Since my battery expansion died on me a few months back I've had to rely on the factory standards in camera energy again which is fine but leaves a lot wanting. I went out for a cigarette this afternoon and found the largest praying mantis I've ever set eyes upon milling about our front shrub. Four photos in and the battery died. Such is life in the ways of the wild. Finally dusted off my trusty old N50, however (whose battery continues to kick strong after, oh, seven years now I'd say) and snapped my first roll of film in probably about three years. There's something about shooting with film that is all around more pleasing.

The reason for the update isn't to touch upon a mantis but rather declare my W.I.P. is "finished" and after said battery charges I'll get a capture and post it here. I'm going to open this one up to critiques because in my mind it's not done. I'm going to ask any of you who view it to leave me a note or comment letting me know what you feel it needs. Fine details often escape me when it comes to a project like this so I'll accept any insight offered!

All of that said, another W.I.P. was started last night. My roommates had a few of their friends over for drinking and games (nothing wild, they're all teachers) so I hid my socially awkward ass away in the "studio" here and got to work on the next piece in my "Relocation" series. It's more than half done already but now that work will start up again tomorrow and I'm lacking painting motivation today it'll take a few more days yet.

Bills have gotten in the way of furthering my Intuos4 fund but I remain undeterred, though patience has settled in and I'm fine without it. Now that my hands touched camera again I'm more than willing to put my pending venture in digital art on the back burner until after the holidays.