Hey guys, I know it's been months and upon months since I've done anything on FA. But let's just say I've had a mountain of things to do when it comes to both life and other things, I'll try not to bore you with a bunch of details, but considering right now I'm recovering from bronchitis, I figured I'd at least try to explain what's been going on without going too in depth.

For starters, if you remember my previous journal about the "Silent Killer" which is blood pressure? Well, the good news is that while I have kept it under control with diet and exercise, it's still an ongoing struggle that I'm sure millions of people globally still have to deal with, no matter how old you are. I'm still going to the gym every day at work (before I got sick), and I'm still trying to do what it takes to maintain a reasonable weight and blood pressure level. I encourage all of you who read this to do the same. You don't need a gym membership but do any kind of physical activity, just an hour a day. Take a walk, ride a bike, play a sport, or even do workouts at home. You'll be surprised at the results! Trust me.


Orlando trip


For those who know me, I had this trip planned since the beginning of this year with my two co-workers, who became one of my closest friends. So, the past few years, in my neck of the woods, there's a train station that was under construction that allows a high-speed train to travel from close to where I live to Orlando, and since traveling on the highway is risky as well as potentially dangerous, my friends decided we should try riding on the train up to Orlando. With the transportation arranged, my friends and I collaborated on the hotel, and then, around November, our vacation began, and it was absolutely wonderful!
We decided to hit the following parks:

(1) Seaworld
(2) The new "Epic" universe in Universal Studios
(3) Disney's Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.

Long story short, I didn't think I was gonna like Epic Universe, and I could write for hours upon hours about every detail about the parks but I didn't want to be too boring. I had a wonderful time, and I really enjoyed my time at Epic Universe. Would I do this again? Indeed, I do!


A controversial research into AI

Now this is a journal entry I sort of wanted to go into for a long time, but unfortunately, life got in the way, and I never had the chance to really go into details about my dive into AI...

Now, before everyone starts coming after me with pitchforks and torches and everything but the kitchen sink. Let me make this clear to you: I, as an artist who dedicated my life to improving one's artistic talents, will NEVER EVER replace art talent with an AI knockoff or any kind of generative AI imagery in this gallery or anywhere else! I do not support generative AI, I do not support AI artists, and I also had moments where I even wanted to leave DA because people bombard this site with all sorts of AI images, some look exceptionally convincing like the real deal, which adds to the scare factor.


It began a couple of months ago, my cousin, who is staying with us, was chatting up a storm on his phone one afternoon, when I came downstairs to figure out what is going on, he told me about ChatGPT. I admit the thought of open AI kind of disgusted me, but the more I started to interact with "it", the more engaging it became, and eventually I started toying with it too, against my better judgment at first. However, after consulting with a good friend of mine when it comes to using open-AI, not only I discover the pros and cons about the program, but I also realized more and more people were using it to the point they almost depended on it. Even at my job, we use AI for various tasks. However, I want to conclude this lengthy journal with the following:

(1) I will and still WILL NOT use AI to replace my talent

(2) AI in itself is a tool, just like a computer or anything else.

(3) Like the tools you currently use, you can use them, but it's what and HOW you use it that makes the difference.

Confused by that statement? Let me illiterate for you.
When I was using ChatGPT to gather ideas, for instance, yes, I did ask it to render some scenes, buildings (which I'm terrible at), and even design some concept sketches of some enemies I'd like to throw into my projects. What I did with those concepts is do my own take on the said character. Right now, I don't feel comfortable showing it off because it's just a concept sketch and not the final product, and I wish to eventually show off my talents with the full render of the characters when I get the time to do some art.

Now I've said what I wanted to say, and I want to repeat that I *REFUSE* to upload any AI art into my galleries.

- End of Line -

Greetings and Salutations, everybody!

I know I meant to write a journal explaining the lack of activity, but every time I try to get down to write something, let's just say life got in the way again, I know I've made this excuse several times, but the real issue I was dealing with is more of a health crisis than anything else. One that could potentially be life-altering.

This issue not only affects a large number of people worldwide, but it's also so commonplace that I can no longer deny or hide it, as it affects millions. You see, I have high blood pressure issues. It started several months ago, when I was trying to find a doctor ever since the current one I go to is far away, thanks to a little app of mine, I was able to find a closer doctor so I could get a check-up and make sure everything is OK with me. But, when I finally got a chance to sit down with this doctor, who is very kind, patient, and easy to talk to, she did the common check-up procedures, tongue depressor, reflexes, etc. But when we checked my blood pressure, both of our jaws dropped to the ground...

...It was 195 over 114!!

Both of us were shocked about this discovery, it's bad enough that my weight has gone up due to the lack of exercise, stress, and the fact like everybody here, we love to eat. But, after discovering that blood pressure issue, the stress levels skyrocketed because the doctor told me that if this keeps climbing, I could have had a stroke or worse! Immediately, she prescribed me some blood pressure medication, and I quickly signed up at this gym that's close by me.

So, fast forward several months, between my current job and this new diet I'm undertaking, as well as the meds I was taking, I managed to bring my blood pressure down to safe levels and been keeping it within the normal parameters of 120 over 80, but as I discovered, I can't get my BP too low either. But without making this journal any longer, I'll conclude with this phrase:

"High Blood Pressure is known as the Silent Killer!"

With that said, just remember to eat right, exercise, and cut down on your portions; this isn't a joke! When you least expect it, your life will turn upside down before you realize the symptoms, and there's not much the doctors can do when you do have a stroke or worse! It pays to be healthy for a good reason, and I'm speaking from experience.

Greetings and salutations everybody, behold my long silence is now broken.

You probably heard me talk about how lately I've been having a lot of eye issues the past month and a half? I could now say that I'm on the road to recovery. I'll explain what's been going on, briefly if possible this time.

You know how I kept mentioning how I was having irritation in my eye? At first it was either a form of pink eye to an allergic reaction, but once one of my primary ophthalmologist (Eye doctor to the layperson) got a good look at me, did a bunch of scans and so forth, it turns out what was really causing the eye irritation that plagued me was in fact one of my intacs that started to poke out from my cornea and cause further damage to my cornea. An operation had to be done immediately!

You're probably asking: "What are intacs?" Basically to explain in brief: It's like putting braces on your cornea due to the fact I suffer from a very young age disease called Keratoconus, which causes the cornea on my eye (which is the lens around your pupil) to deform into a cone shape. When I was younger, I was given a chance to try an experimental procedure with the intacs, and for a long time, it helped reshape my cornea and improve my vision!

Unfortunately, little did I realize that as I got older, I didn't expect the intacs to not only break off but cause eye irritation, and worse still, cause damage via erosion to my cornea.

Right after I had fun at the super convention (another long story there), on Monday, the time came for me to undergo surgery unfortunately, I was nervous about being under anesthetic and the scary part is: that I'm still able to see everything going on. Despite all the talks and explanations from everyone, and reassuring me I was going to be alright, I couldn't help but feel increasingly worried and it got to the point where my blood pressure skyrocketed!! Even worse, the doctors were concerned to the point they might consider aborting the process! I couldn't help myself, but eventually, after the medicine kicked in, they whisked me away to the OR and despite being blinded by a powerful light, the procedure was done. After recuperating (on top of the nausea) I began the long road to recovery. Hence why I wasn't online or active on any sites, and even as I speak I'm not 100% but I am recuperating.

Special shout-out to everyone who wished me a speedy recovery! Thank you very much!

Hey everyone, you're probably wondering what and why haven't been updating as much, well as much as I hate to make the same excuse over and over...but I'm sure many of you are probably thinking the same thing. Not only work itself has been piling onto me but I've been otherwise been dealing with some other issues, health issues that I may haven't revealed, but for those who watch me, you already know.

You see at the beginning of this month, on top of my current eye problem with kerataconus, I suddenly had another issue that is affecting my right eye to the point it was difficult to drive or do anything. I dunno what it is to be honest, my eye was red, irritated and teary, and did I mention light sensitive?

Well, to be honest, I dunno what is going on and after the 2nd week, after assuming its probably just an allergic reaction to something in the air, I ended up calling two doctors over the Teledoc system. You might be asking: "What is Teledoc?" To summarize, it's a way to talk to any kind of doctor via a virtual conference call, almost like a ZOOM meeting, however despite how convenient it can be, it's still hit or miss as far as getting the right help but so far I've been happy with the results so far...

That is until after the 3rd week, I was growing concerned because the eye drops I was given still weren't making my issue any better and I was growing a bit worried, ultimately I contacted my main eye care professional, and after a virtual meeting, I explained how I was worried sick about my condition and why it hasn't improved and he was kind enough to give me a semi-emergency conference call and then got me into the office the following week.

As far as that goes, there's good and bad news concerning my eye issue.

The bad news is that despite having a lot of sophisticated equipment, the doctors couldn't tell what was affecting my eye, and why it was taking this long to recuperate. However, optimistic I am, the doctor did say that despite this unknown issue, there is light at the end of the tunnel and he ruled out that it's an allergic reaction and it is not bacterial or viral so in a good way, and I'm not contagious.

So ultimately, I have some new medicines that I need to apply to my eye and even then, I'm still having some issues but it's much better than before.

But I haven't been lazy when it comes to my art or anything, however, if you want to see some pictures and images I haven't uploaded anywhere else, feel free to check out my patreon here on my profile!

So I want to wish you all a happy July and eventually, I'll get back into the groove of things if work lets up a bit, but I will be busy as usual. Stay strong everyone!

Hello everyone, greetings, and salutations!

I've been getting a lot of notes from a few people on DA and other sites, asking me if everything is OK and, more importantly: "Why haven't I uploaded anything in the past month and a half?"

Well, the short answer is that I've been busy with work and also, I had a special event happening during the latter weeks of October. But for those wondering about the details, I'll try to explain.

You see, since I live in FL, my brother and I make it a yearly habit to attend one of the biggest Halloween events that graced Orlando FL, which is collectively known as "Halloween Horror Nights". Now normally I'm not a huge fan of the scare factor when it comes to Halloween, nor do I like watching slasher movies or anything with a lot of blood and guts...many years ago this all changed when my brother allowed me to attend my first Halloween Horror Nights 4 years ago. So, the past 3 years in a row, I happened to enjoy myself further and further with each year and we kind of nailed it down to a science!
We try to book everything around the summertime, and we hang out at the hotel we enjoy the most: The Aventura, which is a Neo-modern looking hotel with robots, a large cafeteria with multiple restaurants, bars, and even a pool area to hang out... but the cool factor kicks in when you can request items to be delivered to you room...BY A ROBOT! As well as having backdoor access to Universal Studio's water park: Volcano Bay. I mean, what a deal huh?

The problem is though, as you creep closer and closer to October, when the event takes place, not only do the prices start to increase but everything starts to book up and then you'll be paying double, if not triple the amount of money than what you want to deal with. So, my best advice for you is to book everything 2-4 months in advance,

During the day, if you don't feel like doing Universal Studios or even Volcano Bay, you could hang out at the Universal Studios' City Walk where you can partake in the sights around the park, check out all the restaurants and bars, and enjoy the nightlife too. There's even a movie theater and a mini golf course too! Or you could hang out at the hotel's pool and Jacuzzi (which after your first night, you might need it) and relax a bit. But come nighttime, Universal Studios takes on a whole new appearance, depending on the theme. Then, as you pass through the gates, you're treated to a spooktacular event as each section of the park is lined up with "Scare Zones", where costumed performers try to scare the daylights out of you as you walk by, but you could also get photos of some of them. As well as walk through one section of the park where they decorated a forested area...but the main focus is the "Haunted Houses" they have.

You see, in a lot of theme parks for Halloween, they have approximately 10-14 haunted houses where the scare factor starts to skyrocket, and for this year, they had haunted houses based on franchises such as: "The Last of Us" "The Exorcist", "Stranger Things" "Universal Monsters" and a few original ones like: "Dueling Dragons", "Yeti" and a few others to change things up a bit. For those who never experienced these haunted houses, I'll try to explain what happens when you go inside one of them. First of all, the entire haunted house is exceptionally dark and the crew of Universal Studios took a LOT of time to build up the house with the decorations, scenery, and lighting... but the main focus is the people in costumes that would "jump out" and scare you.

When I first went to these events and I did the first House, which was based on "Poltergeist", it scared the crap out of me because the actors would leap out of their hiding spots in time for the soundtrack that blasts throughout the house, especially the sound FX. Damn, I still got the jitters a few times where even Slimer from the Ghostbusters got me when I thought I was at the end of the titular haunted house and I catapulted myself several hundred feet from the shock alone. But as the years went by, the haunted houses weren't just scary, they were fun! But, again don't take my word for it, being scared is NOT for everyone.

Sadly, like everything else, about time I disembarked on my vacation, after a solid week of enjoying just about everything Orlando had to offer, I had to come back home and back to reality. But, it was fun while it lasted. I loved Orlando and I hope others have the opportunity to go on a cool vacation like me during Halloween and the month of October.


Oh, another thing I'd like to point out! Recently, a few friends of mine such as DCLeadboot (https://www.deviantart.com/dcleadboot) BluebottleFlyer (https://www.deviantart.com/bluebottleflyer ) https://www.furaffinity.net/user/marwan Ferroth ( https://www.deviantart.com/ferroth ) Scorpio-Gustavo (https://www.furaffinity.net/user/scorpiogustavo) started opening up commissions and slots are starting to fill in fast!
Since the Holidays are coming around the corner, I would highly suggest you go check out their artwork and commission slots, but I will try to showcase a few others who are also open to commissions as well.

Well I know I haven't talked much but without diving into a long thread of what's been going on, I will make it short and sweet.

Gonna go on vacation for a week to ease my troubled mind. So... starting Tuesday.

See ya!

Greetings and salutations everyone, I do hope you're having a wonderful day or two...or a month.

I apologize for the lack of updates, normally I would blame it on life + work keeping me busy as well as those who know me, and my eye condition, I normally want to keep things simple and straight to the point, but I figured everyone needed to hear what I must say.

To recap, yes I'm one of those people who left Deviantart during the height of AI generated art, and at first I grew disgusted with the idea of people taking a cheap route or getting involved in a major scam that somehow attracted the attention of celebrities of all people... but the thought of AI art stealing designs from other people and generating pictures based on stolen talent? Three letters: W.T.F!?

And this is before I kind of had a grasp of what it entailed and I don't blame people who wanted to leave DA or any other gallery that endorses this kind of art thievery, and I'm one of those people that decided to cut my losses and then leave. However, as the months rolled by and knowing all the people I've befriended... I feel bad I had no way of leaving a lasting comment on their hard work and on their artistic talent... even communicating through IM platforms like Telegram or Discord was a problem. Then I entered a phase where I went back and forth about signing back up and eventually, I went back and made a new gallery on DA and arguably with some reluctance: FA... and I'm still in the process of getting things up and running. Even though I am more cautious of what I upload, and what I speak on these journals, I'd rather not broadcast everything that's going on in my life, and personally speaking, I hope everyone else follows suit.

But, now I'm on here as well, I figured I'd discuss the nature of something people might have to do in the long run, and it can be a necessary issue for the sake of your own health, and that would be to: "Cut people out of your life."

Allow me to explain...

It took me a while to do this and it pretty much boils down to whomever really considers me a friend, and to me, it feels more like an investment. A true friend doesn't care if you're broke, upset, what you weigh, and so forth... a real friend will enjoy your company and enjoy you for who you are, faults and all.
But, for a long time, it got me thinking... if a real friend enjoys my company and all, why is it that whenever I read their journals or they post some artwork (vent art or something similar), I end up getting upset, or just... I don't feel comfortable about it. I won't mention any names but to make a long story short; it came to the detail where I decided to just cut these people out of my life... I'm not going to invest any more time into them and I don't want to be involved in that kind of drama.
I mean, imagine if someone makes you feel guilty for enjoying a television program you enjoyed growing up. Imagine if you feel hurt or upset when it comes to trying to be a part of a community and you're given the short end of the stick. Or when you try to invest time and energy to befriend someone that meant a lot to you, only to be disgusted at how they behave as a person now as they used to be back then?

Ultimately, it was difficult to do but I decided to focus on two people in my life that matter most: My close friends who stuck by me through the worst of times and the best of times...and the 2nd person that matters to me is none other than MYSELF.

As much as I know this was difficult to do, in the end, I slowly realized that when I cut these kinds of people, I actually feel better and more appreciated by the people who really do care about me and vice versa. So this is my words of wisdom for you.

Take care of yourself and consider this after reading this journal. See ya soon!

I'm not dead btw, just been busy with IRL stuff but I will start being more active on my gallery here and on DA, but I have been busy with my Patreon page should you wish to support me there as well, anything helps.

https://www.patreon.com/StripetailStudios