Elfen Enterprises

Well, work swallowed me up with deadlines, and then I just didn't get back into the habit of journaling. I always had something else to do. I've realized that with my schedule, it's just not feasible to have daily updates of anything, unfortunately. However, I am resolved to actually put art in my art journal, and to do so on a fairly regular basis.

Until then, have a kitten:

I lived in Japan for a year and visited Nara three times... and these things still entertain the hell out of me. Chocolate caramel deer poopies! Why, you may ask? Because deer outnumber people in Nara, and they're not afraid to let you know it.


That would be one of my best friends getting bitten on the butt.

Photo credit: Me

On the most academic of levels, I know they are powerful, dangerous animals, but all of the orangutans I have had the pleasure of visiting have been the reincarnation of Bob Marley. They're amazingly chill creatures. They remind me of Ludo from Labyrinth.

Photo credit: Unknown

Barbie pink, complete with sparkles. I went through a phase in high school where I painted my nails at least twice a week. I think I may revisit it.



Daily Dose of Delight is going to be a new feature on elfcraft. It's about finding joy and glee in the everyday. I will be trying my hardest to keep it on a daily schedule unless otherwise prevented by travel or other commitments.

Shika Lantern, Kasuga-taisha, Nara

Nara is, simply put, overrun with shika, Japanese deer. Ages ago, the shika were pets of the Imperial family and a ban was placed on hunting or injuring them. Even after the capital was relocated to Kyoto, the shika were considered associated with the Emperor, and thus something holy. Today, they are counted among Japan's national treasures. Thanks to this, they have free run of the entire city, and are well aware of this fact. You've never seen such fearless animals.



I'll have more your way other than photography soon. I've been a busy bee in a virtual sense--uploading, organizing and editing photos from my recent trip with Neil. Tomorrow my goal is to have something available that wasn't born digitally.

I have a strange affection for Japanese crows. They're monstrously huge, preternaturally intelligent, and have the most murderous-looking beaks you've ever laid eyes on. We're told not to chase them away from food or garbage, because a crow who sees you but once will remember you always, and it - along with several of its rookery - will have revenge upon you for your insolence.

There's a kind of purity in how primal they are.