Attended my first Calgary Expo as an artist. Though I missed the early bird discount for a table in Artists Alley, I did manage to get myself materials for signage, as well as produce some posters. Some of which I sold.
Though it was Graffiti Bunny that turned out to be the greatest draw to my table.
The extra badge I had accidentally ordered wasn't wasted. Steve Rozema was able to utilize it, sitting at the table with me for a few hours, one afternoon.
I hope to eventually put his entire EnduroMan collection online, garnering him some much needed attention ...and possibly more.

Speaking of collection, my TMI book is still not complete. But I feel I've got a strong cover and intro pages. So at some point I'll get cracking on the middle and end. Perhaps even finishing before the 2012 Expo... well, we'll see.

Started hanging out with a fellow artist Justin Goran, drinking and drawing (mostly caffeinated beverages). Utilized Facebook to expand our little gatherings.Turned out there had been a well established Drink & Draw group (professional & indie artists) meeting at Dickens Pub - apparently for awhile too. Our groups merged and now meet every other Wednesday or there abouts.

Jazz passing away the way she did, really effected me - and still does. So I try not to linger too long on photos (here on the site, or on my PC). She was actually a very good cat despite stories to the contrary. That was really the first time in my life I had lost a close friend like that.

Early this year I lost a very good friend, (Andrea) Dre Cooper. We had briefly dated in 2006 but had been hanging out and socializing with friends/school mates of hers. I spent an evening with her and many friends enjoying drunken shenanigans. Then not even 48 hours later was told about her suicide.
Yep, it was a bit unbelievable. Especially when you consider her spirit, and positive influence on the circles of friends she juggled.
That sort of news is never easy to hear, or as I've been slowly figuring out, not easy to deal with either.

The winter season has never really been all that easy for me. The funk, depression, what ever you want to call it, usually does (eventually) 'melt away'. But not without taking it's toll a little bit ...and almost like a conspiracy, beginning in late fall, other things often pile on. Causing me to consider my life and it's meaning.

Case in point: Sandra moved out at the beginning of October.
Once Sandra found a job (last year) we probably should've moved into a larger place. My apartment was/is small (not even 500sq') but it was good financial sense that kept us there - rent was/is very good. But the space just wasn't enough for 2 adults and a cat.
Yes, another cat... Hadn't really gotten over Jazz!
Mia (the cat) had always been aloof when I visited my friend, Travis. But one evening while 'discussing' taking Mia off Travis's hands, Mia was weirdly affectionate.
Not wanting to say no to having a cat Sandra could hold, hug, cuddle, etc we brought Mia (the cat) back to our place the following week.

When Sandra laid out her plans of having her own space for artistic pursuits and what not, I didn't really protest much. I was feeling cramped as well.
Perhaps I don't have any business being in a relationship - certainly not one where elbow room is limited and both sides of the equation have minds full of stuff to deal with.
This time of year is no good with Sandra either. She is practically a shut in. But only really because of the cold.
So lately we rarely speak, or see each other. Not at all according to what Sandra had planned for us. But then she can't be too surprised?
Maybe we'll manage enough time together to reconnect and eventually move into a larger apartment, and most importantly, remain married. Despite not telling her enough, I do love her and I'm beginning to miss her (Sandra, not just having someone around). Considering myself and how I am, how I've been, that's a good sign.