find any illustrations of this character. I love Mr. Scalzi's work, however his penchant for leaving things undescribed makes it difficult to cosplay his characters. In re-reading the series, I've come up with the following description for the CU CDF dress uniforms: blue.
All righty, then. I do have something to start with. I have designed a military patch for a uniform, and it will match a blue one pretty well. Since the planet Phoenix is pretty prominent in that 'verse, and since torches have long been a symbol on military uniforms, I decided to go with a phoenix-and-torch motif, with the body of the phoenix behind the torch in such a way that the head of the phoenix becomes the "flame" for the torch. I have it sketched out on graph paper now. I may scan it in later and post it here to see if folks like it.
I just need to come up with a plausible design for the actual uniform. Something military and dressy, but not too flashy, since she is Special Forces... and they don't like to advertise themselves. Oh, and green skin and cat's eyes. This will be my first foray into theatrical makeup! (*rubs hands together*) This oughta be interesting.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Dragon*Con pictures
Dragon*Con was even bigger and better this year. We stayed at a hotel this time, but we did not stay at one of the convention hotels. Instead, we got one just a couple of blocks away. It was close enough to walk to (even in Atlanta) but far enough away that it was quiet. Well, for a city hotel room, at least. I'm a country girl. I'm used to hearing cicadas and frogs at night instead of car horns.
Anyhoo, we did get to go some of the later events for the first time this year. We attended the masquerade, which was hosted by some of the build team from Mythbusters. Such a hoot, and the costumes were great. We also attended the midnight Cruxshadows concert. They kicked off their last world tour at DC 06 and ended it with DC 07. Great to see. However, even with a late afternoon nap, and despite the entire wonderfulness of Cruxshadow's music, Li'l KT still turned into a pumpkin at 1 AM and fell asleep for a few minutes, just a few rows back from the mosh pit. Now, where is that ability when I have insomnia??????
We met some wonderful people all over the con, usually while we were queueing up for something. We also ran into some old friends. Remember the Beast Boy I ran into last year? We managed to find each other again, in the middle of a convention of nearly 50,000 people! I also got to meet his lovely fiancee and have a nice chat with them. The gentleman who was Nightwing was there as well. I was very happy to see that they remembered me, too. It was great. Mr. BB also dressed up as Jericho later on, but unfortunately I wasn't able to find him then, so I didn't get a picture! (Dag-nabbit! ) He's so good with his costumes that I wanted his opinion on my Speedy outfit, but unfortunately I had to get out of it before he could see it. Spandex, KT, Atlanta, and August just don't mix very well, and I had to change before I collapsed of heat exhaustion. NOTE TO SELF: Choose less modest costumes next time. Speedy was great in January (Chattanooga's January, not Canada's, mind you), but NOT Labor Day weekend! Granted, it was cooler than it had been, but I was also in a crowded space with a lot of 98.6 degree heaters. I sweated through the suede on my boots, it was so hot. The adhesive on my funkyfoam arrow crest gave up the ghost. At one point, I lost it in the dealer's room and had to backtrack to find it (after about 10,000 people had trampled it).
But it was great to see them all again. We'll see if we can find them again next year!
Pictures
There are panels and concerts and events galore (not to mention shopping!) at Dragon*Con, but for me the very best part is to just find a perch in the Hyatt lobby and watch the costumes go by. Some are so professional that they look like they just stepped off a sound stage. Others are obviously home jobs (like mine) but still look great. Some are very obvious references to movies or books or video games (or even cross-genre items, like the Elvis Stormtrooper). Others just leave me scratching my head, wondering what they were thinking. But even then, it's good to see them having fun with what they have done. The mister managed to take pictures of just about everything, especially in the parade. I've managed to cull out the ones I really like. I might add more later as time permits.
Beast Boy, Part Deux:
Titans Together!
The same fellow also does some great Flash villains. Last year, he did the Trickster. This year, The Top:
My one and only picture of Speedy from this year... It's Speedy doing her Cousin Itt imitation. (I had no idea the mister was taking my picture then! But at least I finally got the gaiters done for the legs!)
Believe me, it takes some guts to walk through the streets of downtown Atlanta dressed like an Oscar Meyer WeinerWagon. I only got whistled at twice this time. It must be the bow. (For a better picture, please see the January 2007 archives.)
Princess Fiona, from Shrek
For you G.I. Joe fans (Yo Joe!)
"You just can't appreciate Elvis's music until you've heard it in the original Klingon" OR "He Thinks He's Elvis!"
Mario! Luigi!
The Diplomatic Contingent for the Predators:
The Batman from the 60's show. This guy looked great.
Someone actually came as the little guy from the Six Flags commercials.
For "FireFly" fans... someone decided to dress up as the ship itself...
The lovely Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura in the classic "Star Trek"
Biker Klingons!
The Green Lantern Corps was well-represented.
Another GL with Red Arrow
And it's just not a Con without The Princess Bride
More pictures can be found on my Shutterfly site at: KT's Shutterfly Site
Click on the link above, then click on the "View Pictures" button to view a slideshow of the pictures that the mister took. I will add more pictures as time allows.
Anyhoo, we did get to go some of the later events for the first time this year. We attended the masquerade, which was hosted by some of the build team from Mythbusters. Such a hoot, and the costumes were great. We also attended the midnight Cruxshadows concert. They kicked off their last world tour at DC 06 and ended it with DC 07. Great to see. However, even with a late afternoon nap, and despite the entire wonderfulness of Cruxshadow's music, Li'l KT still turned into a pumpkin at 1 AM and fell asleep for a few minutes, just a few rows back from the mosh pit. Now, where is that ability when I have insomnia??????
We met some wonderful people all over the con, usually while we were queueing up for something. We also ran into some old friends. Remember the Beast Boy I ran into last year? We managed to find each other again, in the middle of a convention of nearly 50,000 people! I also got to meet his lovely fiancee and have a nice chat with them. The gentleman who was Nightwing was there as well. I was very happy to see that they remembered me, too. It was great. Mr. BB also dressed up as Jericho later on, but unfortunately I wasn't able to find him then, so I didn't get a picture! (Dag-nabbit! ) He's so good with his costumes that I wanted his opinion on my Speedy outfit, but unfortunately I had to get out of it before he could see it. Spandex, KT, Atlanta, and August just don't mix very well, and I had to change before I collapsed of heat exhaustion. NOTE TO SELF: Choose less modest costumes next time. Speedy was great in January (Chattanooga's January, not Canada's, mind you), but NOT Labor Day weekend! Granted, it was cooler than it had been, but I was also in a crowded space with a lot of 98.6 degree heaters. I sweated through the suede on my boots, it was so hot. The adhesive on my funkyfoam arrow crest gave up the ghost. At one point, I lost it in the dealer's room and had to backtrack to find it (after about 10,000 people had trampled it).
But it was great to see them all again. We'll see if we can find them again next year!
Pictures
There are panels and concerts and events galore (not to mention shopping!) at Dragon*Con, but for me the very best part is to just find a perch in the Hyatt lobby and watch the costumes go by. Some are so professional that they look like they just stepped off a sound stage. Others are obviously home jobs (like mine) but still look great. Some are very obvious references to movies or books or video games (or even cross-genre items, like the Elvis Stormtrooper). Others just leave me scratching my head, wondering what they were thinking. But even then, it's good to see them having fun with what they have done. The mister managed to take pictures of just about everything, especially in the parade. I've managed to cull out the ones I really like. I might add more later as time permits.
Beast Boy, Part Deux:
Titans Together!
The same fellow also does some great Flash villains. Last year, he did the Trickster. This year, The Top:
My one and only picture of Speedy from this year... It's Speedy doing her Cousin Itt imitation. (I had no idea the mister was taking my picture then! But at least I finally got the gaiters done for the legs!)
Believe me, it takes some guts to walk through the streets of downtown Atlanta dressed like an Oscar Meyer WeinerWagon. I only got whistled at twice this time. It must be the bow. (For a better picture, please see the January 2007 archives.)
Princess Fiona, from Shrek
For you G.I. Joe fans (Yo Joe!)
"You just can't appreciate Elvis's music until you've heard it in the original Klingon" OR "He Thinks He's Elvis!"
Mario! Luigi!
The Diplomatic Contingent for the Predators:
The Batman from the 60's show. This guy looked great.
Someone actually came as the little guy from the Six Flags commercials.
For "FireFly" fans... someone decided to dress up as the ship itself...
The lovely Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura in the classic "Star Trek"
Biker Klingons!
The Green Lantern Corps was well-represented.
Another GL with Red Arrow
And it's just not a Con without The Princess Bride
More pictures can be found on my Shutterfly site at: KT's Shutterfly Site
Click on the link above, then click on the "View Pictures" button to view a slideshow of the pictures that the mister took. I will add more pictures as time allows.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Dragon*Con is Coming!
Hello all,
Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Work has kept me pretty busy lately. Hopefully I'll be able to get all of my "extracurricular" activities caught up over the next couple of days. And later this week... Dragon*Con! I've been waiting for this all year.
My costumes this year include the Raven OYL outfit that I wore last year and the Speedy that I wore to this year's Chattacon. I have made a couple of tweaks to each costume to improve the problems that each had. I fixed Raven's belt -- using FunkyFoam jewels instead of the felt ones that just fell off last year. The wonders of FunkyFoam never cease! I also made the gaiters for the boots for the Speedy outfit and fixed (hopefully) the problems with the quiver that made it fall apart (literally) as I walked in the door at ChattaCon.
So I have costumes for Saturday and Sunday. However, I didn't have anything for Friday! I wanted one comfortable day, but I also wanted something that would fit in with the con. So I whipped up a t-shirt design:
This is a tip of the hat to all of those athletic "Property Of" t-shirts out there. I remember that in one of my "Twilight Child" stories, Raven was wearing a "Property of Titans' Tower" sweatshirt that Bart made her wear. I thought it would be a scream to have one my own.
This task took several steps:
1. I created the lettering in WordArt.
2. I moved the lettering over to Paint, where I added the "T" symbol.
3. I exported it to PrintMaster. From here, I can tweak it and print it in mirror mode onto iron-on transfer paper.
I am laundering the new shirt now. Once it is dry, I can iron on the design. Then I'll be ready for Friday!
Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Work has kept me pretty busy lately. Hopefully I'll be able to get all of my "extracurricular" activities caught up over the next couple of days. And later this week... Dragon*Con! I've been waiting for this all year.
My costumes this year include the Raven OYL outfit that I wore last year and the Speedy that I wore to this year's Chattacon. I have made a couple of tweaks to each costume to improve the problems that each had. I fixed Raven's belt -- using FunkyFoam jewels instead of the felt ones that just fell off last year. The wonders of FunkyFoam never cease! I also made the gaiters for the boots for the Speedy outfit and fixed (hopefully) the problems with the quiver that made it fall apart (literally) as I walked in the door at ChattaCon.
So I have costumes for Saturday and Sunday. However, I didn't have anything for Friday! I wanted one comfortable day, but I also wanted something that would fit in with the con. So I whipped up a t-shirt design:
This is a tip of the hat to all of those athletic "Property Of" t-shirts out there. I remember that in one of my "Twilight Child" stories, Raven was wearing a "Property of Titans' Tower" sweatshirt that Bart made her wear. I thought it would be a scream to have one my own.
This task took several steps:
1. I created the lettering in WordArt.
2. I moved the lettering over to Paint, where I added the "T" symbol.
3. I exported it to PrintMaster. From here, I can tweak it and print it in mirror mode onto iron-on transfer paper.
I am laundering the new shirt now. Once it is dry, I can iron on the design. Then I'll be ready for Friday!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
"The Sagan Diaries"
Hello out there--
I just found a very interesting tidbit that I'd like to share. If any of you have read John Scalzi's "Old Man's War" series, you might be interested in this. There is a novella that takes place between "Ghost Brigades" and "The Last Colony" called "The Sagan Diaries". I think this had a limited print run, and I have been unable to find it in hard copy. However, Mr. Scalzi was kind enough to put together an audio version of this story. The links to the chapters are on his "Whatever" blog:
The Sagan Diaries
He did have a comment on there that he wanted a lot of people to listen to these, so I'm posting a link here.
If you haven't read "Old Man's War" yet, get your bad little self down to the bookstore and get a copy. It's a great science-fiction story about future colonization and the military that defends it: an army of retired people. It's very entertaining. It's a serious story with a lot of humor laced into it. I highly recommend it.
I just found a very interesting tidbit that I'd like to share. If any of you have read John Scalzi's "Old Man's War" series, you might be interested in this. There is a novella that takes place between "Ghost Brigades" and "The Last Colony" called "The Sagan Diaries". I think this had a limited print run, and I have been unable to find it in hard copy. However, Mr. Scalzi was kind enough to put together an audio version of this story. The links to the chapters are on his "Whatever" blog:
The Sagan Diaries
He did have a comment on there that he wanted a lot of people to listen to these, so I'm posting a link here.
If you haven't read "Old Man's War" yet, get your bad little self down to the bookstore and get a copy. It's a great science-fiction story about future colonization and the military that defends it: an army of retired people. It's very entertaining. It's a serious story with a lot of humor laced into it. I highly recommend it.
Monday, June 18, 2007
"He Thinks He's Elvis" Commissioned Art
The response to my latest story, "He Thinks He's Elvis", has been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to everyone who has read the story and let me know how they felt about it.
I commissioned an illustration for this story my friend sweet-nymph on deviantArt, and it is complete and ready to share with the world. I think she did a wonderful job! Please take a look:
I think she brought Matt to life!
You can see more of her art at Sweet Nymph's deviantArt site . I'm very happy with the way it turned out and am thinking about commissioning more from her in the future.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Matt Logan Story Posted
Hello all,
I'm sorry I haven't checked in for a while. Work has kept me pretty busy. But the Matt Logan story has been posted!
He Thinks He's Elvis - http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3546943/1
I hope you enjoy the story. I had a lot of fun writing it, but I must say that humor is even harder to write than action. And action is tough!
I am still working on "Dawn Child". Hopefully I will finish it before my niece is a great-grandmother.
Hearing rumors about a possible new Titans book. Right now, they are simply rumors, but oh! do I so hope that they are correct. I am excited about Mr. McKeever's upcoming Titans run, but I am going to sorely miss the "old school" Titans something fierce if we don't get another series. Cyborg desperately needs some panel time, as well as his amigos Raven and Gar.
I might get to go to the Heroes convention in Charlotte next month. Is anyone else in the Titans Fanficdom going to be there?
The weather is getting nice here. I've been able to work from home for a few days over the past couple of weeks, and it's been to nice to have lunch on the porch and have my cat snoring next to me as I work. I'll try again this week. I actually get MORE work done at home, since it's quiet. And I don't have to fool with that awful commute.
I'm sorry I haven't checked in for a while. Work has kept me pretty busy. But the Matt Logan story has been posted!
He Thinks He's Elvis - http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3546943/1
I hope you enjoy the story. I had a lot of fun writing it, but I must say that humor is even harder to write than action. And action is tough!
I am still working on "Dawn Child". Hopefully I will finish it before my niece is a great-grandmother.
Hearing rumors about a possible new Titans book. Right now, they are simply rumors, but oh! do I so hope that they are correct. I am excited about Mr. McKeever's upcoming Titans run, but I am going to sorely miss the "old school" Titans something fierce if we don't get another series. Cyborg desperately needs some panel time, as well as his amigos Raven and Gar.
I might get to go to the Heroes convention in Charlotte next month. Is anyone else in the Titans Fanficdom going to be there?
The weather is getting nice here. I've been able to work from home for a few days over the past couple of weeks, and it's been to nice to have lunch on the porch and have my cat snoring next to me as I work. I'll try again this week. I actually get MORE work done at home, since it's quiet. And I don't have to fool with that awful commute.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Various Items
Hello all,
Sorry. I just realized that it has been over a month since I have checked in here. GAH! So much to talk about: Matt Logan story, Teen Titans #45, DC's WWIII...
I will try to check in later today and get caught up.
Sorry. I just realized that it has been over a month since I have checked in here. GAH! So much to talk about: Matt Logan story, Teen Titans #45, DC's WWIII...
I will try to check in later today and get caught up.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Rough Cut for Matt Logan story complete
Whew! I can't believe it. I have completed the rough cut of the long-promised Raven meets Matt Logan story. It is now in beta. I am hoping to have it posted by the end of March! It only took, what, a year? I'm excited to finally make some progress in my writing. Once that is done, I'm going to try to finish "Dawn Child". I'll keep everyone updated as things progress.
Teen Titans Writer Change
I am greeting this change with mixed emotions. I am sad, because Geoff is leaving the title. He's the one who started the BB/Rae relationship in the comics. Unfortunately, after all of the build-up, we never really got to see it unfold as a true relationship. I am also sad to lose Tony Daniel as the artist, who has really come into his own with the characters on the team.
At the same time, I was kind of excited. Geoff is spread rather thin over multiple books, and I don't think he had the time to give the Titans the kind of attention he would like to. I was looking forward to Mr. Beechen's take on some of my favorite characters. However, it looks like those characters are going to get moved off of the Titans, which makes me very sad indeed. Where will Raven and Cyborg go, if they are the ones to leave? Will Beast Boy have a chance of appearing somewhere in the DC universe soon (with or without the Doom Patrol)? I would hate to see these wonderfully crafted characters go off into limbo. I am hoping that we'll hear word of spinoff Titans title that will give them (and hopefully Beast Boy) a home. I haven't heard anything yet, so I'm not sure it will happen. It's just my hope. Only time will tell.
I'm willing to give the new writer a chance, to see what kinds of stories he has to tell and what new characters he might give us. Raven was new to me once, too. But if she's not around, I'll miss her. Having a mini is great, but it only lasts for a few months. I'd like to know she's going to have a permanent home.
What I'm Reading Now
I had the great fortune to meet Kevin J. Anderson at Chattacon this year. He is a prolific author of science fiction novels. If you've read any of the Dune prequels (which he co-authored with Brian Herbert) or some of the many Star Wars tie-in novels, you have probably read his work. He gave me an autographed copy of the first novel in his series Saga of the Seven Suns, Hidden Empire. I've been reading it as I've had time ever since the end of January. It's an epic of gargantuan porportions, with a large cast of characters. You get to make a lot of friends in this book. There's a lot of starships and politickin'.
Humans have spread out over space for the past two hundred years. A group that left the planet in 'generation ships' to see new worlds wandered the cosmos. A subset of them became 'space gypsies', known as the Roamers. They developed a culture and family structure all their own. Among many hidden businesses that they have, they mine gas giants for the raw materials to create stardrive fuel. They have a near-monopoly on the mining. (Political caveat number one -- one group has a monopoly on a basic item that everyone needs!)
Another group landed on the planet Theroc, where they found the worldforest. The worldforest is a group of sentient trees that have a constant telepathic link with every other worldtree in a kind of 'hive mind'. The humans learned that some of them could maintain telepathic links with the trees and that they could communicate with other humans on other worlds if they are trained to use the trees. They just take a potted tree with them! These special humans are known as 'green priests'. They are literally green-skinned, and their ordination is nicknamed 'taking the green'. The worldforest embues them with a special symbiant lifeform that turns their skin green and gives them some photosynthetic abilities. (Note to Titans fans, of course I start picturing Gar Logan when I think of these guys.) Once again, we have a monopoly: Therons are the only ones that have access to the tel-link and the worldforest. They are the sole source of the instantaneous communication needed by everyone else.
Then we have the rest of the humans, in the Hanseatic League! They need the resources provided by the other independently governed groups. There are always power plays between these groups, and that makes for an interesting read.
Aside from the humans, we have one alien race, the Ildirans. They found many of the generation ships as they wandered across space and gave them a helping hand. They gave us their stardrive capability so we could move around the galaxy at a more reasonable pace. The Ildirans have great technology, but they are slow to change. Humans quickly made improvements to their technology. The two races have an uneasy friendship between them, and the aliens' outside influence is just another part of the political mosaic of the book.
A human experiment on a gas giant planet has awakened a long-slumbering threat to all of the players in this game. Who will unite and who will divide to face this dire (and possibly empire-ending) menace?
If you're looking for some good science fiction and some good character studies, I highly recommend this book. I am about 3/4s of the way through it. Once I'm done, I do intend to go on to the next book in the series.
Teen Titans Writer Change
I am greeting this change with mixed emotions. I am sad, because Geoff is leaving the title. He's the one who started the BB/Rae relationship in the comics. Unfortunately, after all of the build-up, we never really got to see it unfold as a true relationship. I am also sad to lose Tony Daniel as the artist, who has really come into his own with the characters on the team.
At the same time, I was kind of excited. Geoff is spread rather thin over multiple books, and I don't think he had the time to give the Titans the kind of attention he would like to. I was looking forward to Mr. Beechen's take on some of my favorite characters. However, it looks like those characters are going to get moved off of the Titans, which makes me very sad indeed. Where will Raven and Cyborg go, if they are the ones to leave? Will Beast Boy have a chance of appearing somewhere in the DC universe soon (with or without the Doom Patrol)? I would hate to see these wonderfully crafted characters go off into limbo. I am hoping that we'll hear word of spinoff Titans title that will give them (and hopefully Beast Boy) a home. I haven't heard anything yet, so I'm not sure it will happen. It's just my hope. Only time will tell.
I'm willing to give the new writer a chance, to see what kinds of stories he has to tell and what new characters he might give us. Raven was new to me once, too. But if she's not around, I'll miss her. Having a mini is great, but it only lasts for a few months. I'd like to know she's going to have a permanent home.
What I'm Reading Now
I had the great fortune to meet Kevin J. Anderson at Chattacon this year. He is a prolific author of science fiction novels. If you've read any of the Dune prequels (which he co-authored with Brian Herbert) or some of the many Star Wars tie-in novels, you have probably read his work. He gave me an autographed copy of the first novel in his series Saga of the Seven Suns, Hidden Empire. I've been reading it as I've had time ever since the end of January. It's an epic of gargantuan porportions, with a large cast of characters. You get to make a lot of friends in this book. There's a lot of starships and politickin'.
Humans have spread out over space for the past two hundred years. A group that left the planet in 'generation ships' to see new worlds wandered the cosmos. A subset of them became 'space gypsies', known as the Roamers. They developed a culture and family structure all their own. Among many hidden businesses that they have, they mine gas giants for the raw materials to create stardrive fuel. They have a near-monopoly on the mining. (Political caveat number one -- one group has a monopoly on a basic item that everyone needs!)
Another group landed on the planet Theroc, where they found the worldforest. The worldforest is a group of sentient trees that have a constant telepathic link with every other worldtree in a kind of 'hive mind'. The humans learned that some of them could maintain telepathic links with the trees and that they could communicate with other humans on other worlds if they are trained to use the trees. They just take a potted tree with them! These special humans are known as 'green priests'. They are literally green-skinned, and their ordination is nicknamed 'taking the green'. The worldforest embues them with a special symbiant lifeform that turns their skin green and gives them some photosynthetic abilities. (Note to Titans fans, of course I start picturing Gar Logan when I think of these guys.) Once again, we have a monopoly: Therons are the only ones that have access to the tel-link and the worldforest. They are the sole source of the instantaneous communication needed by everyone else.
Then we have the rest of the humans, in the Hanseatic League! They need the resources provided by the other independently governed groups. There are always power plays between these groups, and that makes for an interesting read.
Aside from the humans, we have one alien race, the Ildirans. They found many of the generation ships as they wandered across space and gave them a helping hand. They gave us their stardrive capability so we could move around the galaxy at a more reasonable pace. The Ildirans have great technology, but they are slow to change. Humans quickly made improvements to their technology. The two races have an uneasy friendship between them, and the aliens' outside influence is just another part of the political mosaic of the book.
A human experiment on a gas giant planet has awakened a long-slumbering threat to all of the players in this game. Who will unite and who will divide to face this dire (and possibly empire-ending) menace?
If you're looking for some good science fiction and some good character studies, I highly recommend this book. I am about 3/4s of the way through it. Once I'm done, I do intend to go on to the next book in the series.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
ChattaCon 2007
ChattaCon 2007 was this weekend. The husband and I had a blast. We made some new friends and ran into some old friends that we hadn't seen in years.
The guests of honor were Robert J. Sawyer, author of Mindscan, and Kevin J. Anderson, co-author of the Dune prequels and author of the Saga of the Seven Suns series. I sat in on several of their panels, and they were a lot of fun to talk to. They were both kind enough to autograph some books for me. Mr. Anderson gave me a copy of the first story in the Saga series, and I am looking forward to reading it.
We completed the Speedy costume just in time to wear on Saturday. I got a lot of compliments on it, and several people took my picture as well. The costume itself wore quite well. The quiver, however, needs to go back to the drawing board for some re-engineering. It fell apart as soon as I walked in the door and soon found itself going back to the car. I'll have to figure that one out before the next Con! I was very proud that I had a blue "phantom zone" arrow in there as well.
Here are some snapshots of the completed costume:
I do realize that I'm not wearing the yellow gaiters/shinguards that Speedy normally wears. I ran out of time to make them. However, I do think that the boots still look pretty cool. Lots of people asked me where I was able to find red suede boots. They are hard to find! I got these at Nordstrom's in Atlanta.
The arrow crest on the uniform is made of FunkyFoam that comes pre-coated with adhesive. It had amazing staying power; it didn't move all day. When I came home, I was able to remove it without damaging the spandex. Wonderful! This allows me to re-use the unitard for other superhero costumes later.
A side shot with the bow. I wasn't sure if the bow would jive with the 'projectile weapons policy' of the con, so it didn't go in with me. I haven't shot in a while, so I'm not even sure I'm holding the bow correctly.
The costume itself is very comfortable. I wish Speedy had a belt, as it would have helped the overall look of the costume for this poor short-waisted lady. But I think it turned out well. I will definitely wear this one to DragonCon, even if I don't get the quiver figured out. I should have gaiters by then.
The next con for me will be the local FantaSciCon in March. Its theme is post-apocalyptic films (like "Mad Max"). I have no idea what I'm going to wear to this one.
The guests of honor were Robert J. Sawyer, author of Mindscan, and Kevin J. Anderson, co-author of the Dune prequels and author of the Saga of the Seven Suns series. I sat in on several of their panels, and they were a lot of fun to talk to. They were both kind enough to autograph some books for me. Mr. Anderson gave me a copy of the first story in the Saga series, and I am looking forward to reading it.
We completed the Speedy costume just in time to wear on Saturday. I got a lot of compliments on it, and several people took my picture as well. The costume itself wore quite well. The quiver, however, needs to go back to the drawing board for some re-engineering. It fell apart as soon as I walked in the door and soon found itself going back to the car. I'll have to figure that one out before the next Con! I was very proud that I had a blue "phantom zone" arrow in there as well.
Here are some snapshots of the completed costume:
I do realize that I'm not wearing the yellow gaiters/shinguards that Speedy normally wears. I ran out of time to make them. However, I do think that the boots still look pretty cool. Lots of people asked me where I was able to find red suede boots. They are hard to find! I got these at Nordstrom's in Atlanta.
The arrow crest on the uniform is made of FunkyFoam that comes pre-coated with adhesive. It had amazing staying power; it didn't move all day. When I came home, I was able to remove it without damaging the spandex. Wonderful! This allows me to re-use the unitard for other superhero costumes later.
A side shot with the bow. I wasn't sure if the bow would jive with the 'projectile weapons policy' of the con, so it didn't go in with me. I haven't shot in a while, so I'm not even sure I'm holding the bow correctly.
The costume itself is very comfortable. I wish Speedy had a belt, as it would have helped the overall look of the costume for this poor short-waisted lady. But I think it turned out well. I will definitely wear this one to DragonCon, even if I don't get the quiver figured out. I should have gaiters by then.
The next con for me will be the local FantaSciCon in March. Its theme is post-apocalyptic films (like "Mad Max"). I have no idea what I'm going to wear to this one.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
RoboHowler
My husband just created a blog to journal about his adventures with LEGOs. I bought the Mindstorm LEGO kit for him for Christmas, and he is having a blast playing with it. Basically, it is a set of robotic LEGOs. You can build small robots with them that contain a logic module that allows you to control them. If you like LEGO's, you might want to check it out. He also has links to other great LEGO sites:
RoboHowler
I'll also put him in my list of links to the right.
RoboHowler
I'll also put him in my list of links to the right.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Have a Happy New Year
Wow, I can't believe that it is the end of the year already! How time has flown. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and is getting ready for a great new year.
My custom unitard from Cool Costumes finally arrived. I tried it on, and it fit so well that it is scary! They did a great job. It fits well, the construction is great, and it arrived well before my deadline. (*applauds*)
Now I just need to work on the rest of the costume. When it's done, I'll post pictures!
Here is an interesting end-of-the year review from Comic Book Resources. I found it to be very interesting, considering all of the hub-bub surrounding late books this past year.
End of Year Review
What do you think?
My custom unitard from Cool Costumes finally arrived. I tried it on, and it fit so well that it is scary! They did a great job. It fits well, the construction is great, and it arrived well before my deadline. (*applauds*)
Now I just need to work on the rest of the costume. When it's done, I'll post pictures!
Here is an interesting end-of-the year review from Comic Book Resources. I found it to be very interesting, considering all of the hub-bub surrounding late books this past year.
End of Year Review
What do you think?
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Back from Vacation!
I'm back from my Thanksgiving vacation in Orlando. I had a blast! I hope everyone else had a great holiday as well.
I've done a little more work on the quiver for the Speedy costume. The FunkyFoam cover is complete:
Once I've made the cloak, I will make a quiver strap out of the same material. I'll also attach some fake "arrows".
I've done a little more work on the quiver for the Speedy costume. The FunkyFoam cover is complete:
Once I've made the cloak, I will make a quiver strap out of the same material. I'll also attach some fake "arrows".
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Quiver
I am working on the quiver for my Speedy costume. I purchased a papier mache wine bottle gift box from Hobby Lobby for about four bucks. I plan to cover the outside of the main body with red FunkyFoam. I will cover the removable lid with yellow FunkyFoam and punch holes in it for the fake "arrows". I'm planning on about four arrows, including the infamous blue arrow. The quiver will also double as a purse, since regular purses are such a pain when in costume. I'll need to construct a strap as well. I may make it out of the same material as I'm using for my cloak (yellow nylon ripstop) so that everything matches.
Pictures:
Box before any changes:
Red FunkyFoam:
To cover the bottom, I placed the bottom of the box on the Foam and traced a circle around it. I used a mechanical pencil, but I had the lead retracted. I scored the foam where I needed to cut it. No lead was needed. I had to score around it a few times to get a definitive line that I could cut. I then cut out the circle with scissors (NOT my fabric scissors!) and glued it onto the bottom of the box. I used a glue specific for FunkyFoam. It is very tacky, even when it is dry.
I'm having a lot of fun playing around with this. Next, I'll be creating a yellow circle for covering the top of the removable lid while the bottom of the quiver is drying. Then I'll cover the cylindrical bodies of the box and lid with red and yellow foam, respectively.
You know, it is really hard for me to tell the true color scheme of her quiver, because it depends on who the colorist is of any given issue. I've elected to go with a red body and yellow trim.
Pictures:
Box before any changes:
Red FunkyFoam:
To cover the bottom, I placed the bottom of the box on the Foam and traced a circle around it. I used a mechanical pencil, but I had the lead retracted. I scored the foam where I needed to cut it. No lead was needed. I had to score around it a few times to get a definitive line that I could cut. I then cut out the circle with scissors (NOT my fabric scissors!) and glued it onto the bottom of the box. I used a glue specific for FunkyFoam. It is very tacky, even when it is dry.
I'm having a lot of fun playing around with this. Next, I'll be creating a yellow circle for covering the top of the removable lid while the bottom of the quiver is drying. Then I'll cover the cylindrical bodies of the box and lid with red and yellow foam, respectively.
You know, it is really hard for me to tell the true color scheme of her quiver, because it depends on who the colorist is of any given issue. I've elected to go with a red body and yellow trim.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Won't You Take Me to Funky...Foam?
Move over, Funkytown! I have discovered the miracle that is FunkyFoam! I think I have found the material for my bracers for the Speedy costume. It is certainly not the actual material that she would wear, but it does look cool. It comes in 2mm sheets at 79 cents a sheet, so it's a dirt cheap way for me to accessorize my Speedy costume. If it works out, I will adapt the red unitard to my next idea... Iron Maiden! Watch out, Tony Stark! And maybe a gender-bended Flash as well.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Speedy Costume, Revisited
Upon careful consideration, I have decided that I don't have the correct equipment to sew spandex for the Speedy costume. Therefore, I have ordered the red unitard base from a company that makes custom costumes.
For the amount of work that they will put into it, I feel that the price is reasonable(about $140 and change, including shipping and custom construction fees). Here is the link to their web site:
Cool Costumes
I ordered a unitard with a mock turtle neck, attached gloves and "booties", and a back entrace zipper. They can customize any unitard/skirt/shirt made out of spandex or PVC. They can change the neck, the length of the sleeves, etc.,to whatever you want. The site is fun to play around with to see what kinds of costumes one can create.
I'll let you know how it turns out. I am so excited about this. I'm not a standard size, so it will be nice to have an outfit tailored to me! I've gotten an email back from one of the seamstresses about my order already, and she was very nice to talk to.
I will still be making the cloak and the bracers and gaiters and the arrow crest. A friend of mine suggested that I make the crest removable so that I can use the unitard as a base for other costumes. I think that is a good idea -- it will help me get more out of the investment in the base piece.
For the amount of work that they will put into it, I feel that the price is reasonable(about $140 and change, including shipping and custom construction fees). Here is the link to their web site:
Cool Costumes
I ordered a unitard with a mock turtle neck, attached gloves and "booties", and a back entrace zipper. They can customize any unitard/skirt/shirt made out of spandex or PVC. They can change the neck, the length of the sleeves, etc.,to whatever you want. The site is fun to play around with to see what kinds of costumes one can create.
I'll let you know how it turns out. I am so excited about this. I'm not a standard size, so it will be nice to have an outfit tailored to me! I've gotten an email back from one of the seamstresses about my order already, and she was very nice to talk to.
I will still be making the cloak and the bracers and gaiters and the arrow crest. A friend of mine suggested that I make the crest removable so that I can use the unitard as a base for other costumes. I think that is a good idea -- it will help me get more out of the investment in the base piece.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
New Art for "Nadir"
Angel-gidget has done it again! This is an illustration for "Nadir", chapter 9, with Bart and Raven in the spotlight and Gar and Wally in the background.
Bart to the Rescue
I really like this picture. The look on Bart's face is so angry and so protective at the same time. I think she really captured the emotion well.
Thanks, angel-gidget!
Ooooooh, Titans #40 out today! I can't get it until work is done for the day. I'll post my thoughts on it later.
Bart to the Rescue
I really like this picture. The look on Bart's face is so angry and so protective at the same time. I think she really captured the emotion well.
Thanks, angel-gidget!
Ooooooh, Titans #40 out today! I can't get it until work is done for the day. I'll post my thoughts on it later.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Happy Anniversary to B & M Amusement
Next Wednesday is the 7th anniversary of B & M Amusement, my local comic shop. Congratulations! We have been with them for a couple of years or so now,and a week just isn't complete without a visit with Buddy, Mary, and Tyler. They have made the mister and myself feel at home in the shop, and I truly appreciate it. Many thanks, guys, and here's to many more years in the future!
For those of you in the Southeast Tennessee area, you might want to pop in and pay them a visit some time. They have the largest back issue collection in Chattanooga. If it's not on the shelf, they can order it for you.
Here is their web site:
B & M Amusement
For those of you in the Southeast Tennessee area, you might want to pop in and pay them a visit some time. They have the largest back issue collection in Chattanooga. If it's not on the shelf, they can order it for you.
Here is their web site:
B & M Amusement
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Speedy Costume
Well, I have made one small step towards the actual manufacture of this one. I created the pattern for the arrow crest this morning. This one will be an appliqued crest instead of an embroidered one. I liked the embroidered look for the Raven outfit, but I think an applique suits Speedy's outfit much better. The plan is to get some yellow satin for the cape and bracers. I'll make the crest out of the same material. I've never done applique before, so this ought to be interesting!
It was hard to find a good picture of the arrow crest, since different artists render Speedy a little differently. I finally picked a good full-body shot out of the annual and used that as a basis. I played around with triangles for a while, but I was having a difficult time making a completely symmetrical arrow. I finally figured out that I could draw half of it, fold it over, then trace the outline of the other half. (Duh, Susan.) That worked out really well. Now I just need to trace the pattern onto some tissue paper. I use a rather stiff art paper to work out the pattern template. Now I need the tissue paper because it is easier to pin to the cloth.
It was hard to find a good picture of the arrow crest, since different artists render Speedy a little differently. I finally picked a good full-body shot out of the annual and used that as a basis. I played around with triangles for a while, but I was having a difficult time making a completely symmetrical arrow. I finally figured out that I could draw half of it, fold it over, then trace the outline of the other half. (Duh, Susan.) That worked out really well. Now I just need to trace the pattern onto some tissue paper. I use a rather stiff art paper to work out the pattern template. Now I need the tissue paper because it is easier to pin to the cloth.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Brian May: Queen Guitarist and Astronomer!
For my fellow Queen fans: this is an interesting article that I found on CNN. Brian May is not just a great guitar player!
Brian May
That's just too cool. I may have to catch that book. A man of many talents, indeed!
Less than two weeks (hope hope) until the next issue of Titans. In the meantime, I'm doing a few beta reads for other writers and trying to get in a little writing on my next story. My mojo comes and goes. I need to catch that sucker and lock him up to keep him from getting away.
I can't believe it's almost Halloween! I'll be wearing the Raven costume to work next week, so that ought to be fun. Then I'm going to spend some time getting the Speedy costume together. The goal is to have that one done by Chattacon at the end of January. I've also thought about putting together a "Beast Girl" outfit at some point. That ought to be a fun one. That would make 3 costumes for DragonCon next year!
Brian May
That's just too cool. I may have to catch that book. A man of many talents, indeed!
Less than two weeks (hope hope) until the next issue of Titans. In the meantime, I'm doing a few beta reads for other writers and trying to get in a little writing on my next story. My mojo comes and goes. I need to catch that sucker and lock him up to keep him from getting away.
I can't believe it's almost Halloween! I'll be wearing the Raven costume to work next week, so that ought to be fun. Then I'm going to spend some time getting the Speedy costume together. The goal is to have that one done by Chattacon at the end of January. I've also thought about putting together a "Beast Girl" outfit at some point. That ought to be a fun one. That would make 3 costumes for DragonCon next year!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Super-Fantastic!
Hello everyone --
They did something great for us at work today. This week is Customer Service Week, and they usually give us a treat. My boss took the team out for ice cream. Then we got to see Keith "Dr. Attitude" Harrell speak. He has spoken at some events for our company before, but never to all of us at once.
This guy is something else. I think it is impossible to feel bad if you are in the same state as Mr. Harrell. He is so upbeat, he makes you want to get up and dance! He said a lot of things that I needed to hear, and I really appreciate it and hope I can make use of what he said about attitude being everything. I feel so energetic now, which is good because I have felt terrible this week. I may go out and buy one of his books on tape or something, because this is something I would like to keep with me. His motto is "Super fantastic!" -- and he makes you feel that way.
Comic Book Day today. It's a light week for me, but that's ok. I spent a lot of $$$$$ last week on my hobby, so my wallet needs the break. But it's also Date Night, and the mister and I are going out to eat. (He cooks Monday and Friday, I cook Tuesday and Thursday, we eat out Wednesday, the weekend is a grab bag.)
I hope everyone has a superfantastic day today.
They did something great for us at work today. This week is Customer Service Week, and they usually give us a treat. My boss took the team out for ice cream. Then we got to see Keith "Dr. Attitude" Harrell speak. He has spoken at some events for our company before, but never to all of us at once.
This guy is something else. I think it is impossible to feel bad if you are in the same state as Mr. Harrell. He is so upbeat, he makes you want to get up and dance! He said a lot of things that I needed to hear, and I really appreciate it and hope I can make use of what he said about attitude being everything. I feel so energetic now, which is good because I have felt terrible this week. I may go out and buy one of his books on tape or something, because this is something I would like to keep with me. His motto is "Super fantastic!" -- and he makes you feel that way.
Comic Book Day today. It's a light week for me, but that's ok. I spent a lot of $$$$$ last week on my hobby, so my wallet needs the break. But it's also Date Night, and the mister and I are going out to eat. (He cooks Monday and Friday, I cook Tuesday and Thursday, we eat out Wednesday, the weekend is a grab bag.)
I hope everyone has a superfantastic day today.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Spiders!
Here is a picture of a beautiful writing spider. The mister took it outside of our basement door the other day.
Writing Spider
I thought I would share it. I think writing spiders are beautiful. I watched them make webs in my grandfather's tobacco barn when I was a kid.
Here is his Snake Eyes costume from DragonCon:
Disco Snake Eyes:
Writing Spider
I thought I would share it. I think writing spiders are beautiful. I watched them make webs in my grandfather's tobacco barn when I was a kid.
Here is his Snake Eyes costume from DragonCon:
Disco Snake Eyes:
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Even More Art!
My friend Sara (rabbit-of-earth on deviantArt and retro-takeout on ComicBloc) has done two really nice pieces for my stories. I thought I would share them here and in my fanfiction.net profile. I just love them.
Here is an illustration of Gar and Raven's date in "Deeper". So sweet!
The Date
And here is one from "Nadir". This is Superboy holding Gar back from beating the crap out of Wally. Boy, is he ticked off!
Very Angry Beast Boy
I think she captured the spirit of the scenes quite well. Her style is awesome, so check out the rest of her gallery while you are there. I hope you enjoy them, too.
Here is an illustration of Gar and Raven's date in "Deeper". So sweet!
The Date
And here is one from "Nadir". This is Superboy holding Gar back from beating the crap out of Wally. Boy, is he ticked off!
Very Angry Beast Boy
I think she captured the spirit of the scenes quite well. Her style is awesome, so check out the rest of her gallery while you are there. I hope you enjoy them, too.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Stair Luge Samurai Art!
Hello all,
Angel-gidget on deviantArt has just created some art for my short story "Stair Luge Samurai". It is absolutely adorable. I love Bart's expression especially.
Stair Luge Samurai
I'll be adding the link to this to the other story art in my fanfiction.net profile. I enjoy and appreciate every piece of art that someone creates based on my stories. All of them are great, and I look at them over and over again and just enjoy the fun that people are getting out of the stories. I hope you enjoy the art as well.
KTH
Angel-gidget on deviantArt has just created some art for my short story "Stair Luge Samurai". It is absolutely adorable. I love Bart's expression especially.
Stair Luge Samurai
I'll be adding the link to this to the other story art in my fanfiction.net profile. I enjoy and appreciate every piece of art that someone creates based on my stories. All of them are great, and I look at them over and over again and just enjoy the fun that people are getting out of the stories. I hope you enjoy the art as well.
KTH
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
More DragonCon Photos
The gentlemen that I met at DragonCon (including Beast Boy) have now posted their DragonCon photos on the net for all to see. I thought y'all would like to see them.
Frank Hui's DragonCon Photos
The DragonCon photos are in the link sections at the bottom. There is a picture of myself with Beast Boy on the first page of the third section. There are a lot of great photos here. These guys had lots of great costumes for the Con.
It's such a beautiful night here in Chattanooga. It's just a little cool. The stars are out. The mister and I just sat down in the driveway and stared at the constellations for a bit whilst the cat circled us. She was wondering why we were in her usual napping spot. The breeze was delicious but not quite chilly. It's refreshing to have some cooler temperatures after the summer heat. I haven't gone out to look at the stars in quite some time. I'm glad I did. There's something so peaceful about sitting on my porch and then gazing at the night sky before retiring for the night. Fall is my favorite time of year, and I think for us it has come early.
I say early, because this part of Tennessee usually stays pretty warm until October. I saw a joke on the internet once that described our seasons here: Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer, and Christmas. We're almost ready to leap into Still Summer, I guess. But I'm excited. I love October. I love turning leaves and fresh apples from the Orchard up on Signal Mountain -- all the Galas, Fujis and Arkansas Blacks that I can eat. Mmmmm... a good crisp apple and a wedge of Brie is just heaven on a plate. Now I'm making myself hungry, so I'd better stop.
Good night, friends. Take a moment to enjoy the stars. Pax.
Frank Hui's DragonCon Photos
The DragonCon photos are in the link sections at the bottom. There is a picture of myself with Beast Boy on the first page of the third section. There are a lot of great photos here. These guys had lots of great costumes for the Con.
It's such a beautiful night here in Chattanooga. It's just a little cool. The stars are out. The mister and I just sat down in the driveway and stared at the constellations for a bit whilst the cat circled us. She was wondering why we were in her usual napping spot. The breeze was delicious but not quite chilly. It's refreshing to have some cooler temperatures after the summer heat. I haven't gone out to look at the stars in quite some time. I'm glad I did. There's something so peaceful about sitting on my porch and then gazing at the night sky before retiring for the night. Fall is my favorite time of year, and I think for us it has come early.
I say early, because this part of Tennessee usually stays pretty warm until October. I saw a joke on the internet once that described our seasons here: Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer, and Christmas. We're almost ready to leap into Still Summer, I guess. But I'm excited. I love October. I love turning leaves and fresh apples from the Orchard up on Signal Mountain -- all the Galas, Fujis and Arkansas Blacks that I can eat. Mmmmm... a good crisp apple and a wedge of Brie is just heaven on a plate. Now I'm making myself hungry, so I'd better stop.
Good night, friends. Take a moment to enjoy the stars. Pax.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Next Year?
I'm already thinking about a costume for next year. I do plan to re-use the Raven costume. I'd just like to have different costumes for different days. I was thinking about going as Speedy (Mia Dearden). I like the simplicity of her outfit, and I've always like archers. Plus, I didn't see any Speedy's at the Con, and I'd like to have a costume that's fairly unique at the con. I've found a website that talks one through making a bodysuit patten. I would definitely need to make my own -- nobody makes a pattern that fits me exactly, no matter what the style of clothing. I have a good pattern for her short cloak that I think will work. This ought to be fun.
Monday, September 04, 2006
DragonCon pictures
I am back home! I am exhausted, but I had a blast. I even met Beast Boy and Nightwing, two very nice gentlemen, in the Hyatt lobby. They got some pictures of me, and we took pictures of them, for our respective web sites. BB's costume was very well made. After the time it took just to make my cloak, I can appreciate the kind of work that he put into it. I hope I run into him again next year.
There were a wide variety of costumes at the Con this year. There were more superheroes than last year. Most of the ones I saw were X-Men, although I did see several Nightwings and a Batman or two. I saw a well-done Wonder Woman and at least one Hawkman. There were lots of elves and hobbits. Star Wars was well-represented by a veritable army of Jedi and clone troopers.
Here are some more pictures:
A Colonial Warrior from the original Battlestar Galactica series:
And a Cylon:
The Hulk:
And, wouldn't you know it, a plethora of Ghostbusters. They were very popular this year.
A very nicely done Moon Knight:
Shaun of the Dead:
And more Leia's in metal bikinis than you could say grace over:
There were a wide variety of costumes at the Con this year. There were more superheroes than last year. Most of the ones I saw were X-Men, although I did see several Nightwings and a Batman or two. I saw a well-done Wonder Woman and at least one Hawkman. There were lots of elves and hobbits. Star Wars was well-represented by a veritable army of Jedi and clone troopers.
Here are some more pictures:
A Colonial Warrior from the original Battlestar Galactica series:
And a Cylon:
The Hulk:
And, wouldn't you know it, a plethora of Ghostbusters. They were very popular this year.
A very nicely done Moon Knight:
Shaun of the Dead:
And more Leia's in metal bikinis than you could say grace over:
Monday, August 28, 2006
Ready for Teen Titans #38...
(*tap tap tap*) I'm trying to keep myself busy until Wednesday. I really need to be packing for DragonCon. I'm spending most of my time prepping for the writer's workhop on Thursday and Friday. I'm really looking forward to the workshop.
As a child of the 70s/80s, I found this blog entry rather amusing. Even those of you who have not read comics from this era might find it humorous. This post is from Comic Book Resources.
What We Can Learn and Questions That Are Raised by Early 1970s Comic Books
Most of the images and disucssions are from old Marvel comics. I did read more Marvel back in the day since I was a big X-Men fan (who could forget the Brood? The best Alien wannabes around!). I also enjoyed ROM, any story with Ben Grimm, and What If?
Since I posted the link to Tony Daniel's Wizard interview a while ago, I thought I would post his latest Newsarama interview. Go Tony!
Tony Daniel Interview with Newsarama
I was sad to hear that we won't see his pencils in #38, but I am curious about his fill-in artist. We shall see on Wednesday.
As a child of the 70s/80s, I found this blog entry rather amusing. Even those of you who have not read comics from this era might find it humorous. This post is from Comic Book Resources.
What We Can Learn and Questions That Are Raised by Early 1970s Comic Books
Most of the images and disucssions are from old Marvel comics. I did read more Marvel back in the day since I was a big X-Men fan (who could forget the Brood? The best Alien wannabes around!). I also enjoyed ROM, any story with Ben Grimm, and What If?
Since I posted the link to Tony Daniel's Wizard interview a while ago, I thought I would post his latest Newsarama interview. Go Tony!
Tony Daniel Interview with Newsarama
I was sad to hear that we won't see his pencils in #38, but I am curious about his fill-in artist. We shall see on Wednesday.
Monday, August 21, 2006
The Costume!
I'm still tweaking the bird's beak on the hood, but the body of the costume is done, thanks to the big, big help of my wonderful husband.
The shirt is actually 2 layers: one long-sleeved shirt with a zippered neck covered by a sleeveless spandex workout top. I embroidered the raven crest on there. We have yet to see consistent pictures of Raven's costume, so I just created an "idealized" version of the breastplate. I created a paper template and transferred it to the spandex top with tailor's chalk. And that was harder than it sounds! Then I embroidered it with a simple backstitch in a metallic thread. Again, spandex and metallic thread are very difficult to work together!
Here's a back view.
And a front view (ignore my hair, it was being naughty).
And a view of the hood, the beak is folded under because it, too, was being naughty.
A closeup of the embroidery
The shirt is actually 2 layers: one long-sleeved shirt with a zippered neck covered by a sleeveless spandex workout top. I embroidered the raven crest on there. We have yet to see consistent pictures of Raven's costume, so I just created an "idealized" version of the breastplate. I created a paper template and transferred it to the spandex top with tailor's chalk. And that was harder than it sounds! Then I embroidered it with a simple backstitch in a metallic thread. Again, spandex and metallic thread are very difficult to work together!
Here's a back view.
And a front view (ignore my hair, it was being naughty).
And a view of the hood, the beak is folded under because it, too, was being naughty.
A closeup of the embroidery
Sunday, August 20, 2006
DragonCon Costume Almost Finished!
Hooray! The cloak is almost done. All I need to do is shape the hood and do a little tacking of the liner to the main cloak body, and I'll be done. WHEW! The hubby and I have worked on it very hard for the past few weeks. I'll post pictures when the hood is totally done, hopefully this week.
Now I've got to get some sleep before I slog back to the salt mines tomorrow. This weekend was far too short.
Now I've got to get some sleep before I slog back to the salt mines tomorrow. This weekend was far too short.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Boots!
I'm about to laugh myself silly.
You know how I spent that time and sweat looking for the pixie boots for my Raven costume?
I went to Payless last night. New Fall shoes are out. I found: suede, no-heeled boots.
The only difference is, my boots are ankle boots, and these are knee length. And mine were cheaper to boot! (Pun intended. (Groan))
I just thought that was supremely ironic. I thought I'd never see boots like that again. Maybe they'll make the ankle-length ones again, too.
And I may have to buy some knee length ones purely on principle.
You know how I spent that time and sweat looking for the pixie boots for my Raven costume?
I went to Payless last night. New Fall shoes are out. I found: suede, no-heeled boots.
The only difference is, my boots are ankle boots, and these are knee length. And mine were cheaper to boot! (Pun intended. (Groan))
I just thought that was supremely ironic. I thought I'd never see boots like that again. Maybe they'll make the ankle-length ones again, too.
And I may have to buy some knee length ones purely on principle.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
I Need a Titans Fix... help!
(*sigh*) I'm still trying to be patient, waiting for the next issue of Teen Titans...
The cloak is almost done. We really tried to finish it, but we ran out of steam. However, we do have time to get it finished; but we are both ready for this little project to be finished! We attached the hood. The lining is attached on the sides. We just have to trim and hem the bottom of it so I don't drag the floor. The cloak is taller than I am! I was standing on a stool, letting my husband mark the hem, when I felt like Fezzig in "Princess Bride" -- I was wearing a holocaust cloak! I started to say "I am the Dwed Piwate Woberts", and without skipping a beat, my husband said, "Dere will be no survivors!" He knew EXACTLY what I meant. We think so much alike.
I had to make a large cloak to accomodate my slightly rotund torso. Unfortuntely, most clothing and pattern manufacturers assume that if you are large around that you are also tall. I am living proof that this is not necessarily true. We have to cut 9 inches off the back of this cloak just so I can walk in it! I'll have to watch out for escalators at the con, too. And there are bunches of them at DragonCon. Safety first!
I did not get any writing done this weekend. However, I did give my truck the first bath she's had in a while. BITT (Basham Industries 2000, KITT's cousin, she's a truck) is much happier now. It finally cooled off enough to where I could stand to be outside for more than a few minutes. Praise the Lord and pass the cold front!
The cloak is almost done. We really tried to finish it, but we ran out of steam. However, we do have time to get it finished; but we are both ready for this little project to be finished! We attached the hood. The lining is attached on the sides. We just have to trim and hem the bottom of it so I don't drag the floor. The cloak is taller than I am! I was standing on a stool, letting my husband mark the hem, when I felt like Fezzig in "Princess Bride" -- I was wearing a holocaust cloak! I started to say "I am the Dwed Piwate Woberts", and without skipping a beat, my husband said, "Dere will be no survivors!" He knew EXACTLY what I meant. We think so much alike.
I had to make a large cloak to accomodate my slightly rotund torso. Unfortuntely, most clothing and pattern manufacturers assume that if you are large around that you are also tall. I am living proof that this is not necessarily true. We have to cut 9 inches off the back of this cloak just so I can walk in it! I'll have to watch out for escalators at the con, too. And there are bunches of them at DragonCon. Safety first!
I did not get any writing done this weekend. However, I did give my truck the first bath she's had in a while. BITT (Basham Industries 2000, KITT's cousin, she's a truck) is much happier now. It finally cooled off enough to where I could stand to be outside for more than a few minutes. Praise the Lord and pass the cold front!
Friday, August 11, 2006
Tony Daniel Interview on Wizard
It's the weekend! Hooray! Well, almost. Four more hours, and I'm on my way to the old homestead. I think I can hang on that long.
Wizard has conducted an interview with Tony Daniel on his latest run of Titans, including a few tiny hints about the future:
Tony Daniel Interview
It's a good read, and I hope you enjoy it.
I'm really, really going to try to finish my cloak this weekend.
Have a good one, guys!
Wizard has conducted an interview with Tony Daniel on his latest run of Titans, including a few tiny hints about the future:
Tony Daniel Interview
It's a good read, and I hope you enjoy it.
I'm really, really going to try to finish my cloak this weekend.
Have a good one, guys!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Patiently Waiting for August 23rd...
... and working on the prewrite for "Dawn Child". I took a lot of notes for it last night, and it's coming along nicely.
I did work on my cloak this weekend, but only on the hood. Maybe I'll get it finished this weekend.
Feeling kind of blah tonight, but the hubby and I made some popcorn chicken and tater tots for dinner, and I feel a little better. It's like magic comfort food; no matter how lousy I feel or how un-hungry I am (and I'm hypoglycemic and I have to eat) I can always eat that.
I did work on my cloak this weekend, but only on the hood. Maybe I'll get it finished this weekend.
Feeling kind of blah tonight, but the hubby and I made some popcorn chicken and tater tots for dinner, and I feel a little better. It's like magic comfort food; no matter how lousy I feel or how un-hungry I am (and I'm hypoglycemic and I have to eat) I can always eat that.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Wizard World Chicago This Weekend...
... and I'm not going. Mainly because DragonCon is just around the corner, and I need my $$ for that. There are some neat things going on there, though, and I enjoy reading about them on the Newsarama and Wizard websites.
Here's a good article on a writing class conducting at WWC:
Paul Jenkins: Writing Soup to Nuts
I'll post other articles that pique my interest -- maybe you'll like them too.
The Raven costume for DragonCon is coming along nicely. I got my boots in the mail this week. My wonderful, lovely, 1980s black suede pixie boots. I wore these little cuffed boots in high school, and I wonder why they ever went out of style. They are the most comfortable shoe ever made. (Here's a real head-scratcher -- they brought back JELLY SHOES, for crying out loud, but not pixie boots.) But I think these little boots are perfect for the OYL Raven costume. I hope to get my cloak finished this weekend as well. Just a few more weeks to go!
I got "52" #13 this week. Creeepy. I really feel for Ralph. The poor guy has been driven over the edge. I really want to see how this all turns out for him; we are only 1/4 of the way through their year, and I know we have more twists and turns going. Was that really Sue's spirit talking to him? Was it a trick of the Cult of Conner? Was it just wishful thinking that was so strong that he made himself see it? I don't think anyone else saw it, did they? Brrrrrr.
I loved the "Outsiders". What a great view into the Brain/Mallah relationship. They are becoming some of my favorite villains (although non-psycho Slade will always be my true fave). It really made me see why these two would have that kind of relationship -- they can talk about deep subjects on the same level. No matter who is involved in the relationship, that's something you've got to have, I think, in order to keep a good relationship going: the ability to really communicate and talk to each other. These two seem to have what a lot of good guys seem to lack in their own relationships. Scary.
Here's a good article on a writing class conducting at WWC:
Paul Jenkins: Writing Soup to Nuts
I'll post other articles that pique my interest -- maybe you'll like them too.
The Raven costume for DragonCon is coming along nicely. I got my boots in the mail this week. My wonderful, lovely, 1980s black suede pixie boots. I wore these little cuffed boots in high school, and I wonder why they ever went out of style. They are the most comfortable shoe ever made. (Here's a real head-scratcher -- they brought back JELLY SHOES, for crying out loud, but not pixie boots.) But I think these little boots are perfect for the OYL Raven costume. I hope to get my cloak finished this weekend as well. Just a few more weeks to go!
I got "52" #13 this week. Creeepy. I really feel for Ralph. The poor guy has been driven over the edge. I really want to see how this all turns out for him; we are only 1/4 of the way through their year, and I know we have more twists and turns going. Was that really Sue's spirit talking to him? Was it a trick of the Cult of Conner? Was it just wishful thinking that was so strong that he made himself see it? I don't think anyone else saw it, did they? Brrrrrr.
I loved the "Outsiders". What a great view into the Brain/Mallah relationship. They are becoming some of my favorite villains (although non-psycho Slade will always be my true fave). It really made me see why these two would have that kind of relationship -- they can talk about deep subjects on the same level. No matter who is involved in the relationship, that's something you've got to have, I think, in order to keep a good relationship going: the ability to really communicate and talk to each other. These two seem to have what a lot of good guys seem to lack in their own relationships. Scary.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Great Titans News
Some great Titans news came out of ComicCon this weekend:
- Mr. Johns says that Raven is returning to Teen Titans! Yayness! Now we just need to see when and how and what's going on with her now.
- DC is getting into Direct-to-Video animated movies, and one of them will be "The Judas Contract" arc from the Wolfman-Perez era. Both Wolfman and Perez will have a hand in the project, so I'm sure it will turn out well. Looking forward to this.
- A Terra mini is in the works. I'd really like to know what is going on with the connection (if any) between Terra I and Terra II.
The Raven costume for DragonCon is coming along nicely. The mister helped me piece the main body of it together this weekend. (I'm terrified of the sewing machine.) Now I need to work on the hood, which will be a real challenge. The pattern I bought has just a normal hood, and I have to adapt it to get the bird's beak. This oughtta be fun. I also did the accessories (the jewels for the belt, cloak clasp and gloves). I used a plain gold-toned chain-link belt (Target, $12) and used glittered red felt as the jewels. Each link is a large oval, and I just cut out matching felt ovals and hot-glued them in. I hope they stick -- the metal is not liking the glue very much. I think the glue gun will go with me to the Con! For the jewels, I bought some small wooden disks that were intended to be used as plates in a dollhouse. I painted them with some gold paint. Then I used my trusty glue-gun to glue flat glass beads to them. I just hope the glue holds.
Here's the link to a more detailed report on the ComicCon panel with Grant Morrison and Deepak Chopra on "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes":
Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes
- Mr. Johns says that Raven is returning to Teen Titans! Yayness! Now we just need to see when and how and what's going on with her now.
- DC is getting into Direct-to-Video animated movies, and one of them will be "The Judas Contract" arc from the Wolfman-Perez era. Both Wolfman and Perez will have a hand in the project, so I'm sure it will turn out well. Looking forward to this.
- A Terra mini is in the works. I'd really like to know what is going on with the connection (if any) between Terra I and Terra II.
The Raven costume for DragonCon is coming along nicely. The mister helped me piece the main body of it together this weekend. (I'm terrified of the sewing machine.) Now I need to work on the hood, which will be a real challenge. The pattern I bought has just a normal hood, and I have to adapt it to get the bird's beak. This oughtta be fun. I also did the accessories (the jewels for the belt, cloak clasp and gloves). I used a plain gold-toned chain-link belt (Target, $12) and used glittered red felt as the jewels. Each link is a large oval, and I just cut out matching felt ovals and hot-glued them in. I hope they stick -- the metal is not liking the glue very much. I think the glue gun will go with me to the Con! For the jewels, I bought some small wooden disks that were intended to be used as plates in a dollhouse. I painted them with some gold paint. Then I used my trusty glue-gun to glue flat glass beads to them. I just hope the glue holds.
Here's the link to a more detailed report on the ComicCon panel with Grant Morrison and Deepak Chopra on "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes":
Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes
Friday, July 21, 2006
Gearing Up For DragonCon
I'm reading a lot of the articles on Newsarama and Wizard about the current ComicCon in San Diego, and they've got me all excited about DragonCon next month. I'm working on my Raven costume now (OYL version), and I'm very happy with the way it is turning out now.
I'll be attending the writing workshop that happens just before the Con opens, so that ought to be helpful in polishing up my stories. I'm looking over the website for the Con as well to try and plan all of the tracks that I'd like to attend. I definitely want to see the 'BattleStar Galactica' panels again. Richard Hatch moderated one last year, and it was a great presentation. He's a very inspriational speaker. He's at ComicCon this year; here's an article on his panel:
Richard Hatch at ComicCon
For you Deepak Chopra fans: Dr. Chopra showed up at ComicCon on a panel with Grant Morrison to talk about "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes". As a practioner of yoga and a comics fan, this really piqued my interest:
Dr. Chopra at ComicCon
This is an overview of the panel. The article promises a full transcript next week. I'll keep an eye out for that one as well.
I really enjoyed TT #37. Steve Dayton grew a spine and took Dr. Caulder down a deserved peg or two. However, I would have liked to have seen how he got to that point from his state in the previous issue, where he had a somewhat tenuous grip on reality. That would be an interesting story in itself (not to mention the story of how he got his body back in the first place, maybe in a "Secret Files and Origins" or something like that).
I'm very sad that Gar is not going back with the Titans, but I think we'll see him again. Change is a constant, and he's been off the team before. He's a wonderful character that has really grown up over the years, and I really want to see that character continue to grow. I'm glad to see he has his family back. Maybe now that Rita is with Steve, Steve will stay more stable and they can develop a good relationship. I can understand his desire to stay, in that light. I'm hoping the DP will have lots of guest shots in the Titans.
I really like Kid Devil and Rose as members of the team. Blue Devil's treatment of Eddie is heartbreaking... he should have come when he said he was going to, and if he didn't intend to come, he should not have gotten his hopes up. Poor kid. I like the friendship between him and Rose, even if it doesn't develop into anything romantic. She is very protective of him, like a big sister.
I loved the Raven panel at the end. Sooooo, maybe they didn't break up. At least not the way Robin presented it. Robin wasn't lying -- it's what she wanted people to think. Now, we have to find out what the 'something strange' is. I'm definitely hooked and look forward to seeing how things play out.
Overall, I liked the issue, but I felt that it was rushed in parts. The BoE fight was kind of short, and a lot was packed into it. I don't mind a lot being packed into it, but darn it, some months 22 pages just ain't enough.
SQUEE! There's talk of a Doom Patrol movie! No mention of Garfield Logan on the team, but I think the movie is a cool concept anyway. I'm definitely in line to see that one. If the movie is successful, maybe they'll get lined up for a new series that will actually stick around for a while.
I'll be attending the writing workshop that happens just before the Con opens, so that ought to be helpful in polishing up my stories. I'm looking over the website for the Con as well to try and plan all of the tracks that I'd like to attend. I definitely want to see the 'BattleStar Galactica' panels again. Richard Hatch moderated one last year, and it was a great presentation. He's a very inspriational speaker. He's at ComicCon this year; here's an article on his panel:
Richard Hatch at ComicCon
For you Deepak Chopra fans: Dr. Chopra showed up at ComicCon on a panel with Grant Morrison to talk about "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes". As a practioner of yoga and a comics fan, this really piqued my interest:
Dr. Chopra at ComicCon
This is an overview of the panel. The article promises a full transcript next week. I'll keep an eye out for that one as well.
I really enjoyed TT #37. Steve Dayton grew a spine and took Dr. Caulder down a deserved peg or two. However, I would have liked to have seen how he got to that point from his state in the previous issue, where he had a somewhat tenuous grip on reality. That would be an interesting story in itself (not to mention the story of how he got his body back in the first place, maybe in a "Secret Files and Origins" or something like that).
I'm very sad that Gar is not going back with the Titans, but I think we'll see him again. Change is a constant, and he's been off the team before. He's a wonderful character that has really grown up over the years, and I really want to see that character continue to grow. I'm glad to see he has his family back. Maybe now that Rita is with Steve, Steve will stay more stable and they can develop a good relationship. I can understand his desire to stay, in that light. I'm hoping the DP will have lots of guest shots in the Titans.
I really like Kid Devil and Rose as members of the team. Blue Devil's treatment of Eddie is heartbreaking... he should have come when he said he was going to, and if he didn't intend to come, he should not have gotten his hopes up. Poor kid. I like the friendship between him and Rose, even if it doesn't develop into anything romantic. She is very protective of him, like a big sister.
I loved the Raven panel at the end. Sooooo, maybe they didn't break up. At least not the way Robin presented it. Robin wasn't lying -- it's what she wanted people to think. Now, we have to find out what the 'something strange' is. I'm definitely hooked and look forward to seeing how things play out.
Overall, I liked the issue, but I felt that it was rushed in parts. The BoE fight was kind of short, and a lot was packed into it. I don't mind a lot being packed into it, but darn it, some months 22 pages just ain't enough.
SQUEE! There's talk of a Doom Patrol movie! No mention of Garfield Logan on the team, but I think the movie is a cool concept anyway. I'm definitely in line to see that one. If the movie is successful, maybe they'll get lined up for a new series that will actually stick around for a while.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Happy Independence Day!
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July! It's hot and muggy here. We may get some storms later. I do hope we get to see the fireworks -- the mister is so looking forward to them.
Only a couple of days until the next issue of Teen Titans! I'm so excited! I've seen the previews of some panels on Tony Daniel's blog over the past few months, and I'm ready to read it. I hope we get some clues on what happened between BB and Raven over the OYL. I'm ready for some kind of indication of... anything!
This week's pull list:
Detective Comics #821
Secret Six #2 (this is a really interesting team)
Supergirl #7 and #8 (two on one day? that's weird)
52 #9 (Please let Kori live!)
and of course... TT #37
I think the mister has some Marvel comics coming this week as well. He's collecting the "Civil War" crossover event. I really need to read it. I've been reading some of his "Captain America" comics to tide me over until we get some TT action again...
Only a couple of days until the next issue of Teen Titans! I'm so excited! I've seen the previews of some panels on Tony Daniel's blog over the past few months, and I'm ready to read it. I hope we get some clues on what happened between BB and Raven over the OYL. I'm ready for some kind of indication of... anything!
This week's pull list:
Detective Comics #821
Secret Six #2 (this is a really interesting team)
Supergirl #7 and #8 (two on one day? that's weird)
52 #9 (Please let Kori live!)
and of course... TT #37
I think the mister has some Marvel comics coming this week as well. He's collecting the "Civil War" crossover event. I really need to read it. I've been reading some of his "Captain America" comics to tide me over until we get some TT action again...
Saturday, June 24, 2006
New Tomb in Egypt
Today I heard that a friend of mine was involved in the study of the new tombs that were discovered in Egypt last year. The team has put together a web page of photos of the site. Here is the link if you would like to see them:
Tomb KV-63
Tomb KV-63
Saturday, June 10, 2006
"Coyote" Commission Completed
Hiding-Daisy on deviantArt has just completed my commmission for "Coyote", chapter 20. I must say that it is beautiful. This is the chapter where Raven meets Thunder Horse in his "soulscape". The image was too large to fit the entire picture on the scanner, but here is the heart of the picture:
Thunder Horse
Thunder Horse
Saturday, June 03, 2006
"Nadir" Has Been Posted
I'm dancing. I just posted my latest story in the "Twilight Child" story arc: "Nadir". Here is a link to it:
Nadir
If you haven't read any of the other stories in the arc, I suggest you start with "Twilight Child" and read the stories in order. The stories are listed in order with their links in my "Links" area on the right side of this web page.
Let me know what you think! If you cannot leave a review on fanfiction.net because you don't have an account there, feel free to leave a comment on this blog. I look forward to hearing from everybody.
Nadir
If you haven't read any of the other stories in the arc, I suggest you start with "Twilight Child" and read the stories in order. The stories are listed in order with their links in my "Links" area on the right side of this web page.
Let me know what you think! If you cannot leave a review on fanfiction.net because you don't have an account there, feel free to leave a comment on this blog. I look forward to hearing from everybody.
Friday, June 02, 2006
"Nadir" Posting This Weekend
I am only one chapter shy of having the revisions complete. With luck, I will be posting my next story on fanfiction.net sometime this weekend. Thanks for your patience.
Superman/Batman #26
I just picked this up today. It's the Sam Loeb tribute issue. Sam is the son of Jeph Loeb, who is one of the major writers at DC. He passed away last year after a bout with cancer; he was only 17. He was writing the idea for this issue for submission to DC as a published story. A group of writers and artists got together to complete it. And what a tale it is! It's more than just a tribute issue. It's a truly funny story about the friendship between Superboy and Robin. I laughed so hard in places that I thought I was going to hurt myself. It was both enjoyable and memorable. If you are a Titans fan at all, you need to pick it up. Some of the female Titans make, er, rather interesting cameo appearances, so to speak.
Of course, this is my version of Superboy's favorite scene:
Beast Boy in Paradise
There was another story at the end. "Sam's Story" is a story of Superman's youth, when he knew a young man named Sam who died of cancer. This story was so touching -- it makes me want to cry when I just think about it. It made me feel like Sam was someone that I would have enjoyed meeting. I am certain that, from the way he is portrayed in this story and the way his idea was played out, that he was truly a bright light in this world. What wonderful stories this young man must have had to tell!
I am thankful that he made my day, hell, my month, a little brighter. He gave me some laughs when I really, really needed them. I wish I could thank him for it. I honestly think that is what storytellers live for -- to hear that their story meant something to somebody and that it made someone's life a little better, even if for just a little while. This story did that for me. I do thank the staff of DC and his father for putting together such a wonderful and fitting memorial for him. I honestly think he would be proud of how his idea came to life. I think this issue will be loved for a long, long time.
Of course, this is my version of Superboy's favorite scene:
Beast Boy in Paradise
There was another story at the end. "Sam's Story" is a story of Superman's youth, when he knew a young man named Sam who died of cancer. This story was so touching -- it makes me want to cry when I just think about it. It made me feel like Sam was someone that I would have enjoyed meeting. I am certain that, from the way he is portrayed in this story and the way his idea was played out, that he was truly a bright light in this world. What wonderful stories this young man must have had to tell!
I am thankful that he made my day, hell, my month, a little brighter. He gave me some laughs when I really, really needed them. I wish I could thank him for it. I honestly think that is what storytellers live for -- to hear that their story meant something to somebody and that it made someone's life a little better, even if for just a little while. This story did that for me. I do thank the staff of DC and his father for putting together such a wonderful and fitting memorial for him. I honestly think he would be proud of how his idea came to life. I think this issue will be loved for a long, long time.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Some New Art Stuff
I went shopping at Michael's today for some new art supplies. I purchased a ringbound sketchbook to carry around and a larger sketchpad for bigger projects. I hope that the little tote-book will let me practice more than I do now. I also bought 2 of those blue pencils that don't show up on a scan of a picture. I can use those to start my digital art.
My husband just created a new deviantArt site for his photography, if anyone would like to see his photos. He really likes wildlife and sunsets:
howler422.deviantart.com
My husband just created a new deviantArt site for his photography, if anyone would like to see his photos. He really likes wildlife and sunsets:
howler422.deviantart.com
Friday, May 26, 2006
Teen Titans #36
WOW! This was a great issue. I think I've read the words off the pages already. There is a lot going on. Questions are popping out of my head all the time as I wonder what is happening.
The Chief -- just, wow. Not what I expected. Of course, I have very little knowledge of the Doom Patrol outside of that I've seen in the pages of the Titans. My first experience with the Chief (when it wasn't a flashback) was in Titans #32 when the DP's memories got restored by Superboy's Reality Shaking Punches. I thought, "Wow, this is a Professor-X kind of guy that could help Raven out with her changing powers." I had no idea he was such a control freak! I got goosebumps when I read the conversation between the Chief and Rita as they operated on Kid Devil. Brrrrrrr! Now I'm thinking, "Keep him FAR AWAY from Raven!"
There is some kind of mind manipulation going on here. I have heard speculations by others on the forums that Mento's helmet may be involved in it. Steve is convinced that he needs to keep it on, that's for sure. I'm inclined to agree with that guess. Gar may not be as completely into the cult of personality as the others, but I think there's some influence there. (Personally, I think the Chief may have been responsible for BB's dreams that led him to seek out the DP in #32. There's no evidence of that, but I found it interesting that Chief claimed to have the same dreams.)
I can't wait for the next one!
The Chief -- just, wow. Not what I expected. Of course, I have very little knowledge of the Doom Patrol outside of that I've seen in the pages of the Titans. My first experience with the Chief (when it wasn't a flashback) was in Titans #32 when the DP's memories got restored by Superboy's Reality Shaking Punches. I thought, "Wow, this is a Professor-X kind of guy that could help Raven out with her changing powers." I had no idea he was such a control freak! I got goosebumps when I read the conversation between the Chief and Rita as they operated on Kid Devil. Brrrrrrr! Now I'm thinking, "Keep him FAR AWAY from Raven!"
There is some kind of mind manipulation going on here. I have heard speculations by others on the forums that Mento's helmet may be involved in it. Steve is convinced that he needs to keep it on, that's for sure. I'm inclined to agree with that guess. Gar may not be as completely into the cult of personality as the others, but I think there's some influence there. (Personally, I think the Chief may have been responsible for BB's dreams that led him to seek out the DP in #32. There's no evidence of that, but I found it interesting that Chief claimed to have the same dreams.)
I can't wait for the next one!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Good News on Raven Mini
Thanks to my good friend DeTroyes for giving me the following link. It's an interview with Marv Wolfman about the Raven mini-series that he is writing:
Wolfman Interview
This makes me happy. I think this mini-series is a good way to "bridge the gap" between Marv's original vision of Raven and Geoff John's vision of the character. I think it will give us a lot of that off-panel "slice of life" that we die-hard Raven fans have been chomping at the bit for. I am really looking forward to this mini-series.
I'm also making additions to my "Beast Boy" playlist on my MP3 player. These are songs that have either some kind of animal theme OR remind me of Beast Boy's personality. Here are the songs that I have so far:
"Animal" by Def Leppard
"A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis
"Beast of Burden" by The Rolling Stones
"Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran
"Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees ( I can just imagine Gar strutting down the street to this)
"Generic Blues" by Weird Al (He has to have a Weird Al song. )
I'm looking for other songs. Any suggestions?
Wolfman Interview
This makes me happy. I think this mini-series is a good way to "bridge the gap" between Marv's original vision of Raven and Geoff John's vision of the character. I think it will give us a lot of that off-panel "slice of life" that we die-hard Raven fans have been chomping at the bit for. I am really looking forward to this mini-series.
I'm also making additions to my "Beast Boy" playlist on my MP3 player. These are songs that have either some kind of animal theme OR remind me of Beast Boy's personality. Here are the songs that I have so far:
"Animal" by Def Leppard
"A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis
"Beast of Burden" by The Rolling Stones
"Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran
"Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees ( I can just imagine Gar strutting down the street to this)
"Generic Blues" by Weird Al (He has to have a Weird Al song. )
I'm looking for other songs. Any suggestions?
Friday, May 19, 2006
Still in Beta...Closer
I am receiving my edited files back and am making corrections. Soon!
And Teen Titans #36 is due out next week!
I have seen the cover for #39 (see Tony Daniel's link on this page), and I love it! It is good to see Raven on a cover again. I am excited to see what happens next.
I was feeling depressed about the whole BB/Rae breakup that was revealed in #34. I have decided that I'm just going to treat it as a mystery for now. We don't know why they broke up. We don't know if they actually did break up. It could all be a ruse of some sort. I'm just going to sit back and see how it all unfolds in "52" and in issues of "Teen Titans".
I hope that "Nadir" cheers everyone up, too.
And Teen Titans #36 is due out next week!
I have seen the cover for #39 (see Tony Daniel's link on this page), and I love it! It is good to see Raven on a cover again. I am excited to see what happens next.
I was feeling depressed about the whole BB/Rae breakup that was revealed in #34. I have decided that I'm just going to treat it as a mystery for now. We don't know why they broke up. We don't know if they actually did break up. It could all be a ruse of some sort. I'm just going to sit back and see how it all unfolds in "52" and in issues of "Teen Titans".
I hope that "Nadir" cheers everyone up, too.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
"Nadir" Is Completely in Beta
Whew! My alpha pass is complete, and all of the next installment is in the hands of my beta readers! I am excited to have gotten it this far. I still think the post date will be early May. I hope it's worth the wait!
And I'm all anxious about getting #35. I hope they at least mention Raven in this issue. According to the solicits, though, we may not know anything much until July. C'mon, guys, find our girl!
And I'm all anxious about getting #35. I hope they at least mention Raven in this issue. According to the solicits, though, we may not know anything much until July. C'mon, guys, find our girl!
Monday, April 10, 2006
"Nadir" On Way to Beta
Hello all,
I just sent the first half of the story to my beta readers. The last half should go this week. It will definitely be a May post date at this rate. So stay tuned!
TT #34 has me all on tenterhooks now. They got together and broke up over the year? Oooooh, I really need to read "52" when it comes out, then. I am ready for #35! I want to know what happens!
I just sent the first half of the story to my beta readers. The last half should go this week. It will definitely be a May post date at this rate. So stay tuned!
TT #34 has me all on tenterhooks now. They got together and broke up over the year? Oooooh, I really need to read "52" when it comes out, then. I am ready for #35! I want to know what happens!
Saturday, April 01, 2006
"Nadir" Rough Cut Complete
Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted since February! Sorry, guys!
The rough cut on "Nadir" is complete as of 7:15 this evening. YAY!
I will start one of 2 alpha passes tomorrow. Once those are done (at least a week, maybe more), I will be sending the story out for beta.
I still don't have an exact post date, but we are much closer than we were! I'm really excited about this story and hope everyone enjoys it as much as they have the previous stories.
The rough cut on "Nadir" is complete as of 7:15 this evening. YAY!
I will start one of 2 alpha passes tomorrow. Once those are done (at least a week, maybe more), I will be sending the story out for beta.
I still don't have an exact post date, but we are much closer than we were! I'm really excited about this story and hope everyone enjoys it as much as they have the previous stories.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Attention X-Files Fans!
Are you a rabid X-Files fan? Are you a roleplayer? Then, my friend, there is a new forum in town that lets you be both. My friend Moo the Quacking Cow from the RBSU (Raven and Beast Boy Shippers United) forum has created a forum all her own.
Here is the basic idea. There is a list of available X-Files roles in the Roleplay Applications board. Sorry, Scully and Mulder are taken! Take a look at that thread and see what available role you would like to play.
1. You can sign up for an account under your own user name following the normal forum registration procedures.
2. Pick the role you would like to audition for from the Roleplay Applications Board, Applications Thread.
3. Send a PM (Private Message) to Mulder (Admin) to audition for that role. Make sure you PM is in character!
4. Mulder will let you know if you pass muster for that character. If so, you'll get a new account with that role as the screen name.
Be sure to view the posting rules and be prepared to come in character!
I'm Langly, by the way.
Here is the link: X-Files Roleplaying Forum
Here is the basic idea. There is a list of available X-Files roles in the Roleplay Applications board. Sorry, Scully and Mulder are taken! Take a look at that thread and see what available role you would like to play.
1. You can sign up for an account under your own user name following the normal forum registration procedures.
2. Pick the role you would like to audition for from the Roleplay Applications Board, Applications Thread.
3. Send a PM (Private Message) to Mulder (Admin) to audition for that role. Make sure you PM is in character!
4. Mulder will let you know if you pass muster for that character. If so, you'll get a new account with that role as the screen name.
Be sure to view the posting rules and be prepared to come in character!
I'm Langly, by the way.
Here is the link: X-Files Roleplaying Forum
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
New Link
Greetings --
My good friend Pliskin MacReady just created his own blog. It is still "under construction", but he will be adding his own short stories and musings to the great blogosphere soon. Please check out his link over to the right and take a look at his work.
Pliskin MacReady
Work on "Nadir" is progressing, although I am still a long way from being finished. I am really excited about this one. It will be more action-oriented than the previous fics, although it will continue to reveal the mystery of the backstory of Raven's backstory. And for you Bart fans, there will be more Bart goodness.
My good friend Pliskin MacReady just created his own blog. It is still "under construction", but he will be adding his own short stories and musings to the great blogosphere soon. Please check out his link over to the right and take a look at his work.
Pliskin MacReady
Work on "Nadir" is progressing, although I am still a long way from being finished. I am really excited about this one. It will be more action-oriented than the previous fics, although it will continue to reveal the mystery of the backstory of Raven's backstory. And for you Bart fans, there will be more Bart goodness.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
New DeviantArt Site
Hello, everyone! I have created an account on deviantArt for my "Twilight Child" fanart. I have some pieces that I have done myself there, as well as some beautiful pieces done for me by SparkyX, BakaNeko021, and one coming soon from MootheQuackingCow.
Here is the link:
KTHunter.deviantArt.com
I will continue to post updates to the fanfic writing here, but I will be posting all new art to that site. It is much easier to organize the illustrations that way.
Part 4 of the Twilight Child series, "Nadir", is currently in progress. I still do not have a publish date.
Here is the link:
KTHunter.deviantArt.com
I will continue to post updates to the fanfic writing here, but I will be posting all new art to that site. It is much easier to organize the illustrations that way.
Part 4 of the Twilight Child series, "Nadir", is currently in progress. I still do not have a publish date.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
An Older Drawing
I found an older drawing from my college days over the weekend and thought I would post it. It's not Teen Titans -- it's my fave band of all time, Def Leppard. I drew it back when Steve Clark was still with us. I was really proud of this one. I drew this as a composite from several photographs from their biography, "Animal Instinct". If I remember correctly, some tracing was involved as well. Hope you like it. It does look a little odd as the pencils have faded over the past 15 years . . .
And here is the same image, with a little bit of correction in PaintShopPro:
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Monday, December 26, 2005
Coyote Will Be Posted 12/28/2005, Wednesday
Hello all,
I putting the finishing touches on "Coyote" now. I plan to post late Wednesday evening, 12/28. Keep your eyes open!
I putting the finishing touches on "Coyote" now. I plan to post late Wednesday evening, 12/28. Keep your eyes open!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Coyote is in Beta
Hello everybody -
Coyote has gone off to my dear beta-readers. It is really starting to come together! I hope to post in the next few weeks.
Coyote has gone off to my dear beta-readers. It is really starting to come together! I hope to post in the next few weeks.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Coyote Progress
I am inching closer and closer to being done with "Coyote". I am getting close the end of my rough cut. After a few editing passes, I'll send it off to my beloved beta-readers. I think we are still a few weeks out from posting, but we are getting closer.
New song for the soundtrack: "Ghost Riders in the Sky" Johnny Cash is very inspirational.
New song for the soundtrack: "Ghost Riders in the Sky" Johnny Cash is very inspirational.
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