deviantART: by:whaletrainer2002 http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:whaletrainer2002&section=today deviantART RSS for by:whaletrainer2002 en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:07:41 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png Engagement for the Folf http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/26327066/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/26327066/ Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:46:51 PDT Guess what happened to my mate and I today.... ??? :???: :???: :???: Today I took my mate to the place of our first date, Red Robin, and we ate their together, then we went to the Books a Million that we went to after our first date. There I gave my camera to one of the clerks and asked her to watch the coffee lounge for us and take a picture when I proposed. I then let my mate look for books while I found one of wildlife and put the ring in the book on the skunk page and had her open it to it. She took a bit to realize it was there and then I asked her to marry me :) And she said:





















YES :):):):)

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Anthrocon 2009 Report Finally... http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/26221377/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/26221377/ Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:29:32 PDT


Tuesday:



I started my trip to AC with an all-nighter to finish my feet for my fursuit, finishing my feet an hour before my ride to the airport arrived to pick me up. In that hour I hastily packed up my stuff, printed off my reference sheets for my and my mate’s fursonas, and packed up my laptop. My ride (a local furr and friend named Blaze) arrived at 3am and I made breakfast for the both of us, then we loaded my stuff into his truck and headed to the airport for my 5:35am flight. The guy at the airport that checked me in was about as thrilled to be at the airport for work at 4am as I was to be flying at 4am :P. I was excited to be on my way to AC and to meeting my best friend, Crashheart, for the first time. We had met online 2 years ago and became quick friends. I arrived in Pittsburgh at 9:45am and let Crash know that I had landed, then met him at the luggage carousel where his stuff was.

The luggage hadn’t arrived yet and so I went to get my luggage and he joined me when he found his luggage. We took a taxi to the Westin and checked into our room and then the Otter gave me a conbadge themed to Star Trek that matched one he made for himself . We also scotchguarded the otter’s tail and ran out to get Chinese food for lunch. After lunch we went back to the hotel and I tried to show the otter the conference center, but instead we got locked in the stairwell to the conference center and had to find our way out, which turned out to door at the bottom that was set with an alarm… Afterwards we snoozed for a bit, then went to the pool for a swim. We swam for a bit there and met three furrs at the pool named Ender, Turlo, and Wolfshangs. We chatted with them and, upon finding out that the Otter was an artist, commissioned a conbadge from him. After a bit, we headed back to the room as we were expecting our third roommate, Dante, to arrive. After his arrival we chatted for a bit and then grabbed pizza for dinner from Pizza Parma and went back to the room to watch Eddie Izzard and MacGyver while I worked on my fursuit head. Eddie Izzard was pretty amusing, though it had a bit too much profanity for my taste. We fell asleep during MacGyver…



([link])



Wednesday:



We all went to the Steel City Diner for breakfast. That place, if you haven’t ate there is a place you have to try next year at AC. Afterwards Dante and Crash went back to the room and I went to find a toothbrush at CVS. I then met them back at the room and we went on our quest to find the elusive “500” bus, which would take us to the Pittsburgh Zoo. It took us ages to find the bus as everyone had a different idea where the bus stop for it was. The ride to the zoo was kinda long, but on the way there we met two teenagers who found our tails to be fascinating.

The zoo was amazing, though the only downside to the zoo was that they didn’t have any wolves or foxes there. I took some amazing pictures there of the animals in the exhibits, getting some awesome shots of the bears, which made Dante a very happy bear. We also got to hear what an otter scream sounds like one of the otters was in the shelter and would scream every time the two otter cubs and it’s mate tried to enter the shelter. It was a shrill shriek that I didn’t know that an otter could make. Many of the guests at the zoo were amused by our tails and asked to take pictures of them. In fact, at the giraffe exhibit I turned around and a guest asked me to turn away again so that she could get a picture of my tail. The aquarium in the zoo was pretty cool also. ([link]) The rain started coming down on us after going into the aquarium so we had to scamper to shelter, with the otter and I trying to keep our tails dry. I tucked my tail into my jacket and we ran to the gift shop at the front of the zoo, which was where Dante found his Andean Bear plushie, which made him ecstatic. We then took the bus back to the hotel and went back to the room and worked on my fursuit head after grabbing Chinese for dinner. Crusader Cat arrived while we were eating dinner and so we met up with him in the room and I finished up my fursuit head. ([link])

After finishing the head, Crusader Cat and I suited up and he, the Otter, Dante, and I went down to the Zoo to suit. It was great as it was my first time ever as Firek... ]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Bills, debt, and commissions to help pay them http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/22441180/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/22441180/ Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:26:25 PST

Commissions:

I'm offering several types of commissions so there are a few to choose from.

Musical Art ($15): [link]

For this, I'd take a line of your choice from a song that you have selected and place the lyrics, the musical score for that line, and some decorative work around the music that you feel best fits the lyrics and song. It would be on 5x11 inch cardstock.

Sports Team Emblems ($15): [link]

A traditional media colored ink drawing of your sport teams icon on 7x9 inch cardstock. I will do digital versions also if you would prefer.

Conbadges ($15): [link]
[link]
[link]

The badges are colored and inked on 5x7 cardstock and are either portrait or full bodied drawings of your fursona. What I need is a description or preferably a reference picture of your fursona as well as some ideas about what you would like them doing, items to be drawn with them, etc.

Inked Drawings ($15): [link]
[link]
[link]

Inked drawing of your fursona with a simple background on standard size cardstock. I can do more complex background, but it please let me know before hand what you are looking for and we'll discuss that prior to starting the commission. I will also do multiple characters for an additional $5. I also can do color using traditional media if you are interested.

All the prices are excluding shipping. I'll be sending your commission to you via priority mail unless you specify otherwise.

Auction:

Would anyone be interested in participating in an auction on an item, such as a inked, colored commission if I did an auction on say furbid?

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Auctions, Commissions, and Updates http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/22255851/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/22255851/ Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:23:05 PST
Commissions:

I'm offering several types of commissions so there are a few to choose from.

Musical Art ($20): [link]

For this, I'd take a line of your choice from a song that you have selected and place the lyrics, the musical score for that line, and some decorative work around the music that you feel best fits the lyrics and song. It would be on 5x11 inch cardstock.

Sports Team Emblems ($15): [link]

A traditional media colored ink drawing of your sport teams icon on 7x9 inch cardstock. I will do digital versions also if you would prefer.

Conbadges ($15): [link]
[link]
[link]

The badges are colored and inked on 5x7 cardstock and are either portrait or full bodied drawings of your fursona. What I need is a description or preferably a reference picture of your fursona as well as some ideas about what you would like them doing, items to be drawn with them, etc.

Inked Drawings ($20): [link]
[link]
[link]

Inked drawing of your fursona with a simple background on standard size cardstock. I can do more complex background, but it please let me know before hand what you are looking for and we'll discuss that prior to starting the commission. I will also do multiple characters for an additional $5. I also can do color using traditional media if you are interested.

All the prices are excluding shipping. I'll be sending your commission to you via priority mail unless you specify otherwise.

Auction:

Would anyone be interested in participating in an auction on an item, such as a inked, colored commission if I did an auction on say furbid?

Christmas:

This year was the first year in a while where I took a leisurely trip home for the holidays. I left Saturday night before Christmas to go to my mate's, :iconjadynlovesart:,home where we watched A Christmas Story and Elf while cuddling. I gave her a framed picture from the last trip that she had made to visit me and we also spent some time together. Also, she found out I was ticklish.

The next day I got up and drove to Richmond to meet up with another furr that I know that lives up there, Lynne Hassell. They had a house full of dogs and we all took them for a walk in a park near their house. Man, it was cold that day and I had forgotten to bring cold weather clothes so I was a bit frozen by the end of the walk. I stayed with her and her husband that night and picked up a fursuit skull to work, a hat with ears for my best friend :iconarracraidira:, and had my sleeping pants altered so I can wear my tail with them at night :). We also talked a good bit about alot of things. It was great to get to spend some time with Lynn as she'll be moving out of the country potentially soon so it might be the last time I get to catch her before then.

The next day I met up with ~whaletrainer2002 Subscription is gone http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/22248387/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/22248387/ Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:39:24 PST

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Merry Christmas http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/22185139/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/22185139/ Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:31:54 PST
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Merry Christmas to all out there!!! Today is the day we spend time with family, give to others of ourselves, and remember the birth of Christ. I wish you all the best this Christmas season and I pray that God blesses you and yours. Remember this holiday season Who it was that came and what His coming meant for all of us. Also, remember that He didn't stay in a manger, but also walked up a hill many years later to give Himself for us so that we could find salvation and peace.

God bless you all *hugs*

The Adventures of the Traveling Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Christmas Cards http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/21672288/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/21672288/ Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:43:51 PST
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It's that time of year again :)

I'll be sending out my custom Christmas cards and I wanted to find out who would like to receive one from the folf. If you would like one then send me a note here on dA with your address. Have a Merry Christmas :)

The Adventures of the Traveling Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Help for a family member? http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/21415914/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/21415914/ Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:28:55 PST
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I was notified by my mother today that my aunt, who has been fighting cancer for the past 12 years on and off has been given a few weeks to live. It's sad to hear that this is happening again, for the second year in a row, that is a death in the family, on the eve of my grandparent's passing. I was thinking it'd be great if anyone might be willing to work on a card, note, etc. to encourage my uncle as he's dealing with the impending loss of his wife, and the anniversary of the loss of his inlaws (my grandparents). He knows about the my involvement in the furry community and has been an encouragement to me in my involvement with it and it'd be great to encourage him and let him know we're praying for him. Would anyone be interested?

The Adventures of the Traveling Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 New fursona for the folf ? http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/21130873/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/21130873/ Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:48:01 PDT
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So I'm thinking of creating a second fursona. I've been swimming a good bit over the past year and become quite the lean folf and swimmer. I'm thinking an otter as several people have suggested it. I'm not sure if he should have the same colorings as Firekeeper or if he should have different colors. Any suggestions or anyone interested in helping me figure out my new fursona?

The Adventures of the Traveling Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Happy Birthday Fuzzball !!! http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/21052740/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/21052740/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:27:20 PDT
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Happy Birthday to :iconarracraidira: who turned 25 today. He's an old otter now lol Wish him congrats on making it around the sun 25 times *throws confetti*

The Adventures of the Traveling Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 I can haz job now??????? http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/20465648/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/20465648/ Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:59:18 PDT
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I have some great news....

I have an interview at the Virginia Aquarium next Friday. This is the position that I was hoping I would receive a call for as I used to work there and have been trying to get back there since graduation in May. I'll be working with otters, seals, and a few other animals if the job is given to me so I'm excited. *Does happy folf dance* I'll keep everyone up to date on what happens.

On another note, if you are entering the contest that I posted about a while ago, it ends on Friday so get your entries in :)

The Adventures of the Traveling Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Labor Day Report http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/20279593/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/20279593/ Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:07:44 PDT
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Much needed chilling was done by the folf this weekend.

Saturday:

Blaze and myself wandered about, watched the third Harry Potter movie. Also, I got to grill for the first time in a while. Apparently neither of us remembered how to easily start to get coals burning as it took us about 30 minutes to get the coals burning using 1) newspaper 2) pine straw 3) lighter fluid. Hotdogs and baked beans for lunch followed by a trip to Hard Rock Amusement Park. It was a great time had by the both of us. We rode a few coasters, saw a show, and played a few games in the arcade.

Sunday: Went to church, then ate lunch back at the house and watched the fourth Harry Potter movie. You know that you are getting old when neither of you can stay awake for a whole movie :P Also, I got to work on the new tablet given to me by a furr that I know from church.

Monday: I spent my morning working on some art, cleaning my house, making some chili. Blaze came by my house and we went to meet up with a third furr who lives a bit north of us. We hanged out at his (Jon's house) for a bit to see his pet sugarglider and laugh at lolcat stuff. We then went to play miniature golf at a Dinosaur themed miniature golf place. It's hard to play miniature golf when you haven't played in ages. The three of us were all 12 over par at least. I also managed to land my ball in the parking lot next to the course when I tried to loop the ball around a curved whole by hitting it a bit too hard. We also went to Dixie Stampede together. The show was amazing and the pre-show show was just as awesome. I'm sad to say that the North lost today, but we put up a good fight. Dixie Stampede is a rodeo themed dinner show with horse riders, trick riding, and really good food. Afterwards we made a quick pit stop at Kroger (don't ever drink a gallon of iced tea all by yourself as you reeaaaaaaaaaaallllllllyyyyyyyyy got to go after that XD) and then we went to play another round of miniature golf at a Jungle themed golf course that we had free passes for. It was cool as you had to ride a train up to the top of the course. I had two holes in one on the course, Jon had one. It was much fun had by all and next week... the trip up north to visit a furr before he deploys so stay tuned for more adventures of the folf :)


The Adventures of the Traveling Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Contest Stuff and Entering the Digital Age http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/20258668/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/20258668/ Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:03:16 PDT Photobucket

Hi all!

I talked with a few that said they were interested in entering the contest I mentioned in my previous journal: [link] but I haven't seen anyone post entries for it. Is anyone who I talked to still interested or should I not worry about it? If not then that's cool as I know that people have a lot going on so a contest might be better for later. If you are interested then let me know and I'll extend the contest deadline :)

Also, the folf has now entered the digital age and has a tablet thanks to a good friend of mine. Let the art explosion begin :)

The Lone Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 I've got a contest for you :) http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/19507887/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/19507887/ Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:27:00 PDT Photobucket

The long awaited contest is now here. The contest can be entered by creating a work of art that is themed to the song "Hero" by Superchic(k).

[link]

The work can be a drawing, short story, comic strip, etc. and should reflect what the music brings to your mind. What does it say to you? What message does it convey? The goal of this contest is to have fun but also to hopefully provoke some thought also. The deadline is the 1st of September. At that time I'll put the entries in a poll for you the viewers to vote on with the winner recieving a 3 month subscription to dA. If necessary there will be several rounds of voting.

Anyone game?

The Lone Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 AC Report http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/19128888/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/19128888/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:49:54 PDT Photobucket

I just got back from Anthrocon and I had a great time. I had some things come up recently that had affected my involvement in the furry fandom and had resulted in my considering leaving the fandom. Due to the effort of my friends at AC, I'm alright now. I also saw a theme in this Anthrocon... flexibility.

I flew out Thursday afternoon to AC and arrived in a severe thunderstorm. Also, as soon as the plane took off I realized I had left a few items at home (socks for the fursuit, lyrics for the worship service, and reference sheets for my fursona). As a result, the baggage delivery was delayed as there was a lot of lighting and so the airport staff were not permitted onto the tarmac to unload the planes. Kodywolf met me at the airport and we waited there for my bags and the weather to clear. When we got to his car we quickly found out that we had too much stuff and not enough car. The next 30 minutes were spent creatively packing the car and I ended up riding to the hotel with a giant inflatable ball on my lap. We arrived at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center 10 minutes before registration ended and we just barely made it in time to register that day. We checked into our room and then met up with :iconeaglesf: and his family and hung around the zoo for a bit.

The next day we had our first devotional time as a group and also had breakfast at the Steel City Diner. I skipped out on the opening ceremonies to go to wait in line for the dealer's den. While waiting in line for the dealer's den I ran across the reason for the above mentioned distress concerning the fandom and that through me for a loop as I wasn't expecting to see them there. My goal for the Dealer's Den was a commission from Tani da Real (who was in the Artist's Alley) and I succeeded in acquiring that commission as well as a print called "Misery Loves Company". Also, I purchased a commission from Kyote of my and :iconarracraidira: in steampunk garb. Also, :iconheavy-horse: arrived that morning compliments of Walker Baptist Church, who paid his way there to do a magic show for those at AC. He did his magic show in the Zoo and advertised the FFC worship service and the Jungle Kits program (kids/parents program).

Also, that day we met a new furr on his first trip to a furry convention named Brian. He wandered around with myself and some others from the FFC. Crusadercat was also there as well.

That day I also got to do something I had never done before, which was fursuit at a furry convention. I mascot for my church as a giant parrot and they allowed me to bring the suit to Anthrocon. Kunkmeister was my spotter and let me say did an amazing job doing so. After that we went back up to the room and then met up with :iconheavy-horse: to talk some as I was still upset from the earlier encounter I previously mentioned. Talking with him helped a good bit and then I went up to the room to set up for the room party that the FFC had with the Unicorn and Gryphon pub, the other Christian furry group at AC.

The FFC hosted the party in our room and I made an assumption that created a bit of a problem... I didn't clarify who was bringing the food as I thought someone else was providing it. It turns out that we were supposed to bring it *looks embarrassed* but I was given some great leadership advice by :iconheavy-horse: which was "roll with the punches". :iconhollyann: saved the day by bring making poutine, which is fries covered in gravy and cheese curds, and we all enjoyed that while playing Wii bowling, which rocked. We had a good showing for the room party, with a number of people from the FFC and the U&G as well... ]]> ~whaletrainer2002 It is done http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/18754380/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/18754380/ Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:32:06 PDT Photobucket

Guess what???????????

*folf runs around happily*


I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, the folf has completed his masters degree and now has a pretty piece of paper that says "I know something" :P

The Lone Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 *flops over on bed exhausted* http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/18615742/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/18615742/ Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:45:03 PDT Photobucket

So it's been a long week and it's going to be another one. I have to finish my thesis by June 11 in order for it to be done in time to not have to pay for another semester of school. right now all my time is going to pay the bills and so my thesis isn't gettin done, which means I'll be taking time off to finish it. Other than that life is alright. I'm going to a wedding on Saturday of a good friend. Then, two weeks later I return to Anthrocon :) so much good stuff in the month of June.

I'm also looking for work so if you happen to hear of any aquarium or zoo jobs in your area please let me know :)

The Lone Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Introspection http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/18285234/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/18285234/ Mon, 12 May 2008 07:30:31 PDT Photobucket

This has been an interesting week for me. Much of it has been spent digging into myself, looking at myself, my faults, my weaknesses, and such. I've been rethinking how I interact with people and how these interactions should be rather than how they are. I am learning to really listen to people, to hear what they are saying and really hear it, if that makes sense. I'm also finally accepting that I don't have all the answers, nor that I need to have all the answers. I have also accepted the fact that I am in need of some humility, particularly before God. These things came up because I friend took it upon herself to point them out to me, and for that I want to say "Thank you" as, though I didn't appreciate it at the time I do now. It's given me a better perspective on who I am and who I need to be. It's like the proverb:

Proverbs 27:5-7 (New International Version)

5 Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.

6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.

7 He who is full loathes honey,
but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

The Lone Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 FYI http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/18109955/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/18109955/ Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:33:33 PDT Photobucket

MistressSusan and I are no longer a couple. It was an amicable parting and we plan on maintaining our friendship, just not as mates and I wish her nothing but the best and pray that she does find the one God intends for her to be with someday.

The Lone Folf
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 The Folf has a job interview http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17964681/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17964681/ Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:07:12 PDT Photobucket

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have a swim test and then a job interview at Discovery Cove on Friday at 7am EST so be praying for me. I've been wanting to do this job since I was 5 and so this would be a fulfillment of a dream and an answer to prayer. Thanks in advance for your prayers and support.

My heart is taken by the Tigress

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]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Freedom or Complacency http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17911256/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17911256/ Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:21:33 PDT Photobucket

I had a conversation a few weeks ago in which I was told something along the lines of "I'm so free since I got rid of God. I no longer feel bound by guilt, etc." and it made me think of something. Is it really a sense of freedom that one feels when they turn their back on God or is it just that they have come to accept the bounds that have been placed on them by their life choices? I came up with this analogy:

There is a dog on a chain in the backyard and it can go wherever it wants so long as it doesn't try to move beyond that which restrains it. It runs around going "I'm free, I'm free, I'm free" all within the length of chain, and it is, so long as it stays within the length of the chain. Sooner or later the dog decides it is no longer wants to be bound by that chain and so it begins to pull on it. After a time it realizes it's hard to break free, it's painful, it's laborious. At this point it has a choice to make: Keep pulling or quit. It chooses to quit and not pull anymore, it goes "Well things are so much easier now, I'm glad I stopped pulling. Now I can do what I want again."

I think that is what some run into with faith. They want to break free of the things in their life that hold them in bondage, their addictions, hang-ups, dead end roads. However, it's hard to break old habits, it's hard to stop doing a sin which you find solace and comfort in, even if it is only temporary and sometimes it is downright painful to give them up. They decide, this is hard, that it must be better to continue with the life they have because that is where true freedom is rather than in a life seeking to follow God and so they give up on God and embrace "freedom".

My question today is: If what you now have is freedom then try not to do what you do in your freedom. Give up masturbation for a week or two, put up your porn, stop swearing, getting drunk, or whatever it is you do in your freedom and I think that you'll find that you aren't as free as you believe you are.

I know as I've been there, I've had to fight and still do fight my own struggles, my own shortcomings and weaknesses. But I'm here to tell you that I've found more freedom in fighting these things than in embracing them.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on what I've said. Keep it civil, keep it level headed.

My heart is taken by the Tigress

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]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Thesis Defense http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17678497/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17678497/ Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:08:08 PDT Photobucket

Today is the day....

At 3:30pm EST I defend my master's dissertation against my committee :) Pray for me and I'll see you on the other side of this.

My heart is taken by the Tigress

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]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Commission a Friend ? http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17544290/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17544290/ Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:01:18 PDT Photobucket

Hiya! A friend of mine is starting to offer commissions so please go and check out her page and order a commission from her as she's awesome :) I've received a few pieces from her and they are all great:

[link]
[link]
[link]

Here is her journal link so go and check her out:

[link]

My heart is taken by the Tigress

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]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Devious Journal Entry http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17267891/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17267891/ Mon, 10 Mar 2008 08:45:16 PDT Photobucket

Guess who is going to be one year closer to being a greymuzzle ? *raises paw* Yep, this folf is turning 26 on March 16th :) Going to have friends over for lunch, will be lots of fun and food :)


My heart is taken by the Tigress

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]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Just so you know... http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17043671/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/17043671/ Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:33:40 PST Photobucket

The Tigress is wonderful :)


This past few weeks have been one of the most wonderful times that I have had in a long time. For the longest time it seemed like whatever could go wrong went wrong. My finances were going horribly, I was worn out from research and working two jobs, and I was lonely. Since a few weeks ago my life has seen an upturn that I didn't think was possible. I had been praying for God to bring a wonderful Christian female into my life to care for and grow with and God brought the wonderful :iconmistresssusan: into my life. He also provided financial assistance in the form of my parents so that I could leave my second job and work on school. For the first time in a while I am relaxed, growing spiritually, and growing relationally.

Thanks to God and those who He used to make all of this possible :)

One other question.... How do I write the html code to reduce the picture in the footer so that it isn't so big?


My heart is taken by the Tigress

Photobucket
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Update http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16808041/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16808041/ Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:53:51 PST Photobucket

I had Outback today and so now I'm happy...

Also, my mate received her Valentine's Day gift today :)


That is all...

Also, how do I show an image in the footer of my journal?

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 A Joyous Pairing http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16602875/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16602875/ Sun, 27 Jan 2008 19:14:56 PST Photobucket

I have good news and just wanted to share it with everyone...

As of tonight :iconmistresssusan: and I are now a couple :):):):):):):):):):):)

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 A Character steps back http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16564768/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16564768/ Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:06:55 PST Photobucket

This isn't really a big deal, doubt it's worth posting but I figured I'd post it anyways. Yesterday I made the decision that it was time to say goodbye to a character of mine from when I started drawing. Elise is no longer my character, I'm not going to remove the art of her from my page as that's a part of my past art and is shows me where I've been. However, she's not going to disappear. She's been "adopted" by Kaleodora and I hope that she gives her a happy home.

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Helping another in Need http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16470247/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16470247/ Sat, 19 Jan 2008 06:25:05 PST Photobucket

Hiya all!

I just wanted to put this out as right now Wolven89 is in need of some help. Her mother died recently and there is still a good bit left of the funeral bill so she is looking to take on commissions to try to help pay off the bill (It's pretty big). Please think and pray about supporting her right now in this time of need for her and her family and commission her and remember to be generous in her time of need.

Here is the link to her journal requesting commissions:

[link]

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Loss http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16269672/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16269672/ Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:00:47 PST Photobucket

I'm heading up to PA after the passing of my grandfather who died this morning of heart related complications as well as the passing of my grandmother, who he was married to for 67 years. Looking back on things I realize how lucky I was to have the time that I had with them and the love and care that they gave to me. I only have one regret, one thing I should have done that I never did... They always asked me to write to them and I was always "too busy" and so I never did...

If you have grandparents or any relatives you are close to for that matter, make the time to do little things like that for them, write them as it shows you care. Take the time to write an old fashioned paper and pen letter and love them with it as it would mean the world to them and later on to you as well...

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 *Glee* http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16140532/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/16140532/ Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:07:39 PST
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*hugs*

Thank you :):):):):):):):)

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Sadness http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/15874626/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/15874626/ Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:42:47 PST
It's at the end of things, or will be soon. My family and I are heading up to visit her for what will likely be the last time the day after Christmas. I thought that I had come to terms with things, that I was ok and ready but in reality I'm not...

She helped raise me, she rocked me to sleep when I couldn't get there myself, she took care of me when I had the chicken pox, taught me that my brother wasn't the pest I thought he was, bought me my dorm room stuff when my parents couldn't afford it, and gave when she really couldn't but did anyways. I don't know how I'm going to cope with this amidst the knowledge that I have less than 4 months to complete my thesis. As I'm worn out as it is, have no ambition or desire to finish, merely to push on as I have come this far and might as well finish. The only way I know to cope is to just push my feelings aside and cope later after I'm done with school as I don't know if I can do both my thesis and my mourning...

It's also hard as I'm the one my mother leans on for support, so I have to be strong for her. I've always been the responsible son so when the mess hits the fan I'm the one who ends up being a listening ear. So please be praying for my grandmother, my family and for me.

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Christmas Wishlist http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/15799155/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/15799155/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:55:45 PST Make a post to your DA journal. The post should contain your list of ten holiday wishes. The wishes can be anything at all, from simple and fandom-related ("I'd love a ______ icon that's just for me") to medium ("I wish for _____ on DVD") to really big ("all I want for Christmas is a new car/computer/house/TV."). The important thing is, make sure these wishes are things you really, truly want.

If you wish for real life things (not fics or icons), make sure you include some sort of contact info in your post, whether it's your address or just your email address where Santa (or one of his elves) could get in touch with you.

Also, make sure you post some version of these guidelines in your DA or link to this post so that the holiday joy will spread.

STEP TWO
Surf around your friends list (or friends' friends, or just random journals) to see who has posted their list. And now, here's the important part:

If you see a wish you can grant, and it's in your heart to do so, make someone's wish come true. Sometimes someone's trash is another's treasure, and if you have a leather jacket you don't want or a gift certificate you won't use -- do it.

You need not spend money on these wishes unless you want to. The point isn't to put people out, it's to provide everyone a chance to be someone else's holiday elf -- to spread the joy. Gifts can be made anonymously or not -- it's your call.

There are no rules with this project, no guarantees, and no strings attached. Give, and you might receive. and you'll have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special.


my christmas wishlist

1. to find a single Christian Female Furry
2. a fox plushie that looks like my fursona
3. a drawing of my fursona and his mate (Elise) sharing a Christmas Eve together
4. A conbadge
5. Michael W. Smith's new Christmas cd
6. A pair of fox ears
7. A trip to PA to visit my grandparents
8. The Christmas Story on DVD
9. A trip to Oregon to visit my best friend
10. A set of folf themed emoticons

can contact me by sending an email to marine_wolf2008@yahoo.com

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 The Folf.... He is Done!!!!!!!!!! http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/15088531/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/15088531/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:15:11 PDT
As I'm supposed to be a mature college student (ha ha) I did not run around going squeeee!!!!!!!!!!! (that will be when I get home). However I did go up and down my phone list and tell people the good news. I have completed the second big hurdle of my thesis, which is collecting the data. I'm taking a few minutes to celebrate, to back up my hard drive, and then it starts... the writing, the re-writing, the mental labor. It feels good to have accomplished something, to have taken the odds, the likilihood of failure and beat it back. Thank you to all who have encouraged me to this point *hugs* Thanks to Becca for her keeping me awake on my early morning drives to research, to eagle's flight for the help with excel formulas that confused the heck out of this folf, to Jasper for his friendship and encouragement when I wanted to quit or to scream with frustration from the dealings with difficult boat captains and to all the countless others who got me to this point. *hugs all*

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Anyone Interested in Conbadges? http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/13787132/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/13787132/ Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:36:27 PDT [link]

I'm offering badges as right now I'm in the midst of college and really need help right now to make my bills and really could use any help that I could get. I have paypal and so can take payments via that method. I was thinking $7.50 plus shipping for a 3x4 badge of your fursona with name, simple background. They would be headshots and on bristol board. If you are interested then send me a note.

EDIT: I am also up for doing ink or sketch commissions with simple backgrounds:

Pencil sketch $8 [link]
Ink: $12 [link]

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Featuring two really great artists http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/13722776/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/13722776/ Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:55:48 PDT [link] and Esda06 at [link] who publish the comic the Blackblood Alliance, which is a well drawn, colorful, attention grabbing strip with equally cool characters.

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Anthrocon 2007 (Really Long Entry) http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/13688184/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/13688184/ Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:16:16 PDT
Time with Family:

My grandparents are getting a bit older now, but they still live in their own home and stick to a strict schedule. I was awakened each morning at 5:30am to the sounds of my grandfather in the kitchen which I would tune out and fall back asleep to. At 6:30am my grandmother would get up and go to eat breakfast. She would then proceed to holler “Earl it’s time for breakfast!” and keep talking to me until I got off the couch where I was sleeping and came to eat breakfast. The first morning was really hard as I had gotten into Greenville at 1:30am and so had only gotten 4 hours of sleep. I enjoyed eating breakfast with them, same thing each morning, an egg, toast, and cereal. It was nice to talk with them, to help them out some. After breakfast I’d typically then go and sleep for about 2 more hours.
I took my grandmother around to visit some of her friends and that was a very cool thing. It was almost as if God was behind each meeting as each person I met said something to me to encourage or support me in some things I have been struggling in and to also remove any doubts I had about the upcoming Anthrocon convention. Both meetings were so spiritually uplifting that it was awesome. Also, I took my grandparents to church that Sunday and the sermon was on Judges 6-8. This was interesting as I had been encouraged to read this passage the previous week by a friend when I was wondering about my ability to lead in the FFC. It is all about Gideon and how God used him to lead Israel to freedom, how God was the reason behind Gideon’s ability to lead, and that God used him even though later he fell to sin. It was almost as if God said “Well, you didn’t read what you needed to so I am going to put it in front of you because I want you to hear this.” I left church amazed at what God said in that service, reminded that God would be with me in the coming days.
Dinner with my other grandmother

Hanging with Keith:
So Keith (another FFCer) came up a few days early to hang out with me. It was cool to finally get to meet him as we have often talked on IM and the phone. I picked him up at the airport in the afternoon. It’s interesting going to pick someone up at the airport when you don’t know what they look like. I stood at the stairs waiting, but I think he had walked right past me and I didn’t notice. Eventually we met up and waited for his luggage. Apparently it decided it needed its own vacation as it only made it to Denver so we were told by the airline that it would be delivered within the next day or so to my grandparent’s house. His first comments about Pennsylvania were that it was flat, which I guess is true if you compare it to California. We drove back to Greenville, grabbed pizza for dinner, then went over to my grandparent’s house to stay there for the night. We talked with my grandparents some, then they went to sleep and we stayed up watching Scrubs, Futurama, and something else till we both fell asleep. The next day I slept through my morning wake up call.
Keith and wandered around downtown for a bit, which in Greenville isn’t all that much as it is a small town. We then went back to my grandparent’s house and hung around with them for a bit and then went to see the movie Ratatioulle, which was absolutely hilarious. As my friend Keith put it “It made my furry side happy”. It was a particulary furry movie and I loved it from beginning to end. I had a chance to see it earlier when I went to the movies with my grandmother (father’s mother) but decided to wait till I could go and see it with another that would find it equally amusing (e.g. another furr). Afterwards, we went to my other grandmother’s house for dinner. Dinner was great and then afterwards she proceeded to play 20 questions with Keith, asking him about the trip we were going on, where he’s from, etc. After dinner we all (my mother, Keith, myself, my sister) went to watch the fireworks.
The next day was spent at my cousin’s house where it rained on and off most of the day. We spent the day lounging around, just chilling and hanging out with my two younger cousins. We tried to take my cousin’s pontoon boat out, but it died half way across the lake and we had to be towed back. Also, Keith ended up in the water as he tried to step off the nose of the boat. Fortunately he caught himself and so he didn’t fall entirely in. That night we watched Ghostrider, which was a good movie.

Now… on to Anthrocon:

The next morning we both got up early (10am) and left for Pittsburgh after stopping at my grandparent’s house to say goodbye. We met another furr at the airport, dropped off the rental car, and then took a taxi to the Westin. We got there at noon and it was so... ]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Feedback on a new piece http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/12403175/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/12403175/ Sat, 31 Mar 2007 14:14:11 PDT
Here's the piece I'm referring to:

[link]

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Photoshop help and Conbadges http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/12066922/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/12066922/ Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:15:37 PST
]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Bad news and a call to help http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/11882953/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/11882953/ Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:19:33 PST
For those of you not affiliated with the FFC, please feel free to do the same if you are so inclined. He's a great guy and needs all the support that he can get right now. If you are interested you can either reply to this or note me. I'm hoping to take the cards, art, etc. to him this weekend.

Thanks

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Help someone in need http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/11648938/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/11648938/ Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:54:38 PST scbordercollie01 Buy Commissioning her, or if you have no money, you could post a journal just to help spread the word! You can find the Info Here, [link]



ANY type of help is welcome, No dog deserves to have its life cut short!







]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Did this before, but we'll see if I get anyone new http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/11304354/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/11304354/ Wed, 03 Jan 2007 17:24:38 PST I will go through your gallery and pick 3 deviations that I feel best showcase your work and post the links to them on this journal.

Rules:
1.) Not be on the last Featured journal post on my journal
2.) Comment on this journal (must be one of the first 10)
3.) Post this in YOUR journal so OTHER artists can be featured
4.) Wait for me to browse your gallery

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Open for commmissions http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/11056598/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/11056598/ Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:29:16 PST


Prices:

Black and White Line Art, single character, no background: $ 10, + $4 per additional character
[link]

Black and White Line Art with background: $15
[link]
[link]

Coloured Character without Background: $15

Coloured Character Commission with background: $20
[link]
[link]

Also, if you want a print of it, will ship for $3

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Artist Showcase http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/10945710/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/10945710/ Mon, 04 Dec 2006 21:11:43 PST You have to put this in your journal if you choose to be one of the 10! (you don't HAVE to but you should to spread da love fool)

Andy15333

1) [link]

I love it as that's what my life is like, late nights of grad school funness.

2) [link]

Very true, love the reminder that even in our darkest hour, God is still there

3) [link]

It's Happy Feet :)

IanM

1) [link]

Oh the punness of it all :)

2) [link]

very creepy, but very cool. "I'm blue da ba dee da ba di"

3) [link]

"Help I'm locked in and lost the key"

Kaleadora

1) [link]

I had to, I love how she captured the outdoorsyness of Firekeeper. He looks goofy, I love it.

2) [link]

I love the color in this, looks so happy and full of energy

3) [link]

Big Swords and Cool Wolves, totally awesome!

Nate Blue

1) [link]

?????

2) [link]

I just think its funny is all, funny is a cool way

3) [link]

Oh for the warm days of summer...

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Art Trade Anyone http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/10540835/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/10540835/ Sun, 07 Jan 2007 11:44:48 PST

Edit:
Here are the trades and I'll post the status of the trades as they progress. Thanks to those who replied, I'm looking forward to working on these.

So here are the art trades:

1) Razi (complete) [link]
2) Saturday Evening (in progress)
3) Nate Blue
4) Sunsetkitfox (complete) [link]
5) AzureWolf56

Requests:
1) Keith (complete) [link]

]]> ~whaletrainer2002 Devious Journal Entry http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/9592363/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/9592363/ Thu, 03 Aug 2006 22:09:34 PDT [link] ]]> ~whaletrainer2002 The "eyes" have it http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/9242903/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/9242903/ Sat, 01 Jul 2006 14:43:43 PDT ~whaletrainer2002 Going up North http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/8870607/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/8870607/ Thu, 25 May 2006 05:38:01 PDT ~whaletrainer2002 Hi! http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/8768686/ http://whaletrainer2002.deviantart.com/journal/8768686/ Sun, 14 May 2006 12:56:43 PDT ~whaletrainer2002