Amid the chaos of the day

stuff and things

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:30:22 GMT

Well, I've started my new job.

I'm halfway through my second week and I couldn't be happier. I'm working on lots of cool stuff and my co-workers are all super cool. I've already used my employee discount to purchase some Lakers (for my mom) and Galaxy (for me) merchandise. We've even been asked to submit some name ideas for an upcoming sports team and then to try and come up with a logo. I tried my best to hide the gigantic grin on my face during the staff meeting.

I've been using the public transportation system to get to and from work, and have encountered lots of interesting characters. I just keep to myself, which has given me the opportunity to catch up on some reading. They've also given me a Blackberry, so today I just spent my commute trying to figure the thing out.

Meanwhile, we're moving into our new place on friday. Poor Melissa has been tasked with being in charge of packing up all our stuff back in San Diego while I'm up here working.

Oh yeah, "THE GHOULY BOYS" movie option has been extended as well!

It's been a tough year for us, but it feels like things are finally starting to turn around.

Comic-Con: Thursday

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:51:43 GMT

Ava in vampire make-up from the Lost Boys booth at Comic-Con.

Sat in on the Halo panel and got to see the opening sequence for "Halo Wars".

Also got introduced to super amazing artist Simon Bisley. He gave me a kiss on the cheek...?

Comic-Con 08 and a couple of announcements

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:05:51 GMT

So... Comic-Con is going on right now. We already hit up the madness that was Preview night. Now I'm just trying to get some work done. Ava is singing along to "Chicken Little".

I wasn't planning on doing any signings this year. I haven't had any new comic work come out and we were just planing on enjoying the show and attending some panels. BUT it looks like I'll be joining in on the Cartoon Art Museums' Sketch-A-Thon on Sunday. I'll be doing free sketches for people at their booth, hoping to drum up some donations for the museum. Here's the skinny:

SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON
Cartoon Art Museum booth
on the Mezzanine Level
2-3pm on Sunday

In other news... I have a new full time job.

I just got hired to work at a very cool company. A place I've actually been wanting to work at for a long time. I'll be working on their websites as a member of their creative department. I'm very excited about it because it's finally a chance to have a steady income with health benefits and all that and it seems like a really cool place to work. Woo-hoo! No more freaking out every month hoping I can earn enough money to feed my family on my freelance work and pulling my hair out while waiting for clients to pay. More info on the new job later.

Oh, also the Marvel Masterpieces trading cards are out now. It's cool finding people on ebay who have found my sketch cards. One sold for $126. Not that I get to see any of that money, but it's cool to see that my little trading card sketches are valuable to someone in the world. (My dad joked that it was Melissa who bought it just to boost my ego. Ha!)

Okay. Work to do.

Michael Turner passes away

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:31:02 GMT

I just found out that comic book creator Michael Turner passed away last night. There is more info about it here: www.newsarama.com/comics/080628-Turner.html

I didn't really know him. I think I've only ever met him in passing at comic book conventions, but he was a good friend to my pal Marc. Through second hand accounts, I've followed Michael's career since before he was ever published.

Many years ago, my friend Marc had started taking kung-fu lessons at a martial arts studio in San Diego. One of the instructors was Michael Turner. The two quckly became friends, bonding over their interest in comics. I remember Marc telling me one day about his instructor, "Mr. Turner" he called him, (as students were supposed to refer to instructors) and how he'd brought some comic book samples in. He asked Marc's opinion as a fellow artist, and since Marc was already a published creator. Marc said the art samples were amazing. Michael said he was thinking of showing his art to TOP COW, and Marc told him that they would totally love his work.

Soon afterward, Michael Turner was picked up by TOP COW and almost overnight he became a comic book sensation. He was a fan favorite, regularly listed in Wizard's Top Ten artists. Eventually, Michael went on to form his own comics imprint, ASPEN, and what I recall most about the ASPEN booth is the horde of fans waiting for his autograph. That, and of course Michael's dynamic art looming larger than life over the convention halls.

Yet no matter how big a superstar he became. With his lines of fans, his booming comic book company and his major projects... he always had a moment for my friend Marc and his family. Eventually, the two would share another bond. Both struggling with their own battles against cancer. Despite their health issues, they continued to inspire each other. Marc, inspiring Michael as his health deteriorated yet struggled to persevere... and Michael inspiring Marc with his continued success despite the setbacks the disease forced him to endure.

When Marc was in the hospice, during his final days, we knew that Michael would want to know what was going on. Neither Marc's family or I had any contact info so we asked our friend Jeromy, a former IMAGE colorist if he know of a way to get in touch. Jeromy didn't have any contact info but said he'd see what he could do. Minutes later, we got a call back. I don't know how Jeromy did it. He just did his Jeromy magic, for which we are forever grateful. Marc's family was put in touch with Michael. He was very glad that we sought to get in touch with him and tell him about Marc. He expressed his condolences to the family and as I recall, it was very difficult for him to talk about it. He was utterly devestated.

Now, hearing that Michael has passed away, well... it's just so sad. I never really knew Michael Turner. But I've always had a very deep respect for him. For his continued friendship with Marc and the Brueland family and for his fantastic talents. I'll miss seeing him around at the conventions. He was truly one of the good guys and deserved every ounce of his success.

things and stuff

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:32:15 GMT

my little princess, originally uploaded by christoph3r.

A picture of Ava from our trip up to visit family in Northern California over the Memorial Day weekend.

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Had to join on that "meme-thing" that I've been seeing around...

You are in a mall when the zombies attack. You have:
1. one weapon.
2. one song blasting on the speakers.
3. one famous person to fight alongside you

My Answers:
1. A machete

2. "Riot in thunder alley" - by Eddie Beram

3. Evel Knievel in his prime. Ooh, or Jim Kelly ("Black Belt Jones")!

------
Otherwise, lots of lame stuff going on. Maybe I'll share later.

Higher than hope

Sat, 24 May 2008 02:20:25 GMT

The San Diego Union-Tribune recently featured an article in their "Night and Day" section about my friend Marc who passed away in 2003 and his connection to the band Nightwish. This weekend Nightwish is making their first appearance in San Diego. We would have gone, but are out of town visiting family. I haven't seen the print version, but I sent in some photos that may be featured.

Here it is:
SD Union-Tribune article, "Kindred Spirits"

note: Marc's middle name is "Christian" not "Christopher".

Gene Colan is ill

Mon, 12 May 2008 22:37:08 GMT

Artwork by Gene Colan

Legendary comic book artist Gene Colan is suffering from liver failure. Most popular for his work in the 60's and 70's on such books as "Daredevil" and "Tomb of Dracula", his art style was unlike anyone working comics before or since. He is truly a master illustrator and one of the giants in the industry. I've been saving up my pennies in the hope of someday commissioning some artwork by him. I've been holding onto the dream of having an illustration of "The Ghouly Boys" by him in the trade paperback collection eventually. Just a few days ago I was staring at the art and posters hanging in my office, daydreaming about that Gene Colan piece I want up there on my wall.

But today, I was once again awoken from my daydreams by the sobering reality that the legends of yesterday, whose works may be immortal, are themselves advancing in age and declining in health. Gene Colan's wife has sent out the following letter...

---
Gentlemen:

My darling, sweet, handsome and brilliantly gifted husband's liver is failing. The complications are very nasty. This week it's fluid retention and encephalitis. He's on powerful meds now to diminish the symptoms. He sleeps a lot and has very little energy. He wants you all to know how badly he wanted to attend the convention. He so seriously wanted to see you all and shoot the breeze.

Not sure how long we have left together, but our family whole and we'll be taking this sad journey together and nearby.

Anyone with commissions outstanding, I'll have a sense within the next couple of weeks if he can fulfill them, if not, please don't worry, I'll return your monies promptly. I don't want to pull the rug out from under him. But if he can do anything, he'll need to finish the 10 pgs. remaining on his 38 pg. Captain America Civil War for Marvel.

You all know how you've enriched Gene's life by coming forward and being a part of his. :)

love,
Adrienne

---

If you happen to be a fan of his work and you have a moment to spare, get well notes and cards can be mailed to the address below:

Gene Colan
2 Sea Cliff Avenue
Sea Cliff, NY 11579
USA

Also, an auction is being set up to help with the medical costs. More info here.

-----
On another note. Regarding the comic book shop owner who was shot in an armed robbery, it is being reported that two suspectes have been apprehended by the police with a third suspect still being sought.

Marvel Sketch Cards

Fri, 09 May 2008 19:01:12 GMT

Yay! My illustrations for the Marvel Masterpieces 2 sketch cards have been approved. I did 100 illustrations that will be randomly inserted into packs of trading cards. It was fun drawing Marvel Comics characters all day. I felt like I was 16 years old again. Here are some of my favorites...

Spider-Man, (Ultimate) Nick Fury, Ghost Rider, WWII Bucky, WWII Captain America, Emma Frost, Red Skull, Crossbones, Warpath

Xorn, Silver Surfer, Galactus, The Thing, Doop, Nightcrawler, Wasp, Beta Ray Bill, Lockheed

Black Cat, Sandman, Vulture, Iron Man, Sammy (the Squid Boy), Hulk, Ultron, Moon Knight, Dr. Doom

Daredevil, Elektra, Black Widow, Spidey in Black, Venom, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Colossus, Mary Jane

Comic Book Store owner shot in robbery.

Fri, 02 May 2008 18:53:29 GMT

David Pirkola, owner of Apparitions Comics and Books in Kentwood, MI was shot in an armed robbery last week. The last I heard, he was in critical but stable condition. Unfortunately, David doesn't have health insurance.

iFanboy has set up a fundraising drive to help David out. They've also got more info about what happened and updates regarding the drive and his condition. Every little bit helps.

---
"This isn't something you do to get rich," said Peter Ryan, who is one of the partners in the Kentwood store as well as another store in Lansing. He said most comic book store owners are fans who turned their love of the medium into a business, but one that operates with tight margins.

It is a job that rarely comes with perks like comprehensive health plans, so an Internet site has been set up to collect money to be used for health costs and also to help Pirkola keep the store open.

matamata

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:46:46 GMT

My Aunt had an operation to remove a tumor not too long ago. At first the news seemed as if she was done with the cancer. It looked as if it was just a remainder from her previous growth and the doctors' intent was to remove this and she'd be done with it all.

Follow up tests are showing that the cancer has metastasized and has begun to show up in other organs. Where the goal had previously been "cure", they are now saying that their intent is to "prolong her life".

I haven't really been wanting to write about it. I guess once you write it down, then it becomes real.

We aren't giving up hope, by any means. But it's scary stuff. They are putting her on some new, more aggressive, chemo treatments which are taking a real toll on her.

She's on my mind a lot these days.

------
Monday night, I awoke to the sound of gunfire.

We live in a very sleepy, quiet little suburb, so it was a real shock to hear. Not that anyone expects to hear gunshots outside their window. "Oh, three shots, that's my wake up call. Time for work."

The sound startled me from my sleep. I heard the first "KRACK!" and bolted up in bed. It was followed by another "KRACK!" immediately after. Just as my brain was trying to wrap itself around the noise and figure out if it was what I thought it was, I heard a car start up and screech as it tore off down the street.

Did I just hear what I thought, I heard? Ava then woke up in a coughing fit. She's been sick lately and had a high fever all weekend. I held her and tried to absorb what was going on. I need to call the police. I should go check and see if anyone is hurt. I can't go out there, what if I walk out and they come back and I get caught in some kind of crossfire. What the hell is going on?!

Melissa woke up. I told her what I'd just heard and she reached for her laptop. She looked up the police non-emergency number and I called it in. We waited. No other sounds. No screams, no moaning. No more cars. Just silence.

Melissa got curious and went downstairs to peek out the window... and eventually started to walk around outside. Nothing.

Was it just a car backfiring? Did I dream it?

We went back to bed.

The next day, we saw our neighbor's car. The passenger side window was shattered and there was a bullet hole on the driver side door. It was obviously an exit hole. The metal was protruding outward. It was a big hole too. I was leaving for work (I've picked up a part time graphic design job) and didn't examine it any further.

Melissa called later to say that she checked it out some more and there was also big hole in the driver's seat. She also talked to the neighbor. He has no idea who it could have been or why. The police asked if he'd pissed anyone off recently, or maybe even just cut somebody off on the road. No clue. His car was parked out on the street at the time and not in his normal parking spot, so they may have been trying to at shoot something (or someone) else entirely.

Mysterious.

------
As I mentioned above. Ava was pretty sick this past weekend. She had a very high fever and spent two days just laying on the couch being miserable. At one point she had a really bad tummy ache and just started wailing in pain. Having to watch her suffer and not being able to do anything was just about the worst thing imaginable. When her fever broke and she got up off the couch and started running around again, I just couldn't stop smiling. She's still got a bit of a cough, but the doctor says she doesn't have strep or pneumonia so we just have to ride it out.

On the artistic front, the Marvel sketch cards are due for approval next week. Hopefully I can share some images soon.

Bunnies, it must be bunnies!!!!

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:29:45 GMT

On friday we took Ava to the LA Galaxy Easter Egg Hunt (photos here). Then spent the night to visit with family in the LA area very briefly. It was a nice trip. I don't remember the last time I saw her so happy. She had the cuteness turned up to "11".

My Ghouly Aunt went in for surgery last week to have a tumor removed. She's recovering now and we're hoping things will be better from here on out. It was a stressful week, so the weekend trip was a nice way to unwind.

Back to work. Lots of design work. I wish I could share some of the art from the Marvel sketch cards, but I found out that I'm not allowed to share the images until after they've been approved by Marvel. Also, I'm not allowed to draw any of the "Marvel Zombies" characters. poop.

R.I.P. Dave Stevens

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:34:05 GMT

I just heard about this. Dave Stevens passed away yesterday. He was one of my all time favorite artists. Most well known for creating the "Rocketeer" comics. Man, I loved the movie too! To this day, I think I still quote from it almost once a week. ("The Rock-a-who?", "It's aalll part of the show", etc.)

Mark Evanier, who knew him personally writes about Dave Stevens' life, career and death here.

---
As I've mentioned before, my high school art teacher once had him as a student and knowing what a fan I was, he constantly used stories of Dave's skill and dedication to motivate and inspire me. For me, Dave Stevens was everything I wanted to be when I grew up. I met him a few times and he was always really nice. Once, I even had booth next to him, though I was too shy to muster more than the casual smile and "hello" for fear of coming across as a mega-fanboy. Last year I did an illustration for the Comic-Con souvenir book as an homage to The Rocketeer and a tribute to him, but it didn't end up getting published. I never got the chance to show it to him.

The paper. Piety. The artist. Anxiety.

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:51:21 GMT

My blank "Marvel Masterpiece" cards arrived. Now I have 100 drawings to do. yep.

SLG 20% off sale- 1 week only

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 21:24:32 GMT

~~Regular: $49.95~~...Sale: $39.96

SLG Publishing is having a 20% OFF sale from now till January 18th. To get the discount, enter "2008" in the discount code box during checkout. Plus, orders over $50 qualify for free shipping.

This is great chance to pick up the Haunted Mansion Hardcover book, which is just gorgeous. I've been meaning to sit down and write an entry about it. I got my copy a few months ago and am just in awe of it. The Hardcover is a limited edition book, cloth bound with foil embossing. It collects issues 1-6 and includes a slipcase. Publishers Weekly recently wrote an article about it.

-----
In non "buy my stuff" news...

We went out to eat a few nights ago, and during dinner Ava exclaimed "I farted!" She then began repeating it over and over... very, very loud. "I farted! I FARTED! I FARTED!"

I tried to shush her while Melissa was red faced and dying of laughter.

my other car is a warthog

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:54:43 GMT

OMG?! Does the new H3 remind you of anything?

Dear baby jesus, I want this for my birthday. Thank you.

(oh, and it uses FlexFuel so I won't kill the earth.)

EDIT: Okay, maybe it's just me but it reminds me of the Warthog from Halo...

Apparently the doors and roof are removable too.

Always like this.

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:55:03 GMT

This was actually a drawing I did a few months ago, but since I haven't posted any new art in a while, I figured I'd share. It was something I did for a graphic design project. It was created as a backdrop for a trade show/event booth. I'm anxious to see photos of the actual booth display.

Just up late working on a project and taking a break to clear my brains.

I've got kind of a fun project coming up soon. I'll be doing some sketch cards for the next series of "Marvel Masterpiece" trading cards. I'll be doing 100 sketches, which I guess will be randomly inserted into various card packs. These are neat because the sketch cards are actual original art that are mixed in with the trading card sets. Some really rad artists have participated in the past. Some big name creators as well some lesser known artists. I don't know who all is participating this time around, but it's kind of neat to be able to join in. I'll try to scan some of the uncut sheets before I send em off.

Okay, back to work.

ABC. Always Be Cobbling.

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:27:26 GMT

Ava & Santa '07, originally uploaded by christoph3r.

Happy Holidays everyone. Hope you are having a great holiday season and have a Merry Christmas should your denominational beliefs or personal traditions incline you to do so*.

---------
I've been working pretty hard lately. Well, as hard as a graphic designer can work. I mean it's not like I lift boxes full of concrete all day or anything, but I've been getting a lot done and sleeping very little. It's all paying off though. I'm taking care of some bills and we've been able to get a few gifts for people. Primarily Ava. She's very excited for Santa to come bring presents, even though she was kind of scared of the Santa at the mall... as you can tell from the photo.

---------
*Not an actual endorsement for Christmas or Merriness. For entertainment purposes only. Parental discretion advised. May have some side effects. Do not feed after midnight.

that canyon in the sky

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:59:18 GMT

RIP, Robert Craig “Evel” Knievel

Evel was truly one of my heroes. This guy inspired me as a kid to face the impossible and not back down. And if you ever fall, brush yourself off, get back up and try again.

I met him once, at the Las Vegas airport. My flight was delayed, he was waiting to pick someone up. I told him what an inspiration he was to me in my life, thanked him and shook his hand. He was very kind and gave me his business card, which I’ve held on to as one of my most treasured keepsakes.

“They started out watching me bust my ass, and I became part of their lives... People wanted to associate with a winner, not a loser. They wanted to associate with someone who kept trying to be a winner.” - Evel Knievel

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:11:20 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving (for all of you here in the U.S.)

Ava and I made a quick trip to Utah to visit family and are already back home. A mountain of work was waiting for me when I got back. Trying to trudge through it all now. Up late again. Very sleepy. Mountain Dew just ain't doing the trick.

my eyes are all googly

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:42:16 GMT

Finally finished the Haunted Mansion story. I've been awake for a lot of hours.

Glad to have this done. Finally gonna get back to work on graphic design stuff. My clients are getting antsy. Although, first I think I'd like to play some Xbox... and maybe take a shower. I'm stinky.

Until there's nothing left to say.

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:13:01 GMT

The Brueland family with Tuomas from the band Nightwish
Eric Brueland passed away yesterday. He was my friend Marc's dad. Marc passed away four years ago after a seven year battle with cancer. And now his father is gone after dealing with his own struggle against cancer.

He had been sick for a while now and the prognosis was not good. It doesn't come as a surprise but it is still sad. I don't really know what to say. I don't have anything inspirational or thoughtful to share. It just sucks. His wife has lost her son and now her husband. And Erin has lost not only her brother but her dad as well.

I guess that I'm glad that his suffering has ended and for some reason I keep thinking of the night the Tim Burton "Batman" movie came out and he took Marc and I the very first showing at midnight. We were very excited for it and it was something fun that the three of us all went and enjoyed together.

Rest in peace, Eric.

the all-or-nothing days

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:57:21 GMT

Deadlines whizzing past at breakneck speeds. Had to skip that soccer game I wanted to go to.

Ava’s day care was delayed and then didn’t end up working out so I’m still taking care of her during the day while Melissa’s at work. However, now we’ve found a really awesome pre-school,. The only problem is that it’s mucho expensivo. We're applying for financial aid to try and get Ava in. I love spending my days with her, but I really need more time to work. Plus this place would be so great for her.

I put aside graphic design jobs last month to try and squeeze in art time, so now the bills are piling up.

Deadlines. Bills. Ugh.

Gonna be guzzling lots of energy drinks and staying up late for the next few days. Luckily 7-11 has “Full Throttle” Slurpees.

Okay, just finished another page. I’m gonna crash out now.

*thud*

Boo!

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:55:00 GMT

A watercolor painting I did at the Bats Day Black Market.

Happy Halloween, everyone! Despite a mountain of deadlines crashing down around me, we're taking a trip to Disneyland for their "Mickey's Halloween Treat" event so that Ava can go trick-or-treating at Disney's California Adventure. Have a fun and safe time. Looking forward to all the costume photos!

--- Wildfire Relief Charity Soccer Event ---
The "Los Angeles Galaxy" is putting on a special soccer match to raise money for the Southern California Wildfire Relief efforts. They'll be playing against "Hollywood United FC", a recreational soccer team that is made up of various musicians, actors and retired soccer pros. The Galaxy will feature their entire line-up, including star players like David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones.

Scheduled to play for "Hollywood United FC" will be: Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), Anthony Lapaglia (Without a Trace), Jimmy Jean-Louis (Heroes), Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard) as well as former soccer pros Alexi Lalas, Eric Wynalda, Mauricio Cienfuegos and Frank Leboeuf among others. (Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham are members of "Hollywood United" but so far are not listed on the roster, don't know if they are off filming somewhere)

Tickets are $20 for general admission with limited $60 luxury seats available. Firefighters get free admission. Parking fees will be waived for the night, as well as Ticketmaster fees. They'll also have a silent auction with autographed sports items, screenplays and more. All proceeds are going toward relief efforts. Event info here.

I don't know if I can make it to this, but I desperately want to go. I'm working my butt off to try and get my projects done. Hopefully Ava and I can make the trek up for the game (Melissa's gotta work). *fingers crossed*

I wanted to pass the info along to folks in the Los Angeles area, since it's not only a neat event, but a very worthy cause. A lot of people are under the impression that the fires only affected obnoxiously rich folks, but there were a lot of victims who could really use some financial help. An interesting article in the San Diego Union-Tribune showed a map of the burn areas in San Diego with an overlay of the home values. Check it out.

Median home price and burn area. Red lines indicate burn area.

trogdor

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:31:22 GMT

Today (well, thursday) was Ava's first day at day care. It was quite traumatic for Melissa and I to send her off for the first time. She seemed to do pretty well, though. We were both shocked to actually see her laying down on a mat for nap time when we arrived. She's just going for a half a day for now, for her sake and ours. It's going to be really good for her. It also gave me a few uninterrupted hours to get some work done for the first time all ~~week~~ month.

Things with the fires are settling down around our area. I hear that there actually was a fire just outside our neighborhood, but a fire truck was able to get there and put it out before it flared up and became any kind of big threat. So far, no one I know lost their homes, though a few people were displaced. One of my clients even sent a YouTube video with footage of his mom's home being saved on the news... and I actually remember watching it when it happened. One of the San Diego Comic-Con staffers lost their home, but I haven't heard who it was yet. :(

This week is the anniversary of my friend Marc's death. It was also the same week that the Cedar fires happened here in San Diego 4 years ago which makes the memory that much more vivid.

-----
So... I'm sitting with Ava...

AVA: "Dada, what does a cow say?"

ME: "Moo."

AVA: "Um... what's a pig say?"

ME: "Oink-oink"

AVA: "Um... sing Halo."

ME: (singing the tune to the Halo theme song)

AVA: "Sing Star Wars!"

ME: (singing the tune to the Star Wars theme)

AVA: "Sing Family Guy Star Wars!"

ME: (speechless. I love my kid)

We're back home, waiting and watching.

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:26:19 GMT

Things seem better today. We came back home last night and are just watching the news. The wind shifted, it was heading west, now it's heading east. I know a few friends have family in Del Mar, the wind change is moving the fire away from there now.

School has been cancelled for the week here in San Diego. I overheard a neighbor telling her kids, "It's an ASH DAY! Go outside and make some Ash-Men and Ash-Angels."

Ava was supposed to start day care today, but that's closed as well. Melissa is back at work. We're still loaded up and ready for whatever. I'm home with Ava, she's laying in her bed watching "Go Diego, Go!" and I'm gonna try to get some drawing done if I can, while I watch the news.

Here's an updated map with our info...

I've circled our neighborhood. Our main concern is that the fire doesn't reach that large open brush area. Once it gets there, it could be at our community within an hour. Just so long as the wind doesn't start blowing south, I think we'll be fine.

My computer is not hooked up, but we're using Melissa's laptop from time to time. Trying to keep electricity use to a minimum and staying off the cell phones. For all of you in the San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County near fires and evac areas, let us know how you are doing if you can.

Probably the best news and info on the San Diego fires I've found is here. Channel 8 has converted their site to a fire info site, so no need to navigate past other random stuff.

--- Update- 5:53pm ---
I just heard that my friend Ron is okay and that he didn't have to evacuate from his home in Poway, but that the fires are North, East and South of them.

As far as other comic creators, I know that Chynna Clugston is in a safe area. So is Jeromy Cox. Roman Dirge's parents seem to be in an area that is not under evacuation, but are pretty close to a voluntary evac zone.

--- Update-4:30am ---
Also, on the comics industry front, I hear that Wildstorm Comics is fine, though some of their employees have had to evacuate their homes. The IDW Publishing folks are fine too.

The San Diego Comic-Con offices are closed, some staffers have had to evacuate and unfortunately, one member of the Comic-Con staff has lost their home.