Maybe I'm paranoid, but damn are there a ton of "F U DeviantArt" journals out there. Maybe it's because the people I watch are as opinionated as I am. Looking outward though, I've seen a good deal of civil unrest in real life also. It seems to be everywhere.

I did once believe that deviantArt was about art, which was my mistake. Anyone that genuinely cares about art and it's wellbeing cannot seriously consider dA as a forum for the art scene, no matter what shiny new features are added. Imagine it like a flowering tree; if the roots are bad the whole thing will come down. What's more, if you do care and express it, you'll be browbeaten into surrendering your standards to the Greater Good. For example, if Unrestricted Stock becomes a fad, MORE people will expect that stock is completely consequence free, forcing the community to come up with a decision on just how important contributing resources is. You are no longer on your terms, you are on dA's terms. And if someone decides to disobey your terms of use, the Greater Good will decide what is best for you; your stock terms do not matter. No one gives a flying fuck about your stock terms. If you're upset to any degree by the unfairness of being lied to, you earn yourself a llama, both in title and in little pixels at the top of your screen.

This is the condition by which I upload resources; I know all of this and I accept that I'm not worth a damn in the big picture. I don't make money for the site directly, and that's precisely what our worth is based on. If dA would like to create the illusion of a free for all (and let's face it, with the amount of art theft going on that is unchecked), they have done so and it is their prerogative to do so. If that's how a site wishes to view it's supporters and contributors, that's up to them and up to you to decide if you still want to be a part of that.

I still like my friends here, and I still think I have something to contribute to them, so here I am. I still enjoy creating art and sharing it with people, though I have to say that I've had better luck promoting my work far away from this site. In fact, I owe most of my own success as an artist to a couple of people who believed in me, NONE of which I have dA to thank for. That's also my advice to you; if you care about your work and you want to be seen, then YOU Have to be your biggest promoter. You must believe in what you are doing and carve your own place in the world; dA isn't going to do that for you. They're a bigass corporation concerned with making money through art, and they're allowed to be because they're following their vision too.

I suggest that you investigate local art shows and craft shows, and invest a little bit in yourself. Make print runs, number them, sign them. Frame them. Make art that YOU are proud of, and nothing else matters. You don't have to be on deviantART to get yourself noticed. With members even in the thousands, getting noticed would be difficult. With the number of members they have today?---don't even try, LOL.

I stopped referring clients to my art page because of the sheer amount of questionable content they would be subject to on the way to my page (you know, like the shit that becomes WILDLY popular in just a few hours because of it's questionable content, so it makes it to the front page. Some dudes screwing a panda or something that hasn't been removed because actual penetration isn't visible, or some crap). I recommend using the portfolio feature for the sheer purpose of sharing your art gallery, but should your clients accidentally wander elsewhere, there be dragons. In this world, your art speaks for itself, but ONLY if there's someone to listen. Be aware of what you reference, and who is giving you references. A good one can make you, a bad one can break you. Remember the screwing pandas.

I also recommend getting a good website going for yourself; your very own. If you expect other people to take you seriously, you're going to have to get serious. There, you can set your own parameters, like disabling a right-click save of your work. I've heard argument here that you can always take a screen cap instead of saving the image, but the print quality of a screen shot is laughable. Anything, no matter how small I can do to make life harder for art thieves, I would do. If you care about your art, you should too.

That's another reason I've been so absent; I've been working very hard on my own business in between the hospital runs. I will never be the world's greatest photographer or painter; I don't think such a thing exists anyway. Life is subjective, as they say. I'd just like to be happy, and I want you to be happy too.

Once again, NO ONE is going to White Knight for you in the real world. Don't expect dA to do it for you on the internet, subscribed or not.

-L

( I wonder how many llamas I will earn for this. Hmm. )
(Also, what kind of stock do you want to see ~Zulias do on Friday? )

So, I had more loverly oral surgery yesterday to remove a broken molar. Mike and Ike used to be my favorite candy until one of the two got jealous and conspired to break my tooth with a particularly hard piece. So,  to keep things far, I've broken up with both Mike AND Ike, because I'll never know the full story between them and that's just too many unanswered questions in a candy relationship.

That said, I'm medicated. And I'm going through some ancient folders of stock photos and wondering why in the heck I never submitted some of these images. Perhaps I was being stingy or just overtired, but I DO have a lot of neat couples stock I never posted, and some of ~dancingemlin flouncing around as she does best.

I am about to sit down and try to get started on a painting, which I haven't done in forever. FOREVER, so wish me luck on that. Which brings me to my question for you all:

-What's your favorite stock for reference drawings/paintings/etc that allows for commercial use?

I found a really awesome reference site thanks to my pal *ravynnephelan that's well worth the cost of subscribing to it:

[link]<-- check it out.

Also, ~Zulias and I have made plans for stock shooting this Friday. Keep fingers crossed!

Here's some neat stuff I found from a recent browse of the stock images gallery:

My health this past year has been totally abominable, so I don't spend that much time on dA. I hardly have time for art anymore either, much less stock. It kindof makes me miserable. Must work 6 days a week until Xmas. I don't even CELEBRATE Xmas; damn you capitalism.

I can see that I have 64 notes and thousands of messages to go through...*cringe*.

I'm about to embark on them, and I'm pretty sure some of them haven't been opened since September. *double cringe*

I'm sure people are going to be mad at me. *triple cringe*

Lanny's a mod now! *happy face!*

There are all kinds of weird new things to look at... *pokes at Stash..thingy*

I made my very own drum in October. *happy face!*

I've been in and out of the doctors/hospitals for serious lung problems. *frowny face*

I have begun leatherworking as a new hobby. *happy face!*



So yeah. My job is soulsucking and time-murdering, sorry guys. This is in addition to all of the time my clergy study program demands and my grove (read: church) demands. I miss everyone. I've been having anxiety issues and logging into dA makes me weirdly anxious anymore. STILL. If you need to find me urgently, email or FB please. I'll find it.


Okay. I'm digging into my messages now. Spare a good thought for me, LOL.

-Ash

Art is worth everything and nothing?

I can't help but notice the trend of abusing adorable little art students, coercing them into art-related jobs, and underpaying them by a ridiculous sum, all under the guise of building a portfolio. What it really does is devalue art altogether. Craigslist is like a freaking playground for people begging to get something for nothing. That isn't how it works, folks. You don't get something for nothing. Ever.

Humanity cheapens the sacred every day by stealing the work of others and selling it for profit when the artist themselves is struggling. They cheapen the sacred by devaluing the lives of others for their own gain. It's something they're good at, but ONLY if you let them. They can only take from you what you aren't willing to give IF YOU ALLOW it. Copyright your work. Get a CONTRACT SIGNED. Watermark your work. Ignore the naysayers; they aren't about to pay your legal fees are they? Unlikely. Protect yourself; you're the only one that can so don't drop the ball here.

While it's all well and good to create "art for art's sake", certainly for individuals whose only gift is arguably their ability to create art one can grant a little leeway on the scale from 'wealthy' to 'sellout'. Just because you attempt to sell your work (time, inspiration, pure creation) doesn't mean you're a sellout or that it isn't worth anything. Yes, it's hard to put a price tag on something you love, and I'm one of those people that wrestle with it daily when I photograph events.

The hard truth of the matter is this: Our society sadly tends to perceive worth by measuring on a monetary scale. Don't be ashamed to ask what you are worth. Or your work is worth. While the best things in life are free in that they don't cost cold, hard cash, they still cost the time to appreciate them at minimum. Time is precious; you don't get much.  All too often, art becomes more important after the artist has died, and that's definitely no fun for the artist.

I guess I'm one of those strange people who sees the value of art (in all its forms) for what it is; sacred. It's absolutely sacred. It's someones time and vision that they've created and shared. It is absolutely worth something. It's not a luxury; it's a basic need of expression. Expression isn't a luxury; it's what we as humans do every day.

At any rate, the moral of this late night ramble is for all the artists out there: Don't let them take advantage of you. You have the power of creation that they do not possess. Do not overlook or underestimate this blessing. You are the future that cannot allow the loss of our expression under any circumstance; so rock on. You're awesome.


Oh, look. Some thumbnails.

So, I was a fan of the (annoyingly still unfinished) books before the HBO series came out, but I can't be more ecstatic with the way they went ALL OUT on the series. Yes, it's obvious HBO is running things, but it still retains that "drawn from the book" quality that satisfies my geekness. By the way, the Table Top version of this series is almost unplayable. Been there, done that.

Anyway, I was browsing dA to find some art that honors Martin's series because I find it both highly inspiring and a sharp reminder that I need to keep writing.

Enjoy!

Art Feature



Stock Feature
:thumb201708316::thumb38171286:



That said. We really need more Maesters. And a lot of other things.*sigh* To the drawing board I go. And modestly so I don't wind up casting and costuming my entire group of friends.

I've been away a while and haven't shot stock since what...Yule? with the "For Your Entertainment" series. I sortof miss it, but at the same time I'm busy getting my life together and all. Stock will happen more often later this year though. I have ideas.

In the meanwhile, I was delighted to discover that the quality of stock in general has gone up tremendously and there are a lot of new talented folks out there since last I checked. So, I waded through the occasional flash of cock and Street Fighter Porn to bring you some all stars of stock and resources that impressed and inspired me.

Fave em! You know you wanna!

:thumb211817019:

That's enough exploration tonight. Enjoy!

I'm just sayin', if you're going to use someone's work and NOT notify them, maybe you ought to at least try to make it unrecognizable?

Mine:

Theirs: [link]


I found this as a FIGURINE (see? [link] ) in a store I was in earlier and recognized it immediately. Right down to the bow. And I'm not alone. It's like a game! How many dA artists can you find in this website without credit or notification?

[link]

And you know she's making a lot of money off of this. I don't want any of it; I just wanted to be notified. Bad etiquette. Oh well.

Hello guys! I have missed you. I've got lots to share with you all!

First of all; I really do have a problem. No comments/favorites/any image stats are showing up on images. What's up with that? Is it a bug or something or did dA decide that we no longer needed those? I dunno. So anyway it skeeved me out; so instead of commenting on works like I normally would I've added them to my favorites until I can see comments again. I feel awkward being the only one commenting on something or offering critique when I can't see the rest of the conversation; like those points had already been covered somewhere else and the issue was taken care of. Oi oi.

Anyway...I've been overworked, underworked, photographing many paid jobs (yay!) and spent some good quality time in the hospital. That's where I have been. *sigh* In that stupid hospital where I was denied access to my church's website (and consequently clergy) because it was a "nontraditional faith." Screw em.

I have also had the extreme privilege of visiting my best pal ~TheArcher777 in Edinburgh. We went ALL OVER THE PLACE. I even got to meet the fabulous `Mollinda and `joannastar in person. Really! We have photos! Even though we could only spend a couple of hours together, I really want to go back. And hunt down ^Elandria and *Amazonofexeter for shenanigans.

No, I really REALLY want to go back. I went to Ireland and had serious trouble leaving. The husband and I have been talking seriously about retiring there one day. Have many photos to share and for those of you I'm not facebook friends with (why I don't know. add me!) I have a ridiculous note describing my adventures in the UK. I will update it to include the rest soon. Dublin rocked. The Beltaine Fire Festival? Did not.

"1.) I actually really like flying. The commuter planes are nothing short of terrifying as I suspect they are held together by scotch tape and prayers, but the international flight I was on was awesome. Seeing the sun rise above the clouds? Awesome. Airline food? Quite good actually. I enjoyed watching movies and seeing my little plane tracker as we journeyed across the big blue ocean. Also, the rivalry between the English stewardess and the Scottish one was amusing. TSA was not unkind or unpleasant to me. They had to investigate my camera equipment in the UK and pat me down when my emergency medical bracelet set off the alarm, but it was no big deal. I got out quickly and painlessly, and they were nice about it the entire time.



2.) British toilets confuse the hell out of me. And I mean the actual toilet, not the entire bathroom. Getting them to flush is a process. You have to make some sort of offering to the toilet gods first that I've been missing, because if the toilet is displeased it will only gurgle at you and not move.



3.) Their monies are prettier than ours. And I have a pocket full of significant change. As in, I'm not sure the UK ever got over the whole Scrooge McDuck swimming pool of gold thing. That's what this feels like. I have a pocket of pound and two pound coins and I feel like a pirate.



4.) The rivalry/open hatred between England and Scotland is glaringly obvious. Will have more photos evidencing this later.



5.) I freaking love sheep. Not in the 'Highland' way, but even when I have a roaring fever (guess I get sick when I fly D: ) seeing the little baby lambs being hilarious baby lambs jumping around in fields is STILL amusing.



6.) Loch Ness. The water is FUCKING COLD. I know first hand. So does Taryn. Before you ask, no. I didn't see Nessie apart from a statue. It's a beautiful Loch though. And of COURSE I took photographs.



7.) So, Molly, Joanna, and Andrew are just wonderful people. Molly completely surprised me with news of her pregnancy. It was so good meeting them FUR REALZ. hehehe



8.) Iced Tea is a completely foreign notion. Somehow they don't understand that "making tea and chilling it with ice" IS iced tea. That's exactly how you make it. Lipton is gross; it's powder and water. Will have to school some folks on iced tea deliciousness.



9.) I have not tried the haggis yet, though there have been opportunities. Votes on whether or not I do, please. ( I did not)



10.) beans on toast. WTF. I know I'm not the weird one here when I say those to were never meant to go together. I'm a fan of weird things on toast, but not beans. It just seems wrong.



11.) Edinburgh is officially my favorite Scottish city I think. I haven't seen Glasgow, but I still suspect Edinburgh is superior. Inverness wasn't terribly impressive to me, although the LANDSCAPE was. My aching legs have had enough of the hilliness. I am making them deal with it. >.>



12.) I miss my family like burning. Bagpipes make me cry. In the good way when they're played right, and in the bad way when it sounds like they're swinging a chorus of cats by the tail.



13.) I won't lie. Carlisle Castle is fucking creepy. Like, chill me to my bones creepy. As Molly and Taryn and I noted "ah...a lot of people died here..." They were smart and avoided the dungeons. I, of course, nanced right in. More on this later. "

Anyway, I'm being called away by friends who want to investigate some store or another an hour away so I'll come back later and detail some more craziness and share photos! And probably the UK: Candy Edition. But if you're on FB you can see some of them here: [link]

-Ash

Announcing the Winners of #SizzlingHotStock's Mythology and Folklore Contest!!

The winners for the Advanced category are:

First Place



Second Place


Third Place



The winners for the Beginner category are:

First Place:



Second Place:


Third Place


And from what I understand, the entrants gave the judges a run for their money. Both first place winners will receive an Exclusive Pack from me as soon as I hear back from them.

This shouldn't surprise anyone when I say I've been sick. And it shouldn't surprise anyone when I say I've been busy.

Both of those would kindof be understatements, but that's not important. What is important is this: I'm on dA probably two times a month to answer messages. I have absolutely ZERO time to do any photography that ISN'T a paid job or artwork or any kind of self expression. It's really aggravating. Two years ago I was on this website practically everyday, several TIMES a day, answering notes, comments, looking at work and being a valuable member of the community. I've made good friends here, but I'm no longer valuable in this community.

Not only do I have the audacity to stand up for myself, but I'm also irresponsible in my ability to get back to people. I tried to make my rules as loose as possible so people could still do what they want without me being around to have to contact. Every time I login, there's another tragedy that needs to be addressed. Someone needs something. They always need something, and I don't get paid to sit at my computer and give it to them. Or stop what I'm doing right away and pump out requests that will never be used. My giving spirit is dead. Killed. Caput.

On April 26th, I'm flying to Edinburgh for the Beltane Fire Festival and visiting ~TheArcher777 and chances are I won't take my laptop unless I have space for it. I'm going to Dublin on the 1st of May, then heading home to Maryland. Maybe vacation will help liven me up a bit and make me less feisty, but I doubt it. I'm a bitch. My time right now doesn't belong to me. It belongs to my employer(s), my Grove, and my family. I don't get days off.

So. If during my absence you need me for some burning OH EM GEE I need this RIGHTFUCKINGNOW, hit me with an e-mail please. Or if you just want to talk or something. It's easier to find me there and on facebook than it is here. Everytime I login here I'm reminded of what a moron I am. The email is lindowyn at gmail dot com.

Additionally, if there are those of you that KNOW you're going to need passwords in the future, let me know. Next journal will be a feature for #SizzlingHotStock's contest winners. That said, I have an awful lot of passwordless stock AND also have an unrestricted stock folder now. Check it out if you want.

To all of my friends, I miss you guys and I hope you're doing well.

Happy Imbolc if you celebrate, Happy February if you don't!

So we're supposed to be getting this ginormous ice storm, but all I see is fog and a lot of birds. Not that I don't like fog and birds, but I was expecting something more dramatic. Usually this time of year I'm cleaning out parts of my life that are gathering dust, so you can expect a photo dump or two. In FACT...I've added an Unrestricted Stock folder to my gallery. It's here if you want to check it out: [link], there will be more soon. I bet you'd never thought you'd see the day.

As a working artist (which is what so many of us are...we're just not always working on art ), it frustrates the crap out of me to get eleven million permissions from people to do something simple like make a print, especially when they don't get back to you. (Not all stock artists do that, I'm just saying that I've run into it quite a bit.) Trust me, artists, I get it. I wish I could post model stock as unrestricted, but I don't have model permission to do that. I can at least post photos of myself though as unrestricted. It might happen. MIGHT.

If you have not seen it already, `shelldevil has launched a Call to Arms to help offer flood relief for victims of the flooding in Queensland. A lot of these folks have lost their homes completely, so every penny helps. She's shooting to raise 500 dollars, but has only raised about a fifth of that. I have created a stock pack to offer to donators to the cause, which you can see here:   Details about the fundraiser are on the image's artist description.

In other news, I'm hitting the photography scene pretty hard because I have to pay the bills somehow. Same with the crafting and all of that good stuff. Lifetouch isn't working me enough hours, so I have to be resourceful. I've actually gotten a few art jobs, too. Fingers crossed, because if I fail I'm not going to get to go to Scotland in April. :/ Don't mind me. Just word vomiting. I did update my website though! [link] I have jokingly referred to it as my Irish Heritage edition.

ALSO, I have a stack of notes I am going through, so fear not; I will answer messages ASAP. *Elric2012 I will return that form to you soon!

Not sure where I'd be if it weren't for deviantArt. Seriously; I've met some of the coolest people here who are nonstop sources of kindness, inspiration, and generosity. Their vision and imagination frequently astounds me. It's a wonderful thing to know so many artists. I can't imagine a world without art, I really can't.

In the four years I've been providing stock, I had hoped to do a number of things. One of them was to provide a resource for artists who were having as much trouble as I was finding the right stock. I never dreamed it would turn into what it has. It started me on the road to realizing my dream of becoming a photographer. I'm not the best; there will always be people better than me, and there will always be people who I am better than. One thing everyone has going for them is that they aren't me; They are who they are. And I am so very glad they are that. One of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced was the feeling of INSPIRING other people. I didn't expect that at all. I didn't expect that through knowing other artists it would encourage me to work harder at my craft.

A lot of people say that deviantArt is a social network with double standards and doesn't focus on art anymore. I know that sometimes I feel that way, too. I feel like some of the stuff posted here shouldn't be allowed here, but it's not my place to say so. I've given up on bigger goals. I can only help individual people at a time and hope that it's going to help, rather than trying to help a lot of people at once. The individual friends I have here really do make all of the negativity bearable, and that's really something. I've literally watched my friends grow and blossom into spectacular artists who are also realizing their dreams.  

I've seen a lot of people in a tizzy about stock art and a joint pay site for stock and all sorts of things, and I think it's still a wonderful idea. As you can see, the FREE stock gallery isn't going anywhere, and as long as there are artists it's not going away. Don't forget, stockers are artists too. We create stock AND art AND stockart. It's like being a triple threat, really. hehe. Yeah, I do create exclusive stock....but most of what I do is free. And anyone that's ever asked me about commercial agreements can tell you how easy it is to get whatever they want from me.

I hope that for the next year I can be more present for those people on here and in real life that mean a lot to me. Happy Holidays, guys.

P.S. If you want to be facebook pals, note me. Just be warned; I'm vocal and opinionated. Like this surprises anyone.

P.P.S. This year, my mother beat breast cancer, my little sister beat her demons and lived, I graduated college and am making my living as a photographer, I've grown spiritually and artistically, and have met some freaking amazing people. For all of it's sadness and heartache, 2010 seems to be a pretty balanced year.

So, somewhere amidst all the work I've had to do both for my job job and my freelance job, I just got full-body struck by inspiration. FINALLY. It's so nice to see her again. I think I'm technically in layoff right now at work, and it'll start up again in February. Until then I'm going stir crazy BUT! I have photoshop.

Perusing the stock gallery is always a laugh and a half. I am impressed at how many people are actually submitting high quality work, and how we are finally seeing models with varying ethnicities. It's about time! ...and of course there are still the obligatory underwear/boob shots of those poor folks who are just looking for some validation in their lives. At any rate, there's a lot of excellent stock out there. I may just start adding new stuff soon. Also, in opening photoshop I've found that I just CANNOT manipulate pictures of myself for art. I just can't do it, and I don't know how other people do it. It feels so strange to me. Kudos to those that can...I just can't fight the feeling that it is somehow self serving. (even if it isn't.)haha.

I've also had some tragedy in my life, but for the sake of privacy for her situation, I ask that if you have a moment to please descend with love upon 's page. As you probably know, she is my littlest sister who just needs a little reminding that she is needed and loved. I think we could all use some reminding that we are loved and needed in our own lives; if not for others then at least to yourself.

Also, when did the literature gallery get so sexy? I may have to start writing again, too.

I guess I've been too far wrapped in real life rather than deviantArt over the past couple of months. I think it was a break I really needed. I've been in and out to check messages, but am only just beginning to piece together that which I have missed. It looks like I've missed some new amazing things...like `shelldevil and `Mollinda, and that says to me that I still belong here in a way. I've been feeling so estranged from this website for a while now, and it's so sad because I miss my pals. It occurred to me that I might miss the yearly Autumn Country contest if I don't pay attention, but to be entirely fair I work 6 days a week with 12 hour days. I certainly do not have the kind of time I used to, and with my laptop exploding I haven't created an art piece in far too long. The Hard Drive failed, and of course it didn't create working backup discs when I asked it to, so I lost the OS as well. If I can track down, somewhere in this world, or blow 200 dollars to get Vista working on my computer, that'd be nice.

That stuff said, I've been working to improve the quality of my stock. My standards have risen too much for my own good, hence no stock posted lately. My living room is situated in such a way that stock is impossible to make indoors, but outdoors is still a possibility. I do have access to a studio now, but I'd have to schedule a time to be there in twenty minute intervals, so balls to that for now. Many of my friends/models are impossible to get in contact with or are overseas, and the last stock I posted of myself was not used a single time. I'm just no good at modeling.

It does feel good to be working and helping support my little family (consisting of the husband, the roommate, and the cats). I've also been getting a lot of photography contracts for Bar Mitzvahs and Weddings, of all things. You'd think by now and with shooting every single day I'd be less nervous about them, but I always am. I also grossly undercharge my clients, but just lack the confidence to look someone in the eye and go "X much". I've never been able to do that. It's not that the quality of my work isn't worth it...it is. I just need some opinions or appraisals from fellow photographers to make me feel that way.

Also, it is finally fall. That means spiced, hot apple cider, pumpkin goodness, and Samhain celebrations. The smell of burning pumpkin, brisk night air, the yellow and red dappled forest...and me hoping I have time to slow down and enjoy it all. I'm making salmon tonight and enjoying some cider...before I have to be to work in the morning at 4:30 am.




If you need me, and I don't answer here in three days, or if it is an emergency, please email me at lindowyn at gmail dot com. I check that every day. I'm also on facebook if you're inclined to care about my mundane life.

:thumb179419349:

I'm not sure if this is going on where everyone else is, but Maryland is positively baked. The grass is brown, the trees (or at least the younger ones) are shriveling up. Riverbeds are going dry. I have contemplated rolling myself in river mud and then not moving for a few days. It's humid and awful and 106. All of these are reasons for which I will justify my current desire to move to Canada. Don't get me wrong, living in America has it's perks, but so does a longer lifespan.

Still no job yet...a couple very interested parties but they can't make a decision until the end of the month or something, so life is in limbo once more. I'm starting to have to beat off school loans people with a stick. I like the stick..so far it seems to be working.

To summarize, I'm gonna make with a rain dance in a few minutes...followed by a HIRE ME DAMMIT dance. Here also is a tiny list of things I want to do this summer...and if not this summer...sometime soon:

-Get a job
-Pet a killer whale
-Go swimming
-Visit dad in Vermont (>.>)
-Help Taryn get her stuff squared away to go to Scotland
-Get a passport
-Go on a photo excursion on the Chesapeake Bay
-Get my website squared away some more *tweaktweak*
-Learn to play a song on the violin. I learned to tune it and bridge it all on my onesie. ^^

Also, it appears to be dA's birthday...so Happy Birthday dA. Did put up some new stock about a month ago, but since it's not been used I'm figuring it won't be. Perhaps if I posted a ton of landscapes the horse people would use it. >.> Of course, we can always use more landscapy stock I'm sure. Or useful objects. That's kindof where I'm at right now because it's too freaking hot for costumes.

Stay cool everyone and drink lots of water!

I'm going to feature pictures of places I would rather be right now. LOL

`FantasyStock

I couldn't be happier (and somewhat relieved.) GF if you need help or support at any time, you couldn't be in a better community.



Earth is still bleeding. Thanks BP. It's like watching a slow motion train wreck, and the joke is people think that because they don't live near the Gulf of Mexico it won't affect them. Hurricane season is coming, and the oil plumes are already in the gulf stream. That means it will probably be saying hello to Europe at some point. My heart aches. I am still continuing the Prayer Sessions/Emergency Response rituals every Friday night. Ever felt like a mosquito barking at a brick wall? (They bark in my imagination >.> ) Cause that's how I feel about it. Human beings just do not want to change, even if it's for the better. And for some reason? What Justin Bieber had for eats with Miley Cyrus is more important news according to yahoo.





I'll tell you guys outright, if you want to be a stock photographer one of the things no one tells you is this: Art theft WILL BE A PART of your "job" as it were, and providing stock *will* be a full time job if you intend to do it properly. Only thing is, it doesn't pay at all (in fact, you are the one paying out of pocket except for the occasional kindness of others) and a lot of people seem to think that you OWE it to them to continue doing this. People are kindof jerks. Here's what I suggest: Do it for yourself. It's an art form, and we know that. You don't need to impress anyone; just do work that you yourself could use. It's a thankless existence, and if you can't get used to that save yourself the trouble of getting involved with that mess. Your feelings -will- get hurt. I've been diplomatic, bitchy, accommodating, ruthless, generous, and protective of my friends. Quite frankly I don't care what other people say about stock-- I know the law. I read it when I get a free moment. A lot of people try to tell me "how it is" and what they want stock to be, and I don't care. Everyone is welcome to their opinions, and I am welcome to mine. Passworded stock? Yes. I *have* to and I HATE it. I wish I could give you guys everything you wanted, but I simply can't. I wouldn't still be suffering all this shit if you guys weren't so awesome you've made me cry with happiness before.


In no particular order:

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And stuff that made me laugh recently, or semi recently:

Guess who just passed her first math class in 10 years??????

>>>>>> THIS GIRL <<<<<<

GUESS WHO IS GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE AFTER TEN YEARS OF SICKNESS, PAIN, AND LOSS?!?!

>>>>>>THIS GIRL <<<<<<<


Sorry. I had to get that out of my system. I can't believe it. I'm freaking graduating on Thursday. ME. It's official now.

I know you guys are probably like either one of two things:

"Math? pft. It's all in your head. Anyone can do math. I like math. I dream of math every night. I have math wet dreams. I eat math for breakfast and elevensies. Math is my best friend. We are due to be wed in Spring."

OR

You are of my school of thought, which is more along the lines of: "Math...I hate the word...as I hate hell, and ALL Montegues." It has always been my Waterloo. A "C" might not be the best grade ever, but I wish to hug it and take it home with me.

Whew. Alright, now that my Hell Semester is out of the way, I should have more time to be around these parts. You guys probably thought I curled up and died or something...only sort of. I've already filled out two job applications, and have ideas for new stock. I have this pretty little blue dress, and a plum robey capey dress from Moresca I haven't shot yet (or at least shot well) and have had since *Amazonofexeter was here. EEK! I have a lot of warrior-esque things to do as well. We will see how the weather holds and if I can steal The Archer from her 40 plus hour workweek for photos. And you know...if you all are interested. >.>

So, that's the latest from me. I am so excited. And I have a cupcake.

Also, Disney's Princess and the Frog? Hi-larious. Recommend it.