On the bubble no more

The bubble later burst. I love my Cardinals, but I thought they really lacked heart this season. They didn't seem to be gamers (in the real-world sports type sense) - like they were just going through the motions most of the time. Pitching was lackluster and the offense was sporadic. I'm getting bored just writing about it. Ho-hum... At least the Rams won a game!!

I was born to ...

My favorite love song...

Oh, Sweet Irony

Ah, Cardinals baseball. It was a game like any other game I’ve gone to. You find your seats (still a challenge for me at Busch Stadium 3) and like most times when you have decent seats, you have to boot someone out of them. They acquiesced with a grumble of “yeah, I don’t mind moving…” The nerve! Anyway... The game was boring – there was no offense to speak of, but it wasn’t because of outstanding pitching. THEN… it happened. Finally. After over 30 years of attending professional baseball games, it happened. A bucket-list event presented itself to me. Skip Schumaker hit a foul ball right to me. Although we were on the second level it was a line drive from his bat straight to me. No arc, no slice, no hook. The ball spun clockwise as it rose to me in ultra slow motion. My eyes got larger as the ball did the same on its ascent. Decision time. What's the plan? This is going to be easy, just let it come and absorb it. Receive it. I rose to my feet to ready myself - bent knees, hands with fingers spread (but not too much!)… Now, there’s a rail in front of me and it is clear to me that I’m going to have to reach in front of the rail for the ball. My strategy is going to have to be altered a bit. Rather than absorbing the ball I’m going to have to “grab” it in front of the rail and try not to smash my hand between the ball and the railing. Okay, the ball is finally here and as I grabbed the ball it hurt my hands, but not as much as I thought it would. It didn’t hurt nearly as much as it did to see it squirt out of my hands and flip straight back to the dude I kicked out of my seat.

?

i'm a little frustrated that my video and some of my images are dropping off from my posts...

Instant Heirloom

Something I've wanted to do since we moved in was to get a new mantle and built-in bookshelves to surround our fireplace. For Christmas 09, Fritz, my father-in-law (the best in the business in my opinion!) gave me the gift of "helping me" build them. So, since I had been drawing up plans for this off and on for years in the event that this may actually occur, I was ready start immediately. My "helping" consisted of holding this, or sanding that, but mainly trying to stay out of the way while he did his thing. It still amazes me how skilled he is. Like an alchemist turning lead into gold, he took my less-than-precise drawings and created my vision. Over the course of a few weekends, we completed the project and I couldn't be happier. I wouldn't say this to his face, because, well it would just be weird, (I expect it will get back to him!) but Fritz is the most selfless person I've ever met. And I don't think there can be a higher compliment.

I do what I do

I haven't updated my blog lately, so I thought I'd better get to it. What's on my mind...

Top of my mind right now is my children's book illustration submissions. I have only heard from one publisher (in the negative). Even the publisher that I actually have a connection with has not responded. I recently spoke via email with a children's book author named Jennifer Ward who lives in the area. She gave me some good insight and told me a couple of things I should try. That was cool and it stokes the ebbing flame that is my drive to get published. I've been kept busy with freelance design (and a little illustration/cartooning) work outside my day job so I haven't really focused on my illustration stuff lately. I can't let it fall off the radar as it has in the past. Another interest, cartooning, has been creeping back into my head. It's all so cyclical. I'm to the point where I need to either do it or forget it. I at least need to make substantial strides forward, not just token efforts. Hell, I'm getting old! 40 this way comes...

I've got a good job that I'm lucky to have, but... Anyway, things being the way they are in the world, and with the family responsibilities I have, I can't job hop to suit my whims. So I really need to make the most of my talents and take steps toward vocational independence! Hence the attempt to start a career in illustration. With all the day-to-day stuff, it can be hard to find time and drive to continue those efforts. But the alternative is not one I relish, so power ahead! This is a good entry. I should read it.