Happy New Year 2010!

Additional phrases that could have been used...

"You gotta take the job, even if you don't like it..."

"I even got waxed for this shot!"

"Yeah...they're real and they're wonderful!"

Final sketch for 2009, about 10 minutes total...Happy New Year! See ya on the other side!

La fin d'une bonne année

That's right, the end of a good year!

Though many pitfalls and potholes did occur I would like to say that this year was a good one. I reconnected with quite a few friends, got some progress on my sketching, listened to some new bands, learned more than the last year I think as well.

I promise to start putting some more art up. I seem to put more on the deviantart site but need to also post some here. So with that in mind how about this?

Yea...thought you'd like that...yes the facial hair is growing and yes the hair on the top of that dome of mine is also there...I think...

Maybe I should update my avatar since it's me without that bit of hair?

To friends not here on this planet I miss you dearly. To my friends I know now I love you all...yes even you get a little bit of love (you know who you are)! To my awesome wife I adore thee, love thee, and can't wait to walk the upcoming decade road with you! To those I have not met yet, I can't wait! So remember...Don't get so engrossed in yapping on that cell phone That you miss something wild!
Be good and have a safe and happy new year!

Thanksgiving...let us loosen our belts!

I recently saw a Chuck Jones classic. He was a talented artist for Disney / Warner Brothers. Check out some of his stuff here:

http://blog.chuckjones.com/chuck_redux/

I do hope you all had a awesome holiday! Mine started off in perfect fashion, a 8k Turkey Trot in Charlotte. I actually did really good. It would seem some of my recent poor runs can be put upon the fact the sneakers I was using, which it should be known that they logged well over 200 miles, were in need of another pair to cycle through them. So the Turkey Trot was a good run with new sneakers.

The goal now is to continue to keep up the long weekend runs. Now for me that means between 5 and 7 miles. For some others I know that is a short run. They excel at the running sport, and I get by.

Sketches! Yes I have some! Enjoy!

Whew!

So I've been busy here. Where I work I've been getting the company ready for ISO-9001 certification. We had our pre-audit the other day and rocked it! I've been trying to sketch as much as my brain can give me a moment to let me use my imagination (not much). With this pre-audit I feel some of the weight off my shoulders for a little bit as I now I know what needs to be worked on before the next real audit in 2 months.

This was something I had been working on during several lunches. Enjoy!

The Dowd YMCA Half Marathon

So it's done. The major goal I set out to do at the beginning of the year has been completed. This past Saturday my wife and I ran the Dowd Half Marathon (13.1 Miles).

So I guess this is in the category of "race report"

It was a chilly morning with the temperature around the low 40's. There were just under 1000 people to run in the race (though the paper said to watch out for several 100 runners).

We just finished a quick trip to the porta-jon when the gun went off and we began the race.

I can honestly say I felt good till about the 7.5 mile marker. It was there that the wall first gave me a hit. It didn't help that starting around the 4-5 mile mark a run/walk group decided to make me there target. They first went past me only to stop right in front of me and take up the whole road without any care of the people behind them. I hollered out that I was coming through them and they parted, mumbling some apologies.

But then every 10 minutes they would go past me and then stop. By the 4th time I snapped at them and they then told me they would go to the right when they stopped. Go to the right my arse...

Several did the next time but most continued to do their thing. I almost wiped out when one decided to stop in front of me and not move. At the very least, instead of hollering out "WALK!" they could have said "10 Seconds!" and then in 10 seconds they knew to go to the side of the road and walk.

This got me good at the water station at mile 7. They stopped to walk right in front of it and then stopped completely at the station taking the water and standing there. I hollered out "WATER!" and one person tried to hand me a cup but a walker stepped in front of me throwing my focus on the run off and allowing me to get pissed. I swore a little bit and then tried to push it off. Shortly there after the wall hit me.

From the 7.5 mile mark to the end it was a struggle to get a good speed without some effort. Finally my hips started to give in. This is from holding a slow pace...they don't hurt so much if I open the stride. I just can't keep up that stride for long...

So there you have it...I pushed all out at the end and finished it. Not many were behind me but I got rid of a lot of injuries and demons inside me in this run. Next up is the 8k Turkey Trot!

Fall is Here and the Time is right for Running!

It's been busy here in Charlotte. Between work and things going on with the half marathon training. Anyways the cool weather is now here and it's beautiful. I love this time of year as it is filled with wonderful colors and the sense of closure before Winter.

And on that note...I really like this one...here is my latest sketch. We all know Wonder Woman (owned by DC) and she has always been one of my favorites. I don't feel I do her enough justice but damn...she is nice! They should get going on that movie for her. I think the brunette from How I Met Your Mother would be a perfect Wonder Woman.

Fall is here!

Yes I've been sketching...and at the moment haven't scanned anything in to put up. I wanted to take a moment to show my appreciation of something that started Monday night. Cool weather...that's right...cool weather.

My wife and I are training for a half marathon in November and this past Monday we went out for our 3 mile recovery run in "easy" mode. The cool weather had arrived that day in the south that makes one feel that if he weren't following a training plan he could have ran much farther than the 3 miles just from the cool air that was outside.

It's like that again this morning...coming into work I noticed that cool weather, and some of the leaves had fallen from the trees around my house. I love fall...I really do. It's a bunch of things I think...It's the cool weather, the colorful leaves, the smells in the air that signify change of season. It's the college football that starts this weekend (go Syracuse!). And of course it's the NFL starting up again with the wrapping up of MLB. Go Falcons, and Yankees!

It's also the perfect time for running. I've always ran better in the fall. With only a 10k and a 15k left for the running series I have been participating in, both leading up to the Half Marathon in November, one can only take a deep breath and think another summer passed.

So there you have it...I welcome fall with open arms, and a smile on my face. Thanks for stopping by!

Nothing but love baby!

So here I am training for that half marathon in November. I am sure the pain I feel now running in the heat down here in the south will trade off when it cools off. I've been busy putting some projects in place at work. This week was a tough one but it's all good now.

I thought I would put up a couple of my lunch sketches for your enjoyment. Have a good day and thanks for stopping by! Oh and before I forget...wish me luck on the race this coming weekend. All I want is to complete it!

A Good Weekend!

So this past weekend has been declared a good weekend.

On Saturday morning we met up with the awesome group we have and went for a long run.

I only got 4.61 miles but it took every bit of effort to make it. I'm now on a training program to hit a half marathon in November and we should see some progress as we move forward.

Then we had a D&D game which meant a late night. But the bonus of this, out of many I could mention, is I can draw things as I go along. So here are the ones drawn from that night...some part of the game, and some not so much...

The RFYL 4 Miler!

So this past weekend was the 4 Miler handled by the Run For Your Life store. I did not get the time I wanted which was 44 min but instead came in around 44:26. This is an expected 11 minute pace to a 11:26 pace. An improvement from the last couple of races and not quite what I wanted, but I will take it since it was a 4 miler.

Been busy here lately with lots of good things happening! Going out to a nice place for dinner tonight with some friends, training for a half marathon will soon begin, and drawing away! The first is something I have been drawing for the last two lunches while the other is the concept work for that commission. The waitress must be from the little fact that Trueblood started up again. Haven't seen it? Get going as it rocks! I really like the bottom lion...Enjoy!

It's a good day...

So last night I had a awesome run. No question about it...I did 2 miles in 19:02 for a 9:30 pace. To me that is an indication that I am slowly getting back to where I used to be. I really enjoyed my runs under the 10 minute pace as I found myself pushing the best I could and have little left over in the tank.

I added a link to a good friend of mine in the "friends" links below...Kelly is one of my best pals and it should be noted for a couple of years I was barely ahead of her in the runs and now she's gotten ahead of me. Don't worry Kelly...if last nights run is an indication of me returning I will be giving you a run for your money soon enough.

Though I must admit my true goal is the half marathon in November just a handful of days after my 40th birthday. I consider it just another way of me saying I am not dead yet.

I've been working on a sweet commission for a t-shirt. Can't put anything on just yet but once I am able to I will my friends...trust me.

We have a good 4 mile race planned this weekend. The Run For Your Life 4 Miler Run for Your Cause race. It's in the Dilworth area of Charlotte. If ever you get a chance to ride through that area it's beautiful. Almost like watching some of the classic movies with Sophia Loren...just breath taking.

Chat with you soon!

And so on and so on...

So this past weekend was quite the time...I was scheduled to visit the hospital to be knocked out and checked over for cancer...of which I am happy to say they found none! The evening prior to this event I was very please by doing 2.5 miles at a 10 minute pace. I find myself very happy at that pace and looking forward to building upon it.

The weekend itself was a good one just recovering from the visit with the hospital, which I won't bore you with the details. But last night I wanted to run but do it outside since we have a 4 miler this weekend. I was able to do 3.11 miles at about a 11:30 pace which was perfect. Perfect because with the heat a 10 minute pace was out of the question at the moment and also I knew if I slowed down I could go further which is exactly what happened.

I'm working on a possible commission which I am looking forward to should it come around. Really neat concept and new stuff for me to draw. More on that in the future! Be good and thanks for stopping by!

Holy cow where has the time gone?

Hey gang!

Life likes getting in the way and that's my excuse for not blogging in a while. This weekend I am being checked out (it's a yearly thing) for any cancer that may be lurking about inside me. I have a good feeling that there is none, but wish me luck anyways!

Have you had your BMI done lately? I had mine done last week and it was a 33. Now this says I am obese...I throw down the flag on that. It does not take into account a persons muscle mass, and for those who know me, I have a lot of muscle mass in my legs. I checked a site and it said I should weight, the most, 188lbs. I kid you not when I say that I couldn't exist with my current muscles weighing 188 pounds.

So I have a possible commission I am working on...this is some concept stuff for it.

Other then all that it's a good day and I'm looking forward to the weekend! Have a good 4th!

Dude......

So I had a race this weekend and once again a shin splint was the source of my frustration. So on Sunday I went and bought a different brand of Sneakers to try a theory that it was the sneakers contributing to this issue. I also decided to change it up a bit and for the next couple of weeks will be biking more and doing only light runs. So far it's nice. On Sunday I did 9 miles biking in 25 minutes at the gym. Last night I hit 1.25 miles running in 13 and followed it up with 9.4 miles on the bike in 25 minutes. So the legs have responded good to this and I have no issues...it's a cat and mouse game now...

I was sketching today with the idea of a hippie...and behold! Neil from The Young Ones!

An Awesome Weekend!

Had a awesome three day weekend. Did a 3.72 miler on Saturday and then a 4.43 miler on Monday. The Monday one really has left me sore as heck but it was well worth it.

At the end of the run my friend Kelly pulled a fast one on me. She had found out by chance that my friend Joe was in town, so he was there at the end of the run in the coffee shop. I can't imagine my expression but both told me they have never seen me surprised like that.

I have added a subscription option on the bottom of the page so please feel free to use it!

Have a good week!

A long weekend!

So here I am looking forward to a long weekend. I have a run planned and a party to attend so it's something to look forward to.

Here's a shout out to a good friend of mine in Charlotte. He is a writer for the Charlotte Observer. Here is a brief write up on him:

Franco Ordoñez writes about immigration for the Charlotte Observer. This Land covers the latest news and ideas about one of the country’s most perplexing issues of our day

Here is his blog, It's got some really good reporting: http://obsthisland.blogspot.com/

Have a great weekend!

Off To A Bad Day...

So one of the cats decided to wake me up this morning at 4:45am and as I shushed her then one of the dogs decided it would be a fun time to put her cold nose and breath into my ear. So hoping this was not a sign of ill sorts and finding out it was indeed such...bad drivers plagued me on the way to work and I think I must have been behind 20 school buses as well during that time.

All this = Bad Mood...

So now I'm hoping that I have a good run tonight. That will solve it and make me happy.

Continuing the theme lately...Here is Brenda the Bug Killers Nemesis...The Spider Queen.

Cranking out another before the Weekend!

The Hurricanes won last night in over time! Could the "Cup" be coming to Carolina again? It sure would be nice.

So I started on this one yesterday and once again it's that concept of a hot babe killing a bug.

Meet Brenda the Bug Killer...she doesn't like bugs that much and it shows. Have a good weekend!

Star Trek Re-Birthed!

So this past weekend I went with some close friends and saw the new Star Trek movie. I admit at first, before seeing it, I was a purist and having issues with it. After seeing it I can only say what an awesome job on giving it new life. It is an awesome movie for young and old and those in between such as me. I apologize now for the poorly drawn Spock as it was done after the movie in a comfy chair while waiting to eat dinner. Which if you get the chance to eat at a T.G.I. F.'s don't. It was the 1st time I've ever eaten at one and will most likely be the last.

One thing that has been bugging me is lately I've seen a lot of drivers not using directional lights, eating all sorts of food in the car, smoking and talking on the cell at the same time, etc... you get my meaning. I just don't understand the laziness, or poor thinking of people thinking they can do several things at once. Recently it was release that the ability to "multi-task" is incorrect. The brain actually cannot do two things at once and instead does "snap shots" of the task. So you are not truly giving it 100% and only 50%. So, letting me rant on this for another moment, if you are driving and performing another task you are not really paying attention to what is most important...driving. I've seen you weave around in that lane, almost not hit your breaks as you get close to someone, almost miss your turn because you wanted to use the cell phone...

Do me a favor...give driving 100% and give the people around you the attention they deserve. Thanks for letting me rant...I needed that, as Charlotte traffic has gotten my anger lately.

This last sketch is a nice one. I love the guy on the bottom as I was aiming for someone eating a really hot pepper and the results...I think I nailed it!

Death to the Great Beast!

Here it is I just state I don't know when I will try coloring another sketch and BLAM, I sketch one that demands it. First though...this one my wife sent me...and it rocks.

I really laughed my butt off on this one. Now on to the other...

One of my coworkers screamed when this tiny, little, non-dangerous spider walked out from underneath a stapler on her desk. Hence a few days later my brain reacted and out of the dark blue recesses of my mind I drew this...after inking it I had a huge grin on my face as I hit it perfectly. Enjoy and have a great weekend...

The Sun is out and I am itching to...

Enjoy the day! I had this awesome workout last night. My wife and I went to the gym and biked for 5 minutes. Then we hit outside and ran for about 3 miles and capped it with another 5 minute bike ride. The legs are feeling it but I feel pretty darn good for the race taking place this Friday night. The Twilight 5k is one of those races that take place on a Friday night in uptown Charlotte where everyone that is still downtown gets to see half naked people running a race and having a good time. It's a pretty nice event and for a good cause.

The foot is much better and I'm looking forward to getting the inserts next week (hopefully) to improve some more.

Have you noticed? Hmmm...maybe not...check out the new Title Block above! Pretty cool huh? I've taken some of the most recent sketches and made them into a new wallpaper so to stick. To see more of those new ones check out the other site at Deviant Art. Here is a little taste of it just in case you might be lazy...

Which I am sure you're not...so I will count on you checking it out. I've been working a lot on my sketches of facial expressions and then with my new found love of ink I then ink them up. I have found they look more "complete". What's that? When will I get to working with color again? Good question and I will let you know the answer to that...at some point...later on...

Have a kicking weekend and thanks for stopping by!

The Caveman Couple

This morning was a decent 2.35 mile run, and I'm following it up with this sketch to ink work I did. I really like this one as I kinda am hitting exactly what was coming to mind when I started it. I also was able to add some of those I did the other day. Cheers!

Practice, practice, train, train...

Well I now know that my left foot is the source of years of back pain, and now recently foot pain. After getting scans of me walking on it, which I have to say is a really cool thing to witness, I saw how it rolls and puts a lot of pressure on the foot, using only 1/3 of the actual foot to walk on.

What does this mean? Orthotics! Which after learning that it will set my bio-mechanics to neutral and allow me to walk, run, etc...without a lot of the pain I deal with!

I did some new inks and of course blogger is giving me a fit trying to download them. Check out my art site and see them at: http://worldofeldude.deviantart.com/

Have a good weekend and if I can I will try to load them up again later!

Day by day...

So the drawing class is over...I really had a good time, met some awesome people, learned a lot of cool new techniques.

My foot is still sore as heck if I stay on it for too long. It's not a sprain, there is no stress fractures, and all I know is that the doctor wants to see an MRI done to it.

Can't run and can only walk for a little bit with the pain before it gets too great. My fingers are crossed that the pain goes away and it was only a strange occurrence which won't happen again.

Last night I sat outside while my wife took the dogs out for a walk (one at a time since we're trying to train them, thank you dog whisperer...), and while watching the great event take place I sketched out our mailbox. Cheers!

One step at a time...

So about 7 months ago I really messed up my right foot from running a race. It came at the end when I sprinted and I was out of running for 2 months. This past Friday I felt fine...went to bed and when I woke up I had a left ankle sprain. No clue how it happened and so now I've got an appointment to see a specialist. I look upon this as a good sign as then I can get a good idea what's going on.

So as my orders are to take it easy, ice it, keep it raised, etc...all of which I am doing my best to follow, I am humored that people are telling me to take up swimming. I know, I know...all in good thoughts...but some of them are family members who know that I cannot swim. I've had professionals try to teach me, certified instructors for that matter, and still I cannot swim. The main reason and the only reason is that I actually can swim...underwater. My muscle mass is such that I cannot tread water or stay on top of the surface. When I try to tread water I have had my head so far back it hurts with no treading and only sinking happening.

Underwater my legs can push me faster than most people due to their size. But they hinder me on top when I need to breath. So for those wishing for me to take up swimming thank you. But if you knew how my body is mostly built wrong for that it is not worth it. Thank you for your offering of advice but I really like running. I am not made for it but love it. It brings to me a peace that I can only imagine other runners share.

I love when people say running ruins the joints and such. In truth it does not. Running in bad sneakers not made for you is what does it. Running actually strengthens and helps you. It's the people who jump into it thinking they can wear any sneaker that find they end up in pain. The right sneaker, the right pace, means you can run and enjoy it. Which is what I do!

Whew...feels good to let out some steam. So those out there that enjoy running...keep it going and save some energy for when I get back! Cheers!

You asked for it...you got it!

Beautiful weather is here in Carolina! And as I promised to share some of the things I have been working on from my drawing class here they are. The first is my first attempt ever with charcoal. We had a candle holder and a small water container and I just started to work the charcoal. The second is from last night and is about the 4th time working with the charcoal and the techniques I have learned. This is a sketch of our dog Copper. He's doing what he does best and that is taking up space on the couch at night on his blanket. Yeah...his blanket...just kind of took it over. Cheers and have a good weekend!

Cool method of story telling!

Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored by destiny from Tomas Nilsson on Vimeo.

April Fools!

It's tough to do much for April fools when you work where I work. The urge however strong must be kept in check by using simple jokes and such.

A pal of mine has a sports blog which is pretty cool...

Check it out for me at: http://offysports.blogspot.com/

Working on some cool things at the moment which I will scan soon enough. Cheers!

Another Ink Job

Another beautiful day in Carolina...enjoy!

Lessons...lessons...lessons!

Which all point to practice, practice, practice! The Master Drawing Class I have been attending has taught me some new tricks. The cool thing we started working on this past Monday was how to do line art and by using a marker you can draw using the "less is more" idea. I also started to mess around with my sketches and rework some with the markers. I think...they look better and I feel I now "gained a level" in art! Wish me luck this coming Saturday as it is the first of a series of races. It is a 4 mile race and I am hoping to run it all and not die out from out of breath. Cheers!

And Let The Warm Weather Begin!

So it's a big change from last week and the snow. Now everything is starting to show some blossoms and the green is slowly getting greener.

The drawing class is awesome. I've learned some new tools to help me. Quadrants, blind sketches, and that which I dig...the 30 second sketch!

Here are two I've done lately. The first so reminds me of Marilyn Monroe and I had some thoughts of her and a birthday cake! Happy Birthday Mr. President (You get the idea...)

The second was just a random sketch that turned to a power walker. Hope you enjoy...and Cheers!

Recent Snow!

Those of you who pay attention to the weather might have noticed the east coast got hit with a little bit of snow. Well beautiful Charlotte also was part of this. About 4 inches landed in my area and below are some of the photos from it. Enjoy!

Good Things!

So I'm trying to get to that next level in running and now fighting shin splints for my left leg. I deserve it as I tried to push myself to far 2 weeks ago with a 4.2 miler with all hills. I will not be put off but slowly get back and kick butt.

The cool thing is that I had my first drawing class last night. Now I was nervous going to it as I didn't know what to expect but it ended up being very cool. There are 11 of us in the class and we started with some very basic stuff (introductions, blind sketches, 30-sec sketches, shading). Future classes involve charcoal, color pencils, and other neat things. I am really pumped up about it as these are things that I always wanted some training on.

I also felt very good about where I am. I found I was not on the low end off knowledge and actually towards the top (at least that is what I think) but with the right direction I know I can get really good and take it to the next level.

On another note I am looking forward to my brother coming down this weekend and also some good running things going on in the next couple weeks. Which I will pass along in due time.

I will also put up some of the new sketches from the class as I go along. Cheers!

Things be shaping up!

So I've been practicing on many different things such as eyes, hands, bodies, curtains, robes, etc...but nothing I can post at the moment.

But my running has finally kicked it up a notch! This past weekend I ran, with the aid of some good pals, 3.87 miles. This was the longest run this year and it really helped my confidence. I also had another 3 miles last night. This Thursday I am running with another group for 3.72 miles and on Saturday I will test myself with a brutal 4.2 mile hill run.

I have found several walls with running. The 1st wall is the 1 Mile Wall. This is for the beginner or the person starting to run again after injury and whose endurance is just shot. Once you break that things get easier until...the 3 Mile Wall. It seemed like forever where I could only meek out 2 miles, 2.5 miles, etc...until finally I got past the 3 mile mark and didn't feel like I had to stop during it.

The next wall is usually around 5 miles. It seems to go up in 2 mile increments for a little until after 5 it seems like it hits the 9. My goal this year is to do the YMCA DOWD Half Marathon on November 7th. I will be turning 40 on November 1st and so it will be a achievement and a milestone for me. I still want to do a marathon and might just surprise myself depending on how I do with the DOWD run.

I also found a cool website:

http://zenhabits.net/

This gives some good thoughts and advice for things you, yes you...and I run into every day. Check it out.

Thanks for stopping by and checking me out...cheers!

And so the long drought begins...

And another season of football is in the record books. I was really pulling for the cards. I mean come on...Pittsburgh...you now have 6 Superbowl wins. They don't have any. You couldn't have let them get that one could ya? Thought not...

I've found a new paint tool that I saw reviews from on Deviantart and some sketch publications. It's called Paint Tool Sai, and it rocks! It gives me exactly what I want and you can't beat the price.

The result you might ask? Below a bit is the original and here is the updated sketch after I used Paint Tool Sai on it and began to learn all the tricks...Enjoy!

PETA how I love thee!

'Veggie Love': PETA's Banned Super Bowl Ad

Ruffles and not the chip kind!

I've recently learned how to do some folds and ruffles with my sketching. The bottom of the dress in this sketch I am pretty proud of. Is it my best? Nah...but it is the most accurate!

Enjoy!

The Hatter

So that sketch I did yesterday turned out to be really nice so I decided to push it a little and see what happens. It is freaking cold outside, why I have a run planned tomorrow morning when it is supposed to be 5 degrees amazes me. I really must be stupid or a glutton for punishment.
Enjoy the sketch...Cheers!

Now that was fast...

So after my little vent on manners I knocked out a nice little sketch during lunch...Cheers!

Manners 101

No sketch to post at this point...working on some cool ones.

Manners...

Don't yell at a person when you can talk at a normal level in a rational manner and listen to the other side of the argument.

This should be followed just as much as don't drink and drive. Yelling is a waste of energy that could otherwise be put to a more useful purposes. For all those out there who have a tendency to just explode for the smallest of reasons...get over it...apologize to those you've yelled to and act like the adult you are supposed to be.

Need I say more? I didn't think so...have a good day and cheers!

What does a bird think of when it flies over a new car?

I was just wondering that very question as I was driving recently and a bird flew over my truck. Finally getting over a illness which left me unable to do much of anything over the holidays. Since I was really looking forward to hanging out with my friends Pete and Kelly and their family for Christmas and then the two of them for New Years I decided to make it up by doing this little sketch. They greatly appreciated the humor in it. I've been trying to get Kelly to send me a copy of her in this slinky dress for months now, and even when I am over at their house for a moment somehow it misses the conversation. So this is my way of making some humor out of it.

Cheers!