~Stormpaw

Well, I have officially survived another year. I do not mind getting older. However, it does make think. Have I accomplished anything in the last year? Perhaps. I finally graduated from college, and found work last winter. Nonetheless, I am a little disappointed. I really want to meet a girl to spend time with.... Oh well.

Anyway, work is slowly progressing on the requests. I should be getting more posted shortly. I will probably post a few scraps as well.

The Alaskan crab fishing seasons are drawing to an end, and I have finally returned from Alaska. After a tiring three months at sea it is good to be back. The few free hours I had while docked for offloads where spent wandering around in the sleet and snow, up hillsides and though deep snow and thick brush to get an internet connection. It is amazing the places you can find wireless connections. I certainly have a few good stories, so I won't complain.

However, I really didn't have much of a chance to draw while I was working. I did work on a few drawings, and will get them scanned and posted some time soon. Unfortunately I didn't work on requests very much until the last couple days. I apologize again for the delay.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a good winter. I know I am enjoying the warmth of spring.

I will once again be working in Alaska for several months starting the first of the year. I should be at sea most of the time, and my duties as a biologist should keep me busy. However, I hope to have finished some new drawings to post afterwards (including the two requests I apologize for having not finished yet.) I will look forward to hearing from you all until then.

I fly out today so I must go finish packing. I wish you all a wonderful new year.

Regards
~Stormpaw

It turns out my ship never did come in....

Sorry... I had to say it. Anyway, I have returned to Missouri. Hopefully, they will call me in the next couple months and tell me they have work for me. Until then, I am home for the holidays, it seems.

However, I should have more time to draw. I will try to finish up a few things I have been working on and post them. I have even started working with my new colored pencils.

Finally, requests...

Since I have returned, I am once again open to requests, if anyone is interested. I would be glad to try my hand at whatever you would like. Just send me a note so I can discuss it with you. I can't guarantee the results, and there are probably some things I won't be willing to do, but feel free to ask.

I thought I would offer another short update on my adventures in Alaska. I am still sitting in Anchorage awaiting a boat before flying out to Dutch Harbor. It is incredibly boring so I do not have much to say. I long for a quite place to draw but solitude is fleeting. I did manage to escape for a while last weekend with my backpack.

If you care to hear about my trip....

I trekked into the backcountry of the Chugach Mountains. Snow began to gently fall as I left the bustle of the city behind. The tracks on the snow slowly grew sparse and the snow deeper. My own tracks finally meandered where no other human had yet ventured in the new fallen snow accompany only by those of a moose, a fox, and a grizzly bear. Many hours later as the sun slipped lower in the sky it began to hide behind the many clouds that had come to greet the visitor that walked among them in these high places. My feet encased in blocks of ice, and legs weary from the strain begged me to stop. I pushed my way into a small cluster of low pine trees twisted and stunted by the cold and wind of the high mountain slopes. Beneath the trees I found a small sanctuary free of snow or ice and guarded from the wind by the snow that clung to the branches above. I lit my small stove and spread out my bedroll slipping inside as I cooked some rice. After eating and warming myself on the steam I retired to my small shelter and spent hours trying to warm my frozen feet, eventually drifting off to sleep sometime in the morning hours. I rose the next morning my feet still frozen, but rested. I lit my burner once again and melted some snow to make oatmeal. As it cooked I attempted to chip ice off of my boots and pants which had gained the ability to stand on there own over the night. After eating, pushing my legs into the plank that was supposed to be my pants and forcing my feet into my still frozen boots, I repacked my backpack, and pushed my way out of my sanctuary determined to head back down the mountain. As I walked my boots began to thaw despite once again stepping in a small stream hidden by the deep snow. Many miles later I arrived at the bus stop that marked the end of my trek. I cast off my pack, unsteady legs still pulsing with the rhythm of the stride they had kept those many miles, and sat for the first time that day on the bench munching on trail mix and beef jerky awaiting the bus to carry me home.

It was a great trip. I will have to buy some hiking boots before next time though. Anyway, enough of my rambling. I want to once again thank everyone for the support and interest in my travels.