http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:BlueMoose07&section=today deviantART RSS for by:BlueMoose07 en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:21:35 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/21003573/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/21003573/ Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:16:44 PDT watching all of you more than submitting! Since returning, I've read nearly all of my messages. My deviations--that's a different story!

I've got them down to 6,200-ish--which is a major accomplishment, considering they were just over 8,000 when I started! And yes--I am looking at them ALL!

I've been asked what I've been up to since abruptly disappearing at the beginning of the year. Well--I've since gotten married (on September 20th), and I'm now seriously contemplating moving to Canada--perhaps during the next year.

I'm hoping to get back into the art (both photography and drawings) during the next few weeks, but until then--as my favorite "Guv-ernor" once said, "I watch you!"

Oh--and if any of you are on Facebook, send me a message! You can look me up by j_manio@yahoo.com.

Anywho, back to job hunting!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/20868063/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/20868063/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:32:32 PDT
Not only has dA changed a lot, but I almost fainted when I saw the count(s). Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do. Also have to figure outa whole lotta things with this new interface...argh.

To all my friends, I apologize for my abrupt departure. I'd like to say aliens abducted me...then again, maybe they did!

Anywho...drop me a note to say hello. I have to keep this one short, because come the morning, I'm going to resume my Don Quixotic battle against the windmills of life.

I'll update you all soon--and hope to hear from you all!

Peace and Love.

J (a.k.a. BlueMoose07)

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16605001/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16605001/ Sun, 27 Jan 2008 22:19:27 PST
First, I'd like to thank for the subscription. I apologize that I haven't been online to make use of it--until now!

Since getting back to San Francisco, I've been playing catchup (might as well be "ketchup"), "putting out fires" as well as trying to prevent some from starting up!

Although I'm still optimistic about the year--there are certain realities I'm dealing with (and without ye ol' "rose-colored glasses"). I'm reminded of the line from the poem "Don't Quit" that goes "When the funds are low and the debts are high..." And believe you me, brothers and sisters, they are!

If I can get through February--and get certain "lolly-gagging-drag-their-feet-in-paying-me" clients to fork-up, pony-up, feed-this-kitty.... I don't like to burn bridges when it comes to clients, but I'm telling ya--certain people are going to have to pay "up front" if they want me for future jobs, after this!

I'm in a sink-or-swim and/or do-or-die situation--financially this year. I don't want to croak anytime soon. However--I'm going to have to compromise on certain things--like my art...

I'm going to have to limit projects to weekends... Let me rephrase that--I'm going to TRY TO LIMIT WORKING ON MY ARTWORK TO WEEKENDS!

Believe me--I'm already going through major WITHDRAWAL, and certain projects (already started) are crying for attention...especially one Misty work inparticular...

Oops! I'd better cut myself off before I let the proverbial "'cat' out of the bag!"

For conclusion--I want to thank all my watching friends who continued to comment, note and view in my short and self-imposed absence. I will reply to all messages *gulps* all 450-plus of them, and I will view all deviations *double-gulps* all 1,066-plus of them!

Ten-sixty-six, eh? William the Conqueror had it easy in 1066, it seems. Gadzooks--I have my work cut out for me!

Pray as if everything depended on God...work as if everything depended on YOU! ]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16402898/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16402898/ Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:14:37 PST
I also have my work cut-out for me... a whole ton of deviations to look at, and close to 294 messages to read and to reply to! :w0w: I just wish the plane had free WiFi already...not to mention the airport...

Anywho...it's the Monday after the 15th ("XV") Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon and the 3rd running of the signature "Goofy Race-and-a-Half Challenge." And--it's the 3rd time this "Goof" has run and finished in it!

I was rather pleased with my Half Marathon time on Saturday. I crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 53 seconds (I was aiming for 2:30). I crossed the finish line of the Full Marathon in 5 hours, 31 minutes and 6 seconds (I was aiming for between 5:30 and 5:45).

The best part--my legs are feeling pretty could, and I could go out for a training run today (no, I'm not kidding), but I'm forcing myself NOT to. I did--however, go to the gym and worked on the old upper body!

I dunno if I've mentioned this before, but as a runner I've never been blessed with speed. What I do have is 1) high endurance (must be 'cause I'm so stubborn) and 2) quick recovery.

I've already signed-up for next year's Goofy Challenge, and I'm aiming for 2 to 2:15 hours for the half, and under Between 4:30 and 5 hours for the full!

I'll be posting a few pictures from here--perhaps in the scraps--before I fly back to California on Wednesday afternoon. Right now, I'm beginning the "working" part of this "working vacation" here!

But I didn't join dA to blabber about my annual exercise in masochism--er, I mean my annual pilgrimage to Disney World....

I will be continuing artwork--Misty-related, of course--that I've had in "cold storage" since before Christmas, and I will be starting on some new ones!

I've also had requests from my fiance--who tells me that she's also joined dA--to do other "non-Pokemon" work. Um--did I mention that in addition to being a Pokeshipper I'm also a "Disney-phile?"

Anywho--thanks again for not only reading this regular drivel I post here, but for also looking at what I pass off as "art!" Take care, all!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16335768/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16335768/ Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:57:09 PST red-eye flight out of San Francisco to Orlando (via New York) was delayed one hour because of weather--but not the new storm that blew through the Bay Area yesterday... It was something to with New York.

I still had more than an hour (even with the delay) to catch my connection at JFK. My flight took off and the tail winds were with us, because the pilots made up nearly half of the hour delay... Then the air traffic controllers at JFK intervened.

First...they had us circle in the air for nearly 45 minutues, so we lost more time. Second...when we finally did touch down, the same air traffic controllers parked us inbetween runways, and we got to watch plane, after plane, after plane take off. Needless to say, we lost even more time.

By the time I got into the terminal at 9:15 a.m., my flight had already started boarding--one ground shuttle and a sprint up the ramp of another terminal away! I was a little winded--but I made it just in time.

So--here I sit, in my cozy 1-bedroom (with kitchen) suite at the Beach Club Villas... I'm missing my tablet (again) and marvelling at how many deviations and messages I need to catch up on!

Hope everyone's week has been going well... I have two days to my Half Marathon on Saturday. The weather forecast calls for "scattered showers." It's Sunday--and the weather for the Full Marathon--that's concerning me, because of a higher chance of scattered thunderstorms.

Of course--today's weather, and tomorrow's, and the day after calls for sunny and warm! Go fig!

Gotta go get some sleep. More drivel to come tomorrow--evening perhaps! TTFN!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16255851/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16255851/ Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:38:25 PST interesting to say the least, so far! I'm writing you from the South San Francisco Grand Avenue Library--courtesy of WiFi!

A MAJOR winter storm is walloping the Bay Area right now, and power is out in major parts of several cities here--including the neighborhood where I live.

And last night, I had a long an convoluted trip home--thanks to the hosers at Central Mountain Air and Air Canada! At one point, I thought I was going to have to camp out at the Vancouver International Airport!

My original itinerary had my flying out of Lethbridge, Alberta at 5 p.m. and then connecting at Calgary to a San Francisco-bound flight.

Thanks to Central Mountain Air and their "musical-chair-flight-changes," Air Canada fudged-up my itinerary to have me flying out of Lethbridge at 10 a.m., connecting at Calgary to Vancouver, and then Vancouver to SFO. Needless to say, my having to fly out 5 hours earlier than originally planned had my fiance, Aurelie, more than a little miffed!

After dealing with weather, flight delays, more cancellations (which cause the flight delays) and a mechanical problem (just as my plane was pulling out from the gate at Vancouver), I finally entered my house at 10 p.m. (Pacific Time)!

And now, a random rant: The standard-issue earbuds (headphones) that come with iPods have got to be the LOUSIEST headphones every created! Unless you have the right ears for them, they just won't stay in!

And I'm normally a big fan of half-empty-planes but the half-empty heads of half of my fellow passengers on my SFO-bound flight yesterday... Let's just say that I'm glad I wasn't a flight attendant!

Enough said...I feel better now!

Despite yesterday's long road home, and now home being walloped by this storm ("near-horizontal" rain is really amusing) AND headphone issues (during yesterday's flight home)....

I'm really excited about 2008...and no, I'm not being sarcastic about that either. Not that I don't have my share of challenges for the upcoming year...the "to-do-or-die" list is already quite intimidating, I'm just feeling pretty confident right now. Feel free to ask me how I'm feeling again on January 31st, eh?

And now, to dA matters....

Thank you all, for putting me at 5,600 pageviews while I was separated from my Wacom Tablet and up in Canada for 2 weeks!

Now that I'm reunited with my tablet, I'm going to continue several works that I started while I was gone...Misty-related, of course!

While I was up in Canada, I also thought of other projects I'm going to tackle--some of them are Misty/AaML related others may be a surprise! I hope you enjoy them nonetheless.

In closing, while stuck on that plane and in the various airports, I drafted goals for 2008. I never use the word Resolutions In my mind, the word alone carries with it an implication that you're going to "break it" at some point...sometimes sooner, sometimes later!

I may post them here, or at least a link to them. I'd like some of you to help me by asking me about them--either later during this year, or at the end of 2008!

Have to get back to work now... take care, all!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16173776/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16173776/ Sun, 30 Dec 2007 21:37:04 PST While it's still 2007 (at least for another 24+ hours), I wanted to start my last journal entry for '07! I'm still here in Canada, and I've just uploaded my last deviation for 2007--"S.I. Misty III!"

In other news--some interesting stuff from my (limited--'cause I'm not yet subscribed) Gallery Stats....

Misty iPod is now my most commented-on work, with 45 comments!

The pic with most s is still "First Kiss" with 34!

And now *drum roll* the new work with the most views--and it's the newest Pokegirl on the block, Dawn in "Red Dawn - 'Gimme Respect'" with 361 views! :w0w:

More journal updates soon! TTFN!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16044716/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/16044716/ Sat, 22 Dec 2007 13:37:10 PST
Deviant Art addict that I am, I just want to thank everyone for the 5,000 pageviews! I'll be uploading the special thank you for the pageviews panel a little later on tonight.

I just want to say that I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present from all my friends and watchers here... especially because I'm separated from my drawing tablet until January 4th.

I have more news to report--and I'll update this journal later, but I'm running low on battery power (and I forgot to bring the power supply )!

Talk to you all soon--and thanks again!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15933943/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15933943/ Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:52:17 PST

What's on the burner, let me see... Oh yes!

I'm working on "S.I. Misty III!" I was rather pleased with the way "S.I. Duplica" turned out, and I didn't want my favorite Pokegirl to feel short-changed!

I'm really-really-really liking how this one is turning out (as a work-in-progress). I just hope y'all will enjoy it as much as I'm enjoying working on it!

And speaking of Misty--that other "top secret" Misty project is coming along. It's funny--cause I was working on that when I suddenly felt like making another "S.I. Misty" and that took on a life of its own...

I'm going to be heading to Canada for 2 weeks on the 20th--and without my Wacom 9x12 tablet! I'm going through withdrawal pains already! More on this later.

However--I am "stockpiling" (so-to-speak) deviations I intend to publish (at the minimum) on the 2 Mondays I'm gone. Who knows--I just might be able to find a smaller and more portable tablet to use on my laptop!

Anywho--I really should head to the gym... Thanks again for the 4,500 hits. And--for conclusion--I've already know what panel I'm going to do if I earn another 500 pageviews!

Happy Friday, y'all!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15881625/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15881625/ Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:16:52 PST
I've started the lineart for what I consider to be (or at least "hope to be") my best and most ambitious Misty piece to date! It's going to take me a while, but I hope the wait will be worth it!

I've also started the lineart for an entry in 's upcoming contest(s).

I've also uploaded my latest Misty deviation, "Encroachment - 2007!"

I have another nearly-finished Misty pic...just have to think of a title for it, and do a little more touching-up!

And now for the rant (soapbox):

One of the artists whom I watch, is very concerned about copyright...which I can appreciate. However, in addition to the watermarks and all the things you "can try to do" to protect your copyright, the "verbal posturing' in this Artist's comments section seems to be increasing by the month (since I've been watching this person).

Here's an actual sample...

These [blah-blah-blah] are NOT for saving onto your computer or copying. They may NOT be used for any reason, unless with permission from myself AND the model. Do NOT steal or I will report it.



That's my reaction... It's exactly the same reaction I have to those "FBI Warnings" at the beginning of DVDs. You know the ones? The ones that threaten fines and prosecution yaddah-yaddah-yaddah. You used to be able to fast-forward through this drivel.

Either way, most people's reaction is, "Ooh--I'm sooooo scared!"

And that's exactly how I feel about these kinds of warnings...even though I have no intention of doing any of those forbiden actions to this artist's work.

Since I've been watching this person, I've found this person's attempt to make their comments-box-warnings have more teeth to them than they ever will have rather comical.

My other inclination is to not bother reading the artist's comments anymore, because I find the warnings increasingly annoying! It also makes me hesitant to anything by them anymore...

I'm also asking myself--how exactly is this artist going to report violators if the person downloads/copies the work using all the other methods besides using the "download" button" (and I'm not sure if there's a record easilly viewable by us commond dArtists, is there? I know that -ing a work does leave a record...

And I--for one--am so greatful for every I get, from both friend and random visitor alike!

Anyone who read my journal entry on copyright infringement knows that I am--especially as professional photographer--acutely sensitive to copyrights, so I won't get on my soapbox about all that again.

I will, however, repeat that if someone wants your work badly enought, they'll take it, period. That's the risk you take when publicly posting work on a public forum like dA. If you don't want to risk having your work stolen, don't post on deviantArt, MySpace, FaceBook, or any other social networking site.

I download the work of my favorite dArtists for two reasons... the first is that so I can always be able to see, in case dA ever goes belly-up or otherwise "extinct." The second reason is to use it in my AVI/slideshows (and I always try to get their permission to use it first).

Anywho--that's my rant. Thanks again to all my watchers who bother to read my drivel!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15842713/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15842713/ Sat, 08 Dec 2007 02:03:14 PST
Thanks to all who've made a simple thank you panel (for 3,000) hits my new most-viewd deviation with 269 views, unseating the reigning champ, "Ash & Misty" after a nearly 3-month run!

"First Kiss - 2007" is still the "most-favorited" deviation with 27....

"Ash & Misty," however, is still the deviation with the most comments (with 43 total).

In other news...
I had a photo shoot tonight... a simple 1-hour job of an annual Christmas party for a local Chamber of Commerce. I was contracted by a new client (the one I mentioned previously), who is a member of this Chamber.

The Chamber itself had hired another photographer, and when my client showed up, the gal who hired this other shooter asked why my client hadn't just hired the other shooter.... My client replied that I had asked him first, and that he liked my work (among other things).

Anywho--I observed the other shooter, and noticed he wasn't working very hard, and I also wondered how much the Chamber was paying him.

I was only supposed to be there for an hour--about the time my client said he stays at the events I'm to shoot for him. However--after my "official time" was up, I decided to stay.

I went into "aggressive newpaper photographer mode"...as compared to his casual shooting style. I usually do saturation-coverage at all angles (low and high) and lots of "detail shots"

In order to explain how I was working--and using the fewest words... Imagine if Snap (the photographer from Pokemon Season 1) got crossed with Pachirisu and started shooting...

I'm not sure what the other photographer was thinking as I was doing my saturation coverage but I must confess that I was doing a bit of self-marketing.

I'm hoping to make an impression on that Chamber (which my client says wants me to join). I stayed longer than this other shooter did, and was around to take some shots some of the other members wanted... I think I accomplished my goal.

Anywho--it's late, and I have another job in the morning. TTFN!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15792840/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15792840/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:27:40 PST

I'll continue this later...with updates on what I'm working on and other drivel--but for now, I need to go do a 1.5 to 2 hour run. I do have 39.3 mile race in January to prep for! TTFN!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15741615/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15741615/ Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:36:08 PST

I'm sorry I don't have a special "hits" panel this time, but as I said previously, I'm going to save them for every "even 1000" from here on out. I want to keep up the quality of those "thank you for the hits" panels!

Thank you to all my friends (and watchers) and all the people who just happened to see my stuff (and then became friends/watchers)!

Let's see... what else can I say? Oh yeah!

I have several projects--both "on the burners" and sitting in bowls on the ktchen counter (metaphorically speaking). I'd like to say what they are, but I want to suprise y'all.

And speaking of the work (Pokemon and Pokeshipping/AaML)--they've seem to taken a life of their own... Actually--they've really taken hold of/possessed me! When I signed onto dA, I wanted to display my photography work--and I still do!

To that end--I'm going to open up a separate account--just for photography and more "serious" (as in "potentially boring") work. In other words--the kind of stuff I might show "less understanding" potential clients, who might not appreciate/understand Pokemon and "Shippers!"

But never fear--I'm still going to post photography stuff here! After all, I'm a better at shooting than I am at drawing...at least, compared to all the other fine artists here (who are much better, not to mention "younger")!

For conclusion, I'm "giving a break" to my featured deviation, "Ash & Misty." It's been my featured deviation for months now, because it was my first Pokemon/Pokeshipping/AaML panel--EVER. It will always have a place of honor. I'll be replaciing it with "First Kiss"--as soon as it rotates off "Recent Deviations"...which means I have to submit two more new works before I do, eh?

Much peace and love to you all! Take care, and as always "I watch you too!"

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15679639/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15679639/ Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:31:33 PST "Black Friday" and "Cyber-Monday"
Because I'm rather cash-strapped--midway into my 2nd year as an independent contractor/freelancer, Black Friday and Cyber Monday (today) don't really mean much to me.

I'm giving everyone cards this year--with a voucher/"gift certificate" good for any number of the photo services I offer. I had some "shop-a-holic" friends and/or relatives "insinuate" that I was being "lazy" and/or "cheap."

That is--until told them: 1) This gift is actually more "personal" because photography "is what I do." 2) I showed them how much I charge by the hour/by the service.

Then the same relatives kinda asked--in a roundabout way--if that's what they were getting from me!


Pokemon/Misty/AaML Drawings
I have several drawings in the "Works-in-Progress" folder at the moment--a couple of Misty (solo) works, and a few based on one of my most favorite Misty episodes, "The Misty Mermaid!"


deviatArt ID
Although I'm "reasonably-satisfied" with the progress I'm making with my Pokemon works, I'm having the of a time trying to create an ID that I "hate a little less." If anyone has any ideas--or can send me some inspiration, I'm all ears!


New AaML Video/Slideshow Project
I'm still looking for any help with my latest AaML slideshow/video project. If necessary, I'll re-use some of the classic AaML art already here on dA. I just think newer art (especially fine-tuned to the theme/lyrics) will make for a much stronger presentation.

The song I'm going to use is "The Flame" by the group Cheap Trick. If anyone isn't familiar with the tune or lyrics, the "historical" video can be found here: [link]

The lyrics are in the responses under my last journal entry, or you can take a gander at them here: [link]

Well--back to the business of photography! TTFN!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15579772/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15579772/ Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:51:55 PST My client is local, and in charge of Business Development and PR for a major health care facility in this area. He's already booked me for 4 jobs (through March) at a very healthy "per hour" rate.

The best part--I didn't have to do any "hard selling" on my point. And another great thing... I found this client through a "pro-bono" (free) event I chose to cover, because 1) I just happened to be at the venue and 2) I didn't have anything better to do at the moment!

If I can secure at least 2 or 3 more clients like this, I'll have more time for lesiurely activities... like drawing and stuff!

Just don't tell my fiance I said that--'cause I am supposed to be working on our nuptials (scheduled for next September) too!


Hmmm... I wonder how things are going over on MySpace and Facebook.... To be quite honest...ever since I found dA, I rarely touch my MySpace and Facebook accounts.

I have to limit my "addictions" after all....


And speaking of addictions...

I have this idea for my next AaML slideshow... I was driving back from a high-paying gig in Sacramento, when this "old school" rock ballad came on the radio. I haven't heard that song in years, and it hit me... THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT AAML SLIDESHOW!

I'm going to draw some of the photos myself, but I would like to make this an AaML/P-shipper project, so if anyone would like to do a new work or two... please let comment or message me, and I'll either send the link and/or lyrics to the song and if the "art muse" hits you with a vision....

I'll also be messaging some of y'all with details of my latest hare-brained slideshow idea! Be warned...

Anyways--I hope everyone's Monday is going well. Until later...

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15486393/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15486393/ Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:03:11 PST
I resumed training for my upcoming Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January. I managed to get in 6 out of 6 scheduled runs this week. God-willing, this will be my 3rd Goofy Race-and-a-Half Challenge (39.3 miles--13.1 on Saturday and 26.2 on Sunday).

This year--however, I want to go in much better trained and conditioned, and that's why I'm glad I hit my goal (albeit just barely) in the NYC Marathon last weekend.

In preparation for the Goofy Challenge, 13.1 miles (half marathon distances) are going to become a regular thing--especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

In non-running news... I'm really happy that I'm starting to get the hang of this Wacom tablet. It makes drawing lineart and shading soooooo much better!

I'm trying to be "disciplined" and not rush out and get the "airbrush" tool... at least not until I master the basic "pen tool" and all the other basics!


Tuesday Update....

Wow... my sincere thanks to everyone who helped me get 2,500 pageviews. If and when I hit 3,000--I'm going to submit "special images" for the occasio every 1000 from here on out.

I'll keep with the pattern of alternating between "redhead drawings" and "live people photos."

Thanks again to everyone!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15385273/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15385273/ Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:30:35 PST
I wish I could have stayed in the Big Apple at least one more day--but I have to get back to the photo business. I do have a wedding to save up for (among other things)....

As a marathon runner--I'm not fast (although I will resume training to get faster), but I've always been blessed with two things: 1) high endurance and (as if not more important) 2) quick recovery.

Despite having gone to NYC undertrained, I'm already back up to 75% (just a day after the race) and I'm going to resume training tomorrow. I'll be going easy of course, but I don't want to lose momentum from this weekend.

It was a great marathon--with runners from all over the U.S. and the world. I met international runners from Canada, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Denmark...

I was more interested in meeting all of them than the actress Katie Holmes--a.k.a. "Mrs. Tom Cruise" (who also ran the NYC and whom I later learned finished around the same time I did). I would have loved to meet Lance Armstrong--but he finished just under 4 hours!

Before my Aunt (and Godmother) retires and moves to California, I want to run the NYC again (maybe next year) but also take a getaway to NYC again (separate from the marathon) just to go see the museums, places and to just do as many of the things there are to do in NYC as I can!

Anywho--it's good to be back!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15320816/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15320816/ Sun, 04 Nov 2007 20:36:51 PST Day 4 (Race Day!)

Well, despite coming to New York City "undertrained" and not getting any sleep last night (darn insomnia), I finished the 26.2-mile course in 5 hours, 55 minutes and 18 seconds. My goal was to finish between 5 and 6 hours, so I just made my goal.

There were an estimated 39,000 of us masochists--er, I mean "marathon runners" running the streets of New York today. More on this later... but for now, I need to (really) catch up on my Zzz's!

Saturday, November 3, 2007
Day 3 (Race Day Tomorrow)

I'm glad I decided to go to evening Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue and 50th Street today. At the end of the Mass, Father invited all the runners up to the altar for a special blessing. He said he was trying to start a new tradition. And I had to forget BOTH my PDA (with the built in phone) and the point-and-shoot digital camera at my Aunt's apartment.

The original church I was going to attend Mass at was 3 blocks up from where I'm staying. When I got there, it was 4:55 P.M. and the Mass wasn't until 5:30 p.m. I took a gamble that St. Pat's Cathedral had a 5:30 Mass too--and immediately hopped on the subway. It was while on the train I realized I had forgotten to go back for the cell phone and camera!

Anywho--I've reset my clocks for the morning, and I'm going to try and squeeze-in 5-6 hours of sleep before the race!


Friday, November 2, 2007
Day 2

I had a "mildly upsetting" incident this morning--which I "may or may not" elaborate further on later... Let's just say it was one of those "live and learn moments!"

However--when I got back to where I'm staying, seeing that I made 2000 pageviews more than made up for that "DUH" moment from this morning!


Thursday, November 1, 2007
Day 1

Hello to everyone from New York City--a.k.a. "The Big Apple."

I'll be here until Monday... I'm here to run in the New York City Marathon Sunday.

Much to my chagrin--I "won" in the entry lottery this year. I was hoping I'd get rejected for the 2nd time, because that would have meant I'd be automatically entered the 3rd year.

Oh well--I kinda need the East Coast getaway to do some thinking. And when you're hitting the "brick wall" at Mile 20, you often need to think of other things (besides the pain in your legs and such).

Because I only have my laptop, and all my "works in progress" are on the main computer back on the West Coast, I'll have more time to look at the deviations of my friends--especially the fanfics!

Even though it's only 9 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), I need to go lie down before I "fall down"...

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15280531/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15280531/ Mon, 29 Oct 2007 22:47:46 PDT
The only good news to come out of that is that I've finally figured out how to restore my disk images, so that if this ever happens again, getting back up to speed will only take a fraction of the time!

I also have a silly confession to make... I've had an old serial Wacom tablet attached to my computer--which I've had since 2003-2004! And it gets even better... I'm only starting to learn how to use it NOW.

I guess that I was able to do things faster--in terms of photo editing and such using a mouse. However--since starting to dabble into drawing and illustrating...

I found myself getting frustrated using the mouse--and finding myself having to "undo" or "draw/redraw" a lot! After a particularly frustrating session on "Love Letter," I glanced over at the tablet sitting on the side of my computer desk (which has always been connected, BTW).

I said to myself, "Maybe it's about freakin' time you learn how to use that 9x12 Wacom tablet you've had since FOREVER?"

This is going to take some training and mucho-mucho practice. And "before all else fails," I'm reading the instructions!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15181538/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15181538/ Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:07:19 PDT 's lead and cut down on my deviation submissions.

I do so reluctantly....

That's the bad news... The good news (bright side to this) is that I'll be watching and commenting (more) on everyone else's deviations!


Tuesday "elaboration"...

Now that I've gotten some sleep, I wanted to finish this drivel--er, er, "journal update!" As I started saying yesterday--I'll be scaling-back my deviations, but I won't turn into an "invisible lurker!"

With the Christmas season in high gear (and many holiday events coming up), I have to concentrate on "beating the bushes" for more photo gigs.

According to my gallery stats--I've been "deviating" (if you'll pardon the expression) almost daily! Because I have many "historical" photos that have never seen the light of day, I'll continue to post the better samples of those.

As far as my Pokemon related work... I've actually found some old (and in many cases still blank) sketchbooks, and I've decided to *crosses self* try to work on my ability to sketch my favorite Poke-peeps "from scratch."

This should be interesting...

Well--I need to reply to an e-mail regarding an upcoming charity fashion show shoot (I'm being credited in the program). Have a good day y'all.

And as my favorite actor-turned-Guvernator once said, "I watch you!"

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15114769/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15114769/ Fri, 19 Oct 2007 21:50:07 PDT
I first noticed this problem when I did a keyword search for AaML and Pokeshipping for work by other dArtists.... I noticed none of my recent deviations were among the newest...

I then did a websearch using keywords I used on my photos. Same thing. I then sent an e-mail to dA (two days ago) and finally got the following response.

Thank you for your report. The situation you describe is a known issue at this time.

We thank you for your vigilance and patience.

I'm glad to have received a response... but just because it's a "known issue" doesn't necessarilly mean it's being addressed, eh?

Oh well...

9:47 P.M. Pacific Standard Time 10/19/2007
It's fixed! ! Now will hit 50,000 by the mid-end weekend... "fer-shure!"

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15076863/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15076863/ Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:01:15 PDT --or at least I was trying to. It was written in Italian, but my "journalistic instinct" told me something was amiss.

A friend (and native speaker) of hers commented that someone had taken one (maybe more) of her works, done "minor edits" and then posted them as their own. Needless to say--I was upset and disgusted at hearing this.

Posting and sharing our work in a public (and worlwide) forum like dA poses its risks. Copyright infrigement is one of those risks. Of course--in the wild-wild-west areas like Photobucket--piracy is more rampant, I'm afraid.

I'm modifying a common saying here:

"Those who can't do (as in create their own work), steal it!"

As a professional photographer, I've become more sensitive to the issues of copyright--while still being aware of the "Fair Use" doctrine under U.S. Copyright Law.

As many of you know, I've made a few YouTube slideshows using the works of the fine artists here. I've also made attempts to contact each and every one of them IN ADVANCE. That's how I met many of you...

I can't even color someone else's lineart--even if I never intend to post it--without getting their consent first. I even felt guilty when I made my very first AaML work "Ash and Misty" because it was a redrawing of one of Miyabi Akasaki's pictures.

Actually--it was a "redrawing of a redrawing" but I digress again!

Mind you--there's a lot of fine lineart here on dA, and if you're going to try your hand at colorizing any of it, it's only proper that you ask permission of the original artist first. Furthermore, if you intend to post the end-result, you'd better get their okay first, and as important--give them a proment credit for the original lineart!

There's another saying, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." However--my caveat to that is, "But you'd also better credit the original person you 'imitated!"

If the derived work is sufficiently different, this is not always as crucial--but it's a matter of courtesy and respect to the original artist!

Getting back to copyrights and such... many of you have already probably noticed, I'm not one to put all those warnings in the comments that other dArtists (especially photographers) do:

"THIS PHOTO/PICTURE IS COPRIGHTED! DO NOT USE IN ANY FORM WITHOUT MY WRITTEN PERMISSION! IT'S THE LAW! DON'T BELIEVE IT LOOK HERE [LINK TO U.S. COPRIGHT LAW] ..."

My favorite one is the last one--with the hyperlink to the U.S. Copyright Law. How many people are actually going to hit that link? I've read the thing (I had to). I'd rather watch that Microsoft bar telling you how much time you have left...

Then there's that wonderful "dA Watermark" for full-viewing. I used it at first--but I don't anymore. I feel it just ruins the image/work.

We've all seen them, right? I can appreciate trying to protect your copyright, and I'm not razzing any artist for trying to do so. But copyright warnings and watermarks can only go so far. Once your work is online (and in high resolution) it can and often is "open season!" That's just a reality of the internet.

The bottom-line is that if someone wants your work badly enough, they'll find ways to take it and use it as they wish--with or without permission. We're pretty much on the honor system here on dA. And like the real world--some members are more "honorable" than others. Others have no honor!

As a friend and big fan of artists like and I have a tend... ]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15046624/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15046624/ Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:23:52 PDT
Whoa....

I'm almost speechless, and if I could sit around and get my speech going again... but I can't.

All I can say at the moment is... Thank you to all my fellow deviantArtists, friends, watchers, and those who randomly stopped by to take a look!

I'll comment more after I take my lens in for repair... more on that later!

Take care, all!

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15031763/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/15031763/ Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:00:49 PDT Sorry--"Ah-nuld!" I just wanted to thank everyone who viewed and hit and made this possible!

I would especially like to thank ... (just to name a few) for their support in my attempts at AaML work!

Ash and Misty was my first ever attempt at AaML art and the fact that it's now my most viewed deviation makes me feel beyond "all warm and fuzzy" inside!

I'll be alternating between my photography and my Pokemon obsession here on DA. I hope to keep y'all as entertained as I have been entertained by all of your artwork!

As a nod to my "dethroned" subject of "The Governator," all I can say is:

Arnold Schwarzenegger: "I watch you!"
Lou Ferrigno: "I watch you too!"



]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14984023/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14984023/ Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:19:57 PDT
My situation reminds me of the saying:

"God put me on this earth to accomplish certain things. Now--I'm so far behind, I'm never going to die!"

Some of my friends and watchers may notice that a lot of my photos are "historical" (in terms of their years), and some have our current year--2007. If you ever see a photo with 2006 on it, that's a rarity.

I was so burned-out when I unceremoniouslyleft that shadow-of-its-former-self newspaper I worked at, that I couldn't touch a camera for months. In fact--for a time, I considered never picking one up again. Then I came to my senses.

In other news...

I have 4 video/slideshows on YouTube now. I've been tinkering with this Roxio program I use for making my RL photo slideshows for clients. Please surf on by and let me know whatcha think. [link]

I've also done my weekly update of my Pokemon Quotes. [link]

I recently ordered the volume "Picture Perfect"--which, for some strange reason, I really-really-really like.

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14879256/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14879256/ Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:38:41 PDT
So much is the life of a freelancer... Weeks or months go by and virtually nothing (in terms of work). Suddenly--everything starts coming at you and from all directions at once!

Got really ticked off at a well-meaning relative. I was relating how an "inferior laptop" cost me money this weekend at an event. He kept telling me that "he wasn't convinced" that the laptop was the source of my problem.

Ignore the fact that he wasn't there--although I invited him to come see the operations. The bottom line--using this antiquated "Centrino" laptop, it took me an average of 10-20 minutes to do a photo than normally takes me less than 5.

Feeling rather frustrated--I drowned my sorrows by delving into working on my first AaML picture. I guess it turned out pretty good, and it was quite therapeutic!

In other news:
I updated my collection of Pokemon quotes too. [link]

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14776655/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14776655/ Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:41:16 PDT
I can make more in 3-4 hours than my last full-time job paid me in 2-3 days! Beating the bushes for these gigs...that's the challenge! Of course--I'm talking about "smaller gigs" like dinner dances and receptions. Weddings are a different animal altogether (more on these monsters later)!

I've been going through my digital stock and historical files. "Historical" as in all my stuff that's on negatives and slides! I hope to rent a scanner in the next week or two to archive these, and I'll post the better ones here.

Being a people person, I really miss being a newspaper staff photographer. I met so many interesting people on the job.

You could be yucking it up with the likes of the Mayor of San Francisco in the morning, and hanging (albeit nervously) with a group of youth at one of the city's most troubled housing projects in the afternoon.

Given the number of available newspaper photographer jobs versus the overwhelming number of available shooters seeking those jobs, the odds of me working as a full-time newspaper shooter again are long... but anything is possible.

Oh--I also updated my "Memorable Poke-quotes" scrap. [link] I could use more, if any other Poke-fans care to contribute!

Wednesday-Wednesday addendum:
I posted my first YouTube video/slideshow... It's about Pokeshipping (of course). If any Pokeshippers have nothing better to do, please check it out and let me know what you think! Thanks! [link]

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14679193/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14679193/ Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:33:35 PDT
Seeing the fine work of the artists here (both those who can shoot and those who can draw) has inspired me to strive to be better at my craft.

I've been especially inspired by the outstanding work the "Shippers" or "Shipping" groups here--you know who you all are.

Your collective work--and especially the work of Miya Toriaka and KateRayearth--has snapped me out of a decade-long case of "writer's block."

Yes--I said a decade as in 10 years! I have not been able to write any prose or fiction during thtat time. I would start, but never finish. During the past 30 days, I've actually completed several fanfic drafts--and from beginning to end.

Although I've been happy as a shooter--having the writing element of me lying dormant was like definitely being only half-awake, or half alive.

Fortunately, I had my photography to fall back on, but I had always been both a writer and a photographer. That's why I majored in journalism at San Francisco State University.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all those who have watched, have hit "favorite", who have taken the time to comment and to send notes.

Your fellow Deviant...

J

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14633336/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14633336/ Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:23:30 PDT
I did this using Word, first. The I figured--what the heck? I might as well post the ones I come across or remember. I'm hoping other "lost cause" Poke-fans here (like moi) will add to the collection...which will be a work-in-progress.

After all, I'm still catching up on Advanced, several movies and--of course--Diamond and Pearl.

I don't think I'll be adding more Deviations tonight. I have a longggggggg day ahead of me. I'll be shooting sports portraits (probably soccer) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. From 6:30 p.m. until 8:30-ish, I'll be photographing a retirement part.

Looks like I'm going to need a lot of Red Bull....

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14621248/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14621248/ Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:58:07 PDT
Posted a kitten photo and got the quickest fav I've received to date--under 5 minutes! Thank you AngelFish74! I have to search my archives for more of my "cute animals with cute kids" files.

What have I gotten myself into? Last week, I started one Pokemon short story (fan fic) and now I'm up to 6 stories (chapters). What have I gotten myself into?

Personally--I find D.A. more addicting than either Facebook or MySpace. That's just my opinion.

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14607852/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14607852/ Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:20:55 PDT
Just have to say--for the record, that this project was inspired by the artwork of Miya Toriaka, Cicuskamarichu and KateRayearth (just to name 3).

I really wish I could draw, so that I could illustrate these stories. *Sighs*

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14548808/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14548808/ Sat, 08 Sep 2007 16:42:42 PDT
]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14352041/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14352041/ Sun, 26 Aug 2007 16:03:42 PDT
I suppose I could get used to the new voice casting (but I'll always be partial to the original 4Kids voice actors).

I'm a Pokeshipper--but not an outright Dawn-basher...but there's something about Dawn/Hikari in the cheerleader outfit that I found a little--shall we say, "disconcerting?"

Maybe I've just been reading the blogs and communicating of one too many Dawn-bashers?

I still find the fanart of the series here (on deviantArt) to be amazing.

]]> ~BlueMoose07 http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14279149/ http://BlueMoose07.deviantart.com/journal/14279149/ Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:57:45 PDT
It makes me wish I was as good at drawing/painting as I am wielding a 35mm SLR.

It's hard to believe I found this incredible sight while doing a general search under "Pokeshipping."

]]> ~BlueMoose07