Well, it has been quite some time since my last blog and I deeply apologize. Things have been rather hectic as of late but I will be breaking these up in various blogs so as not to strain everyone's eyes too much with a novella!

 First things first, Gigi and I sadly did  not win the Zuda competition in June, That honor went to the talented Dwight Macpherson and his project Sidewise. It was a tough competition and it was hard fought. I can't say I wasn't disheartened to lose out but I am happy if I had to go out, it was to a friend! Better luck next time. 

Second thing, I have been doing a lot of traveling, and boy do I have road stories. First was Heroes Con, in Charlotte, NC. Shelton Drum who runs the show is one of the most amazing people to ever walk the earth. He and the crew of Heroes Con put on a marvelous show every year and make everyone feel like they are family. If anyone ever has cause to go to a comic con, please head to this one! http:.//www.heroesonline.com 

 I followed up a tremendous experiance with a less than great one. Another show I have enjoyed in years past has been Dragon*Con in Atlanta, GA -- I have been attending on and off since 2003 as a guest of the show. I was dismayed that this year when I applied to attend I was rejected, despite the fact I actually had more in print and a higher profile then I had in years past.  I tried to argue with the decision as I had put in for status in Dec. of '08 and didn't get my rejection until June of '09 for a show that was in Sept. 

By that time my travel plans were locked. I made my way to the show, knowing the owners well, I figured I would appeal to the top, I went was rebuffed at all attempts to find the owners, once they were located they were just as annoyed as I was that I'd been rejected. Sadly, there was nothing they could do as the heirarchy had changed and I was stuck paying $100 to get into the show. 

 The show itself was fun, despite the hassle of getting in, and the trouble of trying to park in a city that not only had several events going on, but also a college football game.  I returned home, in low-spirits and low on cash, but having a pleasant and memorable time and making some good new friends.

 But it goes from bad to good again, for Baltimore Comic-Con in Oct. in Baltimore, MD. I took Julia to her very first comic-con and lets just say we traveled pretty well. Once we got to the hotel we found that it was over-booked but the manager upgraded us to the Penthouse Suite which was by far one of the most awesome experiances ever. I have photos on my facebook! http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=152773&id=607944387

 After that there were movies, Ghost Walks, and storms! (more on that in the next blog post)  

The only problem is I haven't been very productive. Been going through a low point creativly. Low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, unoriginal, etc. For some reason I can't seem to focus on work.  I think I need to decompress but I can't seem to get distance or peace for long enough to purge all the negative thoughts! quite frustrating!