What's this? It's another journal update!

First off: today I'm working on my entry for 's Zelda Music Festival contest. I've been wrestling with this beast since I heard of this wonderous event and have had it dead-set in my mind to create something wonderful. My sketches are done, so I can only hope I'll succeed! I'll do my absolute best and you'll probably see it either today or tomorrow (more likely the latter, as I have a lot to do!). Once my contest entry is done, it's full-steam back into commissions.

Now unrelated, but yesterday I went to the Efteling with my in-laws, who graciously paid our way. It was SO good for the spirit! I fell madly in love with Joris en de draak (George and the Dragon), which is a racing wooden rollar coaster that actually replaced The Flying Dutchman as my favorite ride (and I LOVE that ride!). We rode it a whopping 4 times, and honestly I don't think I've smiled that much since my wedding day. We also went and saw the new park show Raveleijn, and goodness that was awesome! I'm not one for park shows, but the set alone for it is absolutely incredible. Not to mention the wonderful costumes, the awesome animal tricks, and the giant 5-headed fire-breathing steampunk Draconicon. For those of you who have seen Raveleijn, my favorite part was when the queen summoned her five ravens. For those of you who haven't seen or aren't familiar with Raveleijn, there was a part where the actress who played the Queen summoned five Ravens with her amulet, who came flocking in from all over the stadium. Witnessing something like that is so impressive and magical, there's a part of you that believes this person must be truly skilled with some magic that could only be a gift, it was breathtaking! At the end of the day we popped by the gift shop for kicks and we saw they were selling replicas of the Raven Amulet the queen wore and used to summon the birds. I loved the design and my Mom-in-law knew how "me" it was and bought it for me! Needless to say I was bouncing out of the park like a happy little kid. Maybe it's just because there's a part of me that's so incredibly touched by things like that since I was never allowed to get any souvenirs or goodies when I was young.

But overall: fantastic day! I want to use my inspiration-high to work on my contest entry today and relax. I haven't been working on personal artwork otherwise, but I have been sharing "Dark" personal concepts in my more personal life that pretain to Niraven and they're getting outstanding feedback. Once I clear my commissions (which I promise to treat with much love and care, the wait is worth it!), I will very likely be revisiting these concepts-- such as a proper colored illustration of Dierdre, a finalized artwork of the Queen of the Dead, and a revision of "Red Eyes" (lame tentative name, I know). Then in October-- Zelda Symphony! But first: finish my contest entry, then delve back into commissions.