12-31-09. Page 6 - The End. The Beginning.

[Rod]

Not to get all mushy or anything... But I can't help but be a little misty looking back at the year. I brought up the page 6 forum page and looked back over some of the posts throughout the year... It really reads like a diary/synopsis of the past year. A sort of mixing pot full of personal relations, work projects and accomplishments, frustrations, and events.

The first thing that came to mind was how grateful I am to have a place like this to rely on. Thank you Mike and Diana for allowing this for me/us. It really drove home the point that even though I felt disconnected in Tennessee - I really was a part of something bigger and better.

There were a lot of big changes for us in 2009 and I can't help but look back fondly. And, ultimately, it was the interaction that seems to matter most. Meeting new friends, furthering existing friendships and sharing new experiences.

I can't help but be excited for what this new year will bring. And I'm extremely enthused to be running towards it armed with my beautiful wife/foundation, Cherie - and my friends here.

Very sincere thank you and best wishes to you all.

Happy New Year!!!!

Rod

(side note: I'd be remiss if I didn't include one very dear friend who helped me with my sanity, motivation, and inspiration with our weekly discussions throughout the year... Thank you.)

Okay - that's done - time to start drinking!!!!

Tune:

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[Palepainter]

It as been a year for all of us to remember in a lot of ways. Thank You to all of the Learn Airbrush Staff here for making this place so much more for everyone here involved. I am so happy to really not have the forums not being all about what I am doing or how I do it. This is exactly what I was aiming for when we started the place.

Winter has been quite the wrap up for an odd year. It may be some kind of symbol. I haven't quite figured it out yet. We finally sold the house in AZ, my daughter wins the Spelling Bee, Diana takes on some very important roles with advocacy and the political grind. I am so proud of both of them, I feel my self falling back in their shadows at times.

I am still trying to define myself artistically, do we ever win that battle. I know it sounds odd from me, but it is a part of middle agedness I would guess. The guitars and smaller ticket items have been the keys to our success and continued progress. Look for more of that to come.

We turned down a Reality show this year and looking at the crap that is out there, I am glad that we stood our ground. I would not want to be in the line up of the BS we see on the tube these days. Nub and I still have a few things up our sleeve, perhaps this is the year for it. Don't worry Rod, we may still need a roadie. HAHAHAH

Most of all, thanks to everyone here and the mature participation on this site. I feel as though it is what separates us from other places. There are infractions at time, but never get out of hand.. sometimes.. HEHEHE. But it practically runs itself with out police state.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Mike

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[ChicagoBob]

Hi everyone. First off I want to wish everyone here at MLAB a safe and happy New Year. It's funny how fast the year went by and even through all the blessings I've been given the lousey parts of it like the economy seem to be in the forefront. I know sometime I get offensive and I 'm really not trying to, I guess some things that I think are amusing are not to all. I apologize if I assassinated anyone's character. So Happy New Year to all and stay safe, your loved one's will want to see you tomorrow. Peace.

[PeteyDiesel]

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

pretty standard week here... i worked... i painted very little ... and i plan on working on that lol

ive got another goalie lid to paint up in the next 3 days so ill get goin on that tomorrow and then i ve got a couple of other projects in the hopper for later on.

dont wanna make this too long as team Canada is about to come on and hopefully kick team usa's ASS!!!!

EH, O' - CANADA GO !!!

[Cameron Arts]

Wow, what a ride. Except mine started with a crash instead of ended. What to say that Rod didn't already convey so well? Thank you, MPOD. You're irreplaceable.

This was a brutal year for me in a lot of ways. Lots of loss, lots of struggles, but I came out the other side a stronger critter, I believe.

I can't adequately express my gratitude for my good friends here (who are really more like family) & my anticipation for 2010 & all the good things I feel it will bring. For me, life is less about physical possessions & more about experiences, & I hope to really live the New Year. So much to look forward to.

Goodbye, 2009. Hello, 2010. Please be good to those I care about.

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[norgy]

boy I'm glad this year is over...been a blur...and tomorrow I can fianlly say
"I'm retireing this year" ...whooo hoo...and to top it all off I have a new woman in my life that is better than I could have possibly hoped for in my wildest dreams. I hope to introduce her to this MLAB team in the near future. And to top it all off, she is a professional Mural Artist..

enjoy this....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj3I0YKplnI

[shane]

man what a year huh? i am just glad its over so much crap went on way to long, as Larry gets to say he retires this year, i get to say i am moving this year and the next 6 months i have to spend in this hell hole will probably drag by but i now can see the light at the end of the tunnel, i have half a mind to just not even give them another dime for there shit, but melody wont let me do it i am sure. any ways from tomorrow on i am North Carolina bound which brings this tune up for me

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[grafx]

slappy new year year evey one

[air_painter]

Happy New Year Gang!:3b::em4500:

[horse painter]

I agree with others sentiments..... What a year. Looking back over the whole year so much has happened. At times it has just flown by while at other times it seemed to just crawl. I feel blessed to have found this site to talk with others and grow as an artist. Thanks to all who have added their 2¢ to any of my questions or posts.

As I head into the new year I hope to declutter my house, head and life. My house always looks like a bomb went off in it and I need to fix that, but as Marge said life is much less about possession and much more about experiences. May the coming year be a chance to truly get that one right. I hope to be able to keep that thought and cherish every moment with my kids. Too many times I lose focus on what's important and they sometimes get the short end of the stick.

I have been working on updating my website with my brother and am very happy with how well it has gone. It looks like I have some nice opportunities headed my way in the coming months.

May the new year help everyone here get to where they are going. Good luck.

[Steve Leahy]

Wow for 2009.

Was an incredible year for change, that is for sure.

This year I made the decision to move my responibilities fully to evolving my artwork. Consolidation and focus on the type of art I want to do. Not an easy decision to make. Could have been probably one of the most difficult times to do that given the economy but what it becomes is a trial by fire. A trial that I need more for fulfilling one of my purposes for being on this planet rather than simply creating a career.

Mike, I can completely relate to you, the feeling of having to dig inside to find the true direction in your work. I know it won't be long for you to discover it. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we are all looking forward to seeing what you find. Oh, and if Rod is going to be your Roadie, I'd like to apply for the Guitar Tech job :)

Personally, for me this year was also defined by my friends and family. Things came wonderfully into focus for me in 2009. With that focus, I can confidently now look forward. Hope is a bit of an understatement.

So to my family here, Thank you. A major part of the joy I have in being an artist is the friends I have made along the way. Because of that, it has been an incredible journey.

[Kat]

Well, I am late but ah well.....
Sitting here watching the beautiful Lake Effect snow we got going on, drinking a hot cup of 'half caff' coffee.
This past year has been very good to me. The year prior to that, less so as I was recovering from surgery on my spine... I still have some probs but I am clamming up about them and rolling with the punches...have learned the more you mention them more money it cost you...lol So I am going to start saving! ;)
Each year brings the last one into focus more and make you examine what worked, what didn't, what you could do better... I have a plan and I hope to attack it hard this year and come up with new works and get them in print and on the market, locally and globally. You don't know if it will work if you don't try
Mike and Steve are right...it's hard to find your artistic 'purpose' sometimes...I think 'purpose' is ever evolving however.
I have realized some things in the past several years and Marge touched on those....whats good in life is less about materialism and more about the journey and relationships we make.... I plan to make lots of relationships and spend time with those friends....I want to enjoy the journey and so far, it's going well....I am thankful and blessed to be amoung good friends....

This is one of my favorite songs by Natalie Merchant...she has such a lovely voice and an even better message...her music makes you think....

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[air_fx]

2009 was a horrible year for my family in many ways....starting with my own heart problems and then in April we got hit hard by the tornado, and finally ending with an assault on our daughter.

If it wasn't for being able to spill my guts to my artistic family of internet friends I don't know what i've of done.....And to all the beautiful people(you know who you are)that took time out of their daily lives to send your heartfelt PM's to me, I offer my humble thanks....that ment more to me then you'll ever know.....God bless you all.

2010 starts out as an uphill battle but we'll deal with that, because as we all know. If we keep at it. you'll eventually reach the top of that hill and then its all down hill from there....lol

My artwork has really suffured this year, and i'm struggling to stay focused and creative, but when I come to this forum and view what the rest of you are doing, it gnaws on something within me to go out to the shop and paint...draw...scribble...doddle...something!!!! And that my friends is the only thing that keeps my head in the airbrush game right now. So i'm very thankful for those like Mike and Diana that put their time, money and effort into this forum....Your doin good guys....real good.

Thanks all.
Michael

[Annie]

Wow what a year it's been.
My world has been turned around and upside down with the birth of my little Jesse Mojo and so many of you here made the experience extra special.
Painting is pushed to the background because of mommy duty but that's only temporary. I manage to paint a little here and there, but it's hard to really concentrate on anything.

I'm so happy to have this place to at least talk about paint, help people out, learn about new stuff everyday and vent when needed. lol Of course, I'm always ready to give time to those who need to vent or need comfort.

I did not put the effort I want in the website as an editorial contributor and really really push hard to change that. i have a couple things up my sleeve so if I can reach up to grab it, I will have some fun stuff to share with you guys.

Careerwise, the sky is clearing up: I love being a teacher but I was working part time. Even though the hourly pay is great, when you are doing only a couple hours here and there and sometimes not know when you will work again is stressful. But I'm suppose to take over the paint department in Febuary so hopefully it'll work. It's 99% sure, but you never know...I've learn not to jump up too high until it happens. It's still a big source of stress for me. I'm stressed that it might not work, and if it does, I'm stressed that I won't be here enough for Jesse...lol But I will be here a LOT more then if I was still working in a body shop.

To all my very good friends here, have a wonderful and Happy new year with everything you may wish for! Much success with a good health to take advantage of all the oportunities that happen in your life.

As for me, I'll keep riding the rollercoaster that has been my life since March 4 when Jesse got born. I love rollercoasters :yes:

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Here's updated pics of the love of my life: He's already a natural for painting ;)

[russ63]

well been awhile since ive been able to spend any time with the awesome people on this site but you all have helped me in many ways, and as far sa a great site with lots of friends this is the place to be, many bumps have hit me in the face in the last months, but see to all the positive on here from the world over makes me feel like i matter, so happy new year all, lets make this one the best ever,, hats off to all that make this site a comfort, thanks,,

[SPD151]

Greetings,

One of the most exciting things I'm looking forward to this year is ABU 2010! Start the year off right and save up to sign up. Have a safe and healthy year.

Luis

[shane]

Annie i like the kids choice in guns! what do you have them layin around so he can pick um up and play with um????? i do also wish he could get the top off that catchup bottle now that would be a funny picture! just dont let the little bugger put the catchup into the gun ok?! :whistling:

[Dizzy-H]

What a year it has been!!! my first thought was it absolutely sucked!! ....BUT... looking back it had some great moments!!
Such as meeting Mr. Rod Fuchs and being able to learn from the master and pick his brain a bit, Got to see Shane at baker boyz a few times this year while in town had some really great talks with Shane too!!, and Mitch, Dubie, and so many others!! I got to take my daughter to a family reunion and see family (some of whom I haven't seen in almost 8 years and a first for my daughter!!)
I can't forget how excited I am to be teaming up with Petey and our business venture!!

I have had a bit of a hard time settling into the new routine of being a single dad and finding time to paint..... until I hooked my little 4 1/2 yr old angel up with a crappy compressor and an old .5 bottom feed Iwata.... now she bugs me to have some "art project time" so this had made it much easier to find time to work on stepping up the quality of my art work and just have fun painting with my little apprentice!!

So all in all (and with out getting into the crappy parts of the year...lol) I would have to say it was not a "bad" year at all.... well... it coulda been worse..... and thank god it wasn't...lol

so here is a few pics lookin back on the year...
my first project of the year...(first stage of 777 panel)
the last project of the year...(re paint of wolf project from3 yrs ago)
and my masterpiece & apprentice!!.... with her family of "happy skulls"
check out some of those dagger strokes eh??......lol

Happy new year all!!!

Dizzy

[Kat]

My she's growing Don! I still have that pic of her you sent me a couple years back, with her hair in these big curls....cute pic!

[Dave W]

It's rather odd getting to know people by avatars and the written word.

Surgeries, accidents, doctors, deaths, births, moving, ups, downs, celebrations, new creations, taking chances, the economy, new relationships, and the occasional goober...what a year!

A toast to you and your significant others, wishing you a safe, prosperous, healthy, creatively stimulating 2010!