BLM.
Posted 4 years agoSome of you may not know me that well, so I'm going to cover this once.
Black lives matter.
Before you get tempted to retort with 'all lives matter', saying 'Black lives matter' never means 'more than other lives.' It's simply a recognition of the way in which society has a deeply-embedded systemic way of valuing Black lives less than others. All houses matter, but when the fire truck pulls into your neighbourhood you don't get to whine that it's spraying the house that is actively on fire instead of your perfectly safe and cozy not-on-fire house three streets away.
Over the past week I have seen hundreds of videos from all over America that have firmly convinced me that the only moral way forward is to massively overhaul the way policing is done. Police need to be held accountable for their actions (e.g. no covering badge numbers or names, no possibility to disable or obstruct body or vehicle cameras), police need to be demilitarised and defunded, and the entire way policing is handled needs to be abolished and rebuilt. By this I do not mean remove all emergency responders from existence, but rather have more specialists that can respond in accordance with what the actual problem is, rather than a single, demonstrably aggressive, untrained and armed institution responding to every incident no matter how out of their depth they may be - These people are handed guns and told to 'get out there and enforce the law or whatever' with fewer hours of training in peaceful negotiation and de-escalation than a hairdresser requires to do business, or than a lot of you have probably spent playing Animal Crossing. If somebody is having a mental health crisis, get a metal health specialist sent out, for example, rather than a police officer who will only see a confusing and potentially violent individual, and who may only know how to deal with them by shooting them. Otherwise, as we have seen again and again, you're only asking for more needless death. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail; when all you have is a gun, everything looks like a target.
Do not get all 'DEBATE ME' with me about this. There is more and better-written info on this here: https://www.motherjones.com/crime-j.....-george-floyd/ as just one of many examples, so spend five minutes googling 'police abolitionism' and educate yourself.
What we've seen over the past week are a bunch of primarily peaceful protests calling for an end to racism and police brutality in America. There has been some destruction of property and looting, so sure, there are some bad actors among the protesters, a small minority of opportunistic people who just want to take advantage of the chaos to break stuff. But far more worrying is that undercover police officers have been caught on camera multiple times posing as protesters causing said destruction, just so they could later paint the protesters as destructive and violent in order to justify the use of whatever force they wanted.
Most of all, though, imagery is now everywhere of police in full riot gear being deployed, and acting positively gleeful as they fire rubber bullets point blank into faces and tear gas canisters into crowds of peaceful, unarmed protesters who are threatening no one, and who are in fact doing nothing more than expressing their First Amendment rights in the most unarguable way possible. Clearly marked medics and news teams are being assaulted and arrested, both of which are war crimes. For the overwhelming majority of cases, the police have been the ones massively escalating the situation and bringing violence to protests where there was previously none. Protests in front of US embassies have been sparked by our neighbours around the world, who are rightly horrified and believe that we must do better. I feel like I woke up one morning to find my home country turned into the Galactic Empire if the way black-clad riot-geared stormtroopers abusing peaceful civilians, simply because they know they can get away with it and not face any repercussions, is anything to go by. Racism and racism-based police brutality have been festering in the US for centuries, and the entire country is sadly built upon that foundation, but if anything positive is to come out of what we're seeing now it needs to be that as many people as possible wake up and get involved. Not just by voting out racist Republicans, because even the mayors in many of the cities that are subscribing to the false narrative of 'violent protesters that must be controlled' and declaring curfews are supposedly Democrats. Take it further - sign petitions, send messages to your elected officials at all levels of government demanding the demilitarisation and defunding of police departments, educate yourself about what other possibilities exist, and listen to Black voices and hear what they have to say about all of this. Let them speak for themselves and hear their stories. And most of all, if you're like me and have the privilege of taking the easy way out and just sitting on the sidelines and telling yourself 'this doesn't directly affect me' or 'it's all too negative and I just don't feel like dealing with it so I'm going to ignore it', I implore you: DON'T. What I would ask you to do above anything else is to Just. Fucking. Care. About. Other. People.
I'm white. I've been safely protected by the privilege of that my entire life. I've had very few direct interactions with the police, and when I have it never even occurred to me that it was likely to end with me being riddled with bullets or pinned to the ground and choked to death. I don't know what it's like to live with that constant fear every time I go out of my door, but I do know that nobody should have to feel that way ever.
I live across the pond now, I'm unlikely to be able to physically show up to any protest marches, and frankly if I did live in the US I think I would be too afraid to after what I've seen. But it's important to me to find whatever I can do and do it, through voting, donating money, signing petitions, and making my views known to my elected officials. As I've said before with other political issues, one person doing these things doesn't make a lot of difference, but if enough people get involved it adds up.
Some resources: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/
Comments disabled because I'm not asking you to care about other people, I'm telling.
Black lives matter.
Before you get tempted to retort with 'all lives matter', saying 'Black lives matter' never means 'more than other lives.' It's simply a recognition of the way in which society has a deeply-embedded systemic way of valuing Black lives less than others. All houses matter, but when the fire truck pulls into your neighbourhood you don't get to whine that it's spraying the house that is actively on fire instead of your perfectly safe and cozy not-on-fire house three streets away.
Over the past week I have seen hundreds of videos from all over America that have firmly convinced me that the only moral way forward is to massively overhaul the way policing is done. Police need to be held accountable for their actions (e.g. no covering badge numbers or names, no possibility to disable or obstruct body or vehicle cameras), police need to be demilitarised and defunded, and the entire way policing is handled needs to be abolished and rebuilt. By this I do not mean remove all emergency responders from existence, but rather have more specialists that can respond in accordance with what the actual problem is, rather than a single, demonstrably aggressive, untrained and armed institution responding to every incident no matter how out of their depth they may be - These people are handed guns and told to 'get out there and enforce the law or whatever' with fewer hours of training in peaceful negotiation and de-escalation than a hairdresser requires to do business, or than a lot of you have probably spent playing Animal Crossing. If somebody is having a mental health crisis, get a metal health specialist sent out, for example, rather than a police officer who will only see a confusing and potentially violent individual, and who may only know how to deal with them by shooting them. Otherwise, as we have seen again and again, you're only asking for more needless death. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail; when all you have is a gun, everything looks like a target.
Do not get all 'DEBATE ME' with me about this. There is more and better-written info on this here: https://www.motherjones.com/crime-j.....-george-floyd/ as just one of many examples, so spend five minutes googling 'police abolitionism' and educate yourself.
What we've seen over the past week are a bunch of primarily peaceful protests calling for an end to racism and police brutality in America. There has been some destruction of property and looting, so sure, there are some bad actors among the protesters, a small minority of opportunistic people who just want to take advantage of the chaos to break stuff. But far more worrying is that undercover police officers have been caught on camera multiple times posing as protesters causing said destruction, just so they could later paint the protesters as destructive and violent in order to justify the use of whatever force they wanted.
Most of all, though, imagery is now everywhere of police in full riot gear being deployed, and acting positively gleeful as they fire rubber bullets point blank into faces and tear gas canisters into crowds of peaceful, unarmed protesters who are threatening no one, and who are in fact doing nothing more than expressing their First Amendment rights in the most unarguable way possible. Clearly marked medics and news teams are being assaulted and arrested, both of which are war crimes. For the overwhelming majority of cases, the police have been the ones massively escalating the situation and bringing violence to protests where there was previously none. Protests in front of US embassies have been sparked by our neighbours around the world, who are rightly horrified and believe that we must do better. I feel like I woke up one morning to find my home country turned into the Galactic Empire if the way black-clad riot-geared stormtroopers abusing peaceful civilians, simply because they know they can get away with it and not face any repercussions, is anything to go by. Racism and racism-based police brutality have been festering in the US for centuries, and the entire country is sadly built upon that foundation, but if anything positive is to come out of what we're seeing now it needs to be that as many people as possible wake up and get involved. Not just by voting out racist Republicans, because even the mayors in many of the cities that are subscribing to the false narrative of 'violent protesters that must be controlled' and declaring curfews are supposedly Democrats. Take it further - sign petitions, send messages to your elected officials at all levels of government demanding the demilitarisation and defunding of police departments, educate yourself about what other possibilities exist, and listen to Black voices and hear what they have to say about all of this. Let them speak for themselves and hear their stories. And most of all, if you're like me and have the privilege of taking the easy way out and just sitting on the sidelines and telling yourself 'this doesn't directly affect me' or 'it's all too negative and I just don't feel like dealing with it so I'm going to ignore it', I implore you: DON'T. What I would ask you to do above anything else is to Just. Fucking. Care. About. Other. People.
I'm white. I've been safely protected by the privilege of that my entire life. I've had very few direct interactions with the police, and when I have it never even occurred to me that it was likely to end with me being riddled with bullets or pinned to the ground and choked to death. I don't know what it's like to live with that constant fear every time I go out of my door, but I do know that nobody should have to feel that way ever.
I live across the pond now, I'm unlikely to be able to physically show up to any protest marches, and frankly if I did live in the US I think I would be too afraid to after what I've seen. But it's important to me to find whatever I can do and do it, through voting, donating money, signing petitions, and making my views known to my elected officials. As I've said before with other political issues, one person doing these things doesn't make a lot of difference, but if enough people get involved it adds up.
Some resources: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/
Comments disabled because I'm not asking you to care about other people, I'm telling.
*environmental scientist soapbox time*
Posted 5 years agoRight, so.
The world is scary right now, in terms of the environment and the climate crisis, and it’s easy to feel discouraged and powerless. Here are a few of my own thoughts on all this.
It’s not your fault, and fixing it isn’t all on your shoulders. We all have a part to play, but letting go of paralysing guilt is the 1st step.
Driving less, eating less meat, reducing waste: great! Do what you can, but failing to live like a monk doesn’t make it all your fault.
If you’re on FA reading this, you’ve probably lived your whole life in an inescapable consumerist system. Finding ethical/sustainable buying choices can be hard & usually expensive. Try, but don’t buy the narrative that your shopping habits are why we’re here.
>> We’re here because of oil/coal companies etc. and the governments they’ve lobbied to keep environmental standards weak, and financial incentives large, have enabled the continuing operation of environmentally destructive practices. <<
The idea that it’s all on you is deflection, manufactured by those companies so they can shift guilt to you and continue operating as normal themselves.
Most of us probably live in countries that are signatories to the Paris Accords and have big shiny decarbonisation targets, while hypocritically continuing to give fossil fuel companies drilling and fracking rights and financial subsidies.
This -annoys- me.
>> So what CAN we do? <<
Scale-wise, responsibility is -so- much more heavily on governments and corporations than on individuals. This is good! It means there are fewer ‘targets.’ Fewer moles to whack in order to start making a real difference.
You don’t need to change your entire life. You just need to find your voice and make it heard. Vote, most obviously - for candidates and parties that will hold corporations to account, and pass and enforce substantive environmental protections.
Write your representatives/MPs and sign petitions between elections, whatever party they are. If they seem to be on your (and the Earth’s) side, thank them. If not, never let them hear the end of it. They’re meant to be representing you too and should know if they’re failing.
What difference does one vote make, or one signature on a petition? Maybe not much. But sitting in cynical apathy and going ‘meh they’re all terrible and nothing matters’ -definitely- has zero impact.
‘Not much’ is more than zero.
And it adds up.
Times are scary, but they’re also hopeful because more than ever people are waking up to the danger and wanting to do something about it. Feeling guilty and hopeless won’t change anything, but raising our voices together can.
Be hopeful. Be determined. Be loud.
The world is scary right now, in terms of the environment and the climate crisis, and it’s easy to feel discouraged and powerless. Here are a few of my own thoughts on all this.
It’s not your fault, and fixing it isn’t all on your shoulders. We all have a part to play, but letting go of paralysing guilt is the 1st step.
Driving less, eating less meat, reducing waste: great! Do what you can, but failing to live like a monk doesn’t make it all your fault.
If you’re on FA reading this, you’ve probably lived your whole life in an inescapable consumerist system. Finding ethical/sustainable buying choices can be hard & usually expensive. Try, but don’t buy the narrative that your shopping habits are why we’re here.
>> We’re here because of oil/coal companies etc. and the governments they’ve lobbied to keep environmental standards weak, and financial incentives large, have enabled the continuing operation of environmentally destructive practices. <<
The idea that it’s all on you is deflection, manufactured by those companies so they can shift guilt to you and continue operating as normal themselves.
Most of us probably live in countries that are signatories to the Paris Accords and have big shiny decarbonisation targets, while hypocritically continuing to give fossil fuel companies drilling and fracking rights and financial subsidies.
This -annoys- me.
>> So what CAN we do? <<
Scale-wise, responsibility is -so- much more heavily on governments and corporations than on individuals. This is good! It means there are fewer ‘targets.’ Fewer moles to whack in order to start making a real difference.
You don’t need to change your entire life. You just need to find your voice and make it heard. Vote, most obviously - for candidates and parties that will hold corporations to account, and pass and enforce substantive environmental protections.
Write your representatives/MPs and sign petitions between elections, whatever party they are. If they seem to be on your (and the Earth’s) side, thank them. If not, never let them hear the end of it. They’re meant to be representing you too and should know if they’re failing.
What difference does one vote make, or one signature on a petition? Maybe not much. But sitting in cynical apathy and going ‘meh they’re all terrible and nothing matters’ -definitely- has zero impact.
‘Not much’ is more than zero.
And it adds up.
Times are scary, but they’re also hopeful because more than ever people are waking up to the danger and wanting to do something about it. Feeling guilty and hopeless won’t change anything, but raising our voices together can.
Be hopeful. Be determined. Be loud.
State of the the Dorey update, because it's been a while!
Posted 5 years agoHi everybody! I'm still here. Anybody still paying attention will have noticed that I'm not doing art very often these days, but stuff still happens occasionally. There will still be more, but it's slower going than it used to be.
I'm getting by just fine day to day, but since my stroke last September I've still got epilepsy, which means that I have 'focal seizures' several times per day - generally these are very mild things, lasting only 5 to 10 seconds, which just involve some brief tingling and numbness along my right arm before going away. More rarely, maybe once or twice every couple weeks on average, I'll have a worse one that'll last several minutes and lead to facial spasms and speech slurring.
The seizures are annoying when they happen but don't really detract from the quality of my day-to-day life too much, which is good. The biggest issue they cause me is that they mean I'm not allowed to drive. I'm limited entirely to public transport and being a passenger, until such time as I can be seizure free for at least a year - which may in all liklihood never happen, since focal seizures are incredibly hard to ever get rid of completely. I've been experimenting with medications and doses with my doctors but we've reached a point where it seems best to let things settle for a few months, see if my brain does any healing on its own, rather than just piling on more medication lest the side effects start to make the cure worse than the disease.
Having my driving licence taken away and coming to terms with the realities of possibly never being able to drive again is kind of rough, especially since I've long been kind of an enthusiast for cars and driving. A bit less so since moving to the UK with its narrower and more stressful roads, and my looming dread over the global climate crisis, but even so it feels like a significant loss of freedom. On the plus side I am grateful to live in a country where that doesn't completely rob me of all my ability to have any sort of life the way it would in most parts of the US. The government here also compensates me by allowing me to purchase disabled rail/bus/coach passes that offer me discounted or free travel. Also I've got loves who are generally happy to ferry me around as needed whenever they can.
So what I'm dealing with now is the occasional annoyance and fatigue of the seizures, and the side effects of the medications I'm on to moderate the seizures and reduce the risk of another stroke. These side effects generally involve decreased stamina, maybe being slightly quicker to get frustrated with things, and a few other bits and pieces. Throw in a dash of the current state of the world mixed with the fact that I'm a) an environmental scientist and b) one of those weirdo liberal folks who actually have empathy for other people, and all together it means I haven't had as much drive to make art as I used to.
But hey, I'm here and I'm getting by as well as I can, and art still happens. As does life. I'm making a point of enjoying it to the fullest, taking lots of short holidays over weekends and such, and -really- excited to get out fursuiting more alongside my mate Azakir. Soon at CabinCon in Scarborough, and in November at ScotiaCon again. Possibly with additional meets beyond those, and with increasing fluffdragon appearances in 2020.
Sometimes life just deals you a rough hand and all you can do is roll with it, and focus on being grateful for everything you do have. I've got a lot of loved ones looking out for me, the ability keep taking a lot of joy from life, and most of all I'm still here to enjoy all of it. I'm not going to complain too much about that.
I'm getting by just fine day to day, but since my stroke last September I've still got epilepsy, which means that I have 'focal seizures' several times per day - generally these are very mild things, lasting only 5 to 10 seconds, which just involve some brief tingling and numbness along my right arm before going away. More rarely, maybe once or twice every couple weeks on average, I'll have a worse one that'll last several minutes and lead to facial spasms and speech slurring.
The seizures are annoying when they happen but don't really detract from the quality of my day-to-day life too much, which is good. The biggest issue they cause me is that they mean I'm not allowed to drive. I'm limited entirely to public transport and being a passenger, until such time as I can be seizure free for at least a year - which may in all liklihood never happen, since focal seizures are incredibly hard to ever get rid of completely. I've been experimenting with medications and doses with my doctors but we've reached a point where it seems best to let things settle for a few months, see if my brain does any healing on its own, rather than just piling on more medication lest the side effects start to make the cure worse than the disease.
Having my driving licence taken away and coming to terms with the realities of possibly never being able to drive again is kind of rough, especially since I've long been kind of an enthusiast for cars and driving. A bit less so since moving to the UK with its narrower and more stressful roads, and my looming dread over the global climate crisis, but even so it feels like a significant loss of freedom. On the plus side I am grateful to live in a country where that doesn't completely rob me of all my ability to have any sort of life the way it would in most parts of the US. The government here also compensates me by allowing me to purchase disabled rail/bus/coach passes that offer me discounted or free travel. Also I've got loves who are generally happy to ferry me around as needed whenever they can.
So what I'm dealing with now is the occasional annoyance and fatigue of the seizures, and the side effects of the medications I'm on to moderate the seizures and reduce the risk of another stroke. These side effects generally involve decreased stamina, maybe being slightly quicker to get frustrated with things, and a few other bits and pieces. Throw in a dash of the current state of the world mixed with the fact that I'm a) an environmental scientist and b) one of those weirdo liberal folks who actually have empathy for other people, and all together it means I haven't had as much drive to make art as I used to.
But hey, I'm here and I'm getting by as well as I can, and art still happens. As does life. I'm making a point of enjoying it to the fullest, taking lots of short holidays over weekends and such, and -really- excited to get out fursuiting more alongside my mate Azakir. Soon at CabinCon in Scarborough, and in November at ScotiaCon again. Possibly with additional meets beyond those, and with increasing fluffdragon appearances in 2020.
Sometimes life just deals you a rough hand and all you can do is roll with it, and focus on being grateful for everything you do have. I've got a lot of loved ones looking out for me, the ability keep taking a lot of joy from life, and most of all I'm still here to enjoy all of it. I'm not going to complain too much about that.
Easing back into life
Posted 6 years agoI've spent the last three days at a conference for work, including giving a research presentation yesterday. Overall it was really good! I got to see various colleagues and catch up, talk through things with my boss in person for the first time since having the stroke, and generally feel sciencey and kind of dip my paws back in the water again. I'll officially be returning to work next month.
The only frustrating bit was that I (of course) had a seizure during my talk, right as I got to the final slide. I made it through all but the very last bullet point before I just couldn't talk anymore - at their worst, the seizures make the right side of my face go numb and spasm a bit to where my speech slurs and is pretty much useless for a couple minutes. There isn't generally any immediate trigger for the seizures, but they tend to get worse and more frequent when I'm anxious or fatigued, so it didn't help having my talk be on the final day of the conference and the final talk of the session right before lunch. The session chair got up and helped conclude things for me, and I was afterward assured by my boss and colleagues who had turned up for my talk that I had done really well, the talk was clear and well-paced and all. So everything apart from the seizure at the very end still felt pretty good.
I do still have my limits. They may get better or they may be here to stay, but for the most part it was a good experience and a good chance to show myself I can still go do stuff. But it's basically Christmas now so I'm gonna relax and be a lazy git for a while. ^^
The only frustrating bit was that I (of course) had a seizure during my talk, right as I got to the final slide. I made it through all but the very last bullet point before I just couldn't talk anymore - at their worst, the seizures make the right side of my face go numb and spasm a bit to where my speech slurs and is pretty much useless for a couple minutes. There isn't generally any immediate trigger for the seizures, but they tend to get worse and more frequent when I'm anxious or fatigued, so it didn't help having my talk be on the final day of the conference and the final talk of the session right before lunch. The session chair got up and helped conclude things for me, and I was afterward assured by my boss and colleagues who had turned up for my talk that I had done really well, the talk was clear and well-paced and all. So everything apart from the seizure at the very end still felt pretty good.
I do still have my limits. They may get better or they may be here to stay, but for the most part it was a good experience and a good chance to show myself I can still go do stuff. But it's basically Christmas now so I'm gonna relax and be a lazy git for a while. ^^
ScotiaCon 2018, and first time fursuiting
Posted 6 years agoRecently I attended ScotiaCon 2018, and took my new fursuit from Fix-it Fursuits out for its effective maiden voyage.
It was magical.
I got to be a big blue fluffy dragon for a weekend, hugging people and spreading smiles around and generally being a goofball. It was an incredibly special experience, and I'm hooked and eager to do more!
ScotiaCon as always was a great time, run by wonderful staff and with a really warm and happy feel to it. Combined with the chance to fursuit for the first time and having a couple wonderful friends visiting from overseas, it made for a really special weekend.
'Getting to be a dragon' used to be my greatest wish that I never expected to come true. Okay so there are a few caveats and conditions this way, but... having this fursuit has enabled that dream to come true after all, in its own way. And the joy that this fills me with isn't something I can really put into words. :)
It was magical.
I got to be a big blue fluffy dragon for a weekend, hugging people and spreading smiles around and generally being a goofball. It was an incredibly special experience, and I'm hooked and eager to do more!
ScotiaCon as always was a great time, run by wonderful staff and with a really warm and happy feel to it. Combined with the chance to fursuit for the first time and having a couple wonderful friends visiting from overseas, it made for a really special weekend.
'Getting to be a dragon' used to be my greatest wish that I never expected to come true. Okay so there are a few caveats and conditions this way, but... having this fursuit has enabled that dream to come true after all, in its own way. And the joy that this fills me with isn't something I can really put into words. :)
So I had a stroke
Posted 6 years agoSo uh. Yeah. A couple weeks ago I had an amazing opportunity to attend a three day scientific workshop in Shanghai, China. The first two days were fantastic. On the third day I had a stroke and was found mid-morning by my colleagues, then taken by paramedics to a local hospital before being transferred on to a neuro ICU where I spent the next week and a half being medicated and investigated before I was finally cleared for travel. A UK doctor provided by my travel insurance company escorted me home where I've been recovering since, surrounded by family. All things being equal I've been spectacularly lucky and am recovering very well, with the strongest lingering effects being fatigue (probably as much due to drug side effects and my time in the ICU as the stroke itself) and occasional slurred speech and fuzzyheadedness when tired which I think are slowly getting better. I'm stable, on medication, and waiting on a referral to go through so I can start being investigated by a UK-based neurology team to continue trying to figure out why I, as a 36-year-old in more or less perfect health, had a stroke. It's probably related mostly to the really long flight from London to Shanghai allowing a clot to form but they haven't found any damage in my heart, which often facilitates clots like that making their way to the brain. So there are some unanswered questions that I'd really like to answer before I (or my family) really feel comfy with me doing much more travelling.
But I'm home and I'm safe and that's the important stuff. For anybody who's interested in more of the details of my little adventure, including the really awesome bits before things took their turn for the worse, I've posted a big thread on my Twitter account with photos that you should be able to view whether you use Twitter or not: https://twitter.com/Doran_Eirok/sta.....58010927845376
But I'm home and I'm safe and that's the important stuff. For anybody who's interested in more of the details of my little adventure, including the really awesome bits before things took their turn for the worse, I've posted a big thread on my Twitter account with photos that you should be able to view whether you use Twitter or not: https://twitter.com/Doran_Eirok/sta.....58010927845376
ScotiaCon 2017, brief report
Posted 7 years agoIt was wonderful. That about covers it. ^^
Seriously, just a wonderful time all around, it's a really warm and friendly convention full of fantastic people. Plenty of hilarity to be had in some of the panels, with really warm fuzzy hugs with some amazing suiters between them. I started the con struggling with varied anxieties and stress, and it was a big warm hug from
DonDrakore that lifted my mood and kind of turned things around for me and got me having a fun time. :)
Each year I come away a bit more able to approach fursuiters to say hi and share hugs, and to strike up conversations with strangers. And each year I come away wanting a Dorey fursuit of my own a little bit more. In fact I think this is the year I'm actually gonna get one. o..o
As ever I was focused more on just enjoying myself and experiencing the con than on taking photos, but I managed to get a few cute ones all the same. They can be seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/doran.....57662370225028
And again as always, a HUGE thank-you to the con staff, crew, hotel staff, fellow attendees, and basically everyone involved in making the convention possible. It's truly a highlight of my year.
Seriously, just a wonderful time all around, it's a really warm and friendly convention full of fantastic people. Plenty of hilarity to be had in some of the panels, with really warm fuzzy hugs with some amazing suiters between them. I started the con struggling with varied anxieties and stress, and it was a big warm hug from
DonDrakore that lifted my mood and kind of turned things around for me and got me having a fun time. :)Each year I come away a bit more able to approach fursuiters to say hi and share hugs, and to strike up conversations with strangers. And each year I come away wanting a Dorey fursuit of my own a little bit more. In fact I think this is the year I'm actually gonna get one. o..o
As ever I was focused more on just enjoying myself and experiencing the con than on taking photos, but I managed to get a few cute ones all the same. They can be seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/doran.....57662370225028
And again as always, a HUGE thank-you to the con staff, crew, hotel staff, fellow attendees, and basically everyone involved in making the convention possible. It's truly a highlight of my year.
Angels with Scaly Wings
Posted 7 years agoSo I’ve finally gotten around to trying this game I’d been hearing a bit about for a while now, and holy crap it’s pulled me in. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s sort of an interactive novel/choose your own adventure/investigation/dating sim mix, wherein you’re an ambassador for Earth sent through a recently discovered portal to a world populated by dragons. I won’t go into further detail to avoid spoiling it, but suffice to say, the game has really good writing and incredibly rich characters. And through multiple playthroughs you really get to know them, learn their hopes and dreams, fall in love with them if you wanna… and they’re all wonderful dragons, and have managed to do that thing that really good stories always do, where they start really feeling real to you after a while.
It’s a game with multiple endings, and on my first playthrough I got one of the ‘bad’ endings. Decisions I’d made cost the lives of some of these people, and I let their world down. And it shattered me. Because after just a single playthrough I’d become that invested, and come to care that much about these dragons and their world. So I’ve been playing it more and more, maaaaaaaybe a little obsessively, but I’ve just developed this determination now to do right by them. To fix things, to find an optimal ending where things turn out okay for everyone. It’s really sucked me in, and I’ve really come to empathise with these characters.
I don’t think a video game has ever made me sob my eyes out like this. By which I mean, and I want you to appreciate my full meaning when I say this, this game has given me deeper feels than Undertale. We’re talking Spirited Away levels of bawling my eyes out here, folks.
And I love it. >..< It’s really fun finding a story that I can lose myself in to this extent, to feel this invested in, and just let it make me feel things this deeply. Maybe there’s something cathartic about finding something that speaks so deeply to me, but since it’s fictional I’m able to let myself go and just emotionally lose my fluff for a little while. The heart needs to be able to feel things, and too often in real life I don’t feel like I really can lately. I dampen or bury the emotions because people are depending on me to be stable and solid, and I can’t give myself permission to just get swept up in the feelings like this. This allows me to. I can find myself sobbing in bed during the wee hours of the morning, and have this be a good thing.
So it’s fair to say I recommend the game. Just go into it ready for one heck of an emotional rollercoaster if you get as invested in it as I have. This game has done things to my heart - deep things, at times very painful things, but ultimately very good things.
I just finished the game’s final ending last night, and will say simply that the emotional investment I’ve put in has paid off.
It’s a game with multiple endings, and on my first playthrough I got one of the ‘bad’ endings. Decisions I’d made cost the lives of some of these people, and I let their world down. And it shattered me. Because after just a single playthrough I’d become that invested, and come to care that much about these dragons and their world. So I’ve been playing it more and more, maaaaaaaybe a little obsessively, but I’ve just developed this determination now to do right by them. To fix things, to find an optimal ending where things turn out okay for everyone. It’s really sucked me in, and I’ve really come to empathise with these characters.
I don’t think a video game has ever made me sob my eyes out like this. By which I mean, and I want you to appreciate my full meaning when I say this, this game has given me deeper feels than Undertale. We’re talking Spirited Away levels of bawling my eyes out here, folks.
And I love it. >..< It’s really fun finding a story that I can lose myself in to this extent, to feel this invested in, and just let it make me feel things this deeply. Maybe there’s something cathartic about finding something that speaks so deeply to me, but since it’s fictional I’m able to let myself go and just emotionally lose my fluff for a little while. The heart needs to be able to feel things, and too often in real life I don’t feel like I really can lately. I dampen or bury the emotions because people are depending on me to be stable and solid, and I can’t give myself permission to just get swept up in the feelings like this. This allows me to. I can find myself sobbing in bed during the wee hours of the morning, and have this be a good thing.
So it’s fair to say I recommend the game. Just go into it ready for one heck of an emotional rollercoaster if you get as invested in it as I have. This game has done things to my heart - deep things, at times very painful things, but ultimately very good things.
I just finished the game’s final ending last night, and will say simply that the emotional investment I’ve put in has paid off.
Sup
Posted 7 years agoHi everyone! So yes, I've been quiet lately, mostly due to an excess of Real Life going on. Job hunting, attempted career changes, personal stress, a current short-term job that's going well but involves a two hour deep urban commute... I haven't been left with any time or energy for making art, or really internetting much at all.
Happily things should be starting to stabilise a bit more next month - I've secured my next semi-long-term source of employment. It's far away so will involve some overnight stays away from home, and it's another fixed-term academic role, so it isn't everything I was really hoping to find at this point, but all the same I'm excited for it and I have a good feeling about the people I'll be working with. I'll also be able to work from home on the days I'm not on-site, which will give my schedule a bit more freedom.
What this means is that once June begins I should start actually showing up online again a little more, and hooooopefully start to get back in the current for drawing again. There are a few commissions and trade arrangements that have been hanging on my to-do list for a while now - I have not forgotten about you! Doreydrawings will return... SOON.
Happily things should be starting to stabilise a bit more next month - I've secured my next semi-long-term source of employment. It's far away so will involve some overnight stays away from home, and it's another fixed-term academic role, so it isn't everything I was really hoping to find at this point, but all the same I'm excited for it and I have a good feeling about the people I'll be working with. I'll also be able to work from home on the days I'm not on-site, which will give my schedule a bit more freedom.
What this means is that once June begins I should start actually showing up online again a little more, and hooooopefully start to get back in the current for drawing again. There are a few commissions and trade arrangements that have been hanging on my to-do list for a while now - I have not forgotten about you! Doreydrawings will return... SOON.
Art trade: Star Wars fanfic by Shalmendo!
Posted 8 years agoI'm just finishing up an art trade with my friend 
Shalmendo, and it's been a lot of fun. I'll be posting my side of the trade soon once we finish some final details, and his side of the trade is posted here:
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22467607/
As his contribution, Shalmendo has written me a Star Wars fan fiction story centring around an Argothae (dragony, fictional original race of mine) character named Iri Keltesh. Operating as a freelance scout in the years following the fall of the Galactic Empire, Iri lands on a remote world to conduct what should be a fairly routine job, but... well, things happen. Including a run-in with a group of trample-happy Trandoshans, for those of you who enjoy such things. He later meets up with Shalmendo's own mercenary character, so there's a mix of stompy paw/boot domination and just a really enjoyable character story with a bit of a wander through the Star Wars universe in the early days of the New Republic. I'm absolutely delighted with the result; Shalmendo did a great job and puts a huge amount of research and attention to detail into his work. I highly recommend checking it out and giving it a read!
Shalmendo, and it's been a lot of fun. I'll be posting my side of the trade soon once we finish some final details, and his side of the trade is posted here:https://www.furaffinity.net/view/22467607/
As his contribution, Shalmendo has written me a Star Wars fan fiction story centring around an Argothae (dragony, fictional original race of mine) character named Iri Keltesh. Operating as a freelance scout in the years following the fall of the Galactic Empire, Iri lands on a remote world to conduct what should be a fairly routine job, but... well, things happen. Including a run-in with a group of trample-happy Trandoshans, for those of you who enjoy such things. He later meets up with Shalmendo's own mercenary character, so there's a mix of stompy paw/boot domination and just a really enjoyable character story with a bit of a wander through the Star Wars universe in the early days of the New Republic. I'm absolutely delighted with the result; Shalmendo did a great job and puts a huge amount of research and attention to detail into his work. I highly recommend checking it out and giving it a read!
Sharing a great post: How to art!
Posted 8 years ago
Incorgnito wrote up a brilliant journal entry with a number of very true and very well-presented points about how to improve your artwork. This is all stuff I very much agree with and believe in, and I thought it was worth sharing around. Give it a read or skim if you have a moment. :)>>> https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/7952101/ <<<
Juxtaposition
Posted 8 years agoLast weekend I was at ScotiaCon. The world felt warm, safe, and loving.
Today it feels the other thing.
Today it feels the other thing.
ScotiaCon 2016 report!
Posted 8 years agoScotiaCon was once again a fantastic experience this year, made even better by having the whole family along to a con for the first time. I can't express enough gratitude to the con staff and everyone involved for making it such a great time. I'm already eagerly looking forward to next year. These things never last long enough.
Azakir did a panel on fiction writing that was really great and well attended, Guest of Honour 
Booshie did a fun panel involving life drawing of fursuiters (complete with strategically placed fruit), and 
Danza's panel sharing some of the offensive/hilarious/bizarre notes you get as a well-known adult artist in the fandom had people in stitches. The new 'Barking Blanks' game show was a little rough around the edges but a lot of wacky good fun. I acquired a couple new badges and goodies to keep the memories alive. I was also better about prodding myself to go hug fursuits this year, with perhaps my favourite being the absolutely adorable FixyFox. Holy crap, both the design and the performance just melted your face. I smiled and squeed every time I saw her I think. It was also fun bumping into Ras-B Raccoon whom I'd previously met at a London meet, where he rifled through my pockets for food or something. And stuffed a bright yellow handpaw pad in my face during a photo. Memorable stuff. ^^
A few small disappointments; there never ended up being any dancing at all to speak of, which was a bit sad after what a special thing it was last year. Our room sign got oddly and temporarily burgled but was found later the next morning on a ceiling rafter down the hall. Karaoke didn't have quite the same gentle and safe atmosphere as last year, at least until it had gotten quite late and the young rowdy folk who were kind of dominating things moved on to their room party. The final night 'dead dog' event was just a general hangout with several people playing Quiplash, which was still a lot of fun and many laughs, but felt a bit anticlimactic compared to last year's tear-filled dancing our hearts out arm-in-arm to 'Over the Hills and Far Away.' Nonetheless there were some final emotional fursuit hugs and a glass of Talisker at the bar before bed.
The relatively small size of ScotiaCon is one of its strengths. It feels warm and intimate and mellow and safe, and the panels and events had a really nice diversity this year while still being spaced out enough that it was feasible to attend just about everything. I'm eager for us to be able to attend larger and other cons too, but I think ScotiaCon is always going to be the one that really feels like home. Thanks again everyone who made it possible. You're all amazing and I can't wait to see you next year!
I didn't take a massive amount of photos since I'm always more focused on having the experience, and the ones I did take tended to struggle with the lighting conditions and all, but what ones I did take (mostly fursuits) are available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/doran.....57671344818796
Azakir did a panel on fiction writing that was really great and well attended, Guest of Honour Booshie did a fun panel involving life drawing of fursuiters (complete with strategically placed fruit), and Danza's panel sharing some of the offensive/hilarious/bizarre notes you get as a well-known adult artist in the fandom had people in stitches. The new 'Barking Blanks' game show was a little rough around the edges but a lot of wacky good fun. I acquired a couple new badges and goodies to keep the memories alive. I was also better about prodding myself to go hug fursuits this year, with perhaps my favourite being the absolutely adorable FixyFox. Holy crap, both the design and the performance just melted your face. I smiled and squeed every time I saw her I think. It was also fun bumping into Ras-B Raccoon whom I'd previously met at a London meet, where he rifled through my pockets for food or something. And stuffed a bright yellow handpaw pad in my face during a photo. Memorable stuff. ^^A few small disappointments; there never ended up being any dancing at all to speak of, which was a bit sad after what a special thing it was last year. Our room sign got oddly and temporarily burgled but was found later the next morning on a ceiling rafter down the hall. Karaoke didn't have quite the same gentle and safe atmosphere as last year, at least until it had gotten quite late and the young rowdy folk who were kind of dominating things moved on to their room party. The final night 'dead dog' event was just a general hangout with several people playing Quiplash, which was still a lot of fun and many laughs, but felt a bit anticlimactic compared to last year's tear-filled dancing our hearts out arm-in-arm to 'Over the Hills and Far Away.' Nonetheless there were some final emotional fursuit hugs and a glass of Talisker at the bar before bed.
The relatively small size of ScotiaCon is one of its strengths. It feels warm and intimate and mellow and safe, and the panels and events had a really nice diversity this year while still being spaced out enough that it was feasible to attend just about everything. I'm eager for us to be able to attend larger and other cons too, but I think ScotiaCon is always going to be the one that really feels like home. Thanks again everyone who made it possible. You're all amazing and I can't wait to see you next year!
I didn't take a massive amount of photos since I'm always more focused on having the experience, and the ones I did take tended to struggle with the lighting conditions and all, but what ones I did take (mostly fursuits) are available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/doran.....57671344818796
Signal boost - Ssthisto/Dragons in the Attic PWYW sketches
Posted 8 years agoSeriously, more people should jump in on this. 
Dragonsintheattic's art is awesome and it's a chance to get very spiffy art in creative and unusual colour palettes! Steaming this Saturday.
https://www.furaffinity.net/view/21541624/
Just think it's a neat thing and it bothers me that at time of posting I'm still the only taker. GO THROW REASONABLE AMOUNTS OF MONEY AROUND AND MAKE UNIQUE ART HAPPEN. ^^
Dragonsintheattic's art is awesome and it's a chance to get very spiffy art in creative and unusual colour palettes! Steaming this Saturday.https://www.furaffinity.net/view/21541624/
Just think it's a neat thing and it bothers me that at time of posting I'm still the only taker. GO THROW REASONABLE AMOUNTS OF MONEY AROUND AND MAKE UNIQUE ART HAPPEN. ^^
Art commissions by me - Grand Opening!
Posted 8 years agoGreetings all! It is with pride, excitement, and a small degree of trepidation that I am announcing my grand opening for art commissions. I've been building up to it for a while now, convincing myself to go for it, and the fact that I am now willing to do commissioned artwork is thanks in no small part to ongoing gentle encouragement by friends, and some very positive experiences through an art trade with 
Raurim and my first two commissioners 
IanCorvid and 
DevilDread. Huge thanks to all of you! These great experiences have helped finally convince me to get over my worries and go for it. Over the years I have been inundated with at least like three or four people asking if I took commissions, and at the time I had to regrettably tell them I did not for various personal reasons. Well now I do! Better late than never, eh?
Since art is something I do in what free time I have available after a full time career and a devoted family life, I'm only ever going to operate somewhat casually and at low volumes. Wait times will depend on current work loads and life responsibilities, but either way I am here and interested in making artwork for you in exchange for money!
My full commission information and terms of service can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/21378818/
A general price guide can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/commiss.....ns/doraneirok/
If you're interested in commissioning me, please familiarise yourself with these and then drop me a note, and we can talk art!
It has to be said that I wouldn't even have considered doing commissioned artwork if not for the long-time encouragement, friendship, comments, faves and watches from all of you fantastic people across the community who have kept me company along the way and cheered me on and reacted positively to my art, no matter how odd and/or self-centred it's gotten at times. ;) Thanks so much everyone! You are all amazing.
Raurim and my first two commissioners IanCorvid and DevilDread. Huge thanks to all of you! These great experiences have helped finally convince me to get over my worries and go for it. Over the years I have been inundated with at least like three or four people asking if I took commissions, and at the time I had to regrettably tell them I did not for various personal reasons. Well now I do! Better late than never, eh?Since art is something I do in what free time I have available after a full time career and a devoted family life, I'm only ever going to operate somewhat casually and at low volumes. Wait times will depend on current work loads and life responsibilities, but either way I am here and interested in making artwork for you in exchange for money!
My full commission information and terms of service can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/21378818/
A general price guide can be found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/commiss.....ns/doraneirok/
If you're interested in commissioning me, please familiarise yourself with these and then drop me a note, and we can talk art!
It has to be said that I wouldn't even have considered doing commissioned artwork if not for the long-time encouragement, friendship, comments, faves and watches from all of you fantastic people across the community who have kept me company along the way and cheered me on and reacted positively to my art, no matter how odd and/or self-centred it's gotten at times. ;) Thanks so much everyone! You are all amazing.
Signal boost - friend offering short story commissions
Posted 8 years agoJust spreading the word on behalf of a friend of mine, Shalmendo is currently open for story commissions. He writes on a wide range of topics and themes, from multi-chapter literary fiction to erotica and fetish subjects. He's currently trying to raise money for a friend of his facing difficult times.
Please consider checking out his work and commissioning him! Commission info is here: https://www.furaffinity.net/commissions/shalmendo/
Shalmendo is currently open for story commissions. He writes on a wide range of topics and themes, from multi-chapter literary fiction to erotica and fetish subjects. He's currently trying to raise money for a friend of his facing difficult times.Please consider checking out his work and commissioning him! Commission info is here: https://www.furaffinity.net/commissions/shalmendo/
ScotiaCon meme 2016!
Posted 8 years agoStolen from the esteemed 
Silverfoxwolf!
Where are you staying?
Main hotel!
Sharing a room with:
My dragon family: Azakir (a.k.a. Mr. Awesome Hat), 
Zelandeth (hoping to actually have a working voice this year), and 
Tarkara (attending her first furcon!)
What is your gender?
Male
Relationship Status:
Taken!
How old are you?
Old enough to have a mortgage. Young enough to still be confused by it.
How tall are you?
5'9"
Which languages do you speak?
English (both actual and American varieties)
Where will you be most of the time during the day?
Around the hotel, probably attending a majority of the panels, otherwise hanging out with my dragons in the lounge area looking to make new friends.
Who will you be with?
The previously mentioned trio of dragons. Expect us to fly in close formation for most of the con! We're all friendly and eager to make friends though.
What suit(s) will you have?
I don't have a proper suit as yet, but the blue dragon tail/wings/hoodie combo will most likely appear as it did last year.
Can I dance with you?
I'm still learning to push down my shyness and force myself to get up and actually dance more, but sure! Sounds like fun.
Can I touch or hug you?
I appreciate a little warning first, but yes! Hugs are one of the highlights of a con after all.
Can I talk to you?
Please do! I'd love to make some new friends.
Can I take photos of you/with you?
Again a bit of warning is appreciated (otherwise I tend to have really weird faces in photos) but sure!
Can I buy you lots of drinks?
Maybe just one. Once I've had some time to get to know ya. Honestly though I'm not anticipating having any more drinks than I can sustainably afford myself anyway!
Do you drink Alcohol/Smoke?
I drink in moderation, and do not smoke.
Can we hang out?
Friendly hanging out is highly encouraged!
Are you nice?
I very much like to think so!
Other cons you may go to?
So far only ScotiaCon, and very occasional LondonFurs meets. I have hopes of branching out into ConFuzzled and NordicFuzzCon in future years.
Attending any events?
Probably most of them!
Holding any events?
Nope! Just attending a bunch of 'em.
How can I find you at the con?
Look for the blue dragon with white fluff. Probably surrounded by other dragons including the one with the awesome hat and the rainbow scarf. I'm with that guy.
Can we go out for a dinner?
Dinners are probably generally going to be something I'm doing with my dragons, but hey, come be friendly and get to know us and we'll see!
Are you buying art?
Probably so! More than I plan to, if last year is anything to go by.
What do I have to watch out for, when I am meeting you?
I'm generally pretty easygoing, but approach with a little bit of gentleness and don't just leap right up in my face with a bunch of loud noises or something. Oh, and the tail. It's soft but it might thwap your shins.
What is the best way to contact you?
Walk up and say hi! Or drop me a comment or note on FA.
May I kidnap you to my room?
Uuuuuh no. I've already reached my maximum allotted number of dragons allowed to kidnap me off to rooms at any given time.
Last time/last con/last meet/last chat we talked so much and now you forgot my name? Why???
Because I'm a derpy and forgetful dragon. But I mean well!
Will you tell me your room-number and can I surprise visit you?
Nah, I'll be available in the public spaces enough for visits and socialisation; when I retreat back to the room it's going to be because I'm ready for some quiet alone time.
Rawr. :) I hope to see some of you there!
Silverfoxwolf!Where are you staying?
Main hotel!
Sharing a room with:
My dragon family:
Azakir (a.k.a. Mr. Awesome Hat), Zelandeth (hoping to actually have a working voice this year), and Tarkara (attending her first furcon!)What is your gender?
Male
Relationship Status:
Taken!
How old are you?
Old enough to have a mortgage. Young enough to still be confused by it.
How tall are you?
5'9"
Which languages do you speak?
English (both actual and American varieties)
Where will you be most of the time during the day?
Around the hotel, probably attending a majority of the panels, otherwise hanging out with my dragons in the lounge area looking to make new friends.
Who will you be with?
The previously mentioned trio of dragons. Expect us to fly in close formation for most of the con! We're all friendly and eager to make friends though.
What suit(s) will you have?
I don't have a proper suit as yet, but the blue dragon tail/wings/hoodie combo will most likely appear as it did last year.
Can I dance with you?
I'm still learning to push down my shyness and force myself to get up and actually dance more, but sure! Sounds like fun.
Can I touch or hug you?
I appreciate a little warning first, but yes! Hugs are one of the highlights of a con after all.
Can I talk to you?
Please do! I'd love to make some new friends.
Can I take photos of you/with you?
Again a bit of warning is appreciated (otherwise I tend to have really weird faces in photos) but sure!
Can I buy you lots of drinks?
Maybe just one. Once I've had some time to get to know ya. Honestly though I'm not anticipating having any more drinks than I can sustainably afford myself anyway!
Do you drink Alcohol/Smoke?
I drink in moderation, and do not smoke.
Can we hang out?
Friendly hanging out is highly encouraged!
Are you nice?
I very much like to think so!
Other cons you may go to?
So far only ScotiaCon, and very occasional LondonFurs meets. I have hopes of branching out into ConFuzzled and NordicFuzzCon in future years.
Attending any events?
Probably most of them!
Holding any events?
Nope! Just attending a bunch of 'em.
How can I find you at the con?
Look for the blue dragon with white fluff. Probably surrounded by other dragons including the one with the awesome hat and the rainbow scarf. I'm with that guy.
Can we go out for a dinner?
Dinners are probably generally going to be something I'm doing with my dragons, but hey, come be friendly and get to know us and we'll see!
Are you buying art?
Probably so! More than I plan to, if last year is anything to go by.
What do I have to watch out for, when I am meeting you?
I'm generally pretty easygoing, but approach with a little bit of gentleness and don't just leap right up in my face with a bunch of loud noises or something. Oh, and the tail. It's soft but it might thwap your shins.
What is the best way to contact you?
Walk up and say hi! Or drop me a comment or note on FA.
May I kidnap you to my room?
Uuuuuh no. I've already reached my maximum allotted number of dragons allowed to kidnap me off to rooms at any given time.
Last time/last con/last meet/last chat we talked so much and now you forgot my name? Why???
Because I'm a derpy and forgetful dragon. But I mean well!
Will you tell me your room-number and can I surprise visit you?
Nah, I'll be available in the public spaces enough for visits and socialisation; when I retreat back to the room it's going to be because I'm ready for some quiet alone time.
Rawr. :) I hope to see some of you there!
North Wales road trip photos
Posted 8 years agoAzakir and I spent last weekend taking a road trip to north Wales where we saw some castles, visited the village of Portmeirion made famous by the 60's cult thriller TV show The Prisoner, bought a dragon plushie, and climbed the tallest mountain in Wales.
Among other things, we learned that north Wales is hauntingly, breathtakingly beautiful.
For any who are interested, my photos from the trip are now available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/doran.....57668993735602
Among other things, we learned that north Wales is hauntingly, breathtakingly beautiful.
For any who are interested, my photos from the trip are now available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/doran.....57668993735602
I tried snoborbing!
Posted 8 years agoToday I went to a big indoor ski slope at the Milton Keynes 'Xscape' building and took a couple intro lessons in snowboarding. :) It was darned good fun. It's something I've been curious about for a long time and finally prodded myself into trying, especially now that I live like five minutes' drive from the Xscape.
I had a really great time and will probably be returning for the remaining beginner lessons they offer. The instructor was good and it pretty quickly became a case of understanding what I needed to do, and just getting my body to figure it out with practise. They started us off sliding downhill facing uphill, learning the posture and finding the right balance point, then added some side to side work. Second part of the lesson was essentially the same process but facing downhill. I counted thirteen times that I fell over on my rear. No doubt I will have some interesting bruises and sitting may be a bit awkward for the next few days. But totally worth it! I think my favourite part was when we first started going side to side. Much more speed and motion and a really fun, flowing feeling to it. And like riding a bicycle, once you get a little bit of speed going the precise balance becomes a little less difficult.
Naturally, artwork will be forthcoming at some point to commemorate the experience. Huge thanks to my dragons for facilitating this as a Christmas present!
I had a really great time and will probably be returning for the remaining beginner lessons they offer. The instructor was good and it pretty quickly became a case of understanding what I needed to do, and just getting my body to figure it out with practise. They started us off sliding downhill facing uphill, learning the posture and finding the right balance point, then added some side to side work. Second part of the lesson was essentially the same process but facing downhill. I counted thirteen times that I fell over on my rear. No doubt I will have some interesting bruises and sitting may be a bit awkward for the next few days. But totally worth it! I think my favourite part was when we first started going side to side. Much more speed and motion and a really fun, flowing feeling to it. And like riding a bicycle, once you get a little bit of speed going the precise balance becomes a little less difficult.
Naturally, artwork will be forthcoming at some point to commemorate the experience. Huge thanks to my dragons for facilitating this as a Christmas present!
ZOOTOPIA! (no spoilers)
Posted 8 years agoSo at this point this will surprise absolutely nobody, but I saw Zootopia (UK release was delayed) and it was tremendously fun and good and amazing and yay. Srsly go see it if you haven't. :)
Exploding furniture!
Posted 8 years agoWe had some excitement around the house on Sunday. See, we had this tempered glass TV stand. Apparently there's a rare but not-unheard-of phenomenon whereby tempered glass, which due to being what it is is under a state of constant tension, can suddenly.... explode. Basically. Tiny manufacturing defects or scratches, plus several years of moving around and flexing through temperature changes can come together to make the stuff just detonate suddenly and without warning.
Sunday morning the middle shelf of our TV stand did exactly that. Loudly. Nothing hit it or fell on it or anything, just suddenly out of nowhere BOOM. It was spectacular and terrifying. Fortunately it was the middle of three shelves, so a couple games consoles dropped a couple inches onto the ones below but seem to be perfectly fine. Thank goodness it wasn't the top shelf with the TV itself, or things could've gotten really unfortunate.
So Zelandeth and I put on gloves and workboots and waded through glass shards to first MOVE THE FRIGGIN TELEVISION and then all the games consoles, and then thoroughly clean up the living room. That afternoon a run was made to Ikea where we procured a replacement TV stand and assembled it that night. Needless to say we have now opted for one made out of wood, which according to many long years of rigorous consumer research is reputed to be non-explosive.
We've sort of gone off tempered glass as a furniture solution for the foreseeable future.
Sunday morning the middle shelf of our TV stand did exactly that. Loudly. Nothing hit it or fell on it or anything, just suddenly out of nowhere BOOM. It was spectacular and terrifying. Fortunately it was the middle of three shelves, so a couple games consoles dropped a couple inches onto the ones below but seem to be perfectly fine. Thank goodness it wasn't the top shelf with the TV itself, or things could've gotten really unfortunate.
So Zelandeth and I put on gloves and workboots and waded through glass shards to first MOVE THE FRIGGIN TELEVISION and then all the games consoles, and then thoroughly clean up the living room. That afternoon a run was made to Ikea where we procured a replacement TV stand and assembled it that night. Needless to say we have now opted for one made out of wood, which according to many long years of rigorous consumer research is reputed to be non-explosive.
We've sort of gone off tempered glass as a furniture solution for the foreseeable future.
Interesting dream last night
Posted 9 years agoSo last night I had this dream. I dreamt I was a dragon. My dragon self, I believe. The proper quadrupedal sort. And I was living in a world with others of my kind.
I had been conversing with a dragoness. One I did not know well, and whom I was not certain I could fully trust. I had known of her, or known her from a distance for some time, and always been slightly uncertain of her motives and ethics. A bit dark, perhaps a bit Machiavellian at times. Very driven. Very passionate.
She had approached me to ask for my help with some large-scale magical project. Something big, something ambitious, but that she believed was very important. She wanted me to pitch in and contribute my magical energy, alongside many other dragons, to try and make some kind of deep change to the way things were. I was hesitant, but I heard her out and thought on her arguments over some number of days.
Eventually, either through her convincing or my own reflection, I decided to help her.
To do this, I had to sleep. I settled down in a quiet spot in the middle of a forest and drifted off, using what seemed to be some sort of astral projection to connect with the other dragons who were taking part. As I dreamed, I was still my dragon self, but energised and powerful and covered in shining armour. I contributed my own power and energy to the venture, joining it to many others’. I do not know how many we were, but we were many. Many dragons working together, all pouring their magic into something big and fundamental. We were trying to change the world on a deep level.
I awoke sometime later, when it was done. It was the next morning. The forest was bright, clear, warm, sunny. A very light fog at ground level between the tree trunks and ferns. Somehow the morning felt good. Hopeful.
I looked around the forest, and soon became aware that something had changed. There were motes of light, areas of coloured glow throughout the forest. Places glowing green, red, blue, gold. All distant and hiding behind trunks at first, none of them near to me, but as I explored and quietly looked through the trees, I finally spotted the source of one of these glows. There were creatures walking through the trees, human-like in appearance, but giving off a glow of light, draped in flowing white robes. Ethereal. Each had a halo over their head, a glowing ring, each a different, vivid colour. I think they had wings as well. They seemed like something between faeries, angels, and elves. They were beautiful, they were smiling, carefree. They felt magical and wonderful, and I was filled with awe and delight to look upon them.
Somehow, this was what we had done. Whatever change our shared magic had made to the world, it had been so that this could happen. So these faeries could exist, or enter our world, and somehow find safety and refuge here with us, and share their wonder and magic with our own. By being here, they were somehow protected and given a home, and our own world was enriched and made brighter for their presence. We had succeeded in what we’d set out to do, and I knew immediately that it had been a good thing.
I awoke again. Now I was a human, myself, but found myself back in my parents’ house in Michigan, in my old bedroom, and I believe younger than I am now. I remembered it all, and knew that both the human and the dragon were my life. The sense of wonder, delight, and brightness had followed me from being a dragon in the forest to being a human boy in my room, and I was left to simply reflect on these new feelings and this sense of accomplishment for a while, as I idly sat on my floor and seemed to take stock of some miniature spaceship toys I had around.
I awoke once more. Truly now, myself, in my current bedroom, some dozen or so minutes before my alarm was due to go off to rouse me for work. In the usual manner of dreams my memory of the experience quickly became somewhat patchy, but the sense of wonder, happiness, and quiet delight followed me still into wakefulness. I’ve spent the day feeling just a bit brighter than usual, especially for a work day, and like there’s a new sense of hope and lightness to things around me somehow. It’s quiet, it’s subtle, and it’s gentle, but it feels powerful and deep. Like somewhere out in the cosmos, something important has gotten just a little better.
I had been conversing with a dragoness. One I did not know well, and whom I was not certain I could fully trust. I had known of her, or known her from a distance for some time, and always been slightly uncertain of her motives and ethics. A bit dark, perhaps a bit Machiavellian at times. Very driven. Very passionate.
She had approached me to ask for my help with some large-scale magical project. Something big, something ambitious, but that she believed was very important. She wanted me to pitch in and contribute my magical energy, alongside many other dragons, to try and make some kind of deep change to the way things were. I was hesitant, but I heard her out and thought on her arguments over some number of days.
Eventually, either through her convincing or my own reflection, I decided to help her.
To do this, I had to sleep. I settled down in a quiet spot in the middle of a forest and drifted off, using what seemed to be some sort of astral projection to connect with the other dragons who were taking part. As I dreamed, I was still my dragon self, but energised and powerful and covered in shining armour. I contributed my own power and energy to the venture, joining it to many others’. I do not know how many we were, but we were many. Many dragons working together, all pouring their magic into something big and fundamental. We were trying to change the world on a deep level.
I awoke sometime later, when it was done. It was the next morning. The forest was bright, clear, warm, sunny. A very light fog at ground level between the tree trunks and ferns. Somehow the morning felt good. Hopeful.
I looked around the forest, and soon became aware that something had changed. There were motes of light, areas of coloured glow throughout the forest. Places glowing green, red, blue, gold. All distant and hiding behind trunks at first, none of them near to me, but as I explored and quietly looked through the trees, I finally spotted the source of one of these glows. There were creatures walking through the trees, human-like in appearance, but giving off a glow of light, draped in flowing white robes. Ethereal. Each had a halo over their head, a glowing ring, each a different, vivid colour. I think they had wings as well. They seemed like something between faeries, angels, and elves. They were beautiful, they were smiling, carefree. They felt magical and wonderful, and I was filled with awe and delight to look upon them.
Somehow, this was what we had done. Whatever change our shared magic had made to the world, it had been so that this could happen. So these faeries could exist, or enter our world, and somehow find safety and refuge here with us, and share their wonder and magic with our own. By being here, they were somehow protected and given a home, and our own world was enriched and made brighter for their presence. We had succeeded in what we’d set out to do, and I knew immediately that it had been a good thing.
I awoke again. Now I was a human, myself, but found myself back in my parents’ house in Michigan, in my old bedroom, and I believe younger than I am now. I remembered it all, and knew that both the human and the dragon were my life. The sense of wonder, delight, and brightness had followed me from being a dragon in the forest to being a human boy in my room, and I was left to simply reflect on these new feelings and this sense of accomplishment for a while, as I idly sat on my floor and seemed to take stock of some miniature spaceship toys I had around.
I awoke once more. Truly now, myself, in my current bedroom, some dozen or so minutes before my alarm was due to go off to rouse me for work. In the usual manner of dreams my memory of the experience quickly became somewhat patchy, but the sense of wonder, happiness, and quiet delight followed me still into wakefulness. I’ve spent the day feeling just a bit brighter than usual, especially for a work day, and like there’s a new sense of hope and lightness to things around me somehow. It’s quiet, it’s subtle, and it’s gentle, but it feels powerful and deep. Like somewhere out in the cosmos, something important has gotten just a little better.
Post con feels
Posted 9 years agoSo... yeah. ScotiaCon has been fantastic and wonderful and incredibly happy. It wasn't my first con ever, but attending with azakir and zelandeth and getting to share all of this with them has made it feel like it was again. We made friends, we hugged fuzzy adorable strangers, we spent much money on art, gave the rest to help an owl sanctuary, danced our respective tails off, shared it distant friends as best could, we laughed, we cried, we lived in a glow for three days and felt like we had our lives changed just a little.
I'll add a few more details and post art acquisitions when I'm home on a proper computer, but wanted to have a say while the feels were so fresh. Very sad it's ended, happy beyond words that we had it and shared it. We shall be doing this again.
azakir and zelandeth and getting to share all of this with them has made it feel like it was again. We made friends, we hugged fuzzy adorable strangers, we spent much money on art, gave the rest to help an owl sanctuary, danced our respective tails off, shared it distant friends as best could, we laughed, we cried, we lived in a glow for three days and felt like we had our lives changed just a little.I'll add a few more details and post art acquisitions when I'm home on a proper computer, but wanted to have a say while the feels were so fresh. Very sad it's ended, happy beyond words that we had it and shared it. We shall be doing this again.
DANCECON
Posted 9 years agoSo Azakir and Zelandeth and I woke up at 5:30 this morning, hopped in the Scirocco R and drove 6 hours to Edinburgh and attended day 1 of ScotiaCon. Respective blasts are being had. First day was a great intro, fun times and people, great fursuits, and all three of us were able to convince one another to get all down and funky on the dance floor in the evening. I'd like to thank a can of Monster for making this possible, for my part. It was tremendous fun and I'm greatly excited for the rest of the con. ^,,^
Azakir and Zelandeth and I woke up at 5:30 this morning, hopped in the Scirocco R and drove 6 hours to Edinburgh and attended day 1 of ScotiaCon. Respective blasts are being had. First day was a great intro, fun times and people, great fursuits, and all three of us were able to convince one another to get all down and funky on the dance floor in the evening. I'd like to thank a can of Monster for making this possible, for my part. It was tremendous fun and I'm greatly excited for the rest of the con. ^,,^ScotiaCon!!!
Posted 9 years agoI'm going to ScotiaCon! I'm quite excited, I haven't properly attended a convention for several years now, and best of all I'm coming with two very very special dragons. It should be a lot of fun, and getting to a con with them is something I've been looking forward to for many years. I'm curious if anybody else I might know from the internets will be there too, so let me know!
Added perk of being up in Scotland for the weekend: the legally-binding-but-apparently-spiritually-meaningless-same-sex-civil-partnership-thingy that I share with a certain black dragon can finally be upgraded to just 'marriage'! Which changes absolutely nothing from a legal or practical standpoint, but sure rolls off the tongue more nicely.
Con Infos: https://www.scotiacon.co.uk/index2.php 6-8 November in Livingston, Scotland.
Added perk of being up in Scotland for the weekend: the legally-binding-but-apparently-spiritually-meaningless-same-sex-civil-partnership-thingy that I share with a certain black dragon can finally be upgraded to just 'marriage'! Which changes absolutely nothing from a legal or practical standpoint, but sure rolls off the tongue more nicely.
Con Infos: https://www.scotiacon.co.uk/index2.php 6-8 November in Livingston, Scotland.
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