Why am I dropping the post number? Every time I post...if I delete a post, it gets rid of it, so I don't want to do that, anymore, so I figure I'll post with the date from now on. We're over 300 posts, so it really shouldn't matter one way or another.
Well, I've finished the DEAD SONJA: SHE ZOMBIE WITH A SWORD #1 script for Blatant Comics, and while I CAN NOT say that it is my best work, I can say that it has a good flow to it, and all the stories coincide with each other nicely, since there are three totally random stories in the issue...each 16 pages, so at least there's enough filling for the price point. In fact, since we're doing it for only 3.99, that's only a dollar more for OVER twice the content of your average Marvel, DC or IMAGE title...so even if only thirty pages of content are "satisfactory" that means you are still getting your money's worth...heh.
Alright, I won't rationalize the story aspect. What I will say about it is this. I like writing fiction that isn't parody MORE than I enjoy parody. But I DO like PArody writing enough to do it, and do it "well." No one wants to write a character like another character, only in silly situations, but if it earns you a published book when you don't see another coming, you do it, and enjoy the humor in it.
Obviously, I was entertained wnough with the idea while writing it to draw a picture of the female lead, and write 48 quality script pages within 7 day, so I'd feel I was inspired.
While at Heroes Con in Charlotte, I met a lot of really nice artists...including Javier Saltares (drew Landis), Jame O'Barr (I could write a novel on what he told me in 30 minutes), and quite a few others...Here's the thing, I would like to say I was networking...WHAT was I networking, you ask? LANDIS. I chat with Brandon Peterson, Mike Choi, Randy Green, and Ethan Van Sciver about doing a commission of LANDIS, all of which seemed REALLY interested, however, had some time constraints. All of these guys have been on extremely successful titles, so because of this, getting any of them to actually do a piece, and then getting it framed would be totally kickass.
One thing EACH of them explained to me, however, was to NOT publish any of the art, unless I asked for a cover / pinup illustration, all of them stating that they'd put more effort into something that would subsequently cost more...This, I feel is a disservice to you loyal readers (50 or so of which will read down this far, hehe), and who knows, if Chris can get me in touch with another artist, we may get more LANDIS sooner, rather than later...but who knows.
This is more of a rant than anything else. I decided to cut 90% of the pornstar friends from the MYSPACE page (myspace.com/potsandpansink) because it just worth getting bulletins about where they were stripping, singing, or wearing (nothing), and not wanting to look at it.
Christy (my wife) and I are doing quite a bit better, though I have been really sick the past couple days (I think it may be the flu), and without medical insurance until it kicks in from the job, I'm reluctant to create another bill. Hopefully enough Dayquil and NyQuil will help me get through it.
I have my court date on Wednesday, so I am still not at liberty to share this story...at least again. I'm sure I'll have good or bad news to post...or at least indifferent news when they continue the case. I DID however spend $200 on a new suit today to make sure that I'm not just in Sunday Best, but wearing better than I ever do that day...of course, $200 was more than I wanted to spend, but I figured I might as well get a new tie, and Suit coast and pants...what can it hurt? Most of my friends are getting married or whatever now, so it makes sense for multiple occassions.
Christy has told me she's taking a month off of drinking again, to prove to herself she can do it. I'm skepticle, but supportive as I want her to prove to both of us that the drinking doesn't control her...as it does AFTER she's been drinking.
I do not drink and drive now. I won't have a single drink and then get behind the wheel of a car. I'm not trying to preach, but my wife is supposed to uphold that rule, too, because of everything, and if she can't, that's where a problem stems from.
Have you ever felt like your life isn't where you want it to be? I have this feeling all the time, and yet, I still want to move forward with things like having children...why? I'm not really sure...maybe I feel this growing thing inside telling me that this is what's next. I'm very stubborn, if I want something, I normally go get it...this could turn out to be a real problem in the future when it involved both myself and my wife, but it doesn't stop me from wanting nor doing.
In that way, I guess I understand Christy's want to drink. She wants it, regardless of what it may do, and without thinking through some of the consequences...ah well.
It seems I've give you folks a lot to digest here. Reply if you'd like...let me know where you WANT to be in life, and how you plan to get there...me...I'm feeling it out right now. I just wish that the people doing interviews for employment would take a shot on hiring me, so I can make the company money...
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Post 319 (also 8/7/06): More new art...
Since the art thing seems to be working, I figure I'll go ahead and add another piece...
This is the penciled cover of THIEF #2 from Eric Kent. He's now slaving away on TAGGER, but after we finish up Tagger, he'll be back to this labor of love, that as far as he keeps telling me is into the third issue of art, where I told him to stop to come up with a better ending (since I hate being my own editor, I don't realize something's bad until the artist is midway through drawing it...STILL SORRY, ERIC!)
With TAGGER, we've decided to just letter Eric's pencils, and at present will probably be done in black and white, unless Eric wants to play with coloring it, too, but since we're not being paid like the big time pros we are (hehe), we may have to cut some corners, while not sacrificing the quality...
Not quite sure if Eric wanted me to show this piece or not, but it shows how good of an artist he is with perspective. I'm really a blessed writer with most of the artists I've worked with...
Tony Furtado has worked with Heavy Metal and is now at 01comics, Tim Johnson (from the Ardy story you've no doubt read) has become a commercial artist and painter, Eric has worked with plenty of pros in the past, JK is a super talent that doesn't realize his own potential, and without really being in the industry door like I try to be, has quite a few connections, not to mention everyone else I've worked with...
Well, I'm off for tonight...back to work in the morning, BOOOOOOOOOO! And then somehow have Tuesday off before I go to work probasbly every day straight til my impending court case on the 16th.
Post 318 (8/7/06): Trying to post a new piece of art.
So Blogger now looks to have an image addition selection that I didn't even notice...so I'm trying it out. The piece in question shows you how excited I am about a project, since I keep getting told I need to do complete art pieces, and I feel that besides coloring this one, its about as complete as a drawing from me gets, hehe...
This is a piece of promo art I did for DEAD SONJA. Why did I do one? Because the book is fun to write, and because I wanted a reason to play on the tablet. The basic layout and character placement was actually done by one of the best comic book artists out there, Jim Lee. I redrew from his design our own Sonja character, adding a lot of my typical hatchmarks and making it a whole different piece of subject matter. I basically redrew it from his early design of his RED Sonja #12 cover. Even when signing the piece, however, I showed that it was an homage to the former head of Homage Studios.
I've already written 32 pages of the 48 page book, and I haven't even worked out the details on the contract terms....But I have been told that if this book does well, we'll move forward with sequels, and maybe even crossovers with other "dynamic" characters...
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Post 317 (8/5/06): New gig...and everything else.
Let's start with what has me down right now...
I started my new job a month ago, with the intention of growing in it, and trying to develop a career...yesterday, before I got home from vacation, I began looking for another job. Why?
Because its the stupid corporate world where you are doing it for someone else. It isn't like a government job where you can grow old in it, and heck, maybe even excel to the point of making a difference, it is simply doing someone else's work for them, and half the time, the people you work for can't even do the job you are doing, so why the hell should they be ahead of you in the game?
I applied for a job with the State Lottery, as well as a corporate sales position with a top computer company...why? Because the money is decent, the benefits are good, and I could start my own family...the only other type of job that would be truly possible in...
My own business...and trust me, I'm talking with someone about the possibility of that, too...but will it happen? I'm not sure. I want it to, even though the amount of effort, work, drive and motivation would be solely on my shoulders there...but I want it.
To own my own comic store, or at least be a business partner with an established comic store owner, working in it day to day to further my own stock in the building until one day it would be my own...THAT'S what I want...and I could be successful at it...the hard part would be finding the niche to get the guaranteed sales...and to drive the business so that you could make a profit...and in a comic store...that may take years...but would it be worth it?
I think so...and so does my wife, as long as I also sold art supplies from it... so paints, papers, canvas, you name it, she wants to sell that too...I just want to be able to cover the bills, have benefits and go from there...hell, if I was running a comic shop, I could be writing my own books...which speaking of which...
Today I got a new writing gig. From a gentleman by the name of Frederick J Blatant III, the publisher of Blatant Comics...yeah, I thought they were gone, too, but this October, I am writing a book titled DEAD SONJA, and yes, its a parody book in the style of my previous ones, EboniX-Men, Busty: The Vampire Murderer and Busty vs. XXXena.
Here's the cool thing about it. I wrote the entire FIRST 16 page story for the book already...when? Today. and its actually decent. I hope Freddie gets a good artist on it, but amazingly enough, for ALL Landis fans out there...this will be the FIRST collaborative effort from Owen Gieni and myself SINCE LANDIS...He's done the cover for it, which I'll see if I can get a link for.
The book will be 48 pages of story...and will consist of three different 16 page stories. It'll probably be in black and white, but under the off chance that it actually does enough orders in the solicitation (Diamond Distributors, the #1 distribution chain in comics gave it a SPOTLIGHT feature), we may see it happen in color.
Also, something on the LANDIS front for all you folks that still come here from time to time hoping for new story or art from her...
I was chatting with Keenspot's publisher, Chris Crosby earlier today about LANDIS VOLUME 1, and he said that due to the movie treatment that I wrote for it, that he may fast track the trade paperback collection edition of the book, so that he can place it into hands of people that actually make decisions of tv series or movies... Now remember, since Keenspot got "YOU DAMN KID" picked up by Fox, people have been waiting for the next big project from them...I can't tell you who we are talking to about this, or who its been sent to, but trust me, the treatment is good... so good in fact that I want to run it as the NEXT Landis book....but a new artist is needed for it...
Anywho, I've probably said TOO much, and since this is my longest blog post in a while, people may not actually read all that. I just hope the LANDIS V.1 gets published soon, because I want to make sure that ANYONE who wants a copy of the WHOLE book, IN FULL COLOR AND FULLY LETTERED gets to see EVERYTHING they were hoping to...and who knows, I may even be able to sneak the 25 page ARDY: CTNS 10th Anniversary Director's Cut into all that, too...
Now all I gotta do is find out how much Blatant is going to pay me, AND try to get both Eric and JK a pinup page in the DEAD SONJA book...heh.
I started my new job a month ago, with the intention of growing in it, and trying to develop a career...yesterday, before I got home from vacation, I began looking for another job. Why?
Because its the stupid corporate world where you are doing it for someone else. It isn't like a government job where you can grow old in it, and heck, maybe even excel to the point of making a difference, it is simply doing someone else's work for them, and half the time, the people you work for can't even do the job you are doing, so why the hell should they be ahead of you in the game?
I applied for a job with the State Lottery, as well as a corporate sales position with a top computer company...why? Because the money is decent, the benefits are good, and I could start my own family...the only other type of job that would be truly possible in...
My own business...and trust me, I'm talking with someone about the possibility of that, too...but will it happen? I'm not sure. I want it to, even though the amount of effort, work, drive and motivation would be solely on my shoulders there...but I want it.
To own my own comic store, or at least be a business partner with an established comic store owner, working in it day to day to further my own stock in the building until one day it would be my own...THAT'S what I want...and I could be successful at it...the hard part would be finding the niche to get the guaranteed sales...and to drive the business so that you could make a profit...and in a comic store...that may take years...but would it be worth it?
I think so...and so does my wife, as long as I also sold art supplies from it... so paints, papers, canvas, you name it, she wants to sell that too...I just want to be able to cover the bills, have benefits and go from there...hell, if I was running a comic shop, I could be writing my own books...which speaking of which...
Today I got a new writing gig. From a gentleman by the name of Frederick J Blatant III, the publisher of Blatant Comics...yeah, I thought they were gone, too, but this October, I am writing a book titled DEAD SONJA, and yes, its a parody book in the style of my previous ones, EboniX-Men, Busty: The Vampire Murderer and Busty vs. XXXena.
Here's the cool thing about it. I wrote the entire FIRST 16 page story for the book already...when? Today. and its actually decent. I hope Freddie gets a good artist on it, but amazingly enough, for ALL Landis fans out there...this will be the FIRST collaborative effort from Owen Gieni and myself SINCE LANDIS...He's done the cover for it, which I'll see if I can get a link for.
The book will be 48 pages of story...and will consist of three different 16 page stories. It'll probably be in black and white, but under the off chance that it actually does enough orders in the solicitation (Diamond Distributors, the #1 distribution chain in comics gave it a SPOTLIGHT feature), we may see it happen in color.
Also, something on the LANDIS front for all you folks that still come here from time to time hoping for new story or art from her...
I was chatting with Keenspot's publisher, Chris Crosby earlier today about LANDIS VOLUME 1, and he said that due to the movie treatment that I wrote for it, that he may fast track the trade paperback collection edition of the book, so that he can place it into hands of people that actually make decisions of tv series or movies... Now remember, since Keenspot got "YOU DAMN KID" picked up by Fox, people have been waiting for the next big project from them...I can't tell you who we are talking to about this, or who its been sent to, but trust me, the treatment is good... so good in fact that I want to run it as the NEXT Landis book....but a new artist is needed for it...
Anywho, I've probably said TOO much, and since this is my longest blog post in a while, people may not actually read all that. I just hope the LANDIS V.1 gets published soon, because I want to make sure that ANYONE who wants a copy of the WHOLE book, IN FULL COLOR AND FULLY LETTERED gets to see EVERYTHING they were hoping to...and who knows, I may even be able to sneak the 25 page ARDY: CTNS 10th Anniversary Director's Cut into all that, too...
Now all I gotta do is find out how much Blatant is going to pay me, AND try to get both Eric and JK a pinup page in the DEAD SONJA book...heh.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Post 316 (8/4/06): Erik Larsen, and why I may NEVER be published by IMAGE
IMAGE comics is a company that is often known as the number three in the "Big Three," right behind Marvel and DC...problem is, it hasn't been "BIG" in about 6 years. It has done a lot of small press books since Jim Valentino took over as their editor in chief. He decided to bring these books in because of one reason... They were good.
Erik Larsen took over as the Publisher of Image when Jim no longer wanted the day to day strain. Its understandable that this would happen as burn out is big in any magazine, comic or book field.
Erik was known for his previous work on Spider-man, Punisher, and more recently his own Savage Dragon series (which has now gone about 130 issues, an amazing feat for a comic by an "indy" publisher). I thought who would understand a good story like LANDIS better than a guy that truly loves his own creations?
So I did something I never thought I'd do. I sent EVERY page of Landis art, including EVERY PAGE you folks had seen in full color AND all the others that hadn't been colored yet, on a DVD at 600 dpi to Mr. Larsen personally trying to get it looked at and published. I sent him my email address to reply, as this was what I wrote to him. I will paraphrase,since when I lost my last harddrive, I probably lost the exact letter.
"Mr. Larsen,
Enclosed with this letter is a DVD that contains 120 pages of a book titled LANDIS. This work has been near complete for approximately three years, and though it still requires coloring to be completed on the last pages, the book is nearly complete, and just needs a publisher, as all the other fees have been taken care of.
At Image, I understand you have a tendency to take chances on comics, and this book is a proven winner, having been launched as an online comic through the Keenspot Network. We need a publisher and Image and the Image "I" would give it its best chance at the exposure to help the book succeed."
There was more, like what the book was about, as well as a good catch and hook, the things that any great proposal is supposed to have.
I actually received an email from Mr. Larsen. It simply said, "Thank you for your interest in IMAGE Publishing your title. We have decided not to Publish Landis at this time."
Now this is not that big of a deal, except that I know the quality of LANDIS is better than some of the titles IMAGE DOES PUBLISH...which leads me to believe that Mr. Larsen NEVER looked at the pages or read any of the scripts. I feel he specifically based his opinions for the book on my hook, line and sinker...and he didn't like it.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a negotiating bug in me. I just need to talk to someone to get them to buy into what I'm selling. That's why I was great at commissioned sales (until the sales disappeared based on the companies idiocy). I feel that if I were to get 15 minutes with Mr. Larsen, or anyone in the comic community, I'd be able to land a writing gig. Why do I feel so strongly? Because I am good at negotiating.
The problem I run into is that no one begins conducting business in this industry over the phone or in person. ITs all email. Its all mailing a proposal...and its understandable.
I think I've been hard on Mr. Larsen and his position, and at this point, whether he wants to admit that he may hold a grudge against me for anything I've said, I think that if he sees my name on a proposal, no matter how great it may look, I think he may go, "Oh yeah, this guy again."
I've submitted four proposals in my life. One was for a book starring Madrox and Strong Guy...I was told by Joe Quesada that the characters were not marketable, but to contact Mike Marts about trying to get it as a backup story in X-Men Unlimited. That's not a "No, we don't want it." Mike Marts NEVER replied, even though the email sent to him was a forwarded reply from Joe Q.
The second idea was called "Superman/Batman: Before the Age." It was to be a two issue miniseries that involved a young Bruce Wayne meeting a young Clark Kent before they ever became heroes...Weird thing to this is that Smallville WAS NOT a TV show at this point, and the story dealt with Wayne's limo braking down in Smallville and watching as the kids were playing...Three years later, after this proposal...Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale write and draw a little 5 pager of a young Bruce Wayne's limo braking down in Smallville and watching kids playing. In NO way do I think that the idea was stolen, but my idea was thrown around with Ethan Van Sciver, who told me, "No Pro Writer would ever steal your idea, Rob, their Egos are too big. They want to show you that they can write better than anyone who's not in the business." This was a great sigh of relief, until I saw that story, and my heart sunk. To think that my idea was thought up by someone as popular and as good a writer as Jeph Loeb makes me realize that I've got great ideas...I mean really Great ideas...its just too bad my name isn't big enough.
I submitted Landis about 15 months ago to IMAGE, and that story was chronicled above.
And most recently, I sent another proposal to Joe Q about their Marvel Zombies projects. IT was a crossover from the book EXILES that would have them venture into the Marvel Zombie Universe...the response I received from Joe Q, "That's a good idea, Rob..." that was it. No negotiations...no book writing....just, it was a good idea and this probably means that its already in the works...
OH well...I need to get back into coming up with good ideas...maybe one time, I'll catch a break...anyway, back to my last real day of vacation.
Erik Larsen took over as the Publisher of Image when Jim no longer wanted the day to day strain. Its understandable that this would happen as burn out is big in any magazine, comic or book field.
Erik was known for his previous work on Spider-man, Punisher, and more recently his own Savage Dragon series (which has now gone about 130 issues, an amazing feat for a comic by an "indy" publisher). I thought who would understand a good story like LANDIS better than a guy that truly loves his own creations?
So I did something I never thought I'd do. I sent EVERY page of Landis art, including EVERY PAGE you folks had seen in full color AND all the others that hadn't been colored yet, on a DVD at 600 dpi to Mr. Larsen personally trying to get it looked at and published. I sent him my email address to reply, as this was what I wrote to him. I will paraphrase,since when I lost my last harddrive, I probably lost the exact letter.
"Mr. Larsen,
Enclosed with this letter is a DVD that contains 120 pages of a book titled LANDIS. This work has been near complete for approximately three years, and though it still requires coloring to be completed on the last pages, the book is nearly complete, and just needs a publisher, as all the other fees have been taken care of.
At Image, I understand you have a tendency to take chances on comics, and this book is a proven winner, having been launched as an online comic through the Keenspot Network. We need a publisher and Image and the Image "I" would give it its best chance at the exposure to help the book succeed."
There was more, like what the book was about, as well as a good catch and hook, the things that any great proposal is supposed to have.
I actually received an email from Mr. Larsen. It simply said, "Thank you for your interest in IMAGE Publishing your title. We have decided not to Publish Landis at this time."
Now this is not that big of a deal, except that I know the quality of LANDIS is better than some of the titles IMAGE DOES PUBLISH...which leads me to believe that Mr. Larsen NEVER looked at the pages or read any of the scripts. I feel he specifically based his opinions for the book on my hook, line and sinker...and he didn't like it.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a negotiating bug in me. I just need to talk to someone to get them to buy into what I'm selling. That's why I was great at commissioned sales (until the sales disappeared based on the companies idiocy). I feel that if I were to get 15 minutes with Mr. Larsen, or anyone in the comic community, I'd be able to land a writing gig. Why do I feel so strongly? Because I am good at negotiating.
The problem I run into is that no one begins conducting business in this industry over the phone or in person. ITs all email. Its all mailing a proposal...and its understandable.
I think I've been hard on Mr. Larsen and his position, and at this point, whether he wants to admit that he may hold a grudge against me for anything I've said, I think that if he sees my name on a proposal, no matter how great it may look, I think he may go, "Oh yeah, this guy again."
I've submitted four proposals in my life. One was for a book starring Madrox and Strong Guy...I was told by Joe Quesada that the characters were not marketable, but to contact Mike Marts about trying to get it as a backup story in X-Men Unlimited. That's not a "No, we don't want it." Mike Marts NEVER replied, even though the email sent to him was a forwarded reply from Joe Q.
The second idea was called "Superman/Batman: Before the Age." It was to be a two issue miniseries that involved a young Bruce Wayne meeting a young Clark Kent before they ever became heroes...Weird thing to this is that Smallville WAS NOT a TV show at this point, and the story dealt with Wayne's limo braking down in Smallville and watching as the kids were playing...Three years later, after this proposal...Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale write and draw a little 5 pager of a young Bruce Wayne's limo braking down in Smallville and watching kids playing. In NO way do I think that the idea was stolen, but my idea was thrown around with Ethan Van Sciver, who told me, "No Pro Writer would ever steal your idea, Rob, their Egos are too big. They want to show you that they can write better than anyone who's not in the business." This was a great sigh of relief, until I saw that story, and my heart sunk. To think that my idea was thought up by someone as popular and as good a writer as Jeph Loeb makes me realize that I've got great ideas...I mean really Great ideas...its just too bad my name isn't big enough.
I submitted Landis about 15 months ago to IMAGE, and that story was chronicled above.
And most recently, I sent another proposal to Joe Q about their Marvel Zombies projects. IT was a crossover from the book EXILES that would have them venture into the Marvel Zombie Universe...the response I received from Joe Q, "That's a good idea, Rob..." that was it. No negotiations...no book writing....just, it was a good idea and this probably means that its already in the works...
OH well...I need to get back into coming up with good ideas...maybe one time, I'll catch a break...anyway, back to my last real day of vacation.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Post 315 (7/28/06): Vacation has begun!
Good news. I'm on vacation. I drive 8 hours to get to the Jersey Shore tomorrow and then I'm off from everything for 9 days...but of course, I'll still be online. In fact, I'll probably be online MORE than I have in the past couple weeks, because I'll be bored with the beach by Sunday...hehe...yes, that means 24 hours after getting there.
Christy and I will try to be civil to everyone, but our REAL vacation starts TUESDAY when we get to Atlantic City for three days. I'm going to gamble gamble gamble!
(Shh, don't tell the wife that, though, because she thinks I'm going to sign over the house to a loan shark or something...)
Anyway, I'll probably give everyone some fun stories (if there are any)...(I'm sure at least one good gamble story will occur).
Christy and I will try to be civil to everyone, but our REAL vacation starts TUESDAY when we get to Atlantic City for three days. I'm going to gamble gamble gamble!
(Shh, don't tell the wife that, though, because she thinks I'm going to sign over the house to a loan shark or something...)
Anyway, I'll probably give everyone some fun stories (if there are any)...(I'm sure at least one good gamble story will occur).
Monday, July 24, 2006
Post 312 (7/24/06): Bachelor Parties...hehe.
At some point in everyone's life, they should experience a bachelor party...but not necessarily, be the guy that turns it into a true party...the other night (Saturday), I had the opportunity to go to a bachelor party that was in serious need of "sprucing up..."
Myself, Arnie, and Fubar (all on the myspace page for more info on them), drove down to Winston Salem (about an hour from home) to get to see our buddy Al on one of his last free nights. Everything about this party seemed a little off if you ask me, since we were going to start at Hooters, drink A LOT of beer, and then hit the strip club. I apologize now for the ladies reading this, but as funny as it was, its probably not the most appropriate story, hehe.
Anyway, the worst rain I've been a part of since my car almost washed away at the Jersey Shore last year, we get there and get soaked as we walk into the restaurant. We wait...and wait...and wait for a waitress to come and take our order. By the time she arrives, I order three pitchers of beer, thinking, if it is going to take her 20 minutes to come back, I want this to be at least something to tide us over. I offer the bachelor, Al, as much beer as he would like, and his other buddies start helping themselves...I don't know anybody here except Al, Fu and Arnie, but I let it slide based on the fact that I don't want to make everyone upset about something as trivial as this...
When the check comes, Arnie and I put $40 into it, and Fubar places $25 into the pot for driving and not drinking as much...this means that a TOTAL of $27 and tip HAS NOT BEEN PAID by three of us...the other six guys should be able to come up with that, right?....right? Nope, Arnie and I suddenly have to throw in more...so not only were they drinking the beer, they also didn't have a couple bucks to throw in...
We go to the strip club, but have to make a stop before we get there, so Al can throw up...this is a great stop, because it allow me to try a drink called TILT, which is an energy beer...good stuff, tastes like a dreamsicle.
Finally, we get to the strip club, on a Saturday night mind you, to find out that... ONLY ONE GIRL IS WORKING...AN ENTIRE CLUB! WHAT?!
I get directions to another club, broker a deal to get Al in for free...watch two of the other guys complain that it costs $10 to get in...$10?! THAT'S NOTHING. I broker another deal to get the leather couch section for HALF PRICE...and here the guys complain about this...sheesh.
Finally, boobies...we get some girls to come over, and who is it that has to get the dances for the bachelor...? Arnie and me.
All in all, I enjoyed the fun I had, not the money I spent, or having to be the best man when I'm not even in the wedding party. I hope Al realizes how much we did for him, because it was fun...
and it wouldn't have been if not for the boys from Durham.
Myself, Arnie, and Fubar (all on the myspace page for more info on them), drove down to Winston Salem (about an hour from home) to get to see our buddy Al on one of his last free nights. Everything about this party seemed a little off if you ask me, since we were going to start at Hooters, drink A LOT of beer, and then hit the strip club. I apologize now for the ladies reading this, but as funny as it was, its probably not the most appropriate story, hehe.
Anyway, the worst rain I've been a part of since my car almost washed away at the Jersey Shore last year, we get there and get soaked as we walk into the restaurant. We wait...and wait...and wait for a waitress to come and take our order. By the time she arrives, I order three pitchers of beer, thinking, if it is going to take her 20 minutes to come back, I want this to be at least something to tide us over. I offer the bachelor, Al, as much beer as he would like, and his other buddies start helping themselves...I don't know anybody here except Al, Fu and Arnie, but I let it slide based on the fact that I don't want to make everyone upset about something as trivial as this...
When the check comes, Arnie and I put $40 into it, and Fubar places $25 into the pot for driving and not drinking as much...this means that a TOTAL of $27 and tip HAS NOT BEEN PAID by three of us...the other six guys should be able to come up with that, right?....right? Nope, Arnie and I suddenly have to throw in more...so not only were they drinking the beer, they also didn't have a couple bucks to throw in...
We go to the strip club, but have to make a stop before we get there, so Al can throw up...this is a great stop, because it allow me to try a drink called TILT, which is an energy beer...good stuff, tastes like a dreamsicle.
Finally, we get to the strip club, on a Saturday night mind you, to find out that... ONLY ONE GIRL IS WORKING...AN ENTIRE CLUB! WHAT?!
I get directions to another club, broker a deal to get Al in for free...watch two of the other guys complain that it costs $10 to get in...$10?! THAT'S NOTHING. I broker another deal to get the leather couch section for HALF PRICE...and here the guys complain about this...sheesh.
Finally, boobies...we get some girls to come over, and who is it that has to get the dances for the bachelor...? Arnie and me.
All in all, I enjoyed the fun I had, not the money I spent, or having to be the best man when I'm not even in the wedding party. I hope Al realizes how much we did for him, because it was fun...
and it wouldn't have been if not for the boys from Durham.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Post 311 (7/20/06): One of "THOSE" conversations.
HELLO still isn't working, so I still don't have any art to post...sorry...now going to talk about my personal life again.
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Christy and I (that's my wife, folks) had one of those conversations that you dread, and then whens its over, you may feel a little better about it, but overall, you still dread it because you aren't sure how are you going to...or how you want to react.
I asked her if she felt we connect anymore. And I got the hard answer. Christy hasn't been good at sugarcoating recently, since I asked her if she found me physically attractive and got a diatribe about all the reasons why she wouldn't when all I was doing was fishing for a compliment. She apologized, but today I got the answer that hurts. She said, "I want to..." Not "yes," but not "No." But it seemed apparent, that everything she was saying was trying to "not hurt my feelings." Much like I do everytime I tell her nothings wrong, or explain how I feel without explaining all of it...but today was different, I was going to be heard, I was going to explain myself, because I am tired of arguing over drinking, drinking and driving, her friends, where she wants to hang out and why I'm angry with her all the time....Yes, this means she's not always the bad guy, and I truly love her.
I am an excellent judge of character. Its a gift and a curse. Its a gift because it allows me to learn about truly good people...its a curse because I learn all too often who's not worth my time, and my wife doesn't learn that lesson nearly as soon as I do. But anyway.
I brought one huge point to the forefront of us today that I've been denying myself and knowing that it was what I wanted, but was trying to accept that I was never going to get it...and no, I'm not talking about butt sex, hehe...
I told her our biggest "disconnect" was this..."Christy, you are THE MOST IMPORTANT THING in the world to me. When I accept you doing something, its because I want you to be happy. When I disagree with something you do, its because I want to do whats best for you...We fight because I tell you I want to be respected, and I want my opinion to matter. I want...to be number one in your life. I don't want to be number 2, 3, or further down the line. I put you first, regardless of anything...and I'm not put first to you."
A relationship only truly works forever if you want to make that other person happy. Do you have to be happy with yourself? Sure, but you still want to appease them, and make them realize how important they are, and how much you love them... otherwise, all you'll have left is yourself. Sacrifice, compromise and understanding. Yet, for some reason its human nature to be selfish and not care about another person's feelings, needs or wants.
"Christy, I didn't tell you to change anything about our wedding because it was all done the way you wanted, which made it how I wanted. All that work, and the most REAL smile I've ever seen on your face...that gave me everything I've ever wanted in life."
Her smiling makes me smile. Her wanting to make me smile is what I miss.
Maybe one of these days we'll really appreciate what the other does for us...but right now, I just want what I give her and start there...
I love her so much that I'm willing to do anything for her...and I just want to know that she'd sacrifice anything to reciprocate...
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Christy and I (that's my wife, folks) had one of those conversations that you dread, and then whens its over, you may feel a little better about it, but overall, you still dread it because you aren't sure how are you going to...or how you want to react.
I asked her if she felt we connect anymore. And I got the hard answer. Christy hasn't been good at sugarcoating recently, since I asked her if she found me physically attractive and got a diatribe about all the reasons why she wouldn't when all I was doing was fishing for a compliment. She apologized, but today I got the answer that hurts. She said, "I want to..." Not "yes," but not "No." But it seemed apparent, that everything she was saying was trying to "not hurt my feelings." Much like I do everytime I tell her nothings wrong, or explain how I feel without explaining all of it...but today was different, I was going to be heard, I was going to explain myself, because I am tired of arguing over drinking, drinking and driving, her friends, where she wants to hang out and why I'm angry with her all the time....Yes, this means she's not always the bad guy, and I truly love her.
I am an excellent judge of character. Its a gift and a curse. Its a gift because it allows me to learn about truly good people...its a curse because I learn all too often who's not worth my time, and my wife doesn't learn that lesson nearly as soon as I do. But anyway.
I brought one huge point to the forefront of us today that I've been denying myself and knowing that it was what I wanted, but was trying to accept that I was never going to get it...and no, I'm not talking about butt sex, hehe...
I told her our biggest "disconnect" was this..."Christy, you are THE MOST IMPORTANT THING in the world to me. When I accept you doing something, its because I want you to be happy. When I disagree with something you do, its because I want to do whats best for you...We fight because I tell you I want to be respected, and I want my opinion to matter. I want...to be number one in your life. I don't want to be number 2, 3, or further down the line. I put you first, regardless of anything...and I'm not put first to you."
A relationship only truly works forever if you want to make that other person happy. Do you have to be happy with yourself? Sure, but you still want to appease them, and make them realize how important they are, and how much you love them... otherwise, all you'll have left is yourself. Sacrifice, compromise and understanding. Yet, for some reason its human nature to be selfish and not care about another person's feelings, needs or wants.
"Christy, I didn't tell you to change anything about our wedding because it was all done the way you wanted, which made it how I wanted. All that work, and the most REAL smile I've ever seen on your face...that gave me everything I've ever wanted in life."
Her smiling makes me smile. Her wanting to make me smile is what I miss.
Maybe one of these days we'll really appreciate what the other does for us...but right now, I just want what I give her and start there...
I love her so much that I'm willing to do anything for her...and I just want to know that she'd sacrifice anything to reciprocate...
Monday, July 17, 2006
Post 310...problems :(
So get this...I find ALL this old art, including stuff that will NOW be included in the ARDY: City That Never Sleeps 10th Anniversary Director's Cut, like sketches from Tim and myself for the character designs, page layouts to show where Tim was going with the art and such...and yet, for some reason the program I use to upload pics to the blog, called HELLO, is not connecting to the server. Like at all. I've reinstalled the software and everything and I could NOT find a way to get this stuff uploaded. What this means is that I may put it all on the myspace page, or I may just leave it until the printed edition comes out...but the craziness of everything is I found some of my OLDEST Landis sketches, including a "silent" four page story that shows exactly how influenced by Highlander she was when I created her.
Its unfortunate, and I'm trying to make sure I at least get on here to show you guys that I am still trying to give new and fresh material at least once per week like the contract with Keenspot says I have to, and I KNOW that just reading what I have to blog about is probably not enough, so I WANT to give you more, and I will...please believe that.
If I could figure out how to html other files onto the blog, I would, I hope you all understand that, too. I'm NO internet genius and I do not claim to be one....that's part of the reason THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES hasn't begun yet (that and the pages aren't lettered, yet, either...JK is going to be showing me how to do that, again, so that we can both do it, and get it up to the speed with need it.
Anyway, I've been doodling a lot more recently, though only when I have time at home, and I've found some great old ARDY pieces that I may make into prints through Ka-Blam! In fact, I need to get in touch with Tony Furtado since I don't have that awesome ARDY piece he did recently since my harddrive crash earlier this year.
Also, one more time, I'll ask anyone who wants to submit an original Landis drawing to please do so. So far I don't have any commitments for it, though I'd love to have anyone who wants to show their best Landis.
Alright, I'll try to be back before the end of the week to give an update for both me and JK on ARDY's progress, and hopefully Eric's progress with TAGGER, as well.
Its unfortunate, and I'm trying to make sure I at least get on here to show you guys that I am still trying to give new and fresh material at least once per week like the contract with Keenspot says I have to, and I KNOW that just reading what I have to blog about is probably not enough, so I WANT to give you more, and I will...please believe that.
If I could figure out how to html other files onto the blog, I would, I hope you all understand that, too. I'm NO internet genius and I do not claim to be one....that's part of the reason THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES hasn't begun yet (that and the pages aren't lettered, yet, either...JK is going to be showing me how to do that, again, so that we can both do it, and get it up to the speed with need it.
Anyway, I've been doodling a lot more recently, though only when I have time at home, and I've found some great old ARDY pieces that I may make into prints through Ka-Blam! In fact, I need to get in touch with Tony Furtado since I don't have that awesome ARDY piece he did recently since my harddrive crash earlier this year.
Also, one more time, I'll ask anyone who wants to submit an original Landis drawing to please do so. So far I don't have any commitments for it, though I'd love to have anyone who wants to show their best Landis.
Alright, I'll try to be back before the end of the week to give an update for both me and JK on ARDY's progress, and hopefully Eric's progress with TAGGER, as well.
Post 310...problems :(
So get this...I find ALL this old art, including stuff that will NOW be included in the ARDY: City That Never Sleeps 10th Anniversary Director's Cut, like sketches from Tim and myself for the character designs, page layouts to show where Tim was going with the art and such...and yet, for some reason the program I use to upload pics to the blog, called HELLO, is not connecting to the server. Like at all. I've reinstalled the software and everything and I could NOT find a way to get this stuff uploaded. What this means is that I may put it all on the myspace page, or I may just leave it until the printed edition comes out...but the craziness of everything is I found some of my OLDEST Landis sketches, including a "silent" four page story that shows exactly how influenced by Highlander she was when I created her.
Its unfortunate, and I'm trying to make sure I at least get on here to show you guys that I am still trying to give new and fresh material at least once per week like the contract with Keenspot says I have to, and I KNOW that just reading what I have to blog about is probably not enough, so I WANT to give you more, and I will...please believe that.
If I could figure out how to html other files onto the blog, I would, I hope you all understand that, too. I'm NO internet genius and I do not claim to be one....that's part of the reason THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES hasn't begun yet (that and the pages aren't lettered, yet, either...JK is going to be showing me how to do that, again, so that we can both do it, and get it up to the speed with need it.
Anyway, I've been doodling a lot more recently, though only when I have time at home, and I've found some great old ARDY pieces that I may make into prints through Ka-Blam! In fact, I need to get in touch with Tony Furtado since I don't have that awesome ARDY piece he did recently since my harddrive crash earlier this year.
Also, one more time, I'll ask anyone who wants to submit an original Landis drawing to please do so. So far I don't have any commitments for it, though I'd love to have anyone who wants to show their best Landis.
Alright, I'll try to be back before the end of the week to give an update for both me and JK on ARDY's progress, and hopefully Eric's progress with TAGGER, as well.
Its unfortunate, and I'm trying to make sure I at least get on here to show you guys that I am still trying to give new and fresh material at least once per week like the contract with Keenspot says I have to, and I KNOW that just reading what I have to blog about is probably not enough, so I WANT to give you more, and I will...please believe that.
If I could figure out how to html other files onto the blog, I would, I hope you all understand that, too. I'm NO internet genius and I do not claim to be one....that's part of the reason THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES hasn't begun yet (that and the pages aren't lettered, yet, either...JK is going to be showing me how to do that, again, so that we can both do it, and get it up to the speed with need it.
Anyway, I've been doodling a lot more recently, though only when I have time at home, and I've found some great old ARDY pieces that I may make into prints through Ka-Blam! In fact, I need to get in touch with Tony Furtado since I don't have that awesome ARDY piece he did recently since my harddrive crash earlier this year.
Also, one more time, I'll ask anyone who wants to submit an original Landis drawing to please do so. So far I don't have any commitments for it, though I'd love to have anyone who wants to show their best Landis.
Alright, I'll try to be back before the end of the week to give an update for both me and JK on ARDY's progress, and hopefully Eric's progress with TAGGER, as well.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Post 309: Everything goes on...
So JK and I are attempting to get everything set up for a launch in August of THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES. I truly thought that we would have been able to launch the site in conjunction with the end of the other story, but as things went on and on, it became more and more difficult to get everything ready. We are ahead on the pages, but they still need to be lettered and they still need to be finalized. This shouldn't take too long to get done, but I'm realizing that I haven't even chat with any of you to let you know what was going on with it.
With TAGGER, Eric and I are moving ahead and we may get that project moving faster than anticipated by going with Black and White penciled art...similar to Everything Jake on Keenspot. This does NOT mean that the project is ready to launch, because once again, we're going to move forward when we are ahead enough.
Finally, I apologize for not updating everyone recently with the goings on, and for all the nay-sayers of Superman Returns, see it in IMAX 3D...I personally think that although it isn't as good as Superman 2, it is a very well done movie, and looks simply gorgeous. And for anyone that said that Kevin Spacey was "Goofy" as Lex Luther... he was perfect and only had one moment of looking silly...and that was probably done more as an homage to Richard Donner than anything else...
Next up, Pirates 2, which from what I hear, cheats by "To be Continued"
With TAGGER, Eric and I are moving ahead and we may get that project moving faster than anticipated by going with Black and White penciled art...similar to Everything Jake on Keenspot. This does NOT mean that the project is ready to launch, because once again, we're going to move forward when we are ahead enough.
Finally, I apologize for not updating everyone recently with the goings on, and for all the nay-sayers of Superman Returns, see it in IMAX 3D...I personally think that although it isn't as good as Superman 2, it is a very well done movie, and looks simply gorgeous. And for anyone that said that Kevin Spacey was "Goofy" as Lex Luther... he was perfect and only had one moment of looking silly...and that was probably done more as an homage to Richard Donner than anything else...
Next up, Pirates 2, which from what I hear, cheats by "To be Continued"
Friday, June 30, 2006
Post 307: James O'Barr, creator of THE CROW, draws LANDIS! Prints available!
Wowwie...
This here is a piece that was done today at Heroes Con by NONE OTHER than the creator of THE CROW, James O'Barr.
I'll be offering it from the show as a LIMITED EDITION PRINT for a short time period only, since I don't want Mr. O'Barr mad at me, heh, but it was one of the few sketches he actually did at the Heroes Con.
No, I will not be selling the original, since it will probably be framed, much like the Ethan Van Sciver piece, and placed in my living room.
I'll post more about my convention experience from this year, as well as at least one more piece of art I got from the artist of Ghost Rider, and hopefully I'll be able to show everyone at least a photo of me and my original Andy Lee painting (if I would have known he would have painted anything I wanted, I would have had him paint Ardy, but instead, I got a painting of the Flash).
Anyway, I will probably update everyone with the entire Con Experience tomorrow, but hurry if you want this piece of Landis history...available at cafepress.com/potchak
This here is a piece that was done today at Heroes Con by NONE OTHER than the creator of THE CROW, James O'Barr.
I'll be offering it from the show as a LIMITED EDITION PRINT for a short time period only, since I don't want Mr. O'Barr mad at me, heh, but it was one of the few sketches he actually did at the Heroes Con.
No, I will not be selling the original, since it will probably be framed, much like the Ethan Van Sciver piece, and placed in my living room.
I'll post more about my convention experience from this year, as well as at least one more piece of art I got from the artist of Ghost Rider, and hopefully I'll be able to show everyone at least a photo of me and my original Andy Lee painting (if I would have known he would have painted anything I wanted, I would have had him paint Ardy, but instead, I got a painting of the Flash).
Anyway, I will probably update everyone with the entire Con Experience tomorrow, but hurry if you want this piece of Landis history...available at cafepress.com/potchak
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Post 306: Rob draws Wolverine...again...
My latest drawing. Its Wolverine, since he's always really been my favorite character, and I went for a mostly silhouette look for him... call it cheating, whatever, I like the piece, as it really seems to show off my crosshatching. Comments?
Post 306: New Art coming soon!
Hey folks...I just wanted to let everyone know the past little while at the current job is boring, so I've been doodling the past few days. In fact, they recently installed new filters so that I can't go to myspace or some other favorite sites. Luckily, blogger is still okay, so that's good.
With the end of City that Never Sleeps in a few days, I want to really THANK everyone that has stuck through the old material, because I'm hoping everyone is going to like the new material.
JK is working hard to get the full "first chapter" of The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures complete before launch, and I know Eric is trucking away on the pages of TAGGER, so it'll be great when I've got stuff to show everyone.
The format for TAVA will probably be Tuesday and Thursday updates, bu if JK and I think we can go as far as M-W-F, we may stick with that. I have to be honest when I say that I want to stay as far ahead on the prjects as possible, but I'll be writing the second story arc soon...since the first one is 40 or so pages, and JK is about 16 pages into it (and about 13 fully colored already), I have a little bitof a breather, but I feel like I'm kinda letting the fans of LANDIS down a little.
IF ANYONE is interested in doing a GUEST PAGE for Landis (or a pinup) or anything, let me know! I'm VERY interested in giving the masses NEW material. I know JK said he'd like to do a pinup or two for LANDIS, so we'll see if they come up :).
Anyway,
I'll be posting MY OWN art in the next couple days, so even if the main LANDIS site goes into a "reprinting" of the first arc (which it may), I'll be updating the blog with new art, hopefully every M-W-F for the time being just to keep us going.
However, my art may not just be of sketches of LANDIS, ARDY, TAGGER or other, I may post some newer art from THIEF (even though it isn't a Keenspot Exclusive to date), ATOMIC TEEN, CIPHER, or maybe even just redrawing some characters from my past, like Raccoon Man :)...I always liked drawing that guy.
Anyway, if anyone has any comic characters that they want me to try and draw, hit this up with a comment, and I'll see if I can't comply.
One last bit, and I want everyone's opinion about this one...I've noticed A LOT of webcomics accepting donations from fans to keep the quality and the product going. What is everyone's opinion of this? Does anyone think that they would ever consider donating for the comics? I'm just wondering...I don't think I'd do it, but I know that having to have a fulltime day job (just like BOTH artists, JK and Eric), we can't be as fast as we'd truly like on the comic, so I am just asking for opinions on this theory and way of doing comics.
With the end of City that Never Sleeps in a few days, I want to really THANK everyone that has stuck through the old material, because I'm hoping everyone is going to like the new material.
JK is working hard to get the full "first chapter" of The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures complete before launch, and I know Eric is trucking away on the pages of TAGGER, so it'll be great when I've got stuff to show everyone.
The format for TAVA will probably be Tuesday and Thursday updates, bu if JK and I think we can go as far as M-W-F, we may stick with that. I have to be honest when I say that I want to stay as far ahead on the prjects as possible, but I'll be writing the second story arc soon...since the first one is 40 or so pages, and JK is about 16 pages into it (and about 13 fully colored already), I have a little bitof a breather, but I feel like I'm kinda letting the fans of LANDIS down a little.
IF ANYONE is interested in doing a GUEST PAGE for Landis (or a pinup) or anything, let me know! I'm VERY interested in giving the masses NEW material. I know JK said he'd like to do a pinup or two for LANDIS, so we'll see if they come up :).
Anyway,
I'll be posting MY OWN art in the next couple days, so even if the main LANDIS site goes into a "reprinting" of the first arc (which it may), I'll be updating the blog with new art, hopefully every M-W-F for the time being just to keep us going.
However, my art may not just be of sketches of LANDIS, ARDY, TAGGER or other, I may post some newer art from THIEF (even though it isn't a Keenspot Exclusive to date), ATOMIC TEEN, CIPHER, or maybe even just redrawing some characters from my past, like Raccoon Man :)...I always liked drawing that guy.
Anyway, if anyone has any comic characters that they want me to try and draw, hit this up with a comment, and I'll see if I can't comply.
One last bit, and I want everyone's opinion about this one...I've noticed A LOT of webcomics accepting donations from fans to keep the quality and the product going. What is everyone's opinion of this? Does anyone think that they would ever consider donating for the comics? I'm just wondering...I don't think I'd do it, but I know that having to have a fulltime day job (just like BOTH artists, JK and Eric), we can't be as fast as we'd truly like on the comic, so I am just asking for opinions on this theory and way of doing comics.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Posts 300-305: Art and fun fun stuff.
Alrighty...I was going to just post the THREE HUNDREDTH blog post today, but because of the special occassion, I went all out with it. As this is now actually post 305, with lots of really cool art on here...and now time to explain what they are...
The first piece (at the bottom of the five pieces), is the Heroes Convention poster that's given away to all attendees of the show, from Arthur Suydam, the fantasy painter. It's actually a recreation painting of Captain America #100 done into the new fad of Marvel Zombies.
The second piece of art is actually what's going to be given away to anyone who preorders their 3 day passes for the show. It's drawn by Bryan (ULTIMATES) Hitch, who is Marvel exclusive, but has always wanted a shot at drawing Superman, so he's done it. Since Christy and I have pre-ordered 3 day passes, we'll be receiving one each, so one to frame and one to do whatever...
The third piece of art is as it says, from my favorite comic artist, Travis (METABARONS) Charest. Here's the thing with this guy...he lives in France, and this is his only american con this year (or so I've been told). He is also one of those artists that is like IMPOSSIBLE to get original art from (I've got a poster autographed, but that's it). Here, he's drawn Captain America from the 40's, and as you can see, it's a piece of genius. Don't expect to see TOO much from him, as he's been working on a Metabarons graphic novel for what seems like 3 years now. For current work, look at Dark Horse Comics KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC, which he's currently painting the covers for.
The fourth piece of art is a piece I recently purchased, and is by none other than John (ASTONISHING X-MEN) Cassaday. Unfortunately, he's not going to make the Heroes Con this year, and he's a really cool guy...I got to talk to him for about 2 hours when Astonishing started 2 years ago at this convention. He's totally the GQ artist. But he's so down to earth, he didn't mind just talking...
Neither did Tony Harris or Tom Feister of Ex Machina, either, as they were also part of the 2 hour discussion. I thanked them for taking their time away from deadlines to come out and see fans because they probably didn't get thanked enough.
Finally...the last piece of art...Mark Texeira's Ghost Rider. This one is a pencil sketch done on FCBD this year. I love this man's work, and him and his brother-in-law, Javier Saltares are going to be at the show this year, promoting their new GHOST RIDER series written by Daniel Way. And though I'd love to get a sketch of Ardy or Landis from him, he's never really seemed like that personable of a guy to be able to ask that to...unlike Brandon Peterson, Cully Hamner (and the Gaijin Studio guys), Mike Weiringo, Tim Townsend (Who won't be there this year, booo) and others that just seem really grateful to have people looking at their work. Tim Townsend gave me some great black and white prints because we used to talk online back in the day before artists couldn't go online because they'd get hounded for commissions or whatever.
I really miss those days.
Well, I'm going to end this anniversary blogpost now, but please, if you'd like, share your favorite blog moment in the comments, since this is such a momentus occassion.
Thanks for reading, and here's to another 300 posts!
The first piece (at the bottom of the five pieces), is the Heroes Convention poster that's given away to all attendees of the show, from Arthur Suydam, the fantasy painter. It's actually a recreation painting of Captain America #100 done into the new fad of Marvel Zombies.
The second piece of art is actually what's going to be given away to anyone who preorders their 3 day passes for the show. It's drawn by Bryan (ULTIMATES) Hitch, who is Marvel exclusive, but has always wanted a shot at drawing Superman, so he's done it. Since Christy and I have pre-ordered 3 day passes, we'll be receiving one each, so one to frame and one to do whatever...
The third piece of art is as it says, from my favorite comic artist, Travis (METABARONS) Charest. Here's the thing with this guy...he lives in France, and this is his only american con this year (or so I've been told). He is also one of those artists that is like IMPOSSIBLE to get original art from (I've got a poster autographed, but that's it). Here, he's drawn Captain America from the 40's, and as you can see, it's a piece of genius. Don't expect to see TOO much from him, as he's been working on a Metabarons graphic novel for what seems like 3 years now. For current work, look at Dark Horse Comics KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC, which he's currently painting the covers for.
The fourth piece of art is a piece I recently purchased, and is by none other than John (ASTONISHING X-MEN) Cassaday. Unfortunately, he's not going to make the Heroes Con this year, and he's a really cool guy...I got to talk to him for about 2 hours when Astonishing started 2 years ago at this convention. He's totally the GQ artist. But he's so down to earth, he didn't mind just talking...
Neither did Tony Harris or Tom Feister of Ex Machina, either, as they were also part of the 2 hour discussion. I thanked them for taking their time away from deadlines to come out and see fans because they probably didn't get thanked enough.
Finally...the last piece of art...Mark Texeira's Ghost Rider. This one is a pencil sketch done on FCBD this year. I love this man's work, and him and his brother-in-law, Javier Saltares are going to be at the show this year, promoting their new GHOST RIDER series written by Daniel Way. And though I'd love to get a sketch of Ardy or Landis from him, he's never really seemed like that personable of a guy to be able to ask that to...unlike Brandon Peterson, Cully Hamner (and the Gaijin Studio guys), Mike Weiringo, Tim Townsend (Who won't be there this year, booo) and others that just seem really grateful to have people looking at their work. Tim Townsend gave me some great black and white prints because we used to talk online back in the day before artists couldn't go online because they'd get hounded for commissions or whatever.
I really miss those days.
Well, I'm going to end this anniversary blogpost now, but please, if you'd like, share your favorite blog moment in the comments, since this is such a momentus occassion.
Thanks for reading, and here's to another 300 posts!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Post 299: Isn't it funny how these trends start?
Everyone I know suddenly is talking about how Chuck Norris' beard is impervious to pain, how he makes books tell him what he wants to know and how he counts to infinity...twice.
Well, I've gone ahead and added to the trend, with the official UNOfficial WHAT WOULD CHUCK NORRIS DO T-Shirt.
That's right, I'm joining in on the hoopla, because its just too damned funny. You can actually view this Black T-shirt with White lettering at my store, at the site:
http://www.cafepress.com/potchak.63024532
The tee is 19.99, since that's what Cafepress charges for the shirt, but anyone who wants to order one, I'll send you a FREE The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures Magnet, since they are also now on sale on the site (a 2.49 value BEFORE shipping).
See, it isn't so bad. In fact, ANY T-shirt Purchase for the time being will be shipped a FREE THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES MAGNET.
Thanks for listening.
Everyone I know suddenly is talking about how Chuck Norris' beard is impervious to pain, how he makes books tell him what he wants to know and how he counts to infinity...twice.
Well, I've gone ahead and added to the trend, with the official UNOfficial WHAT WOULD CHUCK NORRIS DO T-Shirt.
That's right, I'm joining in on the hoopla, because its just too damned funny. You can actually view this Black T-shirt with White lettering at my store, at the site:
http://www.cafepress.com/potchak.63024532
The tee is 19.99, since that's what Cafepress charges for the shirt, but anyone who wants to order one, I'll send you a FREE The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures Magnet, since they are also now on sale on the site (a 2.49 value BEFORE shipping).
See, it isn't so bad. In fact, ANY T-shirt Purchase for the time being will be shipped a FREE THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES MAGNET.
Thanks for listening.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Post 298: Hypothetical
IF you were to tell a loved one that you are not going to talk to, IM, TXT Msg or Phone a person because it is a detriment to your relationship...is it okay to contact that person if it is "purely innocent?"
"Purely innocent?" Sure...like, "How ya doin?...Ok...Good. Gotta run, stay outta trouble." Y'know, not the "Hey, hopefully I can leave my husband for you, and then be back in time for dinner..."
See with me...Any type of deceit is lying. Its how I am. I don't do it to you, I don't expect it done to me. If it is done to me, you are breaking trust and you are ruining what you've worked "hard" to establish. I don't like being deceived, no matter what the cause or purpose. I don't like being lied to for any reason.
I'd find it much easier to deal with a situation where I was cheated on and told about it. At least that way, I could say, "get out of my life you dirty tramp...." because obviously, someone in that kind of situation doesn't want their home life the way that it is anyway, so the release is at least mildly expected.
Now see, the question at hand is something I feel very strnogly about because it creates a "give me the benefit of the doubt, and I will prove what I want" scenario that if you allow it to occur once, it'll continue. It's a junkie's mentality and it continues to go until you own up to it, take responsibility for it and start acting like an adult. Hell, this is why twelve step programs were created in first place.
Another thing I can't stand is this..."I feel like if I'm told I'm not allowed to do something, it makes me want to do it more..." What the hell is this? It is basically a drug abuser's feeling for the coke or the heroin that is totally bad for them...they KNOW it is bad for them, and it makes the Jones that much worse.
If you aren't willing to make your decisions in life based on what you believe, are you living a lie?
And finally...who out there has ever placed themselves into a position where they are so low on themselves that instead of grabbing the bull by the horns and riding the problems out to see the light that EVERYONE knows can and will happen, they just continue to make mistakes, create lies and live in their own filth based on the decisions that keep piling up because they don't like themselves?
Me...I don't like a lot of things I've done in my life, but I'd never do anything to hurt those I love or care about on purpose for the fact that it may cause me a SINGLE MOMENT of happiness, when its my overall LIFE that is important to me. Why do people live for a single moment, when if they live for their life they'll ultimately find some sembalence of happiness in there somewhere?
You folks that read this can try to decipher a hidden meaning here, but I don't think there is one. I truly feel that I try to live my life the way I'm supposed to. Not lying, not stealing, not cheating or deceiving, but I haven't been given the happiness of Earl's list in My Name is Earl, and I haven't been given the meaning of life...and I'm fine with that. Am I bound to find out anyway? Probably not.
Why is it that some people choose the wrong way and the wrong path through life, and yet skate by without a scratch, yet people that live an 85% healthy life of not hurting or deceiving gets into as much of a gamut as I do?
Don't worry, I'm actually not depressed right now. I'm just living my life the way I always do, and trying to enjoy the captions...even if they are in a foreign language to me at this point.
I'd love to hear opinions on this stuff. Thanks in advance!
"Purely innocent?" Sure...like, "How ya doin?...Ok...Good. Gotta run, stay outta trouble." Y'know, not the "Hey, hopefully I can leave my husband for you, and then be back in time for dinner..."
See with me...Any type of deceit is lying. Its how I am. I don't do it to you, I don't expect it done to me. If it is done to me, you are breaking trust and you are ruining what you've worked "hard" to establish. I don't like being deceived, no matter what the cause or purpose. I don't like being lied to for any reason.
I'd find it much easier to deal with a situation where I was cheated on and told about it. At least that way, I could say, "get out of my life you dirty tramp...." because obviously, someone in that kind of situation doesn't want their home life the way that it is anyway, so the release is at least mildly expected.
Now see, the question at hand is something I feel very strnogly about because it creates a "give me the benefit of the doubt, and I will prove what I want" scenario that if you allow it to occur once, it'll continue. It's a junkie's mentality and it continues to go until you own up to it, take responsibility for it and start acting like an adult. Hell, this is why twelve step programs were created in first place.
Another thing I can't stand is this..."I feel like if I'm told I'm not allowed to do something, it makes me want to do it more..." What the hell is this? It is basically a drug abuser's feeling for the coke or the heroin that is totally bad for them...they KNOW it is bad for them, and it makes the Jones that much worse.
If you aren't willing to make your decisions in life based on what you believe, are you living a lie?
And finally...who out there has ever placed themselves into a position where they are so low on themselves that instead of grabbing the bull by the horns and riding the problems out to see the light that EVERYONE knows can and will happen, they just continue to make mistakes, create lies and live in their own filth based on the decisions that keep piling up because they don't like themselves?
Me...I don't like a lot of things I've done in my life, but I'd never do anything to hurt those I love or care about on purpose for the fact that it may cause me a SINGLE MOMENT of happiness, when its my overall LIFE that is important to me. Why do people live for a single moment, when if they live for their life they'll ultimately find some sembalence of happiness in there somewhere?
You folks that read this can try to decipher a hidden meaning here, but I don't think there is one. I truly feel that I try to live my life the way I'm supposed to. Not lying, not stealing, not cheating or deceiving, but I haven't been given the happiness of Earl's list in My Name is Earl, and I haven't been given the meaning of life...and I'm fine with that. Am I bound to find out anyway? Probably not.
Why is it that some people choose the wrong way and the wrong path through life, and yet skate by without a scratch, yet people that live an 85% healthy life of not hurting or deceiving gets into as much of a gamut as I do?
Don't worry, I'm actually not depressed right now. I'm just living my life the way I always do, and trying to enjoy the captions...even if they are in a foreign language to me at this point.
I'd love to hear opinions on this stuff. Thanks in advance!
Post 297: Heroes Con 2007! And cars....
Hey all.
Recently, due to my issues at home, I thought that I'd be unable to attend Heroes Con in Charlotte. This really sucked, due to the fact that my favorite artist, Travis Charest is going to be there, and this is his ONLY American con this year. Those who don't know his stuff, check out his art, here...groups.msn.com/travischarest, trust me, you'll MORE than be glad you did. I'm going to try to at least get his sketch book or maybe even try to geta sketch from him, but I'm sure his line will be long enough to where I may have to get on a waiting list or something...(sucks).
This con is going to probably be bigger than the recent Philadelphia convention put on by Wizard World, because Wizard wanted to put another con on in Atlanta that weekend (June 30-July 2nd). Due to this, the comic community rallied behind the "little convention that could" and are planning to make this the biggest con in years (probably since Top Cow made the trek in 1998).
Anyway, I just wanted to say that Christy, my wife, has told me she's going to take next Thursday off so that we can drive down to Charlotte (the Convention Center is where it's at for anyone interested), and then come back on Friday after I've been able to get to the convention...
Of course, the following week, I'll be getting a new car...and I'm looking at the Nissan Sentra 1.8S...probably a 2004-2005. If anyone has any opinions about this model vehicle, please let me know...I think for the features I'm looking for and the pricing I want to look at this is probably the best options for me...but if anyone has another idea, please let me know...the other car that I thought was kinda of cool was a Suzuki Aerio SR, but I have no idea on their resale value nor how they hold up over time (something I've been told a Nissan is good at).
Anyway, help here would be great, folks. As always, you can post here, or email me at rpotchak@gmail.com
One last note...ANYBODY reading this that has my SUNCOM WIRELESS Number...it will be changing as of July 2nd. GET IN CONTACT WITH ME if you need my new number...and I'm not going to post it on my blog...
Recently, due to my issues at home, I thought that I'd be unable to attend Heroes Con in Charlotte. This really sucked, due to the fact that my favorite artist, Travis Charest is going to be there, and this is his ONLY American con this year. Those who don't know his stuff, check out his art, here...groups.msn.com/travischarest, trust me, you'll MORE than be glad you did. I'm going to try to at least get his sketch book or maybe even try to geta sketch from him, but I'm sure his line will be long enough to where I may have to get on a waiting list or something...(sucks).
This con is going to probably be bigger than the recent Philadelphia convention put on by Wizard World, because Wizard wanted to put another con on in Atlanta that weekend (June 30-July 2nd). Due to this, the comic community rallied behind the "little convention that could" and are planning to make this the biggest con in years (probably since Top Cow made the trek in 1998).
Anyway, I just wanted to say that Christy, my wife, has told me she's going to take next Thursday off so that we can drive down to Charlotte (the Convention Center is where it's at for anyone interested), and then come back on Friday after I've been able to get to the convention...
Of course, the following week, I'll be getting a new car...and I'm looking at the Nissan Sentra 1.8S...probably a 2004-2005. If anyone has any opinions about this model vehicle, please let me know...I think for the features I'm looking for and the pricing I want to look at this is probably the best options for me...but if anyone has another idea, please let me know...the other car that I thought was kinda of cool was a Suzuki Aerio SR, but I have no idea on their resale value nor how they hold up over time (something I've been told a Nissan is good at).
Anyway, help here would be great, folks. As always, you can post here, or email me at rpotchak@gmail.com
One last note...ANYBODY reading this that has my SUNCOM WIRELESS Number...it will be changing as of July 2nd. GET IN CONTACT WITH ME if you need my new number...and I'm not going to post it on my blog...
Friday, June 16, 2006
Post 296: Civil War Update...
So Marvel's second issue of CIVIL WAR came out this week, and wow. Mark Millar is still doing the things that he's been known for a long time, and he's doing them amazingly.
In this issue, without trying to give too much away, One MAJOR character shows teh world his identity (it was spoiled by the NEW YORK POST), and Captain America is recruiting other costumed heroes that are against registration.
Steve McNiven's art is top notch, and just seems to look like an animated movie more than it looks like a comic book. Morry Hollowell is not only outdoing himself with the coloring on the book, but really gives it a gritty feel, that really gos perfectly with Mc's art.
I just love this story, and from the sounds of it, this will be the straw that breaks said character's life up, and hopefully it'll continue down this path of one huge thing per issue.
So far greatness. I just hope Millar dosn't finish it like he did with WANTED.
BUY THIS COMIC...this is probably the best comic story I've read in YEARS.
In this issue, without trying to give too much away, One MAJOR character shows teh world his identity (it was spoiled by the NEW YORK POST), and Captain America is recruiting other costumed heroes that are against registration.
Steve McNiven's art is top notch, and just seems to look like an animated movie more than it looks like a comic book. Morry Hollowell is not only outdoing himself with the coloring on the book, but really gives it a gritty feel, that really gos perfectly with Mc's art.
I just love this story, and from the sounds of it, this will be the straw that breaks said character's life up, and hopefully it'll continue down this path of one huge thing per issue.
So far greatness. I just hope Millar dosn't finish it like he did with WANTED.
BUY THIS COMIC...this is probably the best comic story I've read in YEARS.
Post 295: Coloring books and milestones...
So today is actually the fifth anniversary of my first date with Christy, which coincidentally enough is two days AFTER the two year anniversary of me asking her to marry me...weird, huh?
So with the TRAIN concert set for next month in Raleigh...the same band's concert that I proposed to her at those two years ago (during "our song," Drops Of Jupiter which also happened to be the final snog of the night), things with the wife are starting to pan out and turn. As long as she remains honest and less selfish, things will continue to improve.
Again, with this situation, its never been about me not loving her...I love her more than life itself...its everything else...heh.
Ok...enough about the wife :), now its time to discuss comics. I've finished the FLAT colors on the first ten pages of The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures, and now I'm playing with adding some shading, some depth and some just fun stuff to the comic. Ultimately, I'm giving JK approval on the art, so whether we'll see the FLAT color, or the newer shaded stuff remains to be seen, but I'm doing both and we'll see where it goes.
So with the TRAIN concert set for next month in Raleigh...the same band's concert that I proposed to her at those two years ago (during "our song," Drops Of Jupiter which also happened to be the final snog of the night), things with the wife are starting to pan out and turn. As long as she remains honest and less selfish, things will continue to improve.
Again, with this situation, its never been about me not loving her...I love her more than life itself...its everything else...heh.
Ok...enough about the wife :), now its time to discuss comics. I've finished the FLAT colors on the first ten pages of The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures, and now I'm playing with adding some shading, some depth and some just fun stuff to the comic. Ultimately, I'm giving JK approval on the art, so whether we'll see the FLAT color, or the newer shaded stuff remains to be seen, but I'm doing both and we'll see where it goes.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Post 294: Update of sorts...TAVA news.
Alrighty, back from a wedding, not allowed to discuss ANYTHING aboutmy court case, and the wife and I are TRYING to trust each other and get through this temultuous first year of our marriage...so what's the most important piece of news?
THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES, while I'm afraid it may be a little behind schedule, all my fault, too, btw, has about 7 pages fully colored and ready to rock. I am held to NOT show ANY art until JK approves it, as is in his not yet written contract, but I have given my word that I will not show anything until he allows me to, heh.
I've a lot coming up in the next month, since I'll be starting a new day job, having a court case the following month, and somewhere in between actually having a vacation planned. What exactly does this mean?
I've told JK I don't want to launch TAVA until we have at least 30 pieces of `100% completed work. Sounds tough and rough, I know, but it isn't as bad as it may sound. As he's sending me the art, I'm coloring sometimes two to three pages a day, so as long as wecan keep up a great pace, we shouldbe able to have everything upand running by the first week of August, OR, if we both bust hump (and I know he is...like I said, this is ME slowing down everything) we may still meet our deadline, but I need to create the websites.
Anywho, hoep all is well with everyone else...I'm finally getting comic work done, so hopefully we'll be seeing more of me on here, too.
THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES, while I'm afraid it may be a little behind schedule, all my fault, too, btw, has about 7 pages fully colored and ready to rock. I am held to NOT show ANY art until JK approves it, as is in his not yet written contract, but I have given my word that I will not show anything until he allows me to, heh.
I've a lot coming up in the next month, since I'll be starting a new day job, having a court case the following month, and somewhere in between actually having a vacation planned. What exactly does this mean?
I've told JK I don't want to launch TAVA until we have at least 30 pieces of `100% completed work. Sounds tough and rough, I know, but it isn't as bad as it may sound. As he's sending me the art, I'm coloring sometimes two to three pages a day, so as long as wecan keep up a great pace, we shouldbe able to have everything upand running by the first week of August, OR, if we both bust hump (and I know he is...like I said, this is ME slowing down everything) we may still meet our deadline, but I need to create the websites.
Anywho, hoep all is well with everyone else...I'm finally getting comic work done, so hopefully we'll be seeing more of me on here, too.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Post 293: Ardy's first month numbers
Alright, trying to get my head straight and start talking about about accomplishments, last month, there was only ONE page of LANDIS story, and the rest of the month was Ardy's story, City That Never Sleeps (STILL NOT FINISHED, DON'T GO ANYWHERE)....and I must say, though the 94000 total hits this month is tremendously down, the fact that only 8000 hits left when the story shifted to a ten year old story that had mostly actually seen print is something I think is great.
The other good news is that Ardy has begun starting to see more people trying to catch up in recent days, so that's cool too.
Though I have to discuss with JK exactly when we are going to launch the NEW "The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures," adn I'll be working with a web designer to actually get the main site ardyvanstarr.com and vanstarr.com up at least in a main site with a gallery, blog and more.
I'm wondering if I want to start a new blog specifically for that, or if I want to continue this blog. I would love for JK to be able to give his opinions on a daily basis on the pages, or at least whenever he wants to talk about what's going on, so I may try to set up dueling blogs, OR a blog that we can both post into...and keep this one running here at elisalandis.com, since its been here for a while, and I still like updating everyone. I've even been considering giving a weekly scripted adventure, rather than with art and everything, maybe with some single panel pieces like Fantasy novels.
What does everyone think of that idea? This way I could still give Landis fans what they crave, its just the art may be fewer and farther between...although I'd love to have select pieces from existing artists, like Owen, maybe Eric, JK and anyone else that would like to contribute to that. If it got printed after the fact, in real book format, anyone who contributed would receive copies of the book.
If you are an artist that enjoys LANDIS and are interested in an idea like this, let me know. rpotchak@gmail.com
Thanks all...with everything that's happened, including what i pulled down last night, I'm going to have a lot more free time on my hands. I just hope it isn't all in vein and writer's block.
The other good news is that Ardy has begun starting to see more people trying to catch up in recent days, so that's cool too.
Though I have to discuss with JK exactly when we are going to launch the NEW "The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures," adn I'll be working with a web designer to actually get the main site ardyvanstarr.com and vanstarr.com up at least in a main site with a gallery, blog and more.
I'm wondering if I want to start a new blog specifically for that, or if I want to continue this blog. I would love for JK to be able to give his opinions on a daily basis on the pages, or at least whenever he wants to talk about what's going on, so I may try to set up dueling blogs, OR a blog that we can both post into...and keep this one running here at elisalandis.com, since its been here for a while, and I still like updating everyone. I've even been considering giving a weekly scripted adventure, rather than with art and everything, maybe with some single panel pieces like Fantasy novels.
What does everyone think of that idea? This way I could still give Landis fans what they crave, its just the art may be fewer and farther between...although I'd love to have select pieces from existing artists, like Owen, maybe Eric, JK and anyone else that would like to contribute to that. If it got printed after the fact, in real book format, anyone who contributed would receive copies of the book.
If you are an artist that enjoys LANDIS and are interested in an idea like this, let me know. rpotchak@gmail.com
Thanks all...with everything that's happened, including what i pulled down last night, I'm going to have a lot more free time on my hands. I just hope it isn't all in vein and writer's block.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Post 292: Dead inside...almost on the outside, too...
I had to delete this post to not incriminate certain situations...so hopefully certain people who wanted to see it got to.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Post 291: originally posted at myspace...and more.
The following was posted on my myspace page yesterday and I'm going to repost it here for everyone that didn't get to see that...at the end, I'll give more details into what's going on, because you guys are the ones I really care about...
-------------------
Have you ever been forced into making a decision about YOUR life because someone else FORCES it on you? I guess I'm talking similar to your parents cooking you meatloaf and making you eat it even though you want chicken...but bigger. A LOT bigger.
"What are you getting at, Rob?"
Its simple. Have any of you had to DUMP the love of your life because they won't do it, even though ALL their actions are telling you otherwise? I've personally been REAL depressed in the communication of my wife to me for the past two months. She had lied, possibly cheated and continued to keep up this behavior. I've constantly told her that I didn't want to end our FIVE year relationship for any reason, however, she's forcing it.
She has lied...she told me she'd stop...she lied again...she told me se'd stop...she lied AGAIN...and NONE of these are little white lies, but these were changes in her behavior that she had never displayed before. This is why I was able to let her come clean and move on...
But last night and today...she lied to me again. She got caught in the mother of all lies to me and she had NO WAY of covering it up...you can't tell someone that you are out of town (at the beach three hours away)...and then get caught ten minutes from home at the local Walmart...with another person.
Did you cheat? ..."No." Then why lie? "I'm ashamed and embarrassed. I don't like being this way or treating you like this?" ...Then why do it..and then do it again...and again...and again...? "I don't know. I don't know what I want." ...You are willing to give up FIVE YEARS for an "I don't know...?" What kind of bullshit is that?
Well, I'm sure others will hear this at least once or twice, and for that I'm sorry. But I'm giving up the single biggest thing in my life, and I'm going to need friends to be patient with me, and get through it, because I never wanted, and still don't want to end my relationship, or my loving her.
Thanks for the broken heart that you forced upon me...your behavior will not allow you to love or be loved for any period of time...so I hope throwing it all away is worth it for you.
-----------------
She came and talked to me last night. Between 7:45-10:30, and we just talked. I was mad, and upset, but I didn't become violent and I didn't break down. I just kept asking why would you lie, why would you continue to do the things that make you into a person you don't want to be? She didn't have an answer. Then she hit me with it.
"As much as I love you, I don't think I love you enough to be married to you..."
My reply to this was simple..."But you loved me enough to marry me in the first place? It doesn't work that way. You said to God that you married me to love and to serve, to honor and cherish, til death do us part. You made a commitment to me and a commitment in the eyes of God. Start acting like an adult and take responsiblity for your actions."
I went on to tell her that she needs to stop living for "a moment" and start living for LIFE. Meaning she needs to look down the road, and stop doing things that hurt and affect other people negatively, just because they may be fun for that instant. If you know something is going to cause a fight...especially in a time like this...why do it? If you know you are going to make somebody cry, do you try to make them cry? No, especially if you TRULY care about them.
I changed the locks at my house, and she asked why and what does it mean? I told her it means she doesn't come in until its what she decides she wants in life...why? Because right now it looks like she wants the comfort of a roommate and a roof over her head...when in actuality...she'll have neither unless she wants the marriage back. Am I wrong for that? I don't think so, her dad doesn't think so and all my friends say that they agree with me.
As much as her individual person needs to grow and accept what she's committed to, her biggest problem is that she doesn't see us as a single unit like a marriage is supposed to me. She feels she can have her life on one side, and have me on the other...I'm not going to accept that. I'm not going to take the abuse and punishment of someone that only wants a shoulder to cry on, and a lover on their terms, when the truth behind everything is that its only when they want it, and it isn't reciprocated AT ALL when the other person desires or requires it.
I hurt a lot right now, since I made her leave. The door is open for her to come back, but only if it is in the most genuine of circumstances...that she wants to TRY to make us work...that she wants to really put in the long hard effort to make the marriage last longer than a Britney Spears first one.
My wife needs to grow up. She needs to grasp her obligation and her promise of forever...and yes, she needs to think before she acts. She told me she'd let her actions speak for her before, and this is where we are...her forcing me to turn my back on the one thing I truly love more than life itself, because of her fear of a lifelong obligation and commitment.
Sorry guys...this is REALLY bugging me right now. I may post more later...
-------------------
Have you ever been forced into making a decision about YOUR life because someone else FORCES it on you? I guess I'm talking similar to your parents cooking you meatloaf and making you eat it even though you want chicken...but bigger. A LOT bigger.
"What are you getting at, Rob?"
Its simple. Have any of you had to DUMP the love of your life because they won't do it, even though ALL their actions are telling you otherwise? I've personally been REAL depressed in the communication of my wife to me for the past two months. She had lied, possibly cheated and continued to keep up this behavior. I've constantly told her that I didn't want to end our FIVE year relationship for any reason, however, she's forcing it.
She has lied...she told me she'd stop...she lied again...she told me se'd stop...she lied AGAIN...and NONE of these are little white lies, but these were changes in her behavior that she had never displayed before. This is why I was able to let her come clean and move on...
But last night and today...she lied to me again. She got caught in the mother of all lies to me and she had NO WAY of covering it up...you can't tell someone that you are out of town (at the beach three hours away)...and then get caught ten minutes from home at the local Walmart...with another person.
Did you cheat? ..."No." Then why lie? "I'm ashamed and embarrassed. I don't like being this way or treating you like this?" ...Then why do it..and then do it again...and again...and again...? "I don't know. I don't know what I want." ...You are willing to give up FIVE YEARS for an "I don't know...?" What kind of bullshit is that?
Well, I'm sure others will hear this at least once or twice, and for that I'm sorry. But I'm giving up the single biggest thing in my life, and I'm going to need friends to be patient with me, and get through it, because I never wanted, and still don't want to end my relationship, or my loving her.
Thanks for the broken heart that you forced upon me...your behavior will not allow you to love or be loved for any period of time...so I hope throwing it all away is worth it for you.
-----------------
She came and talked to me last night. Between 7:45-10:30, and we just talked. I was mad, and upset, but I didn't become violent and I didn't break down. I just kept asking why would you lie, why would you continue to do the things that make you into a person you don't want to be? She didn't have an answer. Then she hit me with it.
"As much as I love you, I don't think I love you enough to be married to you..."
My reply to this was simple..."But you loved me enough to marry me in the first place? It doesn't work that way. You said to God that you married me to love and to serve, to honor and cherish, til death do us part. You made a commitment to me and a commitment in the eyes of God. Start acting like an adult and take responsiblity for your actions."
I went on to tell her that she needs to stop living for "a moment" and start living for LIFE. Meaning she needs to look down the road, and stop doing things that hurt and affect other people negatively, just because they may be fun for that instant. If you know something is going to cause a fight...especially in a time like this...why do it? If you know you are going to make somebody cry, do you try to make them cry? No, especially if you TRULY care about them.
I changed the locks at my house, and she asked why and what does it mean? I told her it means she doesn't come in until its what she decides she wants in life...why? Because right now it looks like she wants the comfort of a roommate and a roof over her head...when in actuality...she'll have neither unless she wants the marriage back. Am I wrong for that? I don't think so, her dad doesn't think so and all my friends say that they agree with me.
As much as her individual person needs to grow and accept what she's committed to, her biggest problem is that she doesn't see us as a single unit like a marriage is supposed to me. She feels she can have her life on one side, and have me on the other...I'm not going to accept that. I'm not going to take the abuse and punishment of someone that only wants a shoulder to cry on, and a lover on their terms, when the truth behind everything is that its only when they want it, and it isn't reciprocated AT ALL when the other person desires or requires it.
I hurt a lot right now, since I made her leave. The door is open for her to come back, but only if it is in the most genuine of circumstances...that she wants to TRY to make us work...that she wants to really put in the long hard effort to make the marriage last longer than a Britney Spears first one.
My wife needs to grow up. She needs to grasp her obligation and her promise of forever...and yes, she needs to think before she acts. She told me she'd let her actions speak for her before, and this is where we are...her forcing me to turn my back on the one thing I truly love more than life itself, because of her fear of a lifelong obligation and commitment.
Sorry guys...this is REALLY bugging me right now. I may post more later...
Monday, May 29, 2006
Post 290: An update of sorts...and more ranting, I'm sure...
Today I met my nephew. To most people this wouldn't be werd or awkward, seeing a little child just after childbirth, but Drew, my nephew, is almost 2 years old already, and we were originally told that he wasn't my brother's son. He is the cutest boy in the world, which is crazy, considering who his parents are :). Anyway, this was a really cool thing for my brother to bring him by my work while I had to be here for 10 hours.
Tomorrow, I have a final interview for a job with GAMESTOP CORP, whom I guess I have worked for in the past on the EB GAMES side. It would be for a manager in trainnig position, since I'm to the point in life and career where another move NEEDS to be made.
Had a conversation with Christy yesterday that kind of discussed how people's feelings and what they want contribute to their necessity for certain things in life...meaning...If a person doesn't want to love someone else, the nerves and synapses that tend to push you in the direction of love don't fire as often, and in most cases falter and stop entirely. This is why people don't normally stay together if they break up. Its common science that if you train yourself to not feel a certain way, you won't. The only way to change it is to make a conscious effort to change that, which means you will fight yourself and what your mind and body tell you are wanted to allow yourself the opportunity to find what you thought you lost. This is why a fleeting person can fall out of love so easily and not think twice, but someone who really loved, hurts when the break occurs and then can't do enough to keep it together unless they force it until it becomes natural again. Too bad most humans aren't logical, huh?
This week, I intend to start utilizing Photoshop and Illustrator to draw...what am I going to draw? I honestly have no clue. I've got some ideas, but I'm hoping to actually get them on paper, or tablet, and if I can actually do it, I'll post the work up online, since I am really interested in seeing what I'll be able to do.
Well, I hope this wasn't nearly as ranty or negative as some of my previous posts. I just hope people aren't leaving the site because of these rants...
Oh, one last thing...I have read the first two issues of John Taddeo's ZOOM SUIT... and I have to be honest when I say this...the ONLY reason this book is selling like it did is because the first issue was sold to retailers at a huge discount (I believe .75 per copy) and ultimately...it isn't ANY good. Taddeo's writing is very amteurish (similar to this Ardy story, BTW, hehe...but then, I wrote it 11 years ago) and that isn't good for someone who wants his comic company to become established. If he really wanted to write a good comic, it shouldn't be so campy and cheesy. Less is more. A great comedic moment is better than constant attempts and failures at a one liner per page. I'm just very disappointed that I gave them $3 to buy the second issue, and I'd offer to write the story because it has a very good premise from what I've seen...its just written extremely poorly.
Sorry if someone else likes the book, this is only my opinion and I'm just very disappointed that a book that sold over 30,000 copies of its debut issue won't hold up because of how bad it reads.
Tomorrow, I have a final interview for a job with GAMESTOP CORP, whom I guess I have worked for in the past on the EB GAMES side. It would be for a manager in trainnig position, since I'm to the point in life and career where another move NEEDS to be made.
Had a conversation with Christy yesterday that kind of discussed how people's feelings and what they want contribute to their necessity for certain things in life...meaning...If a person doesn't want to love someone else, the nerves and synapses that tend to push you in the direction of love don't fire as often, and in most cases falter and stop entirely. This is why people don't normally stay together if they break up. Its common science that if you train yourself to not feel a certain way, you won't. The only way to change it is to make a conscious effort to change that, which means you will fight yourself and what your mind and body tell you are wanted to allow yourself the opportunity to find what you thought you lost. This is why a fleeting person can fall out of love so easily and not think twice, but someone who really loved, hurts when the break occurs and then can't do enough to keep it together unless they force it until it becomes natural again. Too bad most humans aren't logical, huh?
This week, I intend to start utilizing Photoshop and Illustrator to draw...what am I going to draw? I honestly have no clue. I've got some ideas, but I'm hoping to actually get them on paper, or tablet, and if I can actually do it, I'll post the work up online, since I am really interested in seeing what I'll be able to do.
Well, I hope this wasn't nearly as ranty or negative as some of my previous posts. I just hope people aren't leaving the site because of these rants...
Oh, one last thing...I have read the first two issues of John Taddeo's ZOOM SUIT... and I have to be honest when I say this...the ONLY reason this book is selling like it did is because the first issue was sold to retailers at a huge discount (I believe .75 per copy) and ultimately...it isn't ANY good. Taddeo's writing is very amteurish (similar to this Ardy story, BTW, hehe...but then, I wrote it 11 years ago) and that isn't good for someone who wants his comic company to become established. If he really wanted to write a good comic, it shouldn't be so campy and cheesy. Less is more. A great comedic moment is better than constant attempts and failures at a one liner per page. I'm just very disappointed that I gave them $3 to buy the second issue, and I'd offer to write the story because it has a very good premise from what I've seen...its just written extremely poorly.
Sorry if someone else likes the book, this is only my opinion and I'm just very disappointed that a book that sold over 30,000 copies of its debut issue won't hold up because of how bad it reads.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Post 289: Defaults and Myspaces...
So with all the issues going on in my personal life, its funny how "little" things can set me off.
For example, my wife set up a MySpace page, and she originally had her profile set to "Single." Also, she wrote in it, "Not looking for hook ups or dates, I can get that stoopid shit at work." Now with all the issues we've had, I confronted her about both issues. To the first she stated that it was a Defaulted option that owould have to be changed that she hadn't gotten to, yet. I said, "Okay" and that was the end of that...except then she decided that placing in there that she can get dates and hookups from work made it sound even worse. She told me she'd change it (on both accounts) and for her credit she changed them. She placed in her profile that she was married, and then she placed right after, "Not looking for hook ups or dates, I can get that stoopid shit at work." ... "And...um...I'm married."
Now I don't know if she was just trying to upset me or whatever, and she said she wasn't, but it truly seemed like she was. I know she's not trying to find booty calls or anything, but come on, don't insult your marriage when its been on the rocks for as long as it has. It doesn't help anything.
So she changed it again (at my request,) claiming that she wasn't trying to upset me and she just wanted to place a little gest in there. I unfortunately take everything said about my marriage (good or bad at this point,) VERY seriously...to a fault at times. It now says that she's not looking for a date or a hookup because "its the Internet for Christ's sake." Taking out the statement that she's married (though the profile still states it.
My buddy Derek looked at it when it said she was single, and when I mentioned it to him, his first reaction to me was, "What the Fuck?" Meaning, I wasn't the only one to read it wrong, and I was't the nolyone to get a bad feeling from it.
Long story short, Christy posted a blog statement on there basically "apologizing" for her statements and flat out stated, "After Rob has gotten on my case a bazillion times about my profile, I will make a public apology for not saying I was married, as we all know, the "single" status is default until you insert the info, and I hadn't even put shit in yet. Sorr-eeee!!!"
It sounds like she feels I overreacted, and that she is unhappy about being told she should change it, even though our marriage should be respected and nourtured rather than just a statement of fact.
I stated I take my marriage very seriously, and I hope she does, as well, but actions and words speak volumes. And all this is just to vent my frustration, much like she did. Yes, childish, whatever...just feel I needed to get it off the chest.
Next week some real news, folks...not just this BS ranting all the time. For real.
For example, my wife set up a MySpace page, and she originally had her profile set to "Single." Also, she wrote in it, "Not looking for hook ups or dates, I can get that stoopid shit at work." Now with all the issues we've had, I confronted her about both issues. To the first she stated that it was a Defaulted option that owould have to be changed that she hadn't gotten to, yet. I said, "Okay" and that was the end of that...except then she decided that placing in there that she can get dates and hookups from work made it sound even worse. She told me she'd change it (on both accounts) and for her credit she changed them. She placed in her profile that she was married, and then she placed right after, "Not looking for hook ups or dates, I can get that stoopid shit at work." ... "And...um...I'm married."
Now I don't know if she was just trying to upset me or whatever, and she said she wasn't, but it truly seemed like she was. I know she's not trying to find booty calls or anything, but come on, don't insult your marriage when its been on the rocks for as long as it has. It doesn't help anything.
So she changed it again (at my request,) claiming that she wasn't trying to upset me and she just wanted to place a little gest in there. I unfortunately take everything said about my marriage (good or bad at this point,) VERY seriously...to a fault at times. It now says that she's not looking for a date or a hookup because "its the Internet for Christ's sake." Taking out the statement that she's married (though the profile still states it.
My buddy Derek looked at it when it said she was single, and when I mentioned it to him, his first reaction to me was, "What the Fuck?" Meaning, I wasn't the only one to read it wrong, and I was't the nolyone to get a bad feeling from it.
Long story short, Christy posted a blog statement on there basically "apologizing" for her statements and flat out stated, "After Rob has gotten on my case a bazillion times about my profile, I will make a public apology for not saying I was married, as we all know, the "single" status is default until you insert the info, and I hadn't even put shit in yet. Sorr-eeee!!!"
It sounds like she feels I overreacted, and that she is unhappy about being told she should change it, even though our marriage should be respected and nourtured rather than just a statement of fact.
I stated I take my marriage very seriously, and I hope she does, as well, but actions and words speak volumes. And all this is just to vent my frustration, much like she did. Yes, childish, whatever...just feel I needed to get it off the chest.
Next week some real news, folks...not just this BS ranting all the time. For real.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Post 288: More mindless babbling.
Yesterday I got on here and posted saying that I haven't really felt creative, and that I didn't know when I was going to get that back. Unfortunately, no it didn't happen last night, though that would have made my month. Instead, I'm going to go into further detail on whats going on.
Ever not felt like yourself? Like you don't want to look at things through your eyes because your perception is skewed?
Christy (my wife) and I have been having problems out in the open for at least 1.5 months, and from her statements to me, even longer than that, if you ask her. These problems stem from the fact that we want to live our own lives, and take for granted the life we HAVE to share. It's depressing to see how far things can slip and then how much they affect you and keep you from being yourself.
After probably the worst fight we have had, while not becoming physically violent with her, I did become violent because my points and my statements were not loud enough and not the the point enough. Though the damage done is minor, its something I'm not proud of, and do not condone. The behavior shown from me this past weekend is not who I am, but I'm worried it may be who I become. I'm not happy with myself and though Christy tells me that I have to forgive myself and that she forgives me, I still don't know why it has gotten to where it has, and why its NOT AT ALL easy to try to fix, and everything is taking so much more effort just to attempt to stay civil and to continue trying to fix.
The problems escalate and its like being on eggshells. You tell the other person that they need help and that they need to stop treating you like crap, and then they tell you that you need to lay off and be easier on them. They tell you that you don't deserve to be lied to, deceived and then it occurs again. You tell them that you can't accept apologies because they fall short everytime, and that "sorry" is just a word, and yet the same things continue to happen.
I've asked myself when will "Enough be Enough..." only to come to the conclusion that I don't know how I'd live with myself if I gave up on everything at this point. I'm in a mental, physical and debilitating rut because of this and its taking away from the creative energies I've wanted to express since I was born...
I apologize for not being as jovial as I have in the past, or updating as often as I used to. This isn't just affecting my creativity, its really hurting a lot of other things, so I'll apologize for this, as well.
Hopefully things will start to get better, and when thats the case, you all will be the first to know. Thank you for your continued support of both LANDIS and ARDY, it truly means a lot to me.
Ever not felt like yourself? Like you don't want to look at things through your eyes because your perception is skewed?
Christy (my wife) and I have been having problems out in the open for at least 1.5 months, and from her statements to me, even longer than that, if you ask her. These problems stem from the fact that we want to live our own lives, and take for granted the life we HAVE to share. It's depressing to see how far things can slip and then how much they affect you and keep you from being yourself.
After probably the worst fight we have had, while not becoming physically violent with her, I did become violent because my points and my statements were not loud enough and not the the point enough. Though the damage done is minor, its something I'm not proud of, and do not condone. The behavior shown from me this past weekend is not who I am, but I'm worried it may be who I become. I'm not happy with myself and though Christy tells me that I have to forgive myself and that she forgives me, I still don't know why it has gotten to where it has, and why its NOT AT ALL easy to try to fix, and everything is taking so much more effort just to attempt to stay civil and to continue trying to fix.
The problems escalate and its like being on eggshells. You tell the other person that they need help and that they need to stop treating you like crap, and then they tell you that you need to lay off and be easier on them. They tell you that you don't deserve to be lied to, deceived and then it occurs again. You tell them that you can't accept apologies because they fall short everytime, and that "sorry" is just a word, and yet the same things continue to happen.
I've asked myself when will "Enough be Enough..." only to come to the conclusion that I don't know how I'd live with myself if I gave up on everything at this point. I'm in a mental, physical and debilitating rut because of this and its taking away from the creative energies I've wanted to express since I was born...
I apologize for not being as jovial as I have in the past, or updating as often as I used to. This isn't just affecting my creativity, its really hurting a lot of other things, so I'll apologize for this, as well.
Hopefully things will start to get better, and when thats the case, you all will be the first to know. Thank you for your continued support of both LANDIS and ARDY, it truly means a lot to me.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Post 287: Sorry its been so long.
It's been a while since I've been on here and writing to those of you that actually enjoy the comics, and for that I apologize. In all honesty, I haven't found myself being creative, nor wanting to actually do anything with the comics or the site. It will pass, like most of these moments do, but right now, I find myself just even really wanting to be away from the computer.
I hope all is well with you guys out there, and since I've recently come into a total of Five copies of the Keenspot Primer (two of which are going to artist, JK), I'll probably be having a contest on here soon for an autographed copy.
Take care.
I hope all is well with you guys out there, and since I've recently come into a total of Five copies of the Keenspot Primer (two of which are going to artist, JK), I'll probably be having a contest on here soon for an autographed copy.
Take care.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Post 286: Hard to get used to.
So the new laptop is awesome, I love it. Already have Photoshop CS2 and Illustrator CS2 on it, but having problems getting used to the drawing aspects due to the sensitivity of the stylus, so I may try to do some more abstract art first to get a handle for everything.
I've aso been thinking to hep with my proportions, I might buy some largely articulate Action figures and take digital camera pictures of them, start another layer of art and draw on top of them to get a better sense.
Some may call that cheating, but I call it learning by photo realism, and I think it may help me develop a new art style that may be mimicked in the future...who knows. heh.
I'll show some experiments when I do this attempt, but if you have opinions on things you think may help, let me know...I'm planning on doing this with lighting effects and everything.
I've aso been thinking to hep with my proportions, I might buy some largely articulate Action figures and take digital camera pictures of them, start another layer of art and draw on top of them to get a better sense.
Some may call that cheating, but I call it learning by photo realism, and I think it may help me develop a new art style that may be mimicked in the future...who knows. heh.
I'll show some experiments when I do this attempt, but if you have opinions on things you think may help, let me know...I'm planning on doing this with lighting effects and everything.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Post 285: Tablet PC...purchased!
Alrighty,
I know that I said I was going to wait until the 64 bit processor ones were going to come out, but I got too good of a deal on a comp that has 1gb memory, 80gb harddrive, widescreen display and a 1.7 pentium M processor.
Hopefully this will help me get over my issues with creating but its also probably going to be my main computer now.
Its a gateway, but I purchased the 3 yr with accidental damage protection on it. Its a cx2618, which Best Buy just started carrying the newer model, the 2620, which there were NO differences on, but they wanted 500 more for it. So even with the service plan, I was able to get this for less than $1500.
I think its great, but I'm sure there's a lot to learn, now...hehe. Thanks for helping me with my decision making...it was totally needed!
I know that I said I was going to wait until the 64 bit processor ones were going to come out, but I got too good of a deal on a comp that has 1gb memory, 80gb harddrive, widescreen display and a 1.7 pentium M processor.
Hopefully this will help me get over my issues with creating but its also probably going to be my main computer now.
Its a gateway, but I purchased the 3 yr with accidental damage protection on it. Its a cx2618, which Best Buy just started carrying the newer model, the 2620, which there were NO differences on, but they wanted 500 more for it. So even with the service plan, I was able to get this for less than $1500.
I think its great, but I'm sure there's a lot to learn, now...hehe. Thanks for helping me with my decision making...it was totally needed!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Post 284: To buy a computer...?
Once again, I find myself wanting to purchase a new computer. Problem is, I don't want to pay what they want to charge me this time.
DELL consistently offers AMAZING discounts on tehir products, but they don't offer what I want...and what I want is a tablet PC, so I can put Photoshop on it and start digitally creating artwork...but NOOOOO...Dell doesn't want to jump into that Niche Market.
The average cost of a Tablet is about $3-400 MORE than your standard laptop. Couple that with the fact that DELL's website often times offers 35% off (or as much as 40% off) from time to time, means that if they were to create a tablet PC that met the specs I'd want, that I may be able to afford one.
Now I'll probably end up swallowing the pill, and buying one that doesn't totally meet my needs and paying a little less for it, but with this, I'm not sure that's what I want to do. I really want one that is going to allow me to do what I need it to, and on top of that, make some really good art in the process.
If anyone has any suggestions, please, let me know. I'd love to hear them.
DELL consistently offers AMAZING discounts on tehir products, but they don't offer what I want...and what I want is a tablet PC, so I can put Photoshop on it and start digitally creating artwork...but NOOOOO...Dell doesn't want to jump into that Niche Market.
The average cost of a Tablet is about $3-400 MORE than your standard laptop. Couple that with the fact that DELL's website often times offers 35% off (or as much as 40% off) from time to time, means that if they were to create a tablet PC that met the specs I'd want, that I may be able to afford one.
Now I'll probably end up swallowing the pill, and buying one that doesn't totally meet my needs and paying a little less for it, but with this, I'm not sure that's what I want to do. I really want one that is going to allow me to do what I need it to, and on top of that, make some really good art in the process.
If anyone has any suggestions, please, let me know. I'd love to hear them.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Post 283: New page...really
So okay, today's page of the comic is actually one of those long lost "deleted scenes," that was re-placed back in to show all the amazing art of Tim Johnson. I can see why the page was originally deleted, as it isn't necessary to tell the story, but the art is just so nice that I wanted it ALL back in there.
Update on the MySpace page...Friends are adding up, as we're up to 75 now, but I know there are at least 1000 people PER DAY that are looking at this comic, and I KNOW that at least 25% of them are probably hooked on MySpace, so shouldn't we have at least another 250 friends on there?
www.myspace.com/potsandpansink
Everyone is doing it :).
Update on the MySpace page...Friends are adding up, as we're up to 75 now, but I know there are at least 1000 people PER DAY that are looking at this comic, and I KNOW that at least 25% of them are probably hooked on MySpace, so shouldn't we have at least another 250 friends on there?
www.myspace.com/potsandpansink
Everyone is doing it :).
Friday, May 05, 2006
Post 282: Landis on Ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/LANDIS-0-GRADED-VF-NM_W0QQitemZ6601863820QQcategoryZ3983QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Two copies available of LANDIS from FCBD 2003. This is the original book. If you purchase the copies and send them to me, I WILL autograph them and ship them back.
If not, its okay.
Two copies available of LANDIS from FCBD 2003. This is the original book. If you purchase the copies and send them to me, I WILL autograph them and ship them back.
If not, its okay.
Post 281: I'm a blog machine today...and a thought.
I am really bored at the day job and don't feel like writing stories, so I've got this idea, and I wanted to run it by everyone.
I recently bought Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for my XBox360, and I thought about creating Elisa on it. But then I had another idea, and this may lead to the next contest.
I am thinking what if everyone else tried to create their best likeness of Elisa? Then we could place them online and everyone could vote on who's was best? That person would then win a prize (haven't decided what it would be yet).
Let me know, I think this is a really cool idea.
I recently bought Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for my XBox360, and I thought about creating Elisa on it. But then I had another idea, and this may lead to the next contest.
I am thinking what if everyone else tried to create their best likeness of Elisa? Then we could place them online and everyone could vote on who's was best? That person would then win a prize (haven't decided what it would be yet).
Let me know, I think this is a really cool idea.
Post 280: What I'm watching...
I know that everyone has their own favorite television shows and that everyone has their favorite movies, webcomics and more, so I'm going to post this here, and hope that others respond.
I'll start with TV shows. Recently, I've been watching 24, THIEF, Scrubs, My Name is Earl and The Office. I love good drama/action (like 24, the Shield, etc) but there aren't many shows like that on tv. I'm hoping the new BLADE series from Spike is going to be decent, as well as the new show PSYCHE from USA, about two "buddy cops" and one of them is a fake psychic. Just sounds like an awesome premise.
I've already talked about Civil War, so I'll leave the paper comics alone, but the online ones I'm reading now include MisFile, Flipside and Eat Kitties. I recommend checking them all out.
I'll start with TV shows. Recently, I've been watching 24, THIEF, Scrubs, My Name is Earl and The Office. I love good drama/action (like 24, the Shield, etc) but there aren't many shows like that on tv. I'm hoping the new BLADE series from Spike is going to be decent, as well as the new show PSYCHE from USA, about two "buddy cops" and one of them is a fake psychic. Just sounds like an awesome premise.
I've already talked about Civil War, so I'll leave the paper comics alone, but the online ones I'm reading now include MisFile, Flipside and Eat Kitties. I recommend checking them all out.
Post 279: Marvel Civil War.
There aren't mny times that something like this comes along and you just WANT to tell people to go buy it, but Marvel's Civil War #1 is one of those times. The buildup, the restraint, the realness of it all...I told Christy, my wife, that if she ever wanted to try a comic book this is theone to do it with. With someone like me able to tell her who the characters are, why they feel the way they do and why it just feels real makes this a must buy book.
I really have to give credit to Mark Millar, who once again proved that he, more than Brian Bendis, deserves whatever work with Marvel he desires. He didn't want this project when it began, but he slowly embraced it and then it flourished in him. He knows how to make it as large in scope as possible, while still showing how it affects one person. Hell, Hollywood should take advice from him.
Steve McNiven is my new favorite artist, ever since I picked up 4 #1. His style is just different. Different enough to make you take notice. Bryan Singer said that McNiven was the only guy when it came to illustrating his vision of Ultimate X-Men (still not out). This is where the man shines. He's really putting heart into those hearty moments that Millar has written.
I was opposed to Captain America being against the Registration Act because he's a soldier and wuold typically do what his government asks...however, in this case, it isn't how America IS that makes him do what he does, its where the ideal of where AMERICA SHOULD BE that makes him choose his side.
Beautifully written, illustrated and colored, I'd LOVE to see this turned into a cartoon, or live action...its just, it can't. Too big of a budget on either count, I'm sure.
If you had thought about going to a comic store this week, Saturday is FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, and I have a two-page spot in the Keenspot Primer for The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures with JK Radtke (beautiful art, btw). But if you do nothing else, PICK UP A COPY OF CIVIL WAR #1...you won't be sorry you did.
Even the tradedress is a nice touch.
I really have to give credit to Mark Millar, who once again proved that he, more than Brian Bendis, deserves whatever work with Marvel he desires. He didn't want this project when it began, but he slowly embraced it and then it flourished in him. He knows how to make it as large in scope as possible, while still showing how it affects one person. Hell, Hollywood should take advice from him.
Steve McNiven is my new favorite artist, ever since I picked up 4 #1. His style is just different. Different enough to make you take notice. Bryan Singer said that McNiven was the only guy when it came to illustrating his vision of Ultimate X-Men (still not out). This is where the man shines. He's really putting heart into those hearty moments that Millar has written.
I was opposed to Captain America being against the Registration Act because he's a soldier and wuold typically do what his government asks...however, in this case, it isn't how America IS that makes him do what he does, its where the ideal of where AMERICA SHOULD BE that makes him choose his side.
Beautifully written, illustrated and colored, I'd LOVE to see this turned into a cartoon, or live action...its just, it can't. Too big of a budget on either count, I'm sure.
If you had thought about going to a comic store this week, Saturday is FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, and I have a two-page spot in the Keenspot Primer for The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures with JK Radtke (beautiful art, btw). But if you do nothing else, PICK UP A COPY OF CIVIL WAR #1...you won't be sorry you did.
Even the tradedress is a nice touch.
Post 278: Why Post 277 was rescinded.
Yes, I took down the last post...why? Because I realized it was a propaganda piece which took all blame off of me for recent events with my friends. It was written in a well intoxicated moment and due to that, the facts were skewed more away from me.
Anybody you talk to will let you know that I give an honest opinion almost all the time. Its how I live my life, almost to a fault. However, one thing that I've been great at doing in my life is argue. I probably should have stayed in school to become a defense lawyer, only my morals probably wouldn't allow me to do it.
Anyway, with things the way they are, all my friends are noticably on edge, as am I. So I took the last post down because I felt wrong for putting it up.
Anybody you talk to will let you know that I give an honest opinion almost all the time. Its how I live my life, almost to a fault. However, one thing that I've been great at doing in my life is argue. I probably should have stayed in school to become a defense lawyer, only my morals probably wouldn't allow me to do it.
Anyway, with things the way they are, all my friends are noticably on edge, as am I. So I took the last post down because I felt wrong for putting it up.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Post 276: Mad props for elisalandis.com today...
I've noticed that I start alot of these posts with "Well, " and today, I caught myself getting ready to do it, so I'm making fun of myself for it.
Today marks a new day on Elisalandis.com, and its a day that is 10 years in the making. Today marks the first appearance of ARDY: City That Never Sleeps the 10th Anniversary Director's Cut (playing off the 10th anniversary Highlander collection of 1994). The story is completely redone in greyscaling by me, completely rescripted and just full of out and out craziness.
This IS the FIRST time this will be seen...fully. This is the FIRST time this will be seen with the new script, and I'm ultra proud of my graphic design, and the remastering of the files.
The cover page here is from Tom Nguyen, who has recently shown his work off in Batman, JLA and is currently working on the exciting new weekly title for DC called 52. Tom's also writing an article called "I Draw the Line" at www.comicon.com/pulse, to show people how to draw proper proportion, scale, musculature and more. I've known Tom since he broke into the business drawing Major Bummer with Doug Mahnke and John Arcudi, the guys who created THE MASK (which later became the Jim Carrey movie). Although I joked with Tom that he gave Ardy too many fingers, its still TOO awesome of a piece to not show...
Colors on the cover were done by the amazing Jas Ingram, who said that he'll help out with graphics for any new projects that come up, "for old time's sake." Heh, I just love these guys.
The art for the series is by a graphic designer living in NY, Timothy Johnson. To my knowledge, he has left comicking a while back, which makes me sad, but if he's doing what he loves, he really grew as an artist, and his imagination has taken over. I can't say enough good things about Tim. I would basically only write dialogue and he KNEW where to place the images. He new the backgrounds before we'd ever discuss them, and he would just blow me away, and make me work THAT much harder, in an attempt to really impress him as much as he was impressing me.
Well, there are 25 pages of fun story ahead...I'm just hoping we can get the launch of ardyvanstarr.com soon, so that we can really bump all this into motion.
Please, post ANY comments you have about Ardy either here or on the Landis Forum, I'd love to hear what you folks have to say...hell, write me a comment on the myspace page if you want...I'd love to see the friend's list grow :).
Take care.
Today marks a new day on Elisalandis.com, and its a day that is 10 years in the making. Today marks the first appearance of ARDY: City That Never Sleeps the 10th Anniversary Director's Cut (playing off the 10th anniversary Highlander collection of 1994). The story is completely redone in greyscaling by me, completely rescripted and just full of out and out craziness.
This IS the FIRST time this will be seen...fully. This is the FIRST time this will be seen with the new script, and I'm ultra proud of my graphic design, and the remastering of the files.
The cover page here is from Tom Nguyen, who has recently shown his work off in Batman, JLA and is currently working on the exciting new weekly title for DC called 52. Tom's also writing an article called "I Draw the Line" at www.comicon.com/pulse, to show people how to draw proper proportion, scale, musculature and more. I've known Tom since he broke into the business drawing Major Bummer with Doug Mahnke and John Arcudi, the guys who created THE MASK (which later became the Jim Carrey movie). Although I joked with Tom that he gave Ardy too many fingers, its still TOO awesome of a piece to not show...
Colors on the cover were done by the amazing Jas Ingram, who said that he'll help out with graphics for any new projects that come up, "for old time's sake." Heh, I just love these guys.
The art for the series is by a graphic designer living in NY, Timothy Johnson. To my knowledge, he has left comicking a while back, which makes me sad, but if he's doing what he loves, he really grew as an artist, and his imagination has taken over. I can't say enough good things about Tim. I would basically only write dialogue and he KNEW where to place the images. He new the backgrounds before we'd ever discuss them, and he would just blow me away, and make me work THAT much harder, in an attempt to really impress him as much as he was impressing me.
Well, there are 25 pages of fun story ahead...I'm just hoping we can get the launch of ardyvanstarr.com soon, so that we can really bump all this into motion.
Please, post ANY comments you have about Ardy either here or on the Landis Forum, I'd love to hear what you folks have to say...hell, write me a comment on the myspace page if you want...I'd love to see the friend's list grow :).
Take care.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Post 275: A new milestone!
Hey all, I figured I'd give everyone an update on me and my projects, considering this in comic book numbering is a spot where you charge extra and make it a doublesized book for absolutely no reason.
First, I haven't done it yet, but I think i'm going to update the t-shirt designs at the store, and once again put them at a price that I make $0, so that anyone who wants one can get one. Sure, they may look expensive, but I'm not making anything for them, so help a guy out with advertising. Actually, if anone has a favorite LANDIS, TAGGER, or ARDY piece that they'd like to see as a print, or as a t-shirt, LET ME KNOW, and I'll see if I can make a cool design out of it. Send comments to the end of this post to let me know.
So in wrestling, a lot of stuff seems to be happening...including ECW making a FULL TIME comeback. This is crazy, considering Vince McMahon doesn't normally bring things back that he killed. But this is different. He realizes that it still works, and its what the people want to see. After selling out the last two ECW PPVs, he's decided its time to go ahead and gvie Paul Heyman and Tommy Dreamer the reigns to start a new promotion back up. They've already cemented a timeslot with the USA network (albeit a 2 am on Saturday slot), and it looks like former talent is being signed to contracts as we speak. I'd love to see Lance Storm come back, and not to mention that, but I would personally LOVE to see RVD win a world title at the PPV and grab the spraypaint (RED) and spraypaint ECW onto the belt and make that the ECW world title.
Anyway, with all the projects, nothing new to report, really, but I'm hoping to start drawing some more in the next couple of days, and who knows, maybe even try to draw something that I can try to get my wife to paint for me, and then put it on auction to the thousands of fans...maybe.
Also, www.myspace.com/potsandpansink is up to 38 friends, but come on...I KNOW you guys that read this have myspace pages. but I can't get to you, you have to come to me. Send a friend request, it will not get shunned.
Til next time...adn another 275 posts!
First, I haven't done it yet, but I think i'm going to update the t-shirt designs at the store, and once again put them at a price that I make $0, so that anyone who wants one can get one. Sure, they may look expensive, but I'm not making anything for them, so help a guy out with advertising. Actually, if anone has a favorite LANDIS, TAGGER, or ARDY piece that they'd like to see as a print, or as a t-shirt, LET ME KNOW, and I'll see if I can make a cool design out of it. Send comments to the end of this post to let me know.
So in wrestling, a lot of stuff seems to be happening...including ECW making a FULL TIME comeback. This is crazy, considering Vince McMahon doesn't normally bring things back that he killed. But this is different. He realizes that it still works, and its what the people want to see. After selling out the last two ECW PPVs, he's decided its time to go ahead and gvie Paul Heyman and Tommy Dreamer the reigns to start a new promotion back up. They've already cemented a timeslot with the USA network (albeit a 2 am on Saturday slot), and it looks like former talent is being signed to contracts as we speak. I'd love to see Lance Storm come back, and not to mention that, but I would personally LOVE to see RVD win a world title at the PPV and grab the spraypaint (RED) and spraypaint ECW onto the belt and make that the ECW world title.
Anyway, with all the projects, nothing new to report, really, but I'm hoping to start drawing some more in the next couple of days, and who knows, maybe even try to draw something that I can try to get my wife to paint for me, and then put it on auction to the thousands of fans...maybe.
Also, www.myspace.com/potsandpansink is up to 38 friends, but come on...I KNOW you guys that read this have myspace pages. but I can't get to you, you have to come to me. Send a friend request, it will not get shunned.
Til next time...adn another 275 posts!
Post 274: Finally some GOOD news...
With all the BS stuff that has been happening recently, I just won a "Deluxe Getaway Weekend" from my job. Hopefully the wife and I will be able to figure out a place to go to get away =).
Go me...
Go me...
Friday, April 28, 2006
Post 273: TiVo Evo and REVOlution...
Yes, I am a TiVo user. Have been since my wedding, and actually since BEFORE it. My buddy Fubar got me hooked on TiVo (Not normal DVR, but REAL TiVo) when we had an apartment together. We were probably two of the few that actually had TiVo back in its inception, or shortly after.
Now, he got me one for my wedding (him, his parents and our buddy Arnie, to be exact)and I'm looking to get rewards points. Here's how it works...
You refer my email address: rpotchak@gmail.com
After you contact to sign up for TiVo service.
After that, you register like you do with anything. It's pretty simple...afterwards, you just tell your friends that sign up for it and refer you! See, free gifts and possible TiVo Series 3 HD tuners...AWESOME.
Now, he got me one for my wedding (him, his parents and our buddy Arnie, to be exact)and I'm looking to get rewards points. Here's how it works...
You refer my email address: rpotchak@gmail.com
After you contact to sign up for TiVo service.
After that, you register like you do with anything. It's pretty simple...afterwards, you just tell your friends that sign up for it and refer you! See, free gifts and possible TiVo Series 3 HD tuners...AWESOME.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Post 272: So much crap.
I was going to use another four letter word to describe what has been going on in my life recently, and today is another depression filled one. I was basically forced to listen to someone who thought they knew what was going on's opinion all night last night, and though he's a friend and I care about him, it was terribly wrong for him to want to come down on me like that, especially when Christy and I are attempting to settle things and be more than just civil with each other.
Couple that with the fact that I feel like a jerk for something I believe in my heart to be right about how I handled a situation with my wife...and I don't think I should.
The myspace page is up and although I don't have any catchy graphics or music on there, anyone who is on Myspace is more than welcome to give a shout out...
http://www.myspace.com/potsandpansink
Anyway, on days like this, I just wish I could not wake up, and just dream for more hours than I ever do. Two nights ago, I dreamt of scoring the game winning overtime goal in probably the most vivid dream I've ever had, and then when I went into the lockerroom to celebrate and clean up, I woke up. It was crazy. I normally don't have ANY recollection of my dreams, but that one was strong.
As a huge comic book fan, two people that have accepted me as a "friend" on MySpace are Brad Meltzer (who wrote Identity Crisis, and is now writing Justice League of America) and Allan Heinberg (one of the guys behind THE OC and now writes Young Avengers for Marvel and will be writing Wonder Woman for DC). Its silly, I know, but its cool at the same time.
Anyway, before I become a total Myspace-aholic, I'm gonna run!
Couple that with the fact that I feel like a jerk for something I believe in my heart to be right about how I handled a situation with my wife...and I don't think I should.
The myspace page is up and although I don't have any catchy graphics or music on there, anyone who is on Myspace is more than welcome to give a shout out...
http://www.myspace.com/potsandpansink
Anyway, on days like this, I just wish I could not wake up, and just dream for more hours than I ever do. Two nights ago, I dreamt of scoring the game winning overtime goal in probably the most vivid dream I've ever had, and then when I went into the lockerroom to celebrate and clean up, I woke up. It was crazy. I normally don't have ANY recollection of my dreams, but that one was strong.
As a huge comic book fan, two people that have accepted me as a "friend" on MySpace are Brad Meltzer (who wrote Identity Crisis, and is now writing Justice League of America) and Allan Heinberg (one of the guys behind THE OC and now writes Young Avengers for Marvel and will be writing Wonder Woman for DC). Its silly, I know, but its cool at the same time.
Anyway, before I become a total Myspace-aholic, I'm gonna run!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Post 271: Yes...I'm now on MySpace... :/
UPDATE: Its up. Enjoy...be a friend.
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
I'm not happy about it, but hell, its probably the easiest way to get the comics looked at a little bit more.
Hopefully people won't call me a sell out. I figure I'll repost a lot of the art that is on here with myspace in the pictures section. So it'll be like a little gallery. Also, I'll be putting the link to the myspace site on the side, but it isn't completely up yet.
I'll post again when I know its up fully.
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
I'm not happy about it, but hell, its probably the easiest way to get the comics looked at a little bit more.
Hopefully people won't call me a sell out. I figure I'll repost a lot of the art that is on here with myspace in the pictures section. So it'll be like a little gallery. Also, I'll be putting the link to the myspace site on the side, but it isn't completely up yet.
I'll post again when I know its up fully.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Post 270: Broken bones, bad fights, holes in walls and bad hockey games...
Wow, that title sort of summed up my weekend.
Thursday night, I left town with my old roommate, Fubar, for a training on Friday. My wife and I were still on rocky ground, but I had to go, because I hadn't been to a training that was 100% worthless for me, so I got told I had to go. We drank an entire bottle of Bacardi O that night, and when I got up the next dayfor the training, I had NO hangover...weird.
Anyway, Saturday, I knew I was going to the Carolina Hurricanes game as they hosted Montreal for the first game of th playoffs. The atmosphere was electric, at least as long as I was in the actual area the game was played. Unfortunately, the game was a 4-1 blowout of the Hurricanes, and I only saw the last two goals...Why? No, not because I didn't get there in time, but because my wife was hammered, got up to go to the bathroom and then Security is trying to remove both of us for her intoxication...of course they were nice about it "We'll call you a cab..." yadda yadda. Anyway, it was shortly after that Christy really turned on me, going against her word and my trust. We went back into the game, and then she ended up heading downstairs again when I got up to use the restroom. Anyway, though nothing else happened with us, my buddy Fubar took a header (we were in the LAST row)and fell a row at the end of the game, and looks to have a bruise about the size of goalie pads on his side. BAD SPILL...real bad...he could barely move sunday, but I'm amazed he was able to walk that night.
Anyway, after the game, I confronted my wife about the lies, deceiving and everything that had occurred at the hockey game, and hidher car keys (because I was afraid she'd try to leave). I told her I was leaving and not coming home. We talked for a while, and she was upset, and I was more upset. Infidelity is not something I handle well, even if it is just implied and nothing is going on. So without being able to answer questions, I snapped, because I was tired of it. NO, I DID NOT HIT MY WIFE. I would NEVER do that. I picked up chairs and threw them, I picked up whatever I could to NOT hit another person or one of my pets.
I started punching the wall post to the kitchen. It hurt, but not so bad when I look back. She still wouldn't answer the questions honestly, claiming to have "drunk dialed," but as she said, only in response to the other person's first calling...this was a flat out lie, and I knew it. She wouldn't answer, so I finally put a hole in the wall (not my intention). Something else happened when I hit the wall though...A Pop...maybe a snap. I calmed back down, since I was now in pain. She started talking and brought up that I said I was leaving, and said that "you're not going to leave now." And I got up and left. She told me to be careful.
I went to my buddy's bar. It was 1:30 when I got there. I had about 5 drinks in the course of that 30 minute span. I was finally feeling able to release. A friend told me to punch him in the arm, so I did...and he wanted me to do it again...now mind you, I have at least one broken knuckle in my drawing hand now, but I kept hitting him until he said, "Okay." Good friend. Heh.
The next morning, Christy was trying to get in touch with me from 10-11:30 when I finally "regained" consciousness, or...woke up. She wanted to talk, but she was leaving town to visit her best friend about 45 minutes away.
Needless to say, she started saying the things that I had been saying the past three weeks..."All i want is for us to work on everything..." "All I want isto be with you right now." "Please forgive me."
We are REALLY working on it, now. Not because I need her, like I did when I hit rock bottom, and not because she hit bottom this week, but because we do love each other, and care a whole lot about the other. And we want to be with each other, now.
All that, and I think she finally realized that Springtime has a way of doing this shit to people...considering now her friends are going through it, too. Its weird, that after all that, I was past just wanting to fix things if it wasn't what she wanted. I was finally beginning to feel more selfish, myself, and began to realize that the guy who would ask her opinion about everything was not who I am.
To anyone out there with similar issues, the question to ask is this...When is enough...Enough? Ultimately, you have to figure out where to draw the line for another person, and when to start acting like yourself again.
I really appreciated all the sympathetic responses, as they mean a lot to me...and who knows, maybe now I can get back to some creative flow. Thanks again, everyone.
Thursday night, I left town with my old roommate, Fubar, for a training on Friday. My wife and I were still on rocky ground, but I had to go, because I hadn't been to a training that was 100% worthless for me, so I got told I had to go. We drank an entire bottle of Bacardi O that night, and when I got up the next dayfor the training, I had NO hangover...weird.
Anyway, Saturday, I knew I was going to the Carolina Hurricanes game as they hosted Montreal for the first game of th playoffs. The atmosphere was electric, at least as long as I was in the actual area the game was played. Unfortunately, the game was a 4-1 blowout of the Hurricanes, and I only saw the last two goals...Why? No, not because I didn't get there in time, but because my wife was hammered, got up to go to the bathroom and then Security is trying to remove both of us for her intoxication...of course they were nice about it "We'll call you a cab..." yadda yadda. Anyway, it was shortly after that Christy really turned on me, going against her word and my trust. We went back into the game, and then she ended up heading downstairs again when I got up to use the restroom. Anyway, though nothing else happened with us, my buddy Fubar took a header (we were in the LAST row)and fell a row at the end of the game, and looks to have a bruise about the size of goalie pads on his side. BAD SPILL...real bad...he could barely move sunday, but I'm amazed he was able to walk that night.
Anyway, after the game, I confronted my wife about the lies, deceiving and everything that had occurred at the hockey game, and hidher car keys (because I was afraid she'd try to leave). I told her I was leaving and not coming home. We talked for a while, and she was upset, and I was more upset. Infidelity is not something I handle well, even if it is just implied and nothing is going on. So without being able to answer questions, I snapped, because I was tired of it. NO, I DID NOT HIT MY WIFE. I would NEVER do that. I picked up chairs and threw them, I picked up whatever I could to NOT hit another person or one of my pets.
I started punching the wall post to the kitchen. It hurt, but not so bad when I look back. She still wouldn't answer the questions honestly, claiming to have "drunk dialed," but as she said, only in response to the other person's first calling...this was a flat out lie, and I knew it. She wouldn't answer, so I finally put a hole in the wall (not my intention). Something else happened when I hit the wall though...A Pop...maybe a snap. I calmed back down, since I was now in pain. She started talking and brought up that I said I was leaving, and said that "you're not going to leave now." And I got up and left. She told me to be careful.
I went to my buddy's bar. It was 1:30 when I got there. I had about 5 drinks in the course of that 30 minute span. I was finally feeling able to release. A friend told me to punch him in the arm, so I did...and he wanted me to do it again...now mind you, I have at least one broken knuckle in my drawing hand now, but I kept hitting him until he said, "Okay." Good friend. Heh.
The next morning, Christy was trying to get in touch with me from 10-11:30 when I finally "regained" consciousness, or...woke up. She wanted to talk, but she was leaving town to visit her best friend about 45 minutes away.
Needless to say, she started saying the things that I had been saying the past three weeks..."All i want is for us to work on everything..." "All I want isto be with you right now." "Please forgive me."
We are REALLY working on it, now. Not because I need her, like I did when I hit rock bottom, and not because she hit bottom this week, but because we do love each other, and care a whole lot about the other. And we want to be with each other, now.
All that, and I think she finally realized that Springtime has a way of doing this shit to people...considering now her friends are going through it, too. Its weird, that after all that, I was past just wanting to fix things if it wasn't what she wanted. I was finally beginning to feel more selfish, myself, and began to realize that the guy who would ask her opinion about everything was not who I am.
To anyone out there with similar issues, the question to ask is this...When is enough...Enough? Ultimately, you have to figure out where to draw the line for another person, and when to start acting like yourself again.
I really appreciated all the sympathetic responses, as they mean a lot to me...and who knows, maybe now I can get back to some creative flow. Thanks again, everyone.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Post 269: No title
I'm doing this today because I'm bored. I'm just writing to say thanks to those of you out there reading that decided to give your opinions on what's up with myself and my wife. It means a lot to see people actually caring about whats going on, especially when you haven't met them...its very selfless, and totally appreciated.
Eric, the artist on boh THIEF and TAGGER called me up to catch up last night, and to see how I was doing. We don't get a lot of time to talk, but when we do, we normally pump the other up pretty well with compliments on the works in progress. Last night, he made sure to mention that he's been digging the art I've been doing (until just recently), but he really has been digging JK's ARDY pages, and says that the style is just perfect for the Alien PI, and I couldn't agree more.
We discussed which project we should tackle first, either THIEF or TAGGER, and honestly, since most of you are already fans of TAGGER from his casting in Landis, I figured that'd be the best way to repay you guys. I know that it'll probably be a while before I actually find the motivation to write more, but it is just a dry spell...but Eric admitted, that I've given him enough work to go a couple months to make sure everything is perfect.
On top of that, if anyone else has been having a rough time, and just want someone to chat with, I'd be more than happy to listen. I've got friends who have babies on the way with girls they aren't with, a friend who let his job and hasn't yet found a new one, my situation, my brother's custody battle, and more...but trust me, I'd ratehr help somebody with their issues, rather than continue to ponder on mine.
I guess I'll pretty much leave it there. Things aren't great, but if we work on them, and by that I mean *BOTH* sides, we'll come out of this with a newfound respect and dedication to each other.
Thanks again!
Eric, the artist on boh THIEF and TAGGER called me up to catch up last night, and to see how I was doing. We don't get a lot of time to talk, but when we do, we normally pump the other up pretty well with compliments on the works in progress. Last night, he made sure to mention that he's been digging the art I've been doing (until just recently), but he really has been digging JK's ARDY pages, and says that the style is just perfect for the Alien PI, and I couldn't agree more.
We discussed which project we should tackle first, either THIEF or TAGGER, and honestly, since most of you are already fans of TAGGER from his casting in Landis, I figured that'd be the best way to repay you guys. I know that it'll probably be a while before I actually find the motivation to write more, but it is just a dry spell...but Eric admitted, that I've given him enough work to go a couple months to make sure everything is perfect.
On top of that, if anyone else has been having a rough time, and just want someone to chat with, I'd be more than happy to listen. I've got friends who have babies on the way with girls they aren't with, a friend who let his job and hasn't yet found a new one, my situation, my brother's custody battle, and more...but trust me, I'd ratehr help somebody with their issues, rather than continue to ponder on mine.
I guess I'll pretty much leave it there. Things aren't great, but if we work on them, and by that I mean *BOTH* sides, we'll come out of this with a newfound respect and dedication to each other.
Thanks again!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Post 268: Probably going to be a long post.
Hey all,
Been a while since I've been in contact about anything and everything. Springtime is a real bitch to me. Every year at this time, my wife and I go through issues that stem basically from the same thing most relationship problems stem...the fact that one person sees the single life their single friends lead, and it makes them wonder if they've done the right thing by getting married. This is the main thing that's been going on in my life right now, and I've not been talking about it here because as much as I like the folks that read my blog AND my comics, its really personal.
Today, however, I feel a bit different. I feel low, but not depressed like I have the past two weeks. Today my lowness comes from an anger at how selfish one person who is typically selfless is. I know my wife, Christy, won't read this. I can even send her a link, and that'd probably be the only way she'd ever consider reading it. She's wrapped up in school, work, and trying to have a personal life, and she's forgetting a lot of what we have, but again, this is something that happens year after year...and hopefully she'll remember her selfLESSness rather than her selfishness before things get worse.
Don't get me wrong...I'm not fully NOT to blame. I took her for granted. Did the things I wanted to, and allowed her the same freedom. But the difference is when I was told that, I have made strides and efforts to show her how much I appreciate and truly love her.
I'd love for people to comment on this about when they have had problems in relationships, and what time of year they occur. I know most people don't post here, and that kinda sucks, since I know we get about 50 genuine hits reading the blog daily.
Its a real tough time for me, because she's fighting flighty feelings, and she's still doing the things that I have problems with, but we're working on it...at least I keep being told that.
This has prevented me from doing ANYTHING creative in the past two weeks, after I had two REALLY good scripts in the can for Tagger. I haven't even turned on my X-Box 360 since the whole debacle. So all my releases haven't been what I've gone and turned to, because they just don't fill the void enough right now.
Thanks for listening, and feel free to comment. I'd like to see what everyone out there is going through...just do me a favor, don't pity me...I don't need it, since again, I'm more mad about the selfishness than anything else.
Been a while since I've been in contact about anything and everything. Springtime is a real bitch to me. Every year at this time, my wife and I go through issues that stem basically from the same thing most relationship problems stem...the fact that one person sees the single life their single friends lead, and it makes them wonder if they've done the right thing by getting married. This is the main thing that's been going on in my life right now, and I've not been talking about it here because as much as I like the folks that read my blog AND my comics, its really personal.
Today, however, I feel a bit different. I feel low, but not depressed like I have the past two weeks. Today my lowness comes from an anger at how selfish one person who is typically selfless is. I know my wife, Christy, won't read this. I can even send her a link, and that'd probably be the only way she'd ever consider reading it. She's wrapped up in school, work, and trying to have a personal life, and she's forgetting a lot of what we have, but again, this is something that happens year after year...and hopefully she'll remember her selfLESSness rather than her selfishness before things get worse.
Don't get me wrong...I'm not fully NOT to blame. I took her for granted. Did the things I wanted to, and allowed her the same freedom. But the difference is when I was told that, I have made strides and efforts to show her how much I appreciate and truly love her.
I'd love for people to comment on this about when they have had problems in relationships, and what time of year they occur. I know most people don't post here, and that kinda sucks, since I know we get about 50 genuine hits reading the blog daily.
Its a real tough time for me, because she's fighting flighty feelings, and she's still doing the things that I have problems with, but we're working on it...at least I keep being told that.
This has prevented me from doing ANYTHING creative in the past two weeks, after I had two REALLY good scripts in the can for Tagger. I haven't even turned on my X-Box 360 since the whole debacle. So all my releases haven't been what I've gone and turned to, because they just don't fill the void enough right now.
Thanks for listening, and feel free to comment. I'd like to see what everyone out there is going through...just do me a favor, don't pity me...I don't need it, since again, I'm more mad about the selfishness than anything else.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Post 267: Update on me...
Just figured I'd let everyone know that the problems at home are being worked on, and we're trying to make sure that things get better.
With that said, I've been under the weather as well, but am trying to not let it affect me as much.
I'm probably going to take a little time off from writing, but not enough to make it look like I'm not doing anything...its just other things are more important, and I hope you all respect that I'm vague.
However, I will post any new art when I've done something...I just haven't been feeling really creative due to whats going on, but when I get myself through that, I'll definitely be posting more.
Thanks for the support.
With that said, I've been under the weather as well, but am trying to not let it affect me as much.
I'm probably going to take a little time off from writing, but not enough to make it look like I'm not doing anything...its just other things are more important, and I hope you all respect that I'm vague.
However, I will post any new art when I've done something...I just haven't been feeling really creative due to whats going on, but when I get myself through that, I'll definitely be posting more.
Thanks for the support.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Post 266: Update with me and more.
Well, as bad as things have been this past week, they aren't as bad as they have ever been. In fact, I think they are looking...okay.
But it has made me realize that I've been putting on hold a lot of things that I may want to do in my life that may help my home life, or at least make me see that I accomplished something that I've always wanted to do, and that is preparing a Stand Up Comedy routine.
I'm not looking to write a 30 minute show or anything like that, but just something for open mic night, since I live about 30 minutes away from one of the most famous comedy clubs in the country, Charlie Goodnights, and I know that they've got an open mic night.
My wife tells me I should try something smaller, and you know, I'll probably test all the material out prior, anyway...but I think what I'm coming up with is some really good shit. Not exactly all audiences, but definitely funny stuff.
Of course, just because it makes me laugh, doesn't mean it'll make everyone laugh. But in harder times, if you can't laugh, what else have you got?
But it has made me realize that I've been putting on hold a lot of things that I may want to do in my life that may help my home life, or at least make me see that I accomplished something that I've always wanted to do, and that is preparing a Stand Up Comedy routine.
I'm not looking to write a 30 minute show or anything like that, but just something for open mic night, since I live about 30 minutes away from one of the most famous comedy clubs in the country, Charlie Goodnights, and I know that they've got an open mic night.
My wife tells me I should try something smaller, and you know, I'll probably test all the material out prior, anyway...but I think what I'm coming up with is some really good shit. Not exactly all audiences, but definitely funny stuff.
Of course, just because it makes me laugh, doesn't mean it'll make everyone laugh. But in harder times, if you can't laugh, what else have you got?
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Post 265: A little better...
Things are looking better than they were, and due to this I'm going to try to get some writing done while at the day job. Not sure if I'll tackle THIEF today or JANUS, but probably one or the other...maybe even Ardy...but since I haven't heard from JK in a couple days, I'm hoping the progress is coming with that.
More later...I may even do some doodles.
More later...I may even do some doodles.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Post 264: The one thing that upsets me more than anything else...
There's only one thing in this world that I get truly upset about. Its the closest thing to me in my whole life. I won't get into it, but its putting a serious damper on everything else. I'm more depressed right now than I have been in years.
I will leave it at that.
I will leave it at that.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Post 263: WRESTLEMANIA 22 Predictions!
WWE Championship
John Cena (c) vs. Triple H
Well, I'm going to bold my predictions. I've been thinking about this match and how the outcome will actually CREATE the main event. a person gave me an idea about that, and I'd say that this match will lead into a finale that no one would expect. However, for the sake of argument, HHH walks away with the title, in a decent match...but read the bottom for the finale.
World Heavyweight Championship
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio
Angle's been a decent champ, and as much as I think Vince WANTS to put the title back on Orton to start a god Batista/Orton fued, I figure this match will go to Rey Rey one of two ways...Angle will have Orton near the ropes and Rey will do the 619 to angle and pin him, OR one of two possible Batista appearances...just as Orton is about to win, with the ref knocked out, I expect to see Batista rundown, Batistabomb Orton, and roll Rey on top for the 1-2-3 and a point to Eddie.
No Holds Barred Match
Vince McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels
Anybody who thinks this match will end with a Bret Hart spot is laughable. Not gonna happen, but expect to see the McMahon's rundown to help, and I'd say that I'd LOVE to see Steve Austin cmoe down to help HBK out, but expect Shawn to win after seriously gushing.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Shelton Benjamin vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Ric Flair vs. Finlay vs. Matt Hardy vs. Lashley
Toughest match of the night to call, IMO. I go with Flair, since they've been giving him more mic time then anyone else in this. Although RVD is the most over, I think Lashley will take a bump, Shannon Moore will knock Hardy out of the match, Finlay will just disappear, and when Benjamin is on the ladder, Flair will crotch him, thus knocking him out and taking the box for himself...more on this at the end.
Casket Match
Undertaker vs. Mark Henry
Possible Batista spot, #2. I say Batista comes out from inside the casket and causes Henry to lose. Does this mean TWO Batista spots? As great as that would be...no. If Batista shows up in this match, he'll be kept out of the title picture until Summerslam.
Hardcore Match
Edge vs. Mick Foley
Foley is 1-3 since returning parttime...a tag match with the Rock, LOSS. One on One with Randy Orton...LOSS (GREAT MATCH, though) and Carlito at Taboo Tuesday...WIN. Foley is used asthe guy that takes a beating to really put over the growing heel. Due to this, as much of a Foley mark as I am...Foley loses after a tremendous amount of punishment. I'd say at LEAST 4 chair shots and thumbtacks a must. I'd say that Foley will even get to use some barb wired items...
United States Championship
Chris Benoit (c) vs. JBL
Two years ago, this would have main evented a PPV...now, look how far down the card it is...BOO...A decent match to be had, and the LOSER will move on to face the third one in the Main Event...in other words, Expect JBL to win (he;s been losing a lot recently) and Benoit to go on to matches with Angle...THAT's what I want to see.
World Tag Team Championship
Kane & Big Show (c) vs. Chris Masters & Carlito
With all the bickering and fighting beating Carlito and Masters, who DOESN'T want these guys to win? Could be one of the worst matches of the night, or a surprisingly good one.
Women's Championship
Trish Stratus (c) vs. Mickie James
How far the women's dvision has fallen. Mickie wins, totally HEELING out.
Playboy Pillow Fight
Torrie Wilson vs. Candice Michelle
Filler match. No one ever actually wins these matches, so expect it to air after the MITB match, to slow the pace.
Boogeyman vs. Booker T & Sharmell
Boogeyman continues his roll...but will it be at the 4 minute mark like the last one (JBL)?
This brings me to the surprise of the night. I think either Hogan or Austin will continue their jabber from the Hall of Fame celebration, which would be fun. But the real MAIN EVENT will be Ric Flair taking his Money in the Bank match and winning the world title for the 17th time. This is the only real way this maks sense. Heck, I'd even like to see Cena KEEP his title, and then Flair go against him, and win...this would allow...the CENA HEEL TURN. Cena loses, and snaps...starts with a chair to Flair, taking him out. The eyes bright, the nose flairing, and Cena standing over him, looking at the crowd and saying, "You had yuor chance...you can't see me anymore." Classic WM ending. Also allows him to Heel out against the strong Flair FACE.
John Cena (c) vs. Triple H
Well, I'm going to bold my predictions. I've been thinking about this match and how the outcome will actually CREATE the main event. a person gave me an idea about that, and I'd say that this match will lead into a finale that no one would expect. However, for the sake of argument, HHH walks away with the title, in a decent match...but read the bottom for the finale.
World Heavyweight Championship
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio
Angle's been a decent champ, and as much as I think Vince WANTS to put the title back on Orton to start a god Batista/Orton fued, I figure this match will go to Rey Rey one of two ways...Angle will have Orton near the ropes and Rey will do the 619 to angle and pin him, OR one of two possible Batista appearances...just as Orton is about to win, with the ref knocked out, I expect to see Batista rundown, Batistabomb Orton, and roll Rey on top for the 1-2-3 and a point to Eddie.
No Holds Barred Match
Vince McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels
Anybody who thinks this match will end with a Bret Hart spot is laughable. Not gonna happen, but expect to see the McMahon's rundown to help, and I'd say that I'd LOVE to see Steve Austin cmoe down to help HBK out, but expect Shawn to win after seriously gushing.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Shelton Benjamin vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Ric Flair vs. Finlay vs. Matt Hardy vs. Lashley
Toughest match of the night to call, IMO. I go with Flair, since they've been giving him more mic time then anyone else in this. Although RVD is the most over, I think Lashley will take a bump, Shannon Moore will knock Hardy out of the match, Finlay will just disappear, and when Benjamin is on the ladder, Flair will crotch him, thus knocking him out and taking the box for himself...more on this at the end.
Casket Match
Undertaker vs. Mark Henry
Possible Batista spot, #2. I say Batista comes out from inside the casket and causes Henry to lose. Does this mean TWO Batista spots? As great as that would be...no. If Batista shows up in this match, he'll be kept out of the title picture until Summerslam.
Hardcore Match
Edge vs. Mick Foley
Foley is 1-3 since returning parttime...a tag match with the Rock, LOSS. One on One with Randy Orton...LOSS (GREAT MATCH, though) and Carlito at Taboo Tuesday...WIN. Foley is used asthe guy that takes a beating to really put over the growing heel. Due to this, as much of a Foley mark as I am...Foley loses after a tremendous amount of punishment. I'd say at LEAST 4 chair shots and thumbtacks a must. I'd say that Foley will even get to use some barb wired items...
United States Championship
Chris Benoit (c) vs. JBL
Two years ago, this would have main evented a PPV...now, look how far down the card it is...BOO...A decent match to be had, and the LOSER will move on to face the third one in the Main Event...in other words, Expect JBL to win (he;s been losing a lot recently) and Benoit to go on to matches with Angle...THAT's what I want to see.
World Tag Team Championship
Kane & Big Show (c) vs. Chris Masters & Carlito
With all the bickering and fighting beating Carlito and Masters, who DOESN'T want these guys to win? Could be one of the worst matches of the night, or a surprisingly good one.
Women's Championship
Trish Stratus (c) vs. Mickie James
How far the women's dvision has fallen. Mickie wins, totally HEELING out.
Playboy Pillow Fight
Torrie Wilson vs. Candice Michelle
Filler match. No one ever actually wins these matches, so expect it to air after the MITB match, to slow the pace.
Boogeyman vs. Booker T & Sharmell
Boogeyman continues his roll...but will it be at the 4 minute mark like the last one (JBL)?
This brings me to the surprise of the night. I think either Hogan or Austin will continue their jabber from the Hall of Fame celebration, which would be fun. But the real MAIN EVENT will be Ric Flair taking his Money in the Bank match and winning the world title for the 17th time. This is the only real way this maks sense. Heck, I'd even like to see Cena KEEP his title, and then Flair go against him, and win...this would allow...the CENA HEEL TURN. Cena loses, and snaps...starts with a chair to Flair, taking him out. The eyes bright, the nose flairing, and Cena standing over him, looking at the crowd and saying, "You had yuor chance...you can't see me anymore." Classic WM ending. Also allows him to Heel out against the strong Flair FACE.
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