Ork Advice

[Here's some input I got on my Ork list]

I would give you the advice to not use the deffkoptasin CC. Take of the buzzsaws cause it isnt worth it thrust me 25pts for streangth 6 not worth it. In CC they will be kicked cause they are as normal boys but only 5 in both groups. seckond bikers arent that good. nob bikers are the only bikers that are good. If you like speed freaks i would do something like this.

2k list HQ: Warboss w/ Power klaw, warbike, cybork body and Heavy armor 140p
Warboss w/ mega armor, cybork body and boss pole 115p
Troops:4 mega nobz. Trukk w/ reinforced ram 200p
8 Nob bikers w/2 powerklaw, painboy, cybork, waaaghh banner, bosspole 525p
11Boyz 1nob/w powerklaw and bosspole.Trukk w/reinforcedram 152p
11Boyz 1nob/w powerklaw and bosspole.Trukk w/reinforcedram 152p
11Boyz 1nob/w powerklaw and bosspole.Trukk w/reinforcedram 152p
11Boyz 1nob/w powerklaw and bosspole.Trukk w/reinforcedram 152p
Fast atack:5 deffkoptas w/rookitz 225p
5 deffkoptas w/rookitz 225p

Total: 2001phold the mega nobs and the mega warboss as reservs so they have one safe moment twoards the enemy. outflank with deffkoptas. This one is better than a biker army trust me. hope you beat those dark angels.

Sunday August 31 2008 Peace, Be Still

Artist

Peace, Be Still: behind the picture.

Here's what's on my mind.

First, I am grateful that anyone would come and read this blog. That so many people seem to follow the youtube stuff is just wonderfully perplexing to me. I often get emails of thanks and encouragement which make it all worth it.

Business, personal life, spiritual life and family life are all intertwined. For me it's tough to put down the plow, so to speak, and tend to other affairs. This morning I was up at 5:30am. It feels like I'm well-rested, but I know it's an early-morning illusion. But I get up and did some reading. And by reading I mean the Monster Manual. Last week I went out to the shed and dug out all my 1985-1999 writings and got those organized. It was a blast from the past.

After a breakfast of Captain Crunch and cantaloupe I went back to sleep. Griffin was down in the TV room passed out on the floor, so we were soon sawing logs in tandem. I got back up around 9:00am. I pushed Griffin on the swing for a while. We were joined by both Cuddles the rabbit and Sqeakers the guinea pig, both nuzzling around in the high grass. Sometimes I get a primal urge to chase that rodent around the yard. But we both know who would win.

When I was in my early twenties and living at home, my mom had a standing $10 bet that no young man could catch our miniature doberman in the back yard. No one collected. That dog was slippery as a greased hog.

Then the weekly trial by combat of getting the kids dressed for church. Actually, it's gotten easier over the years. As the kids grow older they can do more on their own and get a sense of what do to, ie not get all messy once the good clothes are on. Kenna is nine now and takes care of herself quite well, pretty much the whole deal.

Just before church I whipped out the Elders Quorum newsletter, but had to take off during sunday school to go down to the studio and print it out. People seem to like it, so I keep making it.

This evening I went out visiting families with the EQ president (a pediatric dr. and good friend of mine). Nothing heavy duty, just letting some young men know that we are mindful of them and that they are wanted and noticed. I really like that because I get to know families I wouldn't otherwise be acquainted with more than in passing. I like people.

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I spent the balance of the evening preparing the Horned Hold adventure for my upcoming D&D game. Having all my D&D books open and my mind whirring with fantastic creations is one of my great earthly pleasures.

It rained tonight. When the clouds roll over and the rain starts it makes my mind fire up. There are times that I feel completely at peace. All 4,000,000,000,000 electrons in my body are spinning in harmonious orbit. The earth is a marble in the palm of the Almighty.

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For the text of my thought this Sunday, I will take the following from Matthew 17.

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24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

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I think this falls in line with the feeding of the 5000. For the creator of the entire earth there is no issue with limitations of physical resources. I should do what I should be doing, keep the right perspective and other things will fall into place. This is one of two passages in the new testament I can think of that deal with taxes (the other being the famous "render to Ceaser" one). It sort of ties in with the whole concept of turning the other cheek; don't worry about taxes, be obedient, keep the commandments, and these other things will be provided for, even in a miraculous way if need be. Tuning Reality.

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It calls to mind the proverb: Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Or perhaps Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

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I think this passage takes additional meaning when paired with the concept of earthly vs. heavenly kingdom. The "then the children are free" part pretty much eludes me.

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I worry too much. Things that were keeping me up at night a year ago are no longer a problem, and I suspect that current troubles will not mean anything a year from now. I'm losing the joy and the savor of today by fretting and hand-wringing.

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And once I'm dead I doubt anything will bother me very much; when I'm sipping raspberry lemonade on a five billion acre ranch. The only thing that will matter then is if you would like to come over for a visit. Oh, it'll be nice to not be in such a hurry.

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To you, oh noble reader, I encourage you to lay aside your troubles for a day. I mean all of this only as words of encouragement. That maybe you'll be a bit lighter of heart. To clap you on the shoulder and give an enthusiastic smile.

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I feel especially inclined to make special note of my usual disclaimer: I am full of character flaws. I am just muddling through life trying to figure it all out.

Saturday August 29 2008 Labyrinth

Picture: Runt-herd from the Killa Cave Kommandos. This is a kustom army made by one of the Painters

I got in some Orks, Tyranids and Grey Knights, (which I bought from a client) mostly assembled and ready to paint. The deal was too good to pass up. I plan on using a lot of the Orks for a studio army. The other two I'm not sure what to do with. I would certainly make an attractive deal on them. Contact me at bluetablepainting@gmail.com if interested. There is a list of models below.

My day started bright and early, around 5:30am. I awoke refreshed without alarm and had a banana for breakfast. It's nature's Power Bar. Then off to the Provo Temple to do some work with my home teacher, Rob. I admit that if I weren't meeting him there I probably would have gone back to sleep. The Provo temple is on the foothills of earth-tone canyon cliffs, like two herculean book-ends, and when the morning light spills forth and illuminates the white stone and tall spire, it looks like some Elven citadel. There is a twin walkway leading up to it past thick rows of flowers and broad verdant lawns. In front of a broad curving portico are two fountains surrounded by light grey stonework and benches. This is where I like to look back on the valley and get a moment's perspective.

I had breakfast there, too. Waffles (with whipped cream of course), sausage, bacon, omelette, tapioca pudding and a frosty chocolate milk. My eyes were way bigger than my stomach. Next time I go through the line I'm going to close one eye.

Then back home to change around 11am, pick up the GW order (which was stowed there after Paint Fest on Friday-- sorry no footage of that), and headed to the studio. Finding myself alone, I commenced preparing various projects for the coming week. I made substantial inroads there.

About Paint Fest. There was a good turnout. I painted up five converted Dark Elf wyches which I'm going to use as Drow in my D&D game (though I painted them with pale skin). I am astounded at the progress of the group. I don't think there's anything they can't do.

The bulk of the afternoon was spent playing a game of 40K with Jon. A while back I traded him a whole gaggle of old Ork figs and he really made them into something special. We played on a labyrinthine board, which really was unfair in the end because it herded his massed troops into narrow confines. But it was a fun idea and a good time was had by all.

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Mike E. came by to show us his D&D figure. We couldn't figure out what range it was from. Turns out he scratch sculpted it. We couldn't believe it. I was totally surprised with his ability.

I swung by the store on the way home and picked up bananas, milk, and fish.

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Once home I found my wife completely shell-shocked from watching our three kids plus three neighborhood kids all day long. I don't know how these six-kid families do it day in and day out. Well, I guess I'm going to have four soon and that seems normal to me. I guess you just get used to it. I for one enjoy my kids very much. I don't find them a burden at all.

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My wife told me that when she lamented that there was no milk, little Griffin disappeared downstairs, returning a minute later with six cents. "Here mommy, now you can buy some milk."

Recently Acquired Armies:
These are available for commission. They are mostly assembled already. They are all current edition models and ready to go. I will probably use most of the Orks for a studio army, but if there is a taker I will just get mine later.

All models are Assembled and spray painted black using the standard citadel paints “Chaos Black” unless stated other wise. The bits are the remaining pieces off the assembled models. You know as well as I do, bits have great value.

Ork Models:
Pain boy x2 (Unassembled still in the box)
Ork Gyro Copter x1 (Un-spray painted)
Mega Nob x3
Nob x6
Big Mek x3
Oil Grot x1
Ork Rutherd x1
Grot x12
Squig Hound x3
Commando x5
Tank Busta x5
Bomb Squig x2
Storm Boy x8
Ork Dreadnaught x1
Killer Kan x3
Burna x4
Loota x4
Mek x2
Ork Bike x3
War Buggie x1
War Trukk x1
Ork Boy x70

Tyranid Models:
Tyranid Hive Guard x2
Tyranid Warrior x8
Gene Stealer x11
Tyranid Rippers x4
Spore mine x3
Guant x16


Daemon Hunter Models:
Assorted Inquisitor Retinue Models x15
Grey Knight x40
Vindicare Assassin x1
Gray Knight Terminator x9
Land Raider Crusader x1

Not Busy

I often get emails that start with "I know you're busy..."

I'm never too busy for a client.

And right now (at this moment) I'm all caught up. Emails responded-to, projects checked out.

I'm twiddling my thumbs. I'm the maytag repairman. It's 2am, I'm up and nothing to do except write a weak blog entry.

Ork Speed Freeks

I suck too bad at miniatures battles to NOT have fun while I'm playing.


If I was serious about it, I think I'd be miserable.



Anyway, a kind reader sent me this army list, which I think it pretty keen:

Saw your recent note on orks vs eldar on your blog.Didn't know if you were aware of this but you can pretty much have your cake and eat it too with the orks.

My list at 2k:

H.Q.Wizdaka (special character on bike)
Fast attack:
2xsquads of 5 deathcoptas, each with buzsaw and rocket launcher.
Elites:
8x nobs:4 with power claws, 1 pain boy, 2 war banners, all with cyborg bodies and heavy armor. [on bikes I presume]
Troops:
3x squads of 8 bikers, nob with power claw

All bike army, 10 models are actually jet bikes...and man...dem boys can move. The entire army turbo boosts, has great anti armor, and has a 4 up basic armor save, a 5 up invulnerable save, and when moving a 4+cover save.Let's not forget the feel no pain on the nobs.Just an idea, I've found the all bike eldar army less than impresive and the truck based ork army ends up as too many models for me.

enjoy.

Alternate List from someone else:
2k list HQ: Warboss w/ Power klaw, warbike, cybork body and Heavy armor 140p
Warboss w/ mega armor, cybork body and boss pole 115p
Troops:4 mega nobz. Trukk w/ reinforced ram 200p
8 Nob bikers w/2 powerklaw, painboy, cybork, waaaghh banner, bosspole 525p
11Boyz 1nob/w powerklaw and bosspole.Trukk w/reinforcedram 152p
11Boyz 1nob/w powerklaw and bosspole.Trukk w/reinforcedram 152p
11Boyz 1nob/w powerklaw and bosspole.Trukk w/reinforcedram 152p
11Boyz 1nob/w powerklaw and bosspole.Trukk w/reinforcedram 152p
Fast atack:
5 deffkoptas w/rookitz 225p
5 deffkoptas w/rookitz 225p
Total: 2001p
hold the mega nobs and the mega warboss as reservs so they have one safe moment twoards the enemy. outflank with deffkoptas. This one is better than a biker army trust me. hope you beat those dark agnels.

Now I'm really confused.


Bearded Company Grognard

This was an unheard-of innovation in the gaming industry, where rules questions were usually answered by whatever bearded company grognard opened the fan mail on a given day, and only then if you included a SASE and made an intelligent reference to Robert Heinlein.

Here's the rest of a very interesting article about the rise of a geeky company.

I'm not saying it's a good article, or that I like it, just that it's there. It's... interesting.

OK, changed my mind. It's a good article.

Back in Black

All right folks, I'm back in the saddle. I was up at 5:30am this morning getting to work on correspondence. I need to get projects booked up for September. There are still like seven slots open and I'm eager to get those sealed up.

As I mentioned before I am especially eager to get going with Vampire Counts, Daemon, and Tyranid armies.

I have these Vampire Counts on hand:
2x boxes Blood Knights
4x boxes Crypt Ghouls
1x box Grave Guard
1x box Dire Wolves
1x Winged Vampire Lord
1x Vampire Noble/Aristocrat female
1x Wight Standard Bearer
1x Vlad
1x Corpse Cart

Retail of about $434.The Deal: if you commission this at L3/5 you get the models for $199.

OR you can do the L2/4 core-tastic special in combination with this.

Also, we can start immediately.

I have the following armies for sale:

• Questing Knights (2000 pts) $950 SOLD!
• Dragons of Moloch (2000 pts) $950
• Lions Rampant $1600

My phone number is 801 372 8545.

I will be more than happy to set up anything on the phone with you, if you want. Otherwise, just drop me an email saying what you would like done.

Lions Rampant Details
Video with some of the tanks in it.

All right here's what's in it:

• 2x Baneblades
• 4x Chimera
• 3x Sentinels
• 3x Basilisks
• 1x Leman Russ Demolisher
• 1x Leman Russ Vanquisher
• 1x Hell Hound
• 45x Cadian Kasrkin: including extra plasmas/meltas, enough for a command HQ squad and four units of Storm Troopers.

Pray for Death

Well, old Gately is down in the dumps, sick as a dog. My goal: plow through essential emails, get up some vids, then die on the couch.

If you need to call and check up on a project please don't hesitate to call me, I have my blue tooth in. However, you should refer to me as "poor little bunny."

If you have a project that is completed, paying the final payment on that will help me sleep better tonight!

Here's comedy in truth. Enjoy.

Monday August 25 2008 Freeks

Picture: a Blood Angels Chaplain.

This morning at 3am or so, I turned off my alarm so I could get a good nights sleep. Then I awoke with a start. Oh crud, I'm supposed to get the kids off to school! So, I turned my cell back on to see what time it was. Whew, still forty minutes to get them going. They barely made it.

Kenna had to come home because she hurled. Poor girl. After tending to her, mom got her back to school.

I am tinkering with various lists, either Eldar is coming up (a mostly Jetbike army) OR Orks. I play mostly for fun, so I think the Orks might be a blast for a change. Lots of Trukks would be cool. The 5th edition rules are very kind to passengers on a transport.

Meanwhile, Sarah and I were double-teaming the main room, getting projects set up.

September is quite open:

September 8-15: Two Slots (could really use some War Machine or Hordes in here, but anything is all right)
September 15-22: Seven Slots
September 22-29: Nine Slots

There are also two Terrain slots open for September.


Check out this shoulderpad: it's a spare face from a defiler. It fits nearly perfect. It's a cool option.

Bad Dreams

I was up around 1:45am this morning. I had a nightmare that I was on a plane, coming in for a landing, but another plane, like a shadow came in overhead. It was an error with which plane was supposed to land first. At some point the plane I was in split in two parts.

So, it's going to be the usual: taking care of communication with clients, then sleeping in.

Saturday August 23 2008 Electric Avenue

Picture: new Dark Elf Corsairs. This is one of the best plastic kits I've ever seen. They make rocking Drow, too. There is also a new Cold One Knight plastic kit and I think they finally got the cold ones right. More than right, they are spectacular.

This morning was the usual: up at the crack of dawn, typing away. I am behind on my emails, but not by very much. I am watching the second season of Stargate: Atlantis. I didn't like the show at first because I started too close on the heels of Stargate: SG-1.

One by one the family got up and we headed out to the church to clean and vacuum. I forgot to pick up the key, so we drove around the ward looking for one. I vacuumed while Jonah and Tamie did the bathrooms. That's some good family time.

After that I ate a half watermelon for lunch and headed down to the studio. Finding myself alone there I wrapped up some work until Renn showed up for our game. Everything is pretty much caught up.

A bitz order came in, so that will get some orders underway: phoenix lords, eldar bfg ships et. al.

When I arrived home around 7pm I found my ultra-pregnant wife splayed out on the couch with her feet in a soaker. They are starting to swell up as usual. After tending to her, we put the kids to bed. By the end of the day she's about had it with the kids, (nevermind she has bowling ball shoved in with her other guts, sitting right on top of the bladder) and I show up, full of love and patience. So, it's really not fair, because if I had to juggle them for ten hours I would be at the end of my rope, too. But it's good for the kids because they've had about a truck-load of nagging and they're tuning her out.

By the end of the evening I had about sixty minutes worth of 40K battle footage. That was a real fight because we were dealing with kids/bed at the same time.

At long last we settled down to watch Scorpion King 2, a movie that is so bad that it's comical. It was really making my eyes water. But I did get some ideas for my D&D game.


Now Booking for September
My main business concern right now is getting September booked up. There's only one week left and there are like ten slots still open for this coming month. That has me concerned.

Booking a project is easy. We need three things:
1) The models (or a list of models to be acquired).
2) A deposit as indicated on the Project Breakdown spreadsheet
a. Pay by phone with major Credit Card 801 372 8545
b. Pay via Paypal to bluetablepainting@gmail.com
c. Pay by MO (see website Service Guide for details)
3) The Instructions .doc sheet filled out and returned.

If you don't want to mess with all that, you can even call me and set up everything over the phone.

Lions Rampant 1500 point list

This is for the batrep today.

Disciplines: Grenadiers, Iron Discipline, and Carapace Armor.

1500 Pts - Imperial Guard Roster - Lions Rampant 1500

HQ: Command Platoon (5#, 84 Pts)
0 Command Platoon @ 84 Pts
0 Command Squad @ [84] Pts
Carapace Armour
1 Junior Officer @ [40] Pts
Carapace Armour; Close Combat Weapon; Laspistol
4 Guardsmen @ [24] Pts
Carapace Armour; Lasgun (x1); Grenade Launcher (x3)

Troops: Grenadiers (11#, 218 Pts)
9 Grenadiers @ 218 Pts
Hellgun w/targeter (x7); Meltagun (x2); Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Chimera
1 Sergeant @ [10] Pts
Close Combat Weapon; Hellpistol; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades
1 Chimera @ [98] Pts
Extra Armour; Rough Terrain Modification; Smoke Launchers; Multilaser; Hull Heavy Bolter

Troops: Grenadiers (11#, 218 Pts)
9 Grenadiers @ 218 Pts
Hellgun w/targeter (x7); Meltagun (x2); Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Chimera
1 Sergeant @ [10] Pts
Close Combat Weapon; Hellpistol; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades
1 Chimera @ [98] Pts
Extra Armour; Rough Terrain Modification; Smoke Launchers; Multilaser; Hull Heavy Bolter

Troops: Grenadiers (11#, 214 Pts)
9 Grenadiers @ 214 Pts
Hellgun w/targeter (x7); Grenade Launcher (x2); Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Chimera
1 Sergeant @ [10] Pts
Close Combat Weapon; Hellpistol; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades
1 Chimera @ [98] Pts
Extra Armour; Rough Terrain Modification; Smoke Launchers; Multilaser; Hull Heavy Bolter

Elite: Hardened Veterans (9#, 212 Pts)
7 Hardened Veterans @ 212 Pts
Carapace Armour; Lasgun (x4); Plasmagun (x3); Chimera
1 Veteran Sergeant @ [13] Pts
Carapace Armour; Lasgun
1 Chimera @ [93] Pts
Extra Armour; Smoke Launchers; Multilaser; Hull Heavy Bolter

Fast Attack: Sentinel Squadron (1#, 55 Pts)
0 Sentinel Squadron @ 55 Pts
1 Sentinel @ [55] Pts
Lascannon (x1)

Heavy Support: Leman Russ Demolisher (1#, 193 Pts)
1 Leman Russ Demolisher @ 193 Pts
Extra Armour; Smoke Launchers; Demolisher Cannon; Hull Lascannon; Sponson Plasma Cannon

Heavy Support: Leman Russ Vanquisher (IA) (1#, 198 Pts)
1 Leman Russ Vanquisher (IA) @ 198 Pts
Extra Armour; Smoke Launchers; Coaxial Storm Bolter; Vanquisher Battle Cannon; Heavy Bolter; Heavy Bolter Sponsons (Pair)

Heavy Support: Basilisk (1#, 108 Pts)
1 Basilisk @ 108 Pts
Extra Armour; Smoke Launchers; Earthshaker Cannon; Hull Heavy Bolter

Total Roster Cost: 1500

Created with Army Builder
Copyright (c) 1997-2005 Lone Wolf Development, Inc. All rights reserved.

Out of Sight

Oh, an here's an addicting video game jingle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcJyCdbC08c&NR=1

Thursday August 21 2008 Wanderer

After sleeping eleven hours I am feeling much better, thank you.

In other news: Joseph is back for a little while. Having him do a small army or command force is a possibility. The only thing is that it's very difficult to duplicate his style, so everything has to be done at once.

Wednesday August 20 2008 Week of Strangeness

Picture: a Dark Elf Hydra, the new one, from Games Workshop. This is a great figure, by far the best Hydra by GW so far.

See this and other wild stuff for my D&D game. It's on now.

I also like the Reaper Hydra. They've had several incarnations and I assume this is the most recent one.

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This has been a strange week. Everything is running well. The trains are on time.

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But I've also had a lot of scheduling strangeness: artists showing up with projects early, and others late. They come unbidden when I do not call and are nowhere to be found when I'm looking. Not a bad thing, mind you. Every artist here is dedicated.

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On top of that, I've been in and out unexpectedly. That hasn't helped. For example: I stayed home one morning to watch the kids while my wife sorted through baby clothes. She's in full nesting mode. The baby's room is geared out for a boy, so all that has to be changed.

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The new camera isn't working right. Or rather, I can't figure it out just yet. The videos are recording with very very large files.

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Today I started getting a headache around 3pm and my whole body felt like some kind of chemical storm was going on. So, I went home early and confined myself to a dark room and fell asleep. I'm going in for a general checkup in early September. I've had uninterrupted good health my whole life so I'm expecting to get stamped 100% USDA grade A beef yet again. A hulking mountain of healthy man-flesh.

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I will have an update early next week. I'm expecting things to come into alignment in the next four days. On Friday a bunch of projects should be done and through digital photography.

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I'm also expecting to play (and document!) a game of 40K with some guests this Saturday. A friendly game. Don't know whether it's going to be Chaos or Imperial Guard. What do you think? I mean, my Chaos got spanked by the Tyranids. Maybe it's time to give the dogfaces a chance at bat.

Plug for Ultraforge

Picture: a model sculpted and painted by Ultraforge.

These guys put out one heckuva product. I've got one of their giants all painted up nice and I have to say that thing looks like it's going to walk right off the base.

Check them out.

Blerg-tastic

Well, I'm up at 1am this morning due to the various nocturnal shenanigans of the kids. Once I wake up, my mind starts churning and I can't get back to bed until I've done some work, had something to eat, and drained the dragon.

It's 3am now and I think I'll take another go for la la land.

The kids have school tomorrow. First day. Pretty exciting.

PS- if you have a project that is completed, but not paid, that would be very helpful right about now.

A Seed

This is the account of my conversion to "Mormonism".

In the summer of 1984 in Ashland, Oregon, I was just fifteen years old. It had been two years since our father left us. When the father leaves, the child loses both mother and father. My mother had to work various jobs for our support. At one point she was pulling double-shifts at a wood mill. It was thus that I was left with near total freedom to come and go as I pleased.

Feeling something was missing from our family, I decided to seek out religion. Every Sunday I would get on my bike and ride around town until I came to a church. I would go in and listen to whatever they had to say. I became part of a bible study group. I was reading the New Testament for the first time on my own account.

It was light. It was good. No explanation or convincing was needed.

Summer turned to Autumn. Autumn turned to Winter.

One Sunday, I noticed a donation slip on the back of the pew. It had a box to check, “Are you a member of this church”. A light bulb went on in my head. I should join a church. But which one?

One afternoon I went to a local field and walking to the center I knelt down and pleaded with my Almighty Friend to show me the way that I should go.

Later that week I was sitting in my living room reading the gospel of John when there was a knock on the door. A sister missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints introduced herself and her companion. I practically pulled them in to sit on the couch while I sat across from them. I explained that I was going to various churches and was looking to join one of them, and asked if they taught lessons. Replying to the affirmative we set up a time to meet.

It was thus that I became an investigator of the “Mormon” church, taking discussions with the Sisters while still attending my other churches.

Friends, relatives, and the Pastor of my bible study group all kindly advised me against getting involved with the Mormons and gave me various pamphlets and books supposedly revealing the evils of that religion, which I read with great interest.

Meanwhile, I was also reading the Book of Mormon and (on the instruction of the missionaries) praying to know if it was divinely inspired.

I got no answer. Nothing.

One morning I got so frustrated with the whole affair that I took the Book of Mormon and threw it out into the yard. I then headed off to school.

When I returned that afternoon, I had forgotten about the incident, but then saw the book there, laying open in the grass. I took it up again and went into the house. I went into my mother’s room. I shut and locked the door. I opened the book again and saw that the Sisters had noted Alma 32. I read that chapter and then knelt at the bedside to pray.

This time was different. I set my soul to know the truth either way. Only God the Almighty could show me what I should do. I was determined in my heart of hearts that I would follow whatever course no matter the hazard.

I got my answer in an indescribable way. Here’s a try: my soul had been a stormy ocean, with waves so high I could not see nothing else. In this moment the tempest became a sea of glass, the clouds parted and the Sun shone the way to a distant and grassy shore.

It was light. It was good. No explanation or convincing was needed.

I finished the discussions with the sisters and was interviewed for baptism.

Soon thereafter in late winter (February 17, 1985) I was baptized as a disciple of Christ and confirmed. And gladly. I didn’t know where the road would lead, but I knew for certain it was the right first step.



Details and Other Thoughts

First off, I am very worried whenever I post something like this-- will it be heavy-handed or preachy? I am grateful that those two sisters came down my street knocking doors. I know that's no easy task. But I consider it worth a year's trouble that they just found me. So, I just couldn't keep it to myself. What if some young person reads this and he or she is influenced as I have been?

My hope is to uplift or inspire someone out there.

I've had a great experience as a Latter-Day Saint. This one decision not only saved me a lot of trouble but really made my life wonderful. I highly recommend it.

Did I still make a lot of mistakes as a young person? Yes, oh most certainly yes. I'd estimate, though, that the trouble I got into was about 98% less. Even twenty-four years later I am still quite a flawed character. I say it without reservation that I suffer the same foibles as all men.

If somehow, through some sophistry beyond my understanding, someone were able to destroy that testimony, then my testimony of the Bible would be destroyed as well. The confirmation for both comes from the same source. I know God. I trust Him. He will deliver in the end.

When Daniel was put down into the lion’s den, he didn’t know exactly how it was going to end.

If I don’t understand something, or there is some apparent contradiction, I put it into the Jury Room of my mind. And then I wait on the Lord to explain it to me. I don’t trust my own wisdom. I think that if a man had ten of the most learned men on the planet, each with a mountain of books, that he would end up more turned around than ever, because they could never agree. It never ends; one side stacking the papers with one argument with an equally large stack on the other.

I think people wimp out too early. “I prayed about it but didn’t get an answer and so after X time I just gave up and went back to what I was doing.” Think twenty years. That’s when some of the good stuff happens. Can’t wait to see the forty year mark!

The truth is like a pearl of great price: the cost is everything you have.

At one point I went to the Medford public library to do more reading on the matter. One thing that struck me was that the amount of material written against the Mormon church is enormously disproportionate. I think I counted twenty three books against (let’s say five as a conservative number, for the sake of argument), while only two or three books against any other religion.

To become a Mormon is to choose a narrow way.

Sister Cowrie was on divisions with W. Clark, a young woman from the ward, a year my senior. Wendy had what could only be described as an inner light.

I was taught the discussions in the house of R. Noble’s father, up on Clay Street. I was taught by Sister Zanito and Sister Cowrie. They were both older than normal for sisters. When they taught me about the pre-existence it was as if my soul were a bell and they struck it loud and clear with a hammer.

The Christian church that I mainly attended was down on “B” street, as I recall. Pastor Anderson was a kindly man and treated the Mormons respectfully. He lived just up the street from the Ashland meetinghouse, on lower Clay Street. He said that the Bible was a “pool from which lambs could sip and elephants could wallow.”

I stopped taking the discussions long around the fourth one (out of six). In my childish mind I wanted to see if these Mormon youth were sincere in their friendship. Yes, they were. They were faithful in seeking me out. It must have been during this time that I had my experience with the book of Mormon.

The grand-daughter of the elderly couple, T. Noble, played the flute. I forgot to bring a change of underwear, so when they were confirming me I had wet undershorts in my sweater pocket.

I couldn’t tie my own tie, so I would wait on Sunday morning for someone to pass by my house who would tie it for me. I was given a few ties by a family from the ward. Then, I learned to simply keep them tied and slip them over my head each time.

After being baptized, I walked to church for a while, perhaps a mile or more, until the Noble family started to pick me up. The daughter, T. Noble, became my fast friend and support in every matter. She was one year my junior.

As usual, I make my normal disclaimer: I do not claim any special ability or status. I think that each person has a divine heritage-- to seek and claim on their own. Also, this is a rough draft. I plan on refining and clarifying this later.

Friday August 15 2008 Unemployed in Greenland

Picture: Dante, hero of the Blood Angels.

The day in the life began at about 6am. I got up and watched an episode of Deep Space Nine while answering various emails. As usual, Griffin got up before anyone else and we turned to Ben 10 and I layed on the couch with him and took a cat nap.

I then headed out to the Provo Temple. The flowers there are in full bloom and there are so many of them, a giant aisle of flowers and wheat-like stalks, that the aroma practically lifted me off my feet.

My mind clear, I headed back to the office around 1pm to find that everything was running smoothly. There was a giant pile of projects to be sorted to various destinations: assembly, painting, billing, and ordering. There was also a huge box full of models that completed various projects.

Share the joy.

Mike was down finishing up a project today. We spent a goodly time standing around shooting the bull about our D&D game. If the game is too easy it becomes a cake walk and the excitement, the thrill of imminent death, goes away. It is my sacred duty to make the possibility of death a reality.

For that moment we were five of us (Renn, Sarah, Brigham, Mike and I) standing around shooting the breeze, we didn't want to go back to work. Which is odd given how enjoyable our work is!

My printer has been making an odd noise and finally died out, bringing the operation to a stand still. My wife came by to pick up a deposit and we did a switch-off. I took the kids and she headed out alone to do errands. I loaded the kids up in the car and swung by a burger joint. I was going to just swing through the drive through but once they caught sight of that playground thing we ended up going in. Fortunately, they have wi-fi so I was able to keep working unabated. It's a constant race to keep up on communications. I like it, though, I get to meet a lot of new people.

Once at home I put the kids to work on their various chores and cleaning up. And at last I put them to bed. Tamie is out running around, a much-needed break. She's picking up a new printer. That will be nice. That is one essential piece of equipment!

I love spending time with my kids. They are really something special.

On another note.

BTP provides jobs. Some sweet jobs. Heather is coming up on four years. Her life is completely changed. She used to be pitiful and on the dole. But she's a go-getter and she decided to work really hard and get good at this profession. Because she has MS she can't hold a regular job. Because of the flexibility and accomodations that this job provides she's been able to completely get on her own two feet, soon to be remarried, and she just bought a house.

Heather is a Hero of the Imperium in my book. She has been there through thick and thin.

Blue Table Painting has a life of its own. I want my artists to hold their heads up high and win the bread; to develop and conquer. To grow with the business. I look back with satisfaction at the trail already blazed (in spite of mistakes), and with high hopes for the future.

This business provides for many people. They pay their rent with it. They will pay for weddings, children, and ... life with it. I feel a terrible responsibility on my shoulders. If the business declines, people don't have work to do.

PS- I am watching Stargate Atlantis again. The Ancients were a bunch of wimps if you ask me.

PPS- If you like the taste of Play-Doh, then by all means pick up a box of new Nilla Cakesters. Those things are gross beyond belief. Sorry, but it had to be said.

Compliments on Death Korps of Krieg project

WOW!!! I received the Inquisition package in the mail today. I opened it while literally holding my breath. The models look amazing. I am blown away by the quality of the work. As a long time and frequent customer of Blue Table Painting I am glad to see that you were able to live up to my ever demanding expectations.

I can't wait to see the next two projects and hope that the paint scheme looks identical to these models, as I will surely spend the next week just starring at them. Congratulations on a job well down. Please express my sincerest thanks to the assembler(s) and painter who worked on this project. I will certainly be sending them much more business in the future.

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I should get the "big daddies" done as well. I currently own 3 Baneblade variants and am thinking about getting two FW Macharius' and a Gorgon tanks as well.

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Thanks again, I can't say enough good things.

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RT

New Space Marine Codex

Compilation of new information on Bell of Lost Souls.

True Dungeon Lures Would-Be Dragon Slayers

This week, in a hotel ballroom in Indianapolis, hundreds will die.

They'll come from all walks of life -- wizards and warriors, rogues and rangers. Some will be brought down by insidious traps, others will succumb to deadly spells. A few will merely be beaten to death.

--Wired

Read the rest here.

Grandpa vs. the IRS

The IRS decides to audit Grandpa, and summons him to the IRS office.

The IRS auditor was not surprised when Grandpa showed up with his attorney.

The auditor said, 'Well, sir, you have an extravagant lifestyle and no full-time employment, Which you explain by saying that you win money gambling. I'm not sure the IRS finds that believable.'

I'm a great gambler, and I can prove it,' says Grandpa. 'How about a demonstration?'
The auditor thinks for a moment and said, 'Okay. Go ahead.'

Grandpa says, 'I'll bet you a thousand dollars that I can bite my own eye.'
The auditor thinks a moment and says, 'It's a bet.'
Grandpa removes his glass eye and bites it.
The auditor's jaw drops.

Grandpa says, 'Now, I'll bet you two thousand dollars that I can bite my other eye.'
Now the auditor can tell Grandpa isn't blind, so he takes the bet.

Grandpa removes his dentures and bites his good eye.
The stunned auditor now realizes he has wagered and lost three grand, with Grandpa's attorney as a witness. He starts to get nervous.

'Want to go double or nothing?' Grandpa asks 'I'll bet you six thousand dollars that I can stand on one side of your desk, and pee into that wastebasket on the other side, and never get a drop anywhere in between.'

The auditor, twice burned, is cautious now, but he looks carefully and decides there's no way this old guy could possibly manage that stunt, so he agrees again.

Grandpa stands beside the desk and unzips his pants, but although he strains mightily, he can't make the stream reach the wastebasket on the other side, so he pretty much urinates all over the auditor's desk.

The auditor leaps with joy, realizing that he has just turned a major loss into a huge win.
But Grandpa's attorney moans and puts his head in his hands.

'Are you okay?' the auditor asks.

'Not really,' says the attorney. 'This morning, when Grandpa told me he'd been summoned for an audit, he bet me twenty-five thousand dollars that he could come in here and pee all over your desk and that you'd be happy about it.'

[thanks for my good friend Mike for this one]

Here are some cartoons that are freakin' hilarious.

Green Stuff

Some tips about epoxy putty

This is also known as “green stuff”.

Use only hobby grade stuff. Many brands of epoxy putty are for plumbing and are entirely unsuited for using with miniatures.

Wet your hands when mixing, water keeps the putty from sticking to your fingers. Or your tools for that matter.

Dental tools can be had at most “dollar stores” and are fabulous for shaping putty. Galeforce Nine puts out a set that is out of this world, and worth every penny.

If the temperature is warm, the putty will be more workable and stay malleable for longer.

If you want your putty to stay solid while it is setting, you can put it in the freezer.

Two-part epoxy putty relies on a chemical reaction to dry. It does not need air.

Tuesday August 12 2008 Mellow Yellow

Picture: Blasphemy! A yellow bloodthirster by Forge World.

See other pics.
See a vid. with commentary.

I wish I had something interesting to write. Things are smooth at the studio. Projects for this last cycle are due in Thursday morning-- if you have something coming due this week, pics should be up on Friday.

The studio is running well on account of an excellent crew: they are each one dedicated and cheerful.

I'm now booking for September, please contact me if you'd like something done. As usual, my goal is to get everything set up for September before the end of August.

I spend about an hour and a half chewing the fat with Brigh. He was a high school English teacher before this. We also talked a lot about sculpting and casting our own figures. The plan is to create two armies and a game system. It's really all for a lark-- the figures are meant to stand on their own for collectors or whoever. Oooooh, I bet you'd like to know what's cooking!

Plus this is a really new area for us, so it won't be like Forge World or anything.

At home, all is at peace. I had chicken and watermelon for dinner, answering a few last emails while watching Star Trek. I'm going back over TNG-- that's the most positive of all of them.

Solve for "The Field": refers to missionary scripture D&C 4 referring to the world as a field. Or, if you will, the field from the parable of wheat and tares (also the world).

Monday August 11 2008 Pink

Picture: a Space Wolf Fortress. A set like this will set you back $875. It could be conceivably done for any race.

Still pics
Finished product video.

Today we got in a Forge World order. Heather came in and picked up two projects (Taros 01 SL and Eldar 01 AS). Angela came down to pick up War Machine 02 RD cryx.

August is booked up. Now it's time to get things set up for September.


We went in for the mid-way ultrasound today. It's a girl. My life feels complete in this moment.

Sunday August 10 2008 Catch 22

Another Sunday. Sweet.

It was the usual. Lazy morning. Church. Home Teaching in the afternoon. A few walks around the neighborhood with the kids. We also visited a family where the husband was severely burned while working on on some electrical system. He's in bad shape-- burns all over and his entire left arm bandaged up.

Just before church Tamie and I were sprawled out in the front room in our skivvies wondering for just one moment if we shouldn't skip out just this one Sunday. Heck no! And so we got everyone going.

Today's lesson was on justice and mercy. I must say that I'm glad not to be teaching any more. I can just sit there and get a moment's peace and think things over.

What else to say? As usual my mind is simmering with worries about the business. It almost takes a whole day just to lay it aside, like a farmer looking out over the fields from the porch-- fretting over this or that.

Tomorrow morning Tamie and I are going to the ultrasound to find out the health, status and gender of the baby. I'm super excited. We are getting along famously. In fact, our family life is quite peaceful in general.

As usual, I make my usual disclaimer: I am subject to similar foibles as any man. My only intent is to uplift, perhaps, some sagging soul.

Saturday August 9 2008 Re-run

How to make a forest from branches. Pictures.

Family Land
I was up early this Saturday morning answering emails. Then we were off for the day to the Fire, Water and Ice Festival up in Salt Lake (or thereabouts).

On the way up, I had my laptop hooked up in the car and I made some good inroads into finishing up any client communication that needed to happen.

When we got there, there was a huge line waiting to get in. We had some Little Ceasar's pizzas so we layed into those for a slightly early lunch. Tamie got the kids rubbed down with some sunscreen. Tamie's sister was working there and so we were able to get a good spot by passing out lawn chairs over the fence to her. Plus we got free tickets!

The kids spent the day frolicking in the various water playgrounds. What does this mean for daddy? Following Griffin around to be sure he doesn't get into any trouble. He has no sense of personal danger and if left unattended for five seconds will throw himself off the highest point. He is very dextrous and athletic. It was a magical time, being in the water with him, his dusty blonde hair plastered around his ice blue eyes; smiling and sputtering.

Both the boys need haircuts.

What else? I got a much needed mini-massage; melting away giant lumpy knots of stress. We ate some overpriced "hostage food" meat kabobs of some kind.

About five hours into the deal, I was spent. I headed out the car, turned on the AC and started pounding the keyboard and listening to some music (Rush, Quiet Riot, et. al.). I think I got it pretty much cleared out. If you are waiting for some kind of communication, you might want to re-send; I'm sorry about that.

I also walked down to the local grocery store. I would have driven but Tamie asked that I not lose our sweet, sweet parking spot. This paid off later when we had to leave and we got out right away. Here's what I bought: peanut butter cookies, gummy worms, chocolate milk, two burger (from Arctic Circle), and ice.

In the afternoon, clouds gathered and cooled the scene down with a light spattering of rain. For about fifteen minutes, longabout 7pm there was a crack of thunder and a downpour culling some of the less dedicated pool-goers. My kids love that sort of stuff, and generally adapt well to new circumstances. This is bound to be the doing of the mother.

With the pools now empty, what was left was a thin "people soup" of skin flakes, hair, bandaids, and diluted urine.

Then the fireworks. I must be getting old. Fireworks are yawn-worthy. Even the kids are like "been there, done that". Tamie insists though, she's a stickler for traditional stuff like that. Fireworks? We're going. It's our civic duty.

On the way home, every one except the driver fell asleep. We were all completely and utterly exhausted. Griffin had some trouble, waking up distraught about an hour into the sleep cycle. We think he was just over stimulated. His little brain short-circuited.

Final Note: it is very strange for me to take a day off. It's been years plowing away.

Friday August 8 2008 The Field

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Hey all, just a quick post tonight.

I took a half personal day going to the MTC and the Provo Temple. I feel light as a cork.

Then, after wrapping up some business at the office, I had an alumnus in for a game of 40K. I took some video of that... forthcoming. Tyranids vs Chaos.

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Here are some pics of the D&D figures we've been doing for our game:

http://www.bluetablepainting.com/view_gallery.php?galleryID=2478

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We had a heck of a time today with the camera. It won't take close shots very easily. New camera is coming.

Solve for "Venous Hum": that's a condition that one of the band members of the band Venus Hum has, the band that I recommend in the post.

Thursday August 7 2008 Venous Hum

Picture: a modified Bloodthirster of Khorne, part of this Daemons of Chaos army. This one had modifications to the head.

Blue Table Painting has grown beyond what I ever imagined when I first started in my garage. I am grateful for those that have helped the business along. There have been a lot of people: mentors, artists, clients, friends and passers-by. We're creeping up on five years and things are better than ever.

Originally, I had thought to grow it to humongous proportions; like fifty people. In the last year, I have moved away from that. I have very modest financial goals and I also just want to go about my business in peace. I just want to have a really good studio and have a positive impact in the world.

This has also changed the way I approach the business. For example: I write whatever I want on the blog. I've figured out what is important to me. Anything that keeps me up at night needs to be excised. I run it how I want, and if people want to come along for the ride, that's great. If not, why it's a great big country out there, and there's a place for everyone to be happy.

I theorize that it must be like 1-3 million in gross sales of miniatures each month. That means after discounting the various sorts of people that don't or won't have their miniatures painted still means a LOT of people who need this service. It's also a growing industry. By that I mean that people don't realize they need this yet, and even then don't really know where to go to reliably have it done.

So, I predict that there will be more companies like mine up and coming. I am very interested in seeing how things shape up. I am a well-wisher. I hope they are successful and get the same satisfaction that I have. It's a tough road, but very worthwhile.

It's really nice to just relax and not worry about competition like some old king wringing his hands about newborn heirs. I used to be so worried every time I saw a new studio crop up. Rather, I'm keen on advising and encouraging new entrepreneurs. Ha! Assuming I have any good advice!

The only thing I wring my hands about now is if a customer didn't like the service.

So, if you are starting your own operation, drop me a line.

In case you haven't seen it already, here's the trailer for Dawn of War 2. Pretty sweet.

The warp spiders look so amazingly cool. Too bad they've never been that good in the game. It's rare to see them in a tournament army.

I painted up a few Raeks for D&D. Pics coming.

Family Land

Last night was the ward pool party at the public water park. It was a balmy summer evening, and as the sun went down the chorus of crickets came up and the pool lights lit up the place with warm green and blue.

The kids swarmed around me, and I gave them "turtle rides" where I swim just under the surface and they ride on my back. I just love my children. They have added another dimension to my life, like having no hearing, and then having it. I didn't know such a thing existed. When my young son puts his arms around my neck and kisses my cheek and his hair smells like baby shampoo, that's heaven. And my lovely wife, now ever so rotund. I speak to the baby through her navel.

I have a new favorite band: Venus Hum.

What is life about? To leave the world a better place?

Stonemarch Session 06- Sacking of Winterhaven

Just a brief synopsis.

At the end of session the party got into town and was met by Ninarin who lured them into the basement and wizard locked the door. But at the beginning of session 06 they got out through the aqueducts under the city and back up over the walls. She also took away her daughter Uletsabe

They found that the inhabitants of the town were rounded up into Wrafton's Inn and a tribe of goblins sacking the town. Seeing the townsfolk in trouble the heroes jumped from the walls and headed over to the the smithy to loot the place.

They didn't make it. Ninarin harrassed them with her bladed sphere (in my campaign Ninarin is a main villain and a powerful Star Pack Warlock), teleporting around town. The party was all over the place, running hither and thither without organization.

Ninarin ordered the gate opened (letting in a troll), put the guard on alert to arrest the heroes, and generally caused all sorts of problems.

The villagers were led into the dungeons far below the city (in my campaign the shadowfell keep dungeon is under Winterhaven) by the Red Reaver goblin tribe. The party found an alternate route into the dungeon and headed down.

They snuck around and found the goblins herding the villagers deeper into the dungeon. Seeing the plight of the poor commoners they promptly went to explore other areas of the dungeon.

They cleared out a goblin wizard's lair and then (good thing they wandered off) stumbled on Uletsabe in a torture chamber. They saved her just in the nick of time!

They also finally got Duvan (their mentor, who speaks Kobold) to question the Kobold sub-chieftan that Galifax (Dragonborn fighter played by Renn) had been carting around on his back. The kobold revealed that their queen had been abducted and held in the town and thus they had come to release her by seige and force.

It was a six hour session. It was so good that the time just flew by.

Adepticon Thank You

Dear Shawn,

The staff on AdeptiCon council would like to thank you for your contribution to AdeptiCon 2008. Please review the attached letter and see the AdeptiCon 2008 Retrospective that is provided at the link below. The retrospective provides comprehensive coverage for the entire event weekend. http://www.adepticon.org/files/08retro.pdf Over the next few months, we will begin working with our sponsors in preparation for AdeptiCon 2009. We thank you once again for your continued support and hope to grow our relationship well into the future.

Kind Regards,
Greg SparksAdeptiCon 2008 Sponsor Coordinator

Monday August 4 2008 Low Rumble

Picture: a Macharius tank by Forge World. See various here.

Tip: when assembling resin, be sure to wash it with soapy water and let it dry thoroughly. There is mould release agent on the resin most like. This won't cooperate with the primer or paint. Use automotive primer. It sticks better.

It was a crazy Monday as always. When packages come in, they are opened and we unload the contents into foam-lined bins. Then we send an email confirming receipt of models. Then they go to Assembly for cleaning and to get basework done... and to be assembled of course. Even if a project comes assembled it goes in for repairs and a double-check.

I think that we'll be caught up tomorrow.

There are still four open slots in August.

Black Templar Invasion

This vid was really cool:

Sunday August 3 2008 El Companero Dificil

Sunday Sermon

Good Sunday Morning to all!

As usual, it is my hope to inspire, uplift and encourage you noble reader. I give my usual disclaimer: I am only a fellow journey-er. I make plenty of mistakes. I ask that my fellow-man be patient with me.

In 1992 I was in Santiago, Chile in a sector called Alicahue as an LDS missionary. My new companion was a Chilean named Segundo Nanco. As I was waiting in the chapel with another missionary named Elder Opazo, I was lamenting that I had been stuck with a number of "hard" companions and how I hoped that Elder Nanco would be easy to get along with.

Elder Opazo looked at me earnestly and said, "Usted Elder Gately es el companero dificil."

"YOU are the difficult companion."

So, I took out my notebook and wrote down some resolutions.

• One, that I would compliment him sincerely three times each day. Sincerely.
• Two, that I would not say anything negative about him either in public or in private.
• Three, that I would change any habit that he didn't like without question.

We had a great time. We got along famously. I couldn't change him. But I could change myself and my own perceptions.

I found out later that when he was assigned to me as a companion he was in a deep depression and had thought of giving up. But that two months later when we parted ways he was lighter of spirit and he served the rest of his mission.

This same attitude and principles have served me well in my marriage as well. Though I admit I haven't been as consistent.

One of my favorite books of all time is Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball. It's a hard book to read, but I've read it at least eight times. And by hard I mean it's impossible to get through without finding something to improve on, or some difficult, but much-needed insight.

Here is an expanded version of one of my favorite passages from the book:

Before Spencer W. Kimball received confirmation of his calling as an Apostle, he felt he needed to make a visit to his hometown.
“Spencer’s worst worry was how to live up to his call. What about people he had offended? Would they resent him? He started visiting every man he had done much business with, to explain his new situation: ‘I’ve been called to a high position in my Church. I cannot serve in good conscience unless I know my life has been honorable. You and I have had dealings. If there was any injustice … I’ve brought my checkbook.’ Most shook hands and refused to hear any more. A couple of men fancied that in fairness they should have got a few hundred dollars more on certain sales. Spencer wrote the checks.

“He visited a neighbor. The two men had had a difference over use of the irrigation ditch that ran past their home lots. Spencer knocked at his door and apologized. ‘I felt very definitely that he had been the offender largely and that he had hurt me terribly, but I knew that no quarrel was one-sided and therefore I was willing to forgive and forget. …’

“A clerk in the stake whom Spencer had once taken to task for carelessness in keeping some Church financial records had been cold toward him ever since. Now Spencer looked him up and said he could not begin his apostleship with bad feelings between them. They talked it out.

“There was a woman in his stake so bitter she would cross the street to avoid him. She had never told him why. Spencer’s stenographer remembered him fidgeting in the Kimball-Greenhalgh office one morning, a folder under his arm. … ‘I hate to go. I never did anything so hard.’ But he went. He asked the woman, ‘What have I done against you?’ She thought he had intervened with the governor to oppose her husband’s being named to a state office.

“ ‘Who told you that?’

“ ‘My friends.’

“ ‘They were mistaken. I wouldn’t do that. And I don’t have that kind of influence with the governor anyway.’

“Their talk patched things up between them” (Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball, Jr., Spencer W. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1977], pp. 197–98).

Family Land

It was a great Sunday as usual, a lazy morning watching some movies, then off to church for some up-lifting. Afterwards we went for a walk and ended up chatting with a neighborhood family (the Barrowes) for about two hours, eating some grilled salmon and hummus.

In the evening, after the kids were in bed, I watched Stargate: Continuum with my wife while reading the Monster Manual. It's a good life.

Saturday August 2 2008 Status Report

Picture: One of a pair of Basilisks. These are heavy support for an Imperial Guard army.

At this moment I am up at 5am with my daughter watching Flash Gordon, one of my favorite all time movies. (of course I FF through the scary parts).

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Friday, I went out to eat with some of the artists and we recounted disturbing tales of rats and dogs and juvenile delinqency down at the local Subway. We also had a brain-storm about sculpting and casting figures, and also creating some games down the line.

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In fact, we have just cast our first whole sculpt. More on that forthcoming. That'll get painted up over the weekend.

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The following projects are under the brush and are due for completion in the next 4-10 days. There have been some delays mostly due to waiting for specialty orders. As usual, if you don’t see your project and want to get an update just contact me and I’ll respond promptly.
Empire 03 KO
Imperial Guard 01 ML
Imperial Guard 01 JT
Reptus 05 TC locked
Tau Verdaan 02 MM
Inquisition 03 RT
Imperial Guard 01 SM fw tanks
Khorne 03 JB (may be delayed one week)
Burning Sons 01 JR
Eldar 01 JR (may be delayed one week)
Biel Tan 01 CH
Anima 03 TC
Vampire Counts 02 LG
Emperors Champion BS
Ulthwe 01 AH
40K Radio Models
Terrain 02 AS
Bretonnians 01 JJ (first part only—knights)


The following projects are in Assembly and are going under the brush in early August:
Emperors Gauntlets 02 SM
Dragonfly Nids 03 MG
Anima 03 TC
Reptus 05 TC
Black Orcs 01 ER
Imperial Guard 01 ML
Warhammer Buildings 01 AS
Daemons 01 JF
Urban Bases 02 JM
40K Radio figures
Angry Goats 01 TB bf
Elven Archer LN
Emperor's Children 09 EB er
Khorne 03 JB
Questing Knights 05 JH
Ultramarines 01 AC
Ultramarines 01 MN
Tau 09 TO (bitz finally arrived)

Thursday July 31 2008 Trout Farm

Jonah and I headed out to a local trout farm to do some fishing. It was good to get away and spend some time with him. It's a pond brooded over by willows. Jonah caught three fish and I caught none.

It's good to get away from the world and to spend time with my eldest son. He's two grades above in reading, and he likes to make plays on words. He's the smart one in the family.

Those fishes were delishes.

Wednesday July 30 2008

Picture: a Death Korps of Krieg model. Part of this balanced breakfast. This is a complete line of models from Forge World.

It's a slow news day in Game Land today. Pretty much just catch up. The bitz wall is all sorted out, which is unusual. Think about it. With an army a day coming through that's a lot of extra pieces. So we make a lot of money on that, right? Nope. It's actually a monthly expense to get it all sorted. But we keep it because it allows us to do really cool conversions on your projects.



Also, we are now taking terrain projects. Cost is $200-400 for a densely packed table (that can also regularly pack two tables). You set the budget and set broad parameters.

August is close to being filled:

• August 18-25: Three Slots
• August 25-30: Seven Slots

Budget Puzzle

Materials Needed

I'm on the hunt for the following:

60mm round beveled bases (1/8" thick) by GW

40mm rounds

40mm squares

Eldar canopies

I will be glad to trade bitz or kits for them and also to credit for a project you might have cooking.

Tuesday July 29 2008 Thermo

Picture: a Steam Dwarf from Rackham. I loved these models and painted up a whole bunch many years ago. I wish I could get more.

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Game Land

We are proceeding apace on all projects. There are three projects in digital photography, those should be through tomorrow (Tyrion, Fantasy Figures, and Black Templars).

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I have a bunch of figures coming through for D&D. I'm being smart and looking forward to resale. Today it was ghouls, hounds of khorne (used as hellhounds!), two nephilim from Hordes, and a dark elf hydra. The studio Dark Elf army is almost half collected. They will be doubling as Drow down the line.

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In fourth edition D&D a single Drow could wipe out a party of low-level adventurers (well, maybe a few Drow.

The Hounds of Khorne are going to play a dual role in the Wyches of Thoth army.

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The following slots are open for Painting (assembly is wide open-- things can get immediate attention):

August 11-18: One Slot

August 18-25: Four Slots

August 25-30: Eight Slots

These are steadily getting filled. I am laser beam focussed on getting them filled up before July 31. Maybe I'll get a day off!

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By all means contact me if you'd like something done.

Family Land

We went to play miniature golf for FHE last night. Griffin grabbed a low lamp and burned his fingers really badly. It was tough to see him suffering last night, but after tending and comforting him for some time he finally nodded off and had a good night's sleep. He was feeling much better this morning and running around like a baboon all day today. He has four large blisters, one on the tip of each finger. That light was hot as an iron (we have resolved the matter with the proprietors of the establishment, by the by).

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My wife is making apricot jam, a yearly ritual. During the year we use it to break the ice with new people who move into the neighborhood. She brought home like two laundry baskets full of apricots to make it from, and yet the boughs are still laden.

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I had a bit of a revelation today: I think my progress in life is just about right for my age. I need to stop my hand-wringing. Life is good.

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I am going fishing with Jonah later this week. I'm looking forward to that.

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Oh, a PS about Griffin's burnt fingers. He keeps that hand tucked away in his pants leg (not on his crotch mind you), but he looks like a little Al Bundy running around the house.

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We had a family from the ward over for dinner. This was the same family who watched our kids while we were at Adepticon. I don't know if I told you this back story, but when I went to pick them up the mother of the family told me that Jonah and "Kimball" were kissing. My first question, "Is Kimball a boy?" Thankfully, no, sparing me that particular conversation. Just this absolute cute button of a girl. Well, we put an end to that (as adorable as it might be), and evidently Kymble was crestfallen when told the rule would still be in effect for today's visit!

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We had hamburgers, hot dogs, and salad. You know, typical american fare. Boy, I could go for another grilled hamburger right now.

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After dinner we went for a walk around the neighborhood, a temperate and overcast summer day. We ran into a variety of characters from the ward.