Alright.. final journal concerning the Backstreet Boys, I promise, but I had to share the photographic proof! Yours truly looking terrified and ecstatic all at the same time! And you can just see Howie and Brian on the left holding the wooden frames I framed the portraits in! *squee*

First off before I bore you all with photos and huge long journal, I've updated my website to include a guestbook now! So if anyone fancies making it look slightly less lonely by adding whatever nonsense you want to, I'd be much obliged. Website can be found here: [link]


And now onto the meaty bit - if you're one of those tl:dr people, I suggest you go do something else with your time! Last night I attended a Backstreet Boys concert. I'm not ashamed of it, quite the contrary, I've been telling everyone how awesome it was! My sister and I splurged on VIP passes to the soundcheck, that allowed us to watch the guys perform a couple of songs, then we got to ask a couple of questions, and then each got a photo with them, as well as giving them something individual to sign. Which means meeting them, in person, albeit very briefly. I saw them a couple of years back for their Never Gone tour, and was really impressed with how lively and personable they were on stage, and this time round I really wasn't disappointed. My latest deviation was the result of three days manic work to get four original paintings done, one for each member, with the intention of handing them over, and asking them to sign a print of all four for me. So after watching them goof about for a bit, perform three songs from Unbreakable, and answer questions- including Nick talking about dolphins, AJ about having grandkids, and Brian saying he loved the whole of the Millennium album time. Then we were lined up for photos. My sister, having taken a print of her portrait with death (Death Becomes Her) went up first. AJ, first in the line, was wowed, as he has a thing for skulls, and asked if I'd do him one.. (oi, like I'd say no!) and said he didn't want to sign it! *grin* Not sure what the rest made of it, ehehe... bit of an odd thing to sign, I'd imagine. Then I got my turn... I swear, I've never been so nervous in my whole life. I must have looked desperate to get out of there, as I made my way down the line, handed each guy his personal portrait and then handed over the print for them all to sign, had my photo taken, then practically bolted for the bodyguard guy when he called me. He had to stop me from running off, I think! The photo I had taken will probably look a right state as I couldn't have told you up from down at that point. But, they all seemed very appreciative. Brian commented they were the best they'd seen, and asked if I did it professionally, and Nick told me I had talent. *swoon* I derive the biggest of my pleasures from watching people's reaction to my art. Of all the rewards I get, making someone smile, or wowing them just cannot be beaten. Even more so when it's a music idol!

So yes... it lasted way too briefly, but man, I enjoyed every single minute of it. I'd happily pay that again for the experience. And I was hoarse by the end of the night from singing, and my hands gone numb from clapping. Highlights of the evening included AJ's solo track Drive By Love, Nick's drum solo played along to the dance track "Satisfaction" (the one that had the vid of all the scantily dressed women with powertools!) and the crowd's reaction when they started playing Everybody (Backstreet's Back). I personally loved Unmistakable.

Here's a few of the photos I remembered to take (was too busy clapping, dancing and screaming to take many!)

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Just a small heads up that I'll be MIA for a while round here while my life nose dives into utter chaos over the next couple of weeks. Should anyone really need me, send me a note, but don't be offended if I don't reply immediately. I still appreciate all your comments though. Hopefully normal service will resume in a little while.

Also, I have a question for you guys, that comes of random musings. Given this is a community of artists, I'm curious. In your every day life, are you ruled by your head or your heart? Are you the kind of person for whom practicality is more often than not the main consideration, but are prone to occasional flights of spontaneity? Or are you someone who does whatever feels good, who follows instinct? Are you a bit of both? Is there not much distinction between the two for you? Gimme your thoughts.

I've come to the conclusion that the vast majority of the time I'm ruled by my heart. I'm not a very practical person in any aspect of my life. If my heart says yes, then likely my head will be overruled regardless of whatever practical objections it might come up with. The only exception to this I have is when I have to work on artistic stuff. In that case, my head has to take over, or I'd never make a living, and I'm often way more practical when it comes to the application of my own art too. Which I find kinda weird.

Ohmigosh I got my Ltd Edition Devil's Rose by God, I mean BROM, today. Holy crap. Go buy it. Like. Now. Srsly.

Meme stolen from =mistressofspam cause it's silly, and I need something to relax before i go to bed.

What curse word do you use the most?
Fuck and variations thereof.
Do you own an iPod? Y
up. A black 30GB video one thats just running out of space. I need a bigger one dammit. I love it, couldn't be without it!
Who on your MySpace "Top 8" do you talk to the most?
Yuck. No thank you
What time is your alarm clock set for?
Generally it's not. But if it is, usually around midday.
What color is your room?
A slight hint of apple green white.
Flip flops or sneakers?
Flip flops. Sneakers are the fugliest shoes known to man for women. Chavvy.
Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
Depends on how much alcohol I've had.
What was the last movie you watched?
Urr.. lemme think. haha the Bravestarr full length movie. Bravestarr rules.
Do any of your friends have children?
Yes
Has anyone ever called you lazy?
Frequently called it by my parents and sibling.
Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster?
Not since the one time I did take it it made my brain hyperactive. No.
What CD is currently in your CD player?
CD player? What? Get with the times man. I do happen to have "Poster Girl" by BSB playing on the ipod right now though.
Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?
Neither. Milk is gross.
Has anyone told you a secret this week?
Yup.
Have you ever given someone a hickey?
Nope.
Who was the last person to call you?
Sacha, but I missed his call. Sorry hun.
Do you think people talk about you behind your back?
more than likely, yep.
Did you watch cartoons as a child?
I think that's all i did with my childhood actually. And much of my adult life too.
How many siblings do you have?
One. Younger sister.
Are you shy around the opposite sex?
I'd say it depends. A little, yeah. But I can be a terrible flirt if I'm in the mood.
What movie do you know every line to?
Hmm. Moonwalker. Under Seige 2.
Do you own any band t-shirts?
None, but I do own a HBK t-shirt and a Y2J t-shirt.
What is your favorite salad dressing? None.
Do you read for fun?
Of course.
Do you cry a lot?
I used to. Not so much now.
Who was the last person to text message you?
Probably my sister. I can't remember
Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?
A beautiful G5. I love it to death.
Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos?
Yes. A tattoo of the character Ergo Proxy from the anime of the same name
What is the weather like?
Shitty. It's the Northern UK for gos sake.
Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos?
Absolutely. Tattoos are a big turn on.
Is sex before marriage wrong?
Not at all.
When was the last time you slept on the floor?
At DragonCon last year after the snoring drove me to the other occupied room.
How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
To function? about 3. To function properly about 7 or 8.
Are you in love or lust?
Yes. Love. But with a man I can't have. Which sucks.
Are your days full and fast-paced?
Full yes, fast paced, not at all.
Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages?
Occasionally when I've pigged out, yeah.
How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
the big 3-0. No biggie though.
Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
Absolutely. Bad use of apostrophes drives me frickin' nuts. PLURALS DO NOT HAVE APOSTROPHES FOR GOD'S SAKE.
Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Nope. Went to a Valley Fair though and went on this monster experience called the Rip Cord, it was freakin' AWESOME.: [link] [link]
Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex?
Bit of both.
Do you like cottage cheese?
Yuk, no.
Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back?
Side. I'm a classic phoetal position sleeper.
Have you ever bid for something on eBay?
Yup. Bought some WWE tickets through ebay, and a book or two as well.
Do you enjoy giving hugs?
No, I'm not a touchy feely person.
What song did you last sing out loud?
Umm... gosh. Probably Endless Summer Nights by Richard Marx.
What is your favorite TV show?
Top Gear and Waking the Dead and Coast.
Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with?
Michael Jackson.
Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
Last week at the dentist. Raging hoarde of bulls in my gut would be more accurate though.
What one thing do you wish you had?
The winning numbers to the next big Euro millions draw? On a more serious note, a chance to say thank you to someone I can't say it to.
Favorite lyrics?

"And when faced with temptation,
you know a man should stand and fight,
but you will be my downfall tonight.

Be my downfall,
be my great regret
be the one girl
that I'll never forget.
Be my undoing,
be my slow road to ruin,
tonight."

--- "Be My Downfall" by Del Amitri.

I wonder if you guys can help me out here. I've been asked to reproduce the image below as a miniature, and this is the biggest image size I have of it thus far. I've no idea what the title of the piece is, or who the original artist was. Anybody with more knowledge of this style able to help me out, or point me in the direction of a larger version on line anywhere?

And thanks for the well wishes for the tooth and car. It really helped buoy my spirits, you guys really are something special. Apologies if I'm a wee bit quiet round here, I have a whole load of work to get through in this next week between miniatures, possible coffee shop/second interviews work and designing cards.

And Adamarie, I'm SO sorry I've not had chance to give you any updates on the Dark Prince recently. Soon as I get through this hectic spot, I'll be right back on with him. You've the patience of a saint, you really have. As have all my commissionees. I love you all dearly for being wonderful, wonderful people in putting up with my long commission times. I promise you all kick butt pieces in return.

Here's the image of the painting I need help with: