Hi Xyliacs!

Hi, I’m Barb Jacobs, and I use caffeine. WHEEEE!!

Blog 2 of the week! I’m going to try to get to at the very least a regular Monday/ Thursday update. (this is even going up a bit early…) I have a lot of sketches to share, so it may be more often, I dunno. Anyway, I’m also hoping to kick off the return of the behind the scenes comic: Claude and LIv and run that on Mondays at least until the scripting and buffer is ready for the proper story! That’s the plan. This will include a question/answer segment- where you can ask members of the Xylia universe goofy questions (sort of like Strongbad in Homestar Runner)!

Today’s sketch is a lovey dovey thing. I haven’t drawn one of these in a while, and it was nice to do. Nigel and Xylia. If you can’t tell from my recent updates, I’m working on incorporating some bits from Nigel’s Opus with the regular storyline…

As much as I want to continue with writing Nigel’s Opus, right now I just need to get the webcomic story back on wheels and rolling again, and then all the periphery things can happen again. I hope. It’s been a tough year on my creativity, and I think I’m gradually pulling out of it. Aeros sent me a fantastic video that was a real shake up for my point of view on being creative, and the concepts of muses featuring Elizabeth Gilbert, the writer of Eat, Pray, Love, and the challenges of making a living as a creative person. Or the audacity thereof. Many of you, like me are creative souls, and will benefit from watching this. I posted the link on Monday’s blog, and I’m too lazy to repost it here. (Actually I want a second click from you today, so please go back and see it. ) LOL!

EDIT:  I am so FLIPPING stoked!  Kurtis Sasso of TGT has invited me to join him in interviewing Lar DeSousza – the PHENOMENAL artist of ‘Least I Could Do”  for an upcoming broadcast!  SQUEEEEE! (yes, I’m not only caffeinated, I’m exited, okay?)

—————————-Barblog————————————–

Anyway… here in Barbland, tumultuous as it is, I am fairly transparent with y’alls on many bits of my life, but there are things that obviously remain private. Suffice to say, when you are in love, you are sometimes crazy. Well, I am. Actually, what am I talking about? I’m always crazy.  Anyway, with the help of my beloved and some good friends,  I have had a few personal epiphanies over the last few days, and I am hoping to take the things I have learned and apply them to general improvement, including within my creative endeavors. Life is about balance, and I admittedly am not really good at balancing- physically or figuratively. (Seriously, I have terrible balance- you should see me do lunges, wiggling and struggling to stay upright…. gahhh!!)  anyhoo- I tend to throw all of my energy at one thing or another and then I wobble out of control. Such is the life of The Passionate Artiste I suppose.

I have neglected several things lately- one being some friendships I have, and I am hoping to make more time for those. The day never seems to have enough hours in it. But I think if I stay more focused and scheduled, it will help me. I do want to keep up with the reemergence of Xyliatales, and continuing to provide you Xyliacs with all the latest concepts until the relaunch. I’m sorry I still don’t have a date for you on that, I hope to soon. I need to get a better grasp on it.

Then of course there’s my fitness regimen. Gotta keep that up. Thing is, I’m one of those people who will ALWAYS need to have regular exercise in my life to keep myself healthy, both physically and mentally. Its’ just a fact. (It doesn’t hurt to help me look better either). I did something bold yesterday- I took all of my bigger sized pants to a consignment store. This is huge (literally as well as figuratively) because it’s saying “I’m not going back there again.” Here I am saying goodbye to a pair of pants that were actually snug on me a year ago. Yep.

Thank you all for your kind words here when I go through nasty times. As you all know, having support is something that gets you through when you are hurting. Thank you so much.

——————————Response to Sept. 6, 2010————————–

Slamlander: thanks for the vote on the hair. I actually think I may post two images of myself, blonde and brunette and get a poll from you guys. I can’t make up my mind! Either way, there will be maintenance. Fortunately, I get my hair colored and cut no charge, because my stylist is a good friend and I barter artwork for her band! So I can do whatever I want! Great idea on the muse book! I would read it! Sounds cool.

Francisco: Ah, Marley and me. I did not go see that movie and won’t read the book, thank you. My daughter said it was a weepiest. ^_^ Thank you again for your comments, Francisico!

Nathaniel: yes the sketches are definitely getting more passionate, this is good. This one was a bit older, I’m hoping to post some of the newer ones as we go ahead. I don’t know if you all will see what’s behind them, but they definitely are getting some ideas out for me. Hmm…Alice in wonderland. There’s a thought. Josh, Julia- do you mind if I do- I could bring little vials that say “Drink me” in an attempt to shrink myself down…. thank you for the vote of confidence on the aging thing, but you just cant see all them lines up close like I can! ^_^ Yeah, the ex- long story, might right a book. A lot of my life reads a bit Dickensian…

Tinkerwrks: Thank you! i’m really happy you are enjoying them!

Skerwered Viewpoint: thank you for gliding in today! Great quote. Really great. And thank you for the kind compliments. *blush* My beloved has told me the same, but I sometimes question the quality of his eyesight. Now you’ve echoed his opinion, so he will likely be gloating… ^_^ I like the thoughts about dressing up special. It’s nice to do from time to time.

SilentMech: HOORAY for HOORAY! And furthermore, hooray for YOUR ideas! I love how creativity spawns creativity and if I can play any part in that I feel blessed! Good luck with your work! Hooray for SilentMech!

Josh!! Squeeeeee!! I am beyond excited about this wedding, let me tell you. BEYOND. I may bring my OWN pair of Dr. Glasses for pics! And I knew you were a Healer. We’re two peas in a pod! We’re surrounded by Idealists!!! YAAAA!!

Christine: Isn’t that the truth! I know you turn to your creativity for that sweet relief as much as I do, and I hope that you are finding it now! Great advice on fitting in. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can’t – I have some personality quirks that have always made this a challenge, and as I get older, it gets harder for me. Another vote for a 6’4″ woman, huh? Hmm… I dunno. I can see that being really scary… ^_^ thank you for your nice comments! <3

Raamyah: Hooray for the script being done! That’s AWESOME news. Yes, the doubts I think are just part of it, but kudos for you for shoving them aside anyway and getting things done! I hope to visit this place you have created too!

Strange Ian: it’s great to hear from you! Yes, I am getting back into the swing of Xylia. There is much to do. It’s like coming into an abandoned house in a way. Hard to know where to start, there is so much repair and cleaning to do! Tall buffed amazon warrior! HOORAH! I like that. Maybe I should show up in that infamous yellow jumpsuit (a la Kill Bill) with a samurai sword. Josh, Julia? Is that okay?…. ^_^

Love to you all Xyliacs, thank you to those who have written and all who have stopped by. See you on Monday!

Love, B