Alright, I've said this before about a dozen different ways and I thought I'd just let it go and move on with life, but jesus, boys and girls, I can't take you seriously if any more than 25% of your gallery consists of pictures of you in various Myspace poses.

Here's where I sound like a misogynist, but I see this most often in female deviants. And, it sucks, because there's a serious crowd of hurf-durfing wankers that will give a pretty girl attention because she's pretty. I'm not saying she should be ignored, but, well, you know the saying "every girl goes through a photography phase?" well, when you're getting the attention you want for just doing what you're doing you're never going to improve. And, as much as I have a strange sympathy for objects, I hate to think how many Canon Rebels bought by parents as Christmas presents end up snapping shots of the same thing over and over again and never see the light of the day, as much as I hate to think that the person owning said instrument never branches out and actually accomplishes something with a tool that would buy untold meals or blankets but rots on top of a dorm-room desk instead.

Alright, that ends that portion of the rant; thanks for your time.

So, I've been working out here in Alaska for almost 6 months now. Life is good enough. I'm getting a lot done on the novels. Actually got a rejection letter from an agent last week. Interestingly enough, the rejection letter went on to do a full page critique of my sample chapter, and stating that "though this is a very powerful piece of writing and we would love to represent your work, we are simply overcommitted as is and will not be able to represent 'In Attics, In Cellars,'" and goes on to solicit any further work I may have to show them.

I know now that at the end of my two years on this island that I will not be staying on for a third. I don't mind the small town newspaper business. I do, however, mind being stuck on an island. I do not particularly approve of everyone knowing my name and the lack of fresh faces. I want to be able to be anonymous when I so chose and I want to have a goddamned coffee shop where I can sit with a book and get my pretension on with a big Meerschaum pipe and a disapproving attitude. So, I'll make it through the next year and a half and start looking around for new digs. I'm thinking I'll scoot down towards Seattle if I can find another newspaper there with the almighty experience that I will have by then which kept me from getting much of anything right out of school.

There is a magic to this place, but it's the sort that comes at the heels of a whole culture I do not and do not want to belong to; and that's about it, really.

I've picked up a new camera, so you've probably noticed that my work has improved a bit. Funny how buying new things will do that. The same goes for new pens and notebooks as it does for typewriters and cameras.

I've gotten better at not being incredibly lonely when I get bored and running off to the bar and sleeping with whoever I latch onto. It's a good feeling. I think I might have hurt some people in the past and I'm glad to think that I've got that part of me under better control than before.

Alaska hasn't been altogether loving on my health however, I'm almost certain that I've gained weight being cooped up all winter and will be glad to see all of the snow gone from the mountain and the trails and roads opened up again.

I've got a roommate now, her name is Jill, and she works for the US Forest Service on the fire squad. She's from California and has an outlook on life that I saw way too many times in college and am happy that I've learned that it's better not to point out how ridiculous some of her beliefs in the way of things are, as they just lead to anger and resentment on both sides. No one ever converts by coercion.

Alright, let's stop rambling rambling rambling. You can read my blog if you want that business.

Cheers, R