I always knew I was going to be drawing something like this someday. We said goodbye to Frances earlier this week. If you were a reader of Bassetville or maybe just like the drawing click here or on the image itself for a printable PDF of the artwork.

My in-laws were over Saturday afternoon to see our new house. The Wife asked me to cut up the jalapenos for the salad accompanying our steak. I did so. Then I washed my hands. Followed by showing my Father-in-Law something while lunch was being prepared. Then I washed my hands again. Eating commenced, was delicious and then completed. The washing of the hands happened again.

A few minutes later the beer I had decided it was time to leave and I excused myself to use the facilities and did so. (I also washed my hands after that but it isn’t really germane.) Shortly after I discovered a burning sensation originating from my nether region. Now, I am a faithful man so I knew said burning was not the result of a red light rendezvous.

That knowledge however didn’t help me figure out what was going on for a good 15 minutes or so. During which time I became (understandably) irritable with the attention span of an addle-brained goldfish. Unfortunately my in-laws started to think this had something to do with their presence and not some unseen irritation I didn’t feel like announcing to the world (well, at that time anyway).

At this point I had deduced what happened, informed my wife discreetly and excused myself again to look up remedies. I knew to drink milk after eating hot food (I AM from outside of Buffalo originally) but surely it wouldn’t be applicable as a topical aid (it is). With relief in site I went back up stairs to the sound of muffled snickers and the new found knowledge that my beloved sucks at keeping secrets (which was a good call because I hadn’t realized my mood was making our guests feel like they were no longer welcome).

Meekly, I poured myself a glass of milk and excused myself for one final time to wash most delicate of areas (particularly at this point). The relief was instantaneous and we were able to have a good laugh about it for the remainder of the visit. But I’m sure if you’ve made it this far I suppose you are looking for a moral to this story and I would have to say it is this:

If you ever come over for a visit bring your own glassware because I can’t remember which one I used.

I’ve been spending a lot of time sitting in front of the computer writing out the code for the new site this past week. So I wanted to make sure I took a break and drew something current that wasn’t fan art. Of course, what do I end up drawing ?

Me.

Sitting in front of the computer.

Coding.

(Truth be told I’m actually having a lot of fun doing it.)

Yeah, this really happened.
For my birthday 2 weeks ago The Wife got me P90X (I was my heaviest ever when I turned 34). This happened while she was researching the exercise equipment that would be needed to go with it. I just so happened to be sitting on the other couch so I got to see this live. I did it no justice.

It has been almost 2 years since I caved and got The Wife a kitten as an early anniversary present. While I still love having a dog (and always will) there are just certain cool things a cat does that if it was a dog doing it, it just wouldn’t work. Like the above. If that was Frances instead of Coraline I wouldn’t be relaxed, I’d be crushed.

My wife has the most impeccable ability to call me right when I am in the middle of something (I’m pretty sure most actually have this ability). Sure I could NOT answer the phone but that is going to be the one time someone died, or we’d win a trip to Barbados if I just answered. I will not have that on my head, I tell you.

Ah, the joys of having a cat. At least it is easy to clean.

People are always amazed when I tell stories of Frances stealing food from the table. I’ve heard from other basset and bagel (bagle) owners that they get the same reactions. Really it all comes down to big dog, stubby legs. The math is there, all they need is the motivation (and food is the greatest hound motivator).

So here it is, my final day on HWC. I’d love to tell you I have something profound planned to take its place but that is just not the case. Do I have plans? Sure… but I’ve watched (and had) too many plans fall through to start announcing them now.

What I will say is that I have talked to some other creators and have some collaborations in the works. Both in comics and book illustration. What will come of them we will have to see. And who knows, maybe I’ll be pitched the next big thing tomorrow and I have no idea yet.

But for now, a little vacation.

And this sketch blog. I can’t NOT work AT ALL.

Seriously, c’mon now. It’s like you don’t even know me.

This about sums up how I’m feeling this morning after Balticon this weekend.