Happy Friday! I wanted to share with you all that I have received a letter regarding my super hero duck saving abilities. (See post 5/22: http://cagneyking.weebly.com/1/post/2008/05/cagney-kingsuper-hero.html)

A very kind resident from a near by town wrote:

Dear Cagney King:

"Although this letter is a little late, I want to tell you that you made my day when I read the article, 'Mama duck, Babies in distress! Waddle we do?' I think it is remarkable that you took time to help the mama duck and babies. Some people might say "what the heck, taht isn't my problem," and ignore the mama ducks problem. It was so good to read a good news item. I enjoy telling my friends and family about the mama duck situation and how you took time to ease the mama duck's distress. I had cut the article out of the newspaper and had laid it aside. I just wanted you to know I think that was a remarkable story to read."

Signed, God Bless, An Ingalls Bulletin Resident.

This person did not leave me a return address. I wish she had, as I definitely would have written back, and have welcomed the new friendship. Well, my friend, if you are out there...and happen upon this blog - It is I that thank YOU for taking the time to realize that among all the horrible day to day bad news, that we were able to spread a little smile and sunshine. I hope that more people were touched by the story...but to know that I reached somebody and touched thier heart, makes me very happy indeed.

I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!

Be sure to come back soon! As I have nearly finished another character and will be introducing her to you next week! So stay tuned!

I would also like everyone to take a deep breath, hold hands with the person nearest you, and recognize a moment of silence for my little Tank Man. He died a year ago on June 18th. I still miss my little man so much! There is nothing that can replace the un-ending devotion, love and hearty crankiness that I could come home to everyday and expect...no matter what the day offered me while I was away. We were in-separable...until a year ago...

I have to say, that if you are looking for a project, or hobby that will allow you to transfer any and all negative emotions or aggressions...character development is IT. I am having so much FUN! I would find myself just giggling uncontrollably and just cracking myself UP while working on this latest character. I have also found myself looking at the world a bit differently and with a lighter heart. I just might have opened a door to a lost imagination that I haven't set free in years! 

I would like to introduce you to Pedro, and his 3 pet chickens, Roxie, Beethoven, and Fox!

Beethoven is the black and white rooster, Roxie is the little white chicken, and Fox is the little brown one. I'm currently trying to work my way through some kind of hat for Pedro...and have moved on to a little girl character that will probably make an appearance in the developing storyboard of the adventures of Pedro and his Chickens.

I hope this give everyone a chuckle and a smile to start your weekend!

I have LOVED all of your comments! Keep 'em coming! Great fun.

OK...I'll admit this up front...I tend to jump between projects, and once I get on a new project...I become OBSESSED. Now, how long that obsession lasts...who knows. Right now I am obsessed with claymation and stop motion animation. I have decided to play with creating my own little story lines and scenes using characters that I create. I have always been inspired by artist Chris Sickels of Red Nose Studios, and he has been great in offering me the encouragement and tips to keep me going. My first attempt at characters is a little rough, but...I would still like to introduce you to Mr. Nettles and his dog Proton.

Mr. Nettles is very cranky...and always has a cold. His dog Proton...well, could care less. He thinks we are all stupid and he can't believe he tolerates us. Like I said, my first attempt...so poor Mr. Nettles has some issues, like oversized hands and stumpy legs, but I am working it out. Proton however...I am pretty proud of...he can walk, and wag his but. So some limited motion. Currently I am working on a character that is much improved as I went to school on Mr. Nettles on better body structure and hands. I can't wait to show him to you, as I laugh out loud everytime I see him! I am working out some details for his clothes...and soon he should be able to make his debut...so coming soon!

I did have the honor of Chris Sickels himsef stopping by my studio at the last 2nd Friday Open Studio event. I was so anxious to get his feedback and input on the characters. (Actually, I was quite nervous!) He told me he was 'jealous' of the dog, and impressed at my first attempt with Mr. Nettles, and that he was so happy to see someone else take up the art. We then swapped some story ideas and video ideas - what FUN! I can't tell you what a compliment this was coming from him! Check his stuff out at http://www.rednosestudio.com/ and you will see what I mean! He is AWESOME, and a great person to boot.

I plan to keep going on my character development, and once I get my cast of characters ready, I am planning on doing some small tests with each...then who knows what crazy and wacked out concepts I will come up with! (insert evil and demented laugh here).

Please let me know what you all think of Mr. Nettles and Proton!

In between all the yukky weather, my favorite sister and I had a chance to go to an art fair. It was a great day! While at the fair, the Blue Moon Beer folks had a sponsorship booth. Of course I had to sample all the great and new beers they were offering...but they also asked me to contribute to a public painting mural they were doing. Once the mural is done, they are going to use it in the area for advertisments and billboards. It was great fun, and I got to talk at length with the local artist that was hired to do the mural. What a gig! Beer and painting out with people...could it get any better than that? He was a bit cranky though...not very friendly...but whatever. Here are some pictures my sister snapped off of me painting on the mural. Those are some nice oranges huh!? That is Mr. Cranky-butt in the background.

WOW...we had some terrible weather come through my area. I was very lucky...I only lost power overnight, and when the sun came out the next morning on so much destruction...I had only minor damage. However, my heart goes out to all those in my general area and beyond that lost a portion, or all of their home. I only had some minor roof damage, and a big limb in the front yard tree that is resting on the power line! Don't worry, I called the power company to come and take care of it...I won't touch it! I did manage to capture some video of the storm before I decided I had better seek shelter. Let me know what you think!