I couldn't help but tell everyone about this.

A few months ago, I did a photoshoot with a local punk band, Intro5pect. I just love their sound! They're smart, political and have so much fun with their hard rocking and electro sound.

Check them out at [link]

The awesome news is that they're releasing a new album on Aug 25, 2009 featuring photos taken by yours truly!!! I'll be sure to upload pics of their CD insert once I have it in my grubby little hands.

My carpal tunnel has been flaring up badly this week. The 26 continuous hours a day I spend at the computer working on my midterm essays may have something to do with it.

Haven't had a good night's sleep in ages.

I'm steadily getting close to the unveiling of my secret project...and I'm scared. Its a long-running project that I'm afraid will end up like the ones before it...forgotten and left behind.

I was hoping this incredibly overwhelmed sensation would pass the closer I get the end of semester but its just getting worse. I realized recently (I don't pay attention very much so these things spring up on me) that Fall semester begins 11 days after the end of Summer semester. I was really looking forward to a few weeks of just...crashing...after the hectic insanity of the last 6 weeks.

Starting to feel really burnt out.

My grandfather's funeral was a mournful affair, but it brought every single member of our family -- especially those from very far away -- together. We were able to spend three wonderful days catching up with one another, spending time together, laughing and crying together.

He always did have a knack for that.

At the same time, the irresistible burning of inspiration cannot be ignored for long before it literally burns a hole through your brain. I've been drawing, and photographing and crafting like no one's business lately. A lot of it is personal, a way of dealing with my grief, but I do plan to share some with you all.

Schoolwork has been piling up. I've had to put a lot of things on hold for the funeral and now its come back in a the form of a very vengeful landslide. (or is that a workslide?)

If anyone needs me, I'll be under this pile of work over here.

After all the crazy weird shit that's been going on lately, I finally got out of the house. Its nice to get some fresh air and sunlight once in a while. LOL

Bumped into an old friend (in a very familiar orange shirt) and had lunch together. 'Twas awesome. Yup.

I've been a bit of a busy bee. Got back into photography, painting again, working on concept art for a new webcomic...

Yup. Busy. I'm a tease though, and won't upload any of it!

MWAHAHAHAHAHA

Until I get my scanner working again. Yup.

I haven't been claying at all lately. It seems I've mostly burnt out on that, which saddens me since it really did bring me so much joy.

On the other hand, I've been painting a lot more. Silly things mostly. Cows and giraffe's and penguins serving tea. The sort of things that pop in my dreams these days.

I've also picked up my camera again after gathering dust for about 2 years now. The familiar rush of excitement, the sudden scrutinizing awareness of my surroundings, seeing every little curve and shadow as a possible image. Yet, there is always that emotional tug. That something or other that nags at the back of my mind, preventing me from really letting loose.

It's still there.

After all this time.

I can't put my finger on it.

Or rather, I'm afraid to face it.

My subconscious may have a clue, though. I think there's a bit of a rumbling rebellion. The natives are restless.

I find myself setting up photoshoots on a whim. Agreeing to meet local bands without really thinking about it.

Or maybe I choose not to think about it.

Whenever I'm actually at the shoot, I feel as if I'm walking through a daze - detached, emotionless, my mind a blank slate. My hands go through the motions while some buried memory works the dials.

In the end, I return home and pop my memory card into the machine. I edit the pictures and...I am pleasantly surprised.

What's going on?

I think my mind may be up to something.