tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331938162024-03-14T08:27:15.554-07:00LOCO'S PONDMichael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-91299381364776727902020-08-17T05:13:00.004-07:002020-08-17T05:17:06.122-07:00The Gang is Back<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXNtkTcMNTYbi0ch_V-vtfAMgEj2rdUr_HYgBKBJqyId2J_JNOfyIqAXEBpe0Tj-2FxzC5uw5tyN-WfVFHS59mhCQ-9ue1b7RFVwbKGzHI5DNg_riQyRRd-yqa5JW0GwwGDmY/s2048/lifeNdeath029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2038" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXNtkTcMNTYbi0ch_V-vtfAMgEj2rdUr_HYgBKBJqyId2J_JNOfyIqAXEBpe0Tj-2FxzC5uw5tyN-WfVFHS59mhCQ-9ue1b7RFVwbKGzHI5DNg_riQyRRd-yqa5JW0GwwGDmY/w408-h410/lifeNdeath029.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Truth is I took a small break from Life N Death. Not from working on it, but just from posting. I still have plenty of strips to run, but depression got the best of me and started playing games with my self esteem. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I started telling myself that people weren't reading it, that they didn't like it. That they needed a break.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So I gave them one, whether they actually needed it or not. </p><p style="text-align: center;">In some ways I hope you missed it, and wondered where the strips had gone. But if I can be honest, in other ways...it goes much deeper.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I had to remind my self that I started this web comic for myself first and foremost. To help ME cope with the darkness that would randomly fall over my mind. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Here we are 5 months into this pandemic, and life is still doing its nasty little dance. It feels like we've lost even more and that there isn't a lot of hope in sight. It also has allowed me to feel defeated. </p><p style="text-align: center;">So I'm bringing Jack, Kermeet and Mister D back from their very brief mini vacation early. They're back to give me some focus. Some clarity.</p><p style="text-align: center;">And hopefully to bring you guys the occasional laugh.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Have a great week everyone.</p>Michael Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831085940594172184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-76397997457422113132020-07-09T14:04:00.001-07:002020-07-09T14:06:39.007-07:00Walt Disney World in the time of Covid<div style="text-align: center;">Let me just start by saying how much I missed this place. It was always my happy place and I'd like to hope that it will remain that way. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefLGTR6wvVM3bWdmqYPbNsekjCtuzK9_38CrWw1IKZjO0Dsu93bjGJAeijDXMpRvYAP3kvzE4C6FxZbofeFkc6f2KP-iiQBTbeTfa2gRiYjU9l6z-Pk0SUak9fpBdD1y-rgeZ/s1058/MKCASTLE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefLGTR6wvVM3bWdmqYPbNsekjCtuzK9_38CrWw1IKZjO0Dsu93bjGJAeijDXMpRvYAP3kvzE4C6FxZbofeFkc6f2KP-iiQBTbeTfa2gRiYjU9l6z-Pk0SUak9fpBdD1y-rgeZ/w375-h500/MKCASTLE.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That being said. Times are changing and its a very different world we are living in now compared to 4 months ago. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Walt Disney World Resort has been closed for just shy of four months now thanks to the onslaught of the Coronavirus. In an attempt at normality and no doubt one to save dwindling bottom lines, the parks are putting their big mouse toes into the reopening waters. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Opening full time to guests again starting July 11, the powers that be were gracious enough to give their employees a Cast Member Preview to one park. Thankfully, both my daughter and my best friend work at Disney, so I was allowed to tag along with them to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom respectively on July 7th, and 8th. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What follows, are my observations as to what could very well become the norm for attending The Happiest Place on Earth in the age of Covid 19.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH8Ft3fe1mH0II68fF3sREniQMGLrh2OmebIAXcRYO2JxQe-IkXSNjfWpyhiflNY1xz35BJ0ZXx9QFHEAXfHEarcDVTaLYfK16AJ9yK_OkIaiSHjmiDitrvQ5GpwmOx-IppX7/s1058/MKparking.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH8Ft3fe1mH0II68fF3sREniQMGLrh2OmebIAXcRYO2JxQe-IkXSNjfWpyhiflNY1xz35BJ0ZXx9QFHEAXfHEarcDVTaLYfK16AJ9yK_OkIaiSHjmiDitrvQ5GpwmOx-IppX7/w375-h500/MKparking.JPG" width="375" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><span><!--more--></span><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We masked up and headed to Magic Kingdom bright and early. We clearly were not the only anxious Cast Members clamoring for some good old fashioned fun. The changes were instantly recognizable as soon as we pulled through the parking gates. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cars were being waved through in small groups of about 15-20. Once through the first checkpoint, cast members were filling every other space in the parking lot to encourage the start of a socially distanced day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once parked, there were no trams running in the parking lot, and we had to hoof it on foot all the way to the ticketing and transportation center. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As promised, there was a temperature screening tent. Outside vendors from Advent Health were glad to make sure you weren't running a fever in the most magical of Disney ways. They'd point what looked like a small lazer blaster at your head and if you were good, you got to move on to the next checkpoint. There they'd have you put your loose belongings into a clear plastic Disney bag, and send you through the metal detectors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Both the Monorail and the Ferry Boat were running. I was somewhat concerned about how crowded and safe the Monorail would be, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well they practiced social distancing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were first corralled into a staging area and instructed to stand on dots on the floor with our groups. (Dot standing is a BIG thing in this revamped version of line waiting)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then as the line into the Monorail waiting area moved, we were directed there and instructed to maintain our distance according to the instruction bars taped to the pathway.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ooACfcy5ARdlbxuqOJBH58shavMsBFCpAZ2FOhEKCQWdo3o8TmMaJJi_2x_4JlXFejcUzBGjUQayOin1tv2MDONj8sGvsEvdyVOx4CAFqRe392k6IbJSyj27ym54ULit75r9/s1058/MKMonorail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ooACfcy5ARdlbxuqOJBH58shavMsBFCpAZ2FOhEKCQWdo3o8TmMaJJi_2x_4JlXFejcUzBGjUQayOin1tv2MDONj8sGvsEvdyVOx4CAFqRe392k6IbJSyj27ym54ULit75r9/w375-h500/MKMonorail.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span>Once at the top of the station where the Monorails themselves were, Cast Members moved us onto more dots. They only allowed two groups per car. One on each side. The seats seemed to be resurfaced, and there were new vinyl partitions inside the cars themselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLirmixEQrVQSbXs4Ex63OwdnDjz5___3Y4q8XjmVJ22OFCZJ3HbvcmJ7pXMc3hvsYLpgg0TsE_9CkV4BV73DanZSI3IoOP3CAMfvhH3nbfOtD7Tw2UtnnQcIAIOqDCvCWR2u/s1058/MKmonorail2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="795" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLirmixEQrVQSbXs4Ex63OwdnDjz5___3Y4q8XjmVJ22OFCZJ3HbvcmJ7pXMc3hvsYLpgg0TsE_9CkV4BV73DanZSI3IoOP3CAMfvhH3nbfOtD7Tw2UtnnQcIAIOqDCvCWR2u/w375-h500/MKmonorail2.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom, guests simply flooded out of the Monorail as if not a single stinky virus had ever infected anyone. The lack of social distancing there, was pretty spectacular. Thankfully we were at the front of the masses. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once at the entrance gates, there were more of the taped distance instruction bars on the floor. When one group went through, the next was allowed to scan their tickets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Walking back on to Main Street was admittedly surreal for me. Its almost as if it was my first time in this park. I guess in some ways it was. I'd never been to THIS particular version of the Magic Kingdom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being one of the first groups through the gates, the road to Cinderellas new and improved Castle was basically empty. There were several Cast Members sporting their masks along the sidewalk, and they were all applauding us and welcoming us home. Made us feel like royalty. And it gave me goosebumps. All I could replay in my head, was when Han Solo boarded the Falcon again for the first time and said..."Chewie, we're home"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKOvdU0FXAHZ4zOaGmsfas0XI4FHt8RmI99F1BXFp86MFD2iYbtScGNUoIM9rlFNC61CBN4bcEfgYEWJ-mQUxA2y3SM6PH_FFbA-6E5iK1m-lqRaQOZlvtfP7rYo1vN2HHisC/s1058/MKMainstreet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKOvdU0FXAHZ4zOaGmsfas0XI4FHt8RmI99F1BXFp86MFD2iYbtScGNUoIM9rlFNC61CBN4bcEfgYEWJ-mQUxA2y3SM6PH_FFbA-6E5iK1m-lqRaQOZlvtfP7rYo1vN2HHisC/w375-h500/MKMainstreet.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Castle itself, looked pretty wonderful, but that's just my opinion. There were the usual band of Disney Photopass photographers scattered around, but not as plentiful as usual. I didn't see any issues with social distancing here since there were so few of us in the park still, but I also didn't see nearly enough markers on the floor for the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwYHd6EARKsbmOrAxNO3hTxe1GwVn0eEf9xbtQPqRGxhnQB8z74xvkmeV6I8XdMH2oqXslKqIkrSzi3Nljip6FHSXF2lb6cfhAKNboJYrqTUlZDlKvLHZAXw-YcS31bFlD4jJ/s1058/MKcastlemorn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwYHd6EARKsbmOrAxNO3hTxe1GwVn0eEf9xbtQPqRGxhnQB8z74xvkmeV6I8XdMH2oqXslKqIkrSzi3Nljip6FHSXF2lb6cfhAKNboJYrqTUlZDlKvLHZAXw-YcS31bFlD4jJ/w375-h500/MKcastlemorn.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the announcement that Splash Mountain would be going away soon and being replaced with the Princess and the Frog, we knew we wanted to make the ride and the merchandise shop our first stop. So we headed there next. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was already a small line to get into the store and to the ride. Here there were floor markers a plenty. We weren't the only ones who wanted Splash Mountain Merchandise. I grew up with the movie. My mom took me to see it at the theaters back in the 80's. And Splash Mountain has always been my number two favorite ride, so I definitely wanted to make sure I added a few items to my collection before Brer Rabbit and the gang vanished for good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhIswKYG025szTLK-lpW2fiy38Xy16epukbUSdxI52Ko2Gmgz0rO6Q1Ujf-Gm8g62-F2oNCTEG8eDWrGoA81IbAc5UQAjXtjGWfQWqoZxIpq2wzue7WWVUSJVA3OJhsVjLzcm/s1058/MKplushwallfull.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhIswKYG025szTLK-lpW2fiy38Xy16epukbUSdxI52Ko2Gmgz0rO6Q1Ujf-Gm8g62-F2oNCTEG8eDWrGoA81IbAc5UQAjXtjGWfQWqoZxIpq2wzue7WWVUSJVA3OJhsVjLzcm/w375-h500/MKplushwallfull.JPG" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needless to say, we weren't the only ones with that idea. People were snagging everything they could and then some. Funko Pops, Ornaments, Pins, T-shirts etc. We admittedly were just as guilty. They were only allowing so many people in the shop at a time, but once inside, the only place there were social distance markers was on the floor by the registers. There were also plastic partitions to protect the cashiers from the guests.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the time we walked out...there wasn't much left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHuXNFWgbOYOEPeDKE1Sl9wOu9_CPJwYv9t3rIgnELTaluX8_fUk0zAYtn0fOtjjuY02XzfTiDZiea1zoWC_-vnV-OQknDWK4P26-OF2m4gik-2y2LdBFlHBsyhgAej-FNR3b/s1058/MKplushwallempty.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHuXNFWgbOYOEPeDKE1Sl9wOu9_CPJwYv9t3rIgnELTaluX8_fUk0zAYtn0fOtjjuY02XzfTiDZiea1zoWC_-vnV-OQknDWK4P26-OF2m4gik-2y2LdBFlHBsyhgAej-FNR3b/w375-h500/MKplushwallempty.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the downsides to the new world of Disney Parks, is that package delivery to the front of the park was not available. So in an effort to protect our buys, and not completely exhaust our arms from carrying it around all day, we made a quick pilgrimage back to the cars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we returned, we went right back to Splash Mountain to take another plunge into the Briar Patch. There was still a long line to get into the gift shop, and we were looking at about a "15 minute wait."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSOPqDSD60CzXXkzhzHBbD_mjqkuId14iqtHh-GkQaP4zkZ3DRZhM74N1BQ9oukWh6-Y-eOGI9G0yJ1disYjQYNKq5G9VuUcsAAypdul-S7_Gg5UtCBqEvlTxEsdCP4LBF7Z4/s1058/MKSplashmtn1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSOPqDSD60CzXXkzhzHBbD_mjqkuId14iqtHh-GkQaP4zkZ3DRZhM74N1BQ9oukWh6-Y-eOGI9G0yJ1disYjQYNKq5G9VuUcsAAypdul-S7_Gg5UtCBqEvlTxEsdCP4LBF7Z4/w375-h500/MKSplashmtn1.JPG" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The line though extended all the way to the front of the attraction. It felt much longer due to the 6 ft break intervals in the line. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMk6hjAVPk7ATzGo4cYMDLsBUb8z_OlLCkajbA2heU7uH_cJe8Kf7JmDVofZH1j3uvXCAU22Glfx9xsiryLe9n-_S1YS3c59Dl63jQpf-Y9KYIQk2wALVbBxKtCBSWdspj616/s1035/IMG_3543.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="582" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMk6hjAVPk7ATzGo4cYMDLsBUb8z_OlLCkajbA2heU7uH_cJe8Kf7JmDVofZH1j3uvXCAU22Glfx9xsiryLe9n-_S1YS3c59Dl63jQpf-Y9KYIQk2wALVbBxKtCBSWdspj616/w351-h625/IMG_3543.PNG" width="351" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once inside the line queue, there were newly installed plexiglass partitions, and between rides, there were cast members suited up like Ghostbusters with proton packs who'd spray the ride vehicles down with disinfectant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Log Chutes themselves were loaded up by party only. Which means they were only filled by your specific group. If you were by yourself, you got a whole ride vehicle to yourself. And they were only filling every other vehicle. I can imagine this sort of thing will eventually cause longer delays in boarding. But I applaud the effort to maintain Social Distancing guidelines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ride itself, is exactly what I remembered. Magical. It will always be one of my top three, but I am empathic with the need for change, and I'm sure The Princess and The Frog will be a neat alternative.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjowHrT5aqVakq_Xz73-vR6lFFqFmBOLEj1Y91GbQ7U5DLfcNEdlQuMT9XPaxPqy6l0I5DFZqFiskDAjcK3oImVqHBpks1vEzts9oqGqGhfymhljJQc4kwfFSUTxaTkgtbJiM7/s1058/MKsplashridephoto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjowHrT5aqVakq_Xz73-vR6lFFqFmBOLEj1Y91GbQ7U5DLfcNEdlQuMT9XPaxPqy6l0I5DFZqFiskDAjcK3oImVqHBpks1vEzts9oqGqGhfymhljJQc4kwfFSUTxaTkgtbJiM7/w375-h500/MKsplashridephoto.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After Splash Mountain, we rode Thunder. Again, plenty of social distancing markers on the floor. And several plexiglass partitions installed inside the ride queue. Once you're in the loading area, they fill the carts up according to party size. Then each party or group fills up every other cart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ride ran smoothly, but the water elements were turned off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrv6gJS1LC9XthWEpU8UP2FjOg9JiDKUqqYd9ImqN7P7JyK25HlE39lGco4tvxl9ZdlVQysn2OLaSoflYpy7GNDzPTzt-qw3istiBvE7q0pWo0kkaMVD1wQYVxtE7vN-x4Xqj/s1347/MKThunderus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1347" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrv6gJS1LC9XthWEpU8UP2FjOg9JiDKUqqYd9ImqN7P7JyK25HlE39lGco4tvxl9ZdlVQysn2OLaSoflYpy7GNDzPTzt-qw3istiBvE7q0pWo0kkaMVD1wQYVxtE7vN-x4Xqj/w400-h300/MKThunderus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our way to The Haunted Mansion, there was a small one float cavalcade of characters and dancers that made its way through the streets of Frontierland. It was good to see Pluto, Donald, Minnie, and of course the Mouse himself Mickey. Sadly, thats pretty much the entirety of the characters we saw that day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGf5qkQq_ut_vBzVQOTCCRQqil1eZ9u2lulowAppbhUGBqUEJSbLAOimvxsyBSDq92kZol8DTNEmQ_D1AzDPu81jiXaVBZ3eLJPcNhqxeirIGcWpLawHyuvednJZ42oyuVjRS/s1058/MKpluto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGf5qkQq_ut_vBzVQOTCCRQqil1eZ9u2lulowAppbhUGBqUEJSbLAOimvxsyBSDq92kZol8DTNEmQ_D1AzDPu81jiXaVBZ3eLJPcNhqxeirIGcWpLawHyuvednJZ42oyuVjRS/w375-h500/MKpluto.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_6izB2xKQUIlcsiWcepT7ARgO5MTKX5G3v02cBUBAnFTytCLv1t38nlBn_c9EPMV-kD-D7NE99joDdv4xgwKy79ZfBEqm0poxdl_o_SsTE8o6qgrpDht7Q-9lfFVQF7gF0X3/s1058/MKdonald.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_6izB2xKQUIlcsiWcepT7ARgO5MTKX5G3v02cBUBAnFTytCLv1t38nlBn_c9EPMV-kD-D7NE99joDdv4xgwKy79ZfBEqm0poxdl_o_SsTE8o6qgrpDht7Q-9lfFVQF7gF0X3/w375-h500/MKdonald.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iliOmeMP7nsLerdHDzXbNnXSl7IWTHPboScjiaZ-M8ZjGTe-7pdNyksuZhFiImT4k8p1Ln7IBksaQV9vjlvZSEkIoGtUl6jVuBDLwinDMeuBoxLVh9eCqhlyIMQ1YOQubq57/s1058/MKMickey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iliOmeMP7nsLerdHDzXbNnXSl7IWTHPboScjiaZ-M8ZjGTe-7pdNyksuZhFiImT4k8p1Ln7IBksaQV9vjlvZSEkIoGtUl6jVuBDLwinDMeuBoxLVh9eCqhlyIMQ1YOQubq57/w375-h500/MKMickey.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Haunted Mansion is hands down my number one favorite attraction in Florida Disney. So I was more than a little sad at the overall experience in this new age version. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxWYvmOMLU-Lxz3A4AFNyfWt3pcHlcsjrLJGHJJqmbWuY6tQSPtbNzlsJwjnms_fYLfQBqHugoj5AjfSyDar6YPRbWAmUqUqa_p3yObUIt5CpF5D7PV9DNwsdtK2Z154Ize_S/s1058/MKhauntedmansion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="795" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxWYvmOMLU-Lxz3A4AFNyfWt3pcHlcsjrLJGHJJqmbWuY6tQSPtbNzlsJwjnms_fYLfQBqHugoj5AjfSyDar6YPRbWAmUqUqa_p3yObUIt5CpF5D7PV9DNwsdtK2Z154Ize_S/w375-h500/MKhauntedmansion.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First and foremost, the walkthrough at the entrance was blocked off. You couldn't visit the statues, and bookcase in the courtyard, or interact with any of the other cool finds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was no wait to enter the ride itself. It was heartbreaking to walk right through the stretching room and directly over to the Doom Buggies. The usual creepy intro that we all know by heart had vanished into the graveyard. No, stretching paintings, no hanging body, no wicked laugh challenging you to find a way out. It was just dead space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For whatever reason the ride itself, was unusually DARK. To the point you could not see a lot. Especially in the early rooms. My daughter and I couldn't decide if it was just our eyes not adjusting to the dark as they usually do in the stretching chamber room, or if it was just technical thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My daughter, also claimed to have not seen the Opera Singing Lady....and I don't think I did either. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That being said, it feels like the ghosts in the graveyard were touched up, because their glow and detail seemed much more bold than usual. It was a saving grace!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After popping into the gift shop, where they were only allowing a set amount of people at a time, we made our way quickly through Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, and Small World. Again, all of them overflowing with social distancing markers, and group specific car loading. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuvqXaRpLYQ0WxAPkUFIpnzAlguS0jMJ8Ph-W02vTQCnsqTR7tuSJkMU0NekKMGi6bWAlgxTRiw6D4VCVyjmxt6u1shCHn1PP61s6KKLq1YcjJ7h3fIqaCrG6b0wlVg6A4J-1/s1347/MKsmallworld.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1347" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuvqXaRpLYQ0WxAPkUFIpnzAlguS0jMJ8Ph-W02vTQCnsqTR7tuSJkMU0NekKMGi6bWAlgxTRiw6D4VCVyjmxt6u1shCHn1PP61s6KKLq1YcjJ7h3fIqaCrG6b0wlVg6A4J-1/w400-h300/MKsmallworld.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We kinda felt ridiculous smiling behind the masks. LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Mickey's Philharmagic, the entry line was the same, and sadly, instead of handing you your 3D glasses, you still self served yourself to them. But once inside the waiting lobby, there were Cast Members directing your party specific Disney Dots where you'd await your showing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX-oxuLmeBCQ5muCFzCV_1_DUzu0dNRfeiX7GJsRbR3bElrV87FgQOTepLsA0unx6ZfOtFjRHLd1VZ1cqky0JQ6CS43z_EbDAjhAkzulHl94IrppU4tKg2-lpgge6prf7yM8g/s1058/MKphildot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX-oxuLmeBCQ5muCFzCV_1_DUzu0dNRfeiX7GJsRbR3bElrV87FgQOTepLsA0unx6ZfOtFjRHLd1VZ1cqky0JQ6CS43z_EbDAjhAkzulHl94IrppU4tKg2-lpgge6prf7yM8g/w375-h500/MKphildot.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When Goofy finally gets the doors open to the theater, every other row is blocked off, and the ushers direct you to your row. Every 3-4 seats there is set of chairs blocked off to promote social distancing between parties. The show, while familiar and refreshing, still had the water spray effects, but was missing the blasts of smells. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You do have the bonus of your 3D glasses fogging up because of the masks you now have to wear. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There isn't a thing though that can make me not love this attraction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2nPC9FMODmEDMonUXFt74GdvP308nhrqq97NaCzvyKhfHYQWP7HDSvTWFe03AuKlhekMEX1QSVJiw0GunV3ASZdJuCg4L_DfPVfxo_C0yVDlV3dBEMYErSM-w4fwTUhWNSSa/s1058/MKDonaldphil.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2nPC9FMODmEDMonUXFt74GdvP308nhrqq97NaCzvyKhfHYQWP7HDSvTWFe03AuKlhekMEX1QSVJiw0GunV3ASZdJuCg4L_DfPVfxo_C0yVDlV3dBEMYErSM-w4fwTUhWNSSa/w375-h500/MKDonaldphil.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hunger had set in at this point and we were ready to eat. Most of the quick service locations had Closed signs in their windows, and from what we'd heard, none of the sit down locations were taking advanced reservations. So we made our way to Be Our Guest, where we managed to score an in person reservation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While waiting we'd wanted to check out Gastons Tavern and the Beauty and the Beast shop, but both were closed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We opted instead to ride the Little Mermaid ride. More floor markers. And intercom announcements where Cast Members advised that there would momentary delays while ride vehicles were cleaned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQlnygRsjUSEgldN4dbbCmUr5OkS_8uyQnb329xSFK1TigZGxnlNvCq9B0IBlq9W3bYgRYQvonYY5OKs7VfS-aineBpctvYnM_CpgkHcEt9SeCiGaJZsBwmZh2OgS3jEmJvCZ/s1035/IMG_3551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="776" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQlnygRsjUSEgldN4dbbCmUr5OkS_8uyQnb329xSFK1TigZGxnlNvCq9B0IBlq9W3bYgRYQvonYY5OKs7VfS-aineBpctvYnM_CpgkHcEt9SeCiGaJZsBwmZh2OgS3jEmJvCZ/w375-h500/IMG_3551.JPG" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were fortunate enough to get to ride through twice because there was no one in line for the attraction at that point. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was finally time for grub and grey stuff. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we finally entered the restaurant, we noticed the amount of available tables. It looked as though they were trying to keep everyone as socially distanced as possible. Some rooms though still felt more crowded than others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LWJs59gm9xaVI69NmGZY8su87zojWjlE09qKb3tA1xxrRD5Q2YyjDRt0JRNIGJDgq_aMjmTYvEMRSkz5-Qqef7Z13YndaTNq7xF1YmyC6dls_s1IYywu92D7WGqO7t1zCApF/s1058/MKbeourguestentry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LWJs59gm9xaVI69NmGZY8su87zojWjlE09qKb3tA1xxrRD5Q2YyjDRt0JRNIGJDgq_aMjmTYvEMRSkz5-Qqef7Z13YndaTNq7xF1YmyC6dls_s1IYywu92D7WGqO7t1zCApF/w375-h500/MKbeourguestentry.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLRt49MS42I92_yD-wivPMmSwVT5OEfZCZJP5xOeVHtxTznHmNahBX6mmQkYIA3_65Mqn0SqDn6SPer9gmp_dg8jdXzFPFEtvkDkt8LiQxv9eHl4b8W3t2EpBKfcrObAHWGrQ/s1347/MKbeourguestdiningroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1347" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLRt49MS42I92_yD-wivPMmSwVT5OEfZCZJP5xOeVHtxTznHmNahBX6mmQkYIA3_65Mqn0SqDn6SPer9gmp_dg8jdXzFPFEtvkDkt8LiQxv9eHl4b8W3t2EpBKfcrObAHWGrQ/w400-h300/MKbeourguestdiningroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-W8MmJs66nSY9Q6u3p_iKer4qUyVwimm4YXA_0y37dQqxXIWuM5nOyRNFKqtBaIi4i_nYCqA-cZycDWQcfaTVaMNzJI4cqesSa9nuy-wOwk8clBwusAad1VE6q6v78p9fVeq/s1347/MKbeourguestwestwing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1347" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-W8MmJs66nSY9Q6u3p_iKer4qUyVwimm4YXA_0y37dQqxXIWuM5nOyRNFKqtBaIi4i_nYCqA-cZycDWQcfaTVaMNzJI4cqesSa9nuy-wOwk8clBwusAad1VE6q6v78p9fVeq/w400-h300/MKbeourguestwestwing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were seated in the back corner of the Rose Gallery. It was quite empty in there, and we were told we could remove our masks as long as we were at the table. But if we stood up to use the restrooms, or to visit the other rooms, we'd need to place our masks back on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Given our location, I felt comfortable removing the mask. Not sure I would've been as relaxed in the other rooms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our server was wonderful, and masked. Very friendly, attentive and glad to be working again. They didn't give us paper menus. Instead they had us scan a QR code with our phones and that showed us the menu. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The food was a mazing as usual. And the Grey Stuff was indeed delicious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zneZ3WXFAIrpCa444e_tUJ49XC47aZxsmzvAOEcXdKrtXZx9awZSyA_DAAMoCENRuATcZ7KzCXxg5oIaODCeMFsVdlbH_HlVLvxXR2tcd4Ou3OcQA2IH7bXCIZrpgtZYCpGV/s1182/MKbeourguestfood.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1182" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zneZ3WXFAIrpCa444e_tUJ49XC47aZxsmzvAOEcXdKrtXZx9awZSyA_DAAMoCENRuATcZ7KzCXxg5oIaODCeMFsVdlbH_HlVLvxXR2tcd4Ou3OcQA2IH7bXCIZrpgtZYCpGV/w400-h358/MKbeourguestfood.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Beast made brief appearances, simply walking into each of the rooms and waving. No photos ops, unless you were quick and at a significant distance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After lunch, we were fortunate enough to ride the Mine Train. It said there was a 35 minute wait, but we basically walked right on. The plexiglass partitions were there. Walking through the line often times made me feel like I was a rat running through a maze. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0-za9VEX3xrTWamrRgZcLYBowbcjGNdMCEzqwx8FTdZ8KhXFOzz5hM-tWw7xV0gjVGseJ1nsZuusY9A7eBvDUSgZM0NYg6TE6aZW-VVogKWyXtabeDIAWpOWtMeUBorCJKdQ/s1347/MKpartitionMinetrain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1347" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0-za9VEX3xrTWamrRgZcLYBowbcjGNdMCEzqwx8FTdZ8KhXFOzz5hM-tWw7xV0gjVGseJ1nsZuusY9A7eBvDUSgZM0NYg6TE6aZW-VVogKWyXtabeDIAWpOWtMeUBorCJKdQ/w400-h300/MKpartitionMinetrain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I failed to mention, that had sanitizing stations like this one were found almost everywhere you turned in the park. Around every store, restaurant, and throughout the attractions. They are motion sensor type so you don't ever have to touch anything. They all worked, although some took a few waves of the hand, and a few were stingy with how much sanitizer they were willing to give. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzZj21T1UWDCj14D49gFdN67TtqB3nTIIneKQCSLYOv6gfARMFZClS993PgOWd_YQb-vSppm4VGFBUQFGk4sVGki04iQ8Hu2WFqR6-lztu0Uf4iO0Viy3k8qDdf4BY4n3QXP2/s1058/MKsanitizer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzZj21T1UWDCj14D49gFdN67TtqB3nTIIneKQCSLYOv6gfARMFZClS993PgOWd_YQb-vSppm4VGFBUQFGk4sVGki04iQ8Hu2WFqR6-lztu0Uf4iO0Viy3k8qDdf4BY4n3QXP2/w375-h500/MKsanitizer.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the Mine Train was done, we made our way over to the Tomorrowland. I needed a bathroom break, and although I'll spare you any photos, lol, I will give you the rundown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not much has changed there, other than every other stall was available. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And much to my chagrin, I saw two different dudes use the facilities and leave the bathroom without washing their hands. It was an awful and disgusting thought before this pandemic. But for crying out loud people....WASH YOUR DAMN HANDS NOW!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd5Jxad7UNBkk7LUtBhjm7AhGykePUNe1Xb-cHKW8L-kEIBUPPmxgEQhkiS8I6DWNdD3O5ciCncbVDqOdyPpkB5H8tZpCrDQ3ITCii2IJMW3SGJclK3Q6qbBVbJpcMtI7YRX9/s1347/MKspacemtnnowait.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1347" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpd5Jxad7UNBkk7LUtBhjm7AhGykePUNe1Xb-cHKW8L-kEIBUPPmxgEQhkiS8I6DWNdD3O5ciCncbVDqOdyPpkB5H8tZpCrDQ3ITCii2IJMW3SGJclK3Q6qbBVbJpcMtI7YRX9/w400-h300/MKspacemtnnowait.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Space Mountain was beyond a pleasant surprise. There was absolutely no wait to board.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again, plenty of social distancing markers along the queue, and once in the boarding area, the ride cars were loaded group specifically. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN1bCMd8J1imE8X8UnuMJLM4vfD8L5nZzXoBn-a29DhOmJwNcT-FbqT9W2QSkB78jOC8NbGABl7761HbVGWfNwt2srkHcM5TsDhS3spamWez-wjiM46At_Dat75bJIAB2Q4us/s1058/MKspacemtnride.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="795" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN1bCMd8J1imE8X8UnuMJLM4vfD8L5nZzXoBn-a29DhOmJwNcT-FbqT9W2QSkB78jOC8NbGABl7761HbVGWfNwt2srkHcM5TsDhS3spamWez-wjiM46At_Dat75bJIAB2Q4us/w375-h500/MKspacemtnride.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Cast Member made sure to remind my buddy that he needed to wear his mask at all times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got to ride it three times in a row with zero wait. It was kinda cool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We decided to close out the day with Pirates Of The Caribbean and another go on Splash and Thunder Mountain. On our way to Pirates, we got a glimpse of the new and improved character Meet and Greets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While Jack Sparrow was NOT wearing a mask, he was keeping quite the social distance. Yo Ho!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5MsV7qYIRBgVrvVb1yNmKwFlHn0jgOVdJvMKsnIBLvDrC510QnXKiQBgMd10GkELgxqirxN7mrbvWI5yA4wONVgJxRif3AUX78Zd_w-0ovpQaiOjm0HH6ZcNJv07qaSkLcn7/s1347/MKphotojacksparrow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1347" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5MsV7qYIRBgVrvVb1yNmKwFlHn0jgOVdJvMKsnIBLvDrC510QnXKiQBgMd10GkELgxqirxN7mrbvWI5yA4wONVgJxRif3AUX78Zd_w-0ovpQaiOjm0HH6ZcNJv07qaSkLcn7/w400-h300/MKphotojacksparrow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As had been the case with every other ride, our party had it's own boat. And every other boat was empty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We closed the day, walking right on to Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain once more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm going to miss Brer Rabbit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YzAH8Us5n2xMtmuR_cE5Av5i7ATs4JAQGM4NH0DQhF5-bp8jwSxDPbIkjJQI3bBkNkBtX00UgKVt_v5ZwqmkmUROlpMGIgCVH7pI6U24CHgwFV4ZZR1vvX09UszdbQOJcudm/s1058/MKsplashevening.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YzAH8Us5n2xMtmuR_cE5Av5i7ATs4JAQGM4NH0DQhF5-bp8jwSxDPbIkjJQI3bBkNkBtX00UgKVt_v5ZwqmkmUROlpMGIgCVH7pI6U24CHgwFV4ZZR1vvX09UszdbQOJcudm/w375-h500/MKsplashevening.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Day two took us over to Animal Kingdom. I won't bore you with too much of the same stuff. Although there were a few things to note.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Starting with parking. There were no trams running in the parking lot at all. They were assigning parking every other space as they did at Magic Kingdom. And the same temperature checks were at the gates before you entered. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq153oeQHmirbrIIiMEq7pYjrLAljeYwGsvt6haj6UNNyHKoyEa4cQkTaMjJ41v4Ebtshs04mykZ9q9Xac05Il5DxpDZk-u458Q3kEoajY3ZEZ-jlVSmMQU810AVTQI-tF74eY/s1347/AKentranceus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1347" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq153oeQHmirbrIIiMEq7pYjrLAljeYwGsvt6haj6UNNyHKoyEa4cQkTaMjJ41v4Ebtshs04mykZ9q9Xac05Il5DxpDZk-u458Q3kEoajY3ZEZ-jlVSmMQU810AVTQI-tF74eY/w400-h300/AKentranceus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once inside there weren't any photo pass people by the Tree of Life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6mWcnEj03JZtgJGgiorvAoK6tK60YUvufyKRkNHITbkXfccgPi7IHjKC8e_EWMHcgnCRFpC7PMUzq_Y6Ar0fu6xuKg9YxoZBS6kl2Yhqk-Ld7LCdXG5R1rODM3UEP-sMeiPQ/s1058/AKTreeoflife.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6mWcnEj03JZtgJGgiorvAoK6tK60YUvufyKRkNHITbkXfccgPi7IHjKC8e_EWMHcgnCRFpC7PMUzq_Y6Ar0fu6xuKg9YxoZBS6kl2Yhqk-Ld7LCdXG5R1rODM3UEP-sMeiPQ/w375-h500/AKTreeoflife.JPG" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But there weren't many people either. So the photo ops were good. Despite the masks. I think its those moments that are going to take the most getting used to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pandora was beautiful and empty first thing in the morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIkt4hUiA4TXl7cuep_pFQILvYrhlN1Pgi1-AKKX_fwYyKHjyXkx9bLZr4K885tGtr4eO8vaDW8fkTPminmkMiXqUXXKj3Qo3jHh43B6fwpGg1-xMyvo42iZDIbtNighX3cMb/s1058/AKPandora.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIkt4hUiA4TXl7cuep_pFQILvYrhlN1Pgi1-AKKX_fwYyKHjyXkx9bLZr4K885tGtr4eO8vaDW8fkTPminmkMiXqUXXKj3Qo3jHh43B6fwpGg1-xMyvo42iZDIbtNighX3cMb/w375-h500/AKPandora.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We managed to ride it twice in a row, with again no wait. If you've ridden it before, you'll notice that some of the ride queue items have been by passed. For example, you no longer wait in a room and get matched to your own Avatar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You still social distance by standing on dots with your party. And although I think they're supposed to wipe down the ride between every guest, I noticed that didn't happen either time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Always take advantage of the hand sanitizer stations by the ride exit in case they accidentally forget. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There may not be a lot of character meet and greets anymore, but there are still great photo ops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20aJZUO5S7478sJtH4fwmz_Hkl4bvx2fxcFxOOuEMBxeh-Oy5_NTG-p4jKYTlDB33Ens8MLPmqVScY5Z0d5RMMLj8EFTgkKUo-BW9lFlJbv2vire0ixMRd0W10nBg5Z8MosJ9/s1058/AKbrobots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20aJZUO5S7478sJtH4fwmz_Hkl4bvx2fxcFxOOuEMBxeh-Oy5_NTG-p4jKYTlDB33Ens8MLPmqVScY5Z0d5RMMLj8EFTgkKUo-BW9lFlJbv2vire0ixMRd0W10nBg5Z8MosJ9/w375-h500/AKbrobots.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Making our way over to the Safari, we got to see a few of my favorite Ducks. While it would've been nice to get a pic with them, it was still good to see Disney doing their best to give us the magic moments we love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMTQOFGhoRMeIIeRWy3POZy3ELTxeo5xBM9SEAcUU74wNZRLqoJQhJIuTONsPgDBIslkqSM2esUvB3Bj51xvXOjNTvvM_s4_Bf42HSj93XZRvK7ye28u9iPCGEOZ0qPdzE8jS/s1058/AKDucksonboat.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="595" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMTQOFGhoRMeIIeRWy3POZy3ELTxeo5xBM9SEAcUU74wNZRLqoJQhJIuTONsPgDBIslkqSM2esUvB3Bj51xvXOjNTvvM_s4_Bf42HSj93XZRvK7ye28u9iPCGEOZ0qPdzE8jS/w351-h625/AKDucksonboat.PNG" width="351" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Safari religiously has epic wait times. Hopefully this is the new norm. We were able to walk right on after having been in the park and ridden Flight of Passage twice, and The Navi River cruise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQrE7D-XSYLHiQ2PfBW8ZaZJ7Gamch-eoQD-E2j6tTmyuHXP5VyN_oZQy8w3HL4yYwomi4pcWq0qioA9xSIWzlYo651oTkmyNWEMYkovx0nSa1WPY_b-oBjMHQgFsobLIYVyX/s1035/IMG_3497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="776" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQrE7D-XSYLHiQ2PfBW8ZaZJ7Gamch-eoQD-E2j6tTmyuHXP5VyN_oZQy8w3HL4yYwomi4pcWq0qioA9xSIWzlYo651oTkmyNWEMYkovx0nSa1WPY_b-oBjMHQgFsobLIYVyX/w375-h500/IMG_3497.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once aboard the jeep, we were instructed that we could remove our masks for the duration of the Safari, but would need to put them back on before returning to base camp. There were new plastic partitions installed between each row. We wondered why this couldn't be done on the parking trams. I feel like while its a good idea, it might create a bit of a stuffy and hot situation if you're in one of the middle rows. Lucky for us we were in the back, and able to take a decent selfie!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC9TjMp4VzO5tn6daWNgHAENyNti3AHLr-R5V54iOckQ3-aqgEp5AuIt1wUL3mtgzV1tUYFkt1WrySx0DFCKUvBi1RWXuJc5Mo5l0h7mJOi8fxV4r6E2HN_CQX9rh_Uq5GoXL/s1347/IMG_3499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1347" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC9TjMp4VzO5tn6daWNgHAENyNti3AHLr-R5V54iOckQ3-aqgEp5AuIt1wUL3mtgzV1tUYFkt1WrySx0DFCKUvBi1RWXuJc5Mo5l0h7mJOi8fxV4r6E2HN_CQX9rh_Uq5GoXL/w400-h300/IMG_3499.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Safari itself was a welcome return. And all the the animals were out. One of the passengers tried to question if the jeeps were kept in action while the parks were closed to keep the animals accustomed to them. Sadly the question went unheard by the driver, but it was an interesting thought. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs27kqn52bxeONKG0QTeQug616P_aqlMv_wXDX93tl7qZLyUw7H1e6isbIwIvmnvFPs9j8TzFrNJS5ajkswIW_I2CX5VV-wjUQW8G0EC6g-aWIV-64Y3hSJ9PQ7SpBELEXdb7/s1058/AKGiraffes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs27kqn52bxeONKG0QTeQug616P_aqlMv_wXDX93tl7qZLyUw7H1e6isbIwIvmnvFPs9j8TzFrNJS5ajkswIW_I2CX5VV-wjUQW8G0EC6g-aWIV-64Y3hSJ9PQ7SpBELEXdb7/w375-h500/AKGiraffes.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the conclusion, there was a small team of cleaners, waiting to wipe down and disinfect the jeep before the next Safari ride began, and we made our way off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Surprisingly, Rafiki's Planet Watch and the train ride over were in operation. Social Distancing markers were on the train to keep passengers apart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvi-J8GFkcOTYW90oNe-mb0nsaQVqKNXoj4rBSNN1TH1iGJ1AT4Shyphenhyphenm-hfDs2wBlxgKIq63_ita0wqZxVWmS8iHja6X3aoia9cQr95YbKCCtfzwIpTHi2uydIhBBpcCqXJijq/s1058/AKrafiki.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvi-J8GFkcOTYW90oNe-mb0nsaQVqKNXoj4rBSNN1TH1iGJ1AT4Shyphenhyphenm-hfDs2wBlxgKIq63_ita0wqZxVWmS8iHja6X3aoia9cQr95YbKCCtfzwIpTHi2uydIhBBpcCqXJijq/w375-h500/AKrafiki.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once in Rafiki's area, the petting zoo had been almost completely closed off, but there were still animals and trainers available to answer questions. No animal petting was allowed though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The only other available attraction was the Art of Animation class. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the tougher aspects we ran into, was the lack of available snackage and eating. Since advanced reservations were not available, it was a challenge to eat. You either had to wait over an hour or longer to get into the higher end locations like Tiffins or Yak and Yeti, or stand around waiting to get into the limited quick service options. Wait times were greatly elevated due to social distancing and relatively small dining areas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Making our way over to Dinosaur, we became quickly disheartened. Perhaps because of the rain, maybe because we'd been spoiled by the lack of wait times for any other attraction, but this particular queue was unbearably long. The longest in fact of any we'd encountered over the past two days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-EjWM4Z_hoAJ9iINg-PBpOO7B4q3mUtGIrdksqOJRuajWlr4FWgfi2mU2uGkNWvRB4FXHqfWlZI5dFFmSbrgDauNI7TVsoyJ0oLXs4XGP4UTprzQlRVxze3TqOFiXpazuIlx/s1058/AKDINoPartition.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-EjWM4Z_hoAJ9iINg-PBpOO7B4q3mUtGIrdksqOJRuajWlr4FWgfi2mU2uGkNWvRB4FXHqfWlZI5dFFmSbrgDauNI7TVsoyJ0oLXs4XGP4UTprzQlRVxze3TqOFiXpazuIlx/w375-h500/AKDINoPartition.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You have to look a little closely, but you'll see the plexiglass partitions to the left of the image. Once inside the Trex room, there weren't any partitions, just markers on the floor. Unlike The Haunted Mansion, you still have to go through the movie presentation where Seeker explains the mission. There are Disney Social Distance Dots on the floor to help keep you "safely" away from others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wondered why they did this here, but not on the Haunted Mansion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once in the vehicle staging area, only one party per time rover. Some of them literally had one passenger. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ride itself was in perfect working order and even had a couple of cool additions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite the rain, we managed to ride Expedition Everest twice in a row, again with zero wait time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaoEVJzyFuGzGgLPl9aOeJn_3iLD31IyP_vSNY2bunaYXuXXNwKdr4pxqIJOmPp1MxaNyGsrOjKJkGVqqC0Hpl-V6ZH3mPOF7jQw8vRx3TI6ke3roX3Nb3w7y32HVkLBHTJXv/s1058/AKEverestpartition.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaoEVJzyFuGzGgLPl9aOeJn_3iLD31IyP_vSNY2bunaYXuXXNwKdr4pxqIJOmPp1MxaNyGsrOjKJkGVqqC0Hpl-V6ZH3mPOF7jQw8vRx3TI6ke3roX3Nb3w7y32HVkLBHTJXv/w375-h500/AKEverestpartition.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The staging area had these plexiglass partitions in place as well. Again, not all rides had this. I'm not sure the thought process as to why some do and some don't. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Yeti still doesn't work. :0(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And you know, that was about it. We managed to basically do all of Animal Kingdom in under 5 hours. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Overall, the experience over two days in the parks was new but not unwelcome. Disney has done a lot of great things to help practice social distancing and to keep the attractions clean. As with anything there is still going to be a learning curve. I don't know how many people will be in the parks when you compare Cast Member previews to General Public attendance. I also don't know what people themselves will bring to the table. Cast Members seem to get it, because they work there and know what to expect. They know the guidelines to abide by. The common guest may not. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are certainly going to be challenges and heart aches that Disney and its Cast Members are going to do their best to deal with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're reading this, and you play on going to the parks. Please, adhere to the guidelines. Help make it a safe place for everyone to enjoy. Be kind to the Cast Members, they're glad to be back. They're willing to take safe risks to bring you the magic. Help them to help you. Wear your masks, take advantage of the sanitizing stations, and bring lots of patience with you. This experimental overhaul HAS to work so that we don't lose it again! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Overall, I had two wonderful days and I felt fairly safe being there. And more importantly it was nice to feel some of that long overdue Disney Magic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmez77KSUOIA4xM_iYv96QfJp2k6Vojfn3plXFXC9V1pPB2YC6Qu-DMUnBlJU9_DY2qqot29wTEGwnrayCg-GZQxu76yv5v4gjNcLAATsRJxnvGq4FFJjcikVsnxl0G7vYJMWD/s1058/AKrusselstatue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmez77KSUOIA4xM_iYv96QfJp2k6Vojfn3plXFXC9V1pPB2YC6Qu-DMUnBlJU9_DY2qqot29wTEGwnrayCg-GZQxu76yv5v4gjNcLAATsRJxnvGq4FFJjcikVsnxl0G7vYJMWD/w375-h500/AKrusselstatue.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div>Michael Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831085940594172184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-41716815453500411172020-06-29T03:04:00.001-07:002020-06-29T03:04:42.354-07:00Suit Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6H8ayMo2ETYsUYfMqK2fYzp2bRGl6WG8Vnx6r-d-fHYPwpSBPpNi9T57nuXRpq7ZVovJfTNbYu9pse35G2tMVIsXP_luFo-iFG2Lmv8L5oM06eETgWWgwiBl2nJ3Lg-5iCo4/s2404/lifeNdeath023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6H8ayMo2ETYsUYfMqK2fYzp2bRGl6WG8Vnx6r-d-fHYPwpSBPpNi9T57nuXRpq7ZVovJfTNbYu9pse35G2tMVIsXP_luFo-iFG2Lmv8L5oM06eETgWWgwiBl2nJ3Lg-5iCo4/w398-h400/lifeNdeath023.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So a guy I went to high school with got Covid-19 and died.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I tell myself to Let that sink in. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A little longer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeah, it still hasn't really sunk in with me. I admit I had to go into one of my old year books to look up Rene Chavez. I remembered him. I think we interacted a few times. I don't have anything bad to say about him, we just ran in different circles. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But somehow, his passing makes me feel as sad as if we'd been best friends. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He was school teacher, a husband....a daddy. He was my fucking age. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And yet, I still see people chancing this shit. Walking around without masks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font size="5">NOT. EVEN. TRYING!</font></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look, I get it. Wearing the mask sucks ass. Its hot, it makes your face sweat, and you have to breathe in the tacos you had for lunch a few minutes before. And you know what, it may not really be as effective at blocking this shit as we'd like it to be. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But ultimately what the fuck does it hurt? If there's even a remote chance it could save your life, save someone else life...your sweet abuelita....your cousin Panfilo with the diabetes, wouldn't you take it?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I live in Florida where this thing is exploding by massive and gargantuan proportions. It's everywhere. And I just want to hedge my bets the best I can. I want that for all of you as well. I don't want you to die from this. I don't even want you to get sick from it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take into consideration that in many places, like where I live, it's MANDATORY. Like seat belts, and no smoking in restaurants. Like not drunk driving, or robbing banks. It's a rule...and people just don't seem to give a shit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My daughter and I had to go to the groceries. We wore our masks. We saw a family. Mom, Dad, 4 kids, most of them grade school aged. And the kids were wearing the masks....and the parents weren't. Let's say for the sake of argument that the kids are safe...they don't get it...but what about you Mom and Dad!? You get that shit, you both die....your babies are orphans. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Good God the sheer amount of people whose freedoms are being so imposed upon because they are being asked to join the fight against this shit.....it's disturbing. Man, some of you dumb shits wear masks on Halloween, in the winter when its cold out....its a piece of thin fabric that you wear for a brief fleeting moment when you're out. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you get it? I want you to be healthy..I want you to not die. I want you to not carry this garbage to others and potentially harm them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh...but TONS of people are recovering. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And? People are getting it again. People are ending up with lasting long term effects from it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And guess what....<font size="5">PEOPLE ARE STILL DYING FROM IT.</font> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">People who should still be on this planet. Holding their loved ones, laughing at silly moments, creating, contributing...living their lives. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I dare you fucks who refuse to follow the rules and wear a mask, to walk into a closed room. A closed room filled with people sick and dying from it. Coughing and sneezing in your damn faces. I dare you to stand there with them and shit talk. Talk about how you'll be fine. How a mask wouldn't help anyway. Don't you DARE ask them to put a mask on to protect you. Breathe it in. Suck it in. THEN tell me how masks are pointless, and infringing on your freedom. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Its a piece of fabric you're being asked to use to cover up a part of your body. I'm not seeing the outcry from people pissed off because their leaders are telling them they have to cover their naughty bits in public. Its the same damn principle. At the very least...the faster we curb this shit, the sooner you can go around showing your ugly faces again. It'll match your ugly fucking ideals.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Think of others, so that they'll think of you in return. Put on your mask. Suit Up. Safety and humanity will look good on you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And for those shaking their heads. Those in the back, saying this pandemic is fake, that more people die from this or that, that its just another disease people are dying from....Tell that to the kids who have lost their parent, the wife that lost her husband....tell it to the countless dead....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tell it to Rene Chavez. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>rest in peace Rene. </i></div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-25312185425679453492020-06-19T03:58:00.001-07:002020-06-19T03:58:38.427-07:00For the Record...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAdQj17pmBB7xg-9CYKKmYRtvyAZ1FkLNrvXh0j9HY4IYFFLRAa5YMlRPgFpHX5REUrxBdQ0UAEgJI6IJaj-22p26QqbexwkUajaZbwc8ZSJYZp8NYWA-YS2ASEqTpT1IvMok/s1985/boogarbunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1985" data-original-width="1200" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAdQj17pmBB7xg-9CYKKmYRtvyAZ1FkLNrvXh0j9HY4IYFFLRAa5YMlRPgFpHX5REUrxBdQ0UAEgJI6IJaj-22p26QqbexwkUajaZbwc8ZSJYZp8NYWA-YS2ASEqTpT1IvMok/w301-h500/boogarbunch.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boogar Bunch</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not done with these guys. Not by a longshot. They're just on a short vacation. They'll be back soon. I promise.</div><div><br /></div>Michael Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831085940594172184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-72708793448763592432020-06-04T01:37:00.000-07:002020-06-04T01:37:10.032-07:00Stopping the Hate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQLRIRsoL5NN5GBnd3bVUHWQFw58CrhqqjJmfotxqtkm6iubMKmpLbYtOr-4dt8aQqqVFVlItdFLZK2NKoD9ycIX2B7I3uXVGJmdRqr1mU6THHm9DnH-WXidvCYK-M9KTz028/s2404/lifeNdeath014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQLRIRsoL5NN5GBnd3bVUHWQFw58CrhqqjJmfotxqtkm6iubMKmpLbYtOr-4dt8aQqqVFVlItdFLZK2NKoD9ycIX2B7I3uXVGJmdRqr1mU6THHm9DnH-WXidvCYK-M9KTz028/w398-h400/lifeNdeath014.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtifC1PLoWOBiKLKfbQ0C6KwQHR7Kdzx0IE2LIwicUaT7lWHMJKu5LEBK_PEy5hrpIiFf3KQiB3POOD3SvsV_ouqrREXP08odLupMjU0QdowH24RiImF8ib9_E3dBK1ZxN-L8/s2404/lifeNdeath015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtifC1PLoWOBiKLKfbQ0C6KwQHR7Kdzx0IE2LIwicUaT7lWHMJKu5LEBK_PEy5hrpIiFf3KQiB3POOD3SvsV_ouqrREXP08odLupMjU0QdowH24RiImF8ib9_E3dBK1ZxN-L8/w398-h400/lifeNdeath015.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If it isn't one thing with our country its the other.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What has happened? We went from lockdowns and looking out for each other, to looting in the streets. All because of the seemingly recurring issues affecting Black Lives, and continuing violence and racism against them</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's been heartbreaking to say the least. And George Floyd seems to be another victim of the worse that law enforcement could offer. But times will show, he will become so much more than just another victim. He will forever become a symbol for change.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I usually choose to not engage in politics or current events. But I have this platform now. This strip, that deals with the day to day of life and death. It has given me the outlet to vent, to observe and to speak. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There has to be change. There has to be some difference. There has to be overwhelming solidarity and unity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My heart hurts for every color, race, breed, gender identification and human being involved. I feel for the good, fair, and well meaning members of law enforcement. After all they aren't all acting with hate. Many are standing side by side with protestors. They are condemning the acts of the few. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But it isn't about them. Its about the lives in turmoil. The lives being acted against only because their skin color is different. Right now its about showing that Black Lives Matter.</div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-86413782030158419832020-05-29T02:07:00.000-07:002020-05-29T02:07:16.682-07:00Life N Death<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LVsZMzT_friz50a6MqatWrCrl2k8hjooDA2TQMGHK2WQmbV2qsGYG7m-TTh6tdOWUoc8kFcJYhe9CpbOkA1Xa8v9s7y04nmCUmhEfVPK9UnVskEJfKf15SSP1hMO75Y6jLO6/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2228" data-original-width="2392" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LVsZMzT_friz50a6MqatWrCrl2k8hjooDA2TQMGHK2WQmbV2qsGYG7m-TTh6tdOWUoc8kFcJYhe9CpbOkA1Xa8v9s7y04nmCUmhEfVPK9UnVskEJfKf15SSP1hMO75Y6jLO6/w400-h373/lifeNdeath000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I honestly never thought depression would play a factor in my life. Much less thoughts of suicide.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhere a little over two years ago, flickers of both started to show their ugly faces. I didn't understand them then and I still don't really understand them now. After all, when they began to surface, things in my life couldn't have seemed more perfect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was making money doing something I loved for a living. I had the opportunity to travel. I was married to my best friend. Had two beautiful daughters and had just found out I had a third on the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life couldn't be much more perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>But it corroded. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fast forward to about 7 months ago, and I had decided to end it all. I was going to take a cruise and never come home from it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I even had the perfect suicide note. I called it "<i>The Kill Myself Cruise</i>" and it was going to star the three characters you see in the above image. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Mister D. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A naive Grim Reaper who is new to life.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Jack.</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>An aging cartoonist dealing with depression, suicidal thoughts, and life in general.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Kermeet.</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>His stuffed frog toy from childhood who had always been there, and never let him down.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Luckily for me. Something changed. I won't get into all the details. But something did change. And it allowed me to walk off that boat, and continue trying to best the depression.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Things however went from bad to worse. So many details, so many stories, so much heartbreak, adventure, malarky, and memories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then one day, out of the blue, I got to thinking of romance. And how much I missed it. I came up with a funny little cartoon strip idea about it. And I decided to see if I could incorporate these characters into it. So the first strip you'll read isn't even the first one I wrote. But its honestly probably the most powerful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm far from out of the woods with my depression. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The world, is in a crazier place than, ANY of us probably could've ever imagined it would be. Viruses, rampant racism, murder, division and a crumbling society. There's so much left to deal with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maybe, just maybe, this strip can be my saving grace through it all. And if it does something positive for anyone else dealing with the shit storms in their minds, then there is a reason I walked off that cruise ship and continued my fight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the first six strips of Life N Death. Be good to one another and enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWxsgJVgpADuIDqmvGNoDyrRUA2_troONdWaO4b0EPPG6dvuxY8G6-hy7BHpX2bFgjfnB8jlLKl-dUsJTGQE5wTvsrkgbMSCuiATxi9sQ5_6j9mJmW_Vh1IscWr9GDFq7ptT5/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWxsgJVgpADuIDqmvGNoDyrRUA2_troONdWaO4b0EPPG6dvuxY8G6-hy7BHpX2bFgjfnB8jlLKl-dUsJTGQE5wTvsrkgbMSCuiATxi9sQ5_6j9mJmW_Vh1IscWr9GDFq7ptT5/w398-h400/lifeNdeath001.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>That moment. I was Ready. But Mister D wasn't.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTm8juAg0F1WL5dqGNSwE4P4vil6ZHhKoDHJXzD_x4Q0uUovTh1YFxtlpHiNXgMNwSyVTuFJI0iTTNG_klDs6G4jN8oSqGWV2PESDhfm-KfumK-viUrpUgN5fWqWCVnxvIhVE/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTm8juAg0F1WL5dqGNSwE4P4vil6ZHhKoDHJXzD_x4Q0uUovTh1YFxtlpHiNXgMNwSyVTuFJI0iTTNG_klDs6G4jN8oSqGWV2PESDhfm-KfumK-viUrpUgN5fWqWCVnxvIhVE/w398-h400/lifeNdeath011.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>It really isn't a pretty sight.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CWxjZcIT4VetWZJn67URNeTZBmscMRi1tcqE4eTX3J08vhhWzgo0FhjTPLcAt9l5kt-7_VeLYR-droDoIw3CcxJYiTdRLeNOl1nCxJ18_W4Ap9ZZgsjjsBX976VjvjZfE6Q8/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CWxjZcIT4VetWZJn67URNeTZBmscMRi1tcqE4eTX3J08vhhWzgo0FhjTPLcAt9l5kt-7_VeLYR-droDoIw3CcxJYiTdRLeNOl1nCxJ18_W4Ap9ZZgsjjsBX976VjvjZfE6Q8/w398-h400/lifeNdeath012.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Those FB avatars really drove me bonkers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHf0tlzoynG8FE_AlDxLs2IpyTkVwB_lsRhd5bZhsC4RfB471Ow-DEhGHUuHhftFKILnjcG13LMNU9Wx6LSfJOhsirfLL3I8AsLgDZ81WTRFdfAObqDVlGCoHvYffd_mBi5HZ/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHf0tlzoynG8FE_AlDxLs2IpyTkVwB_lsRhd5bZhsC4RfB471Ow-DEhGHUuHhftFKILnjcG13LMNU9Wx6LSfJOhsirfLL3I8AsLgDZ81WTRFdfAObqDVlGCoHvYffd_mBi5HZ/w398-h400/lifeNdeath013.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Need I say more? </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg1qz1Hg4YAC13U3lrNef24PYs4Lggiu5jBCV2JJnZs84_TK380VHDLd8ySb4c-I0iYidLbjR0cPXcd_o_t3cxgRCcXrAKwSs8_sYM7mPzcw86rehxLAO7w17yVlvVVp7uVJd/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg1qz1Hg4YAC13U3lrNef24PYs4Lggiu5jBCV2JJnZs84_TK380VHDLd8ySb4c-I0iYidLbjR0cPXcd_o_t3cxgRCcXrAKwSs8_sYM7mPzcw86rehxLAO7w17yVlvVVp7uVJd/w398-h400/lifeNdeath004A.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>It's the little things right?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDMNqSaRskiqao2mz1AmcKtcJaIn0DYVVRpGLFMwUuJatkrUMhnpTNBA0pSku_M02YS08Fq_qax0NxZmYE86QvWP846uX7L9wqBx41s7bas0bk7rVaX9AHUlNO86U3Ut2B3Tx/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDMNqSaRskiqao2mz1AmcKtcJaIn0DYVVRpGLFMwUuJatkrUMhnpTNBA0pSku_M02YS08Fq_qax0NxZmYE86QvWP846uX7L9wqBx41s7bas0bk7rVaX9AHUlNO86U3Ut2B3Tx/w398-h400/lifeNdeath008.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>True Story. At least the first few weeks of lockdown.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfKWYzHYnbhk30n1KeieW76sgpjsNcXIMG900c4iJyt_MJYw8vq0gRHlwcrbpeNCieAIneyVvM1ebg1bi738JPUga_OPGs0H3EFQRaHcelKI0oVIatIf5vj-QMfpnSGfpXZLT/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="2392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfKWYzHYnbhk30n1KeieW76sgpjsNcXIMG900c4iJyt_MJYw8vq0gRHlwcrbpeNCieAIneyVvM1ebg1bi738JPUga_OPGs0H3EFQRaHcelKI0oVIatIf5vj-QMfpnSGfpXZLT/w398-h400/lifeNdeath007.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>and the latest. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If anyone actually reads my blog, they got an early preview of today's strip before it releases to the social media masses. I hope you guys like them as much as I'm enjoying making them. Have a wonderful weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-9372683118856823272020-05-24T22:47:00.001-07:002020-05-24T22:47:05.797-07:00Under Construction <div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jGT_nrXGFxu9R8MedlVQK1saRjedD6mJvA9yjQVVUmgCQvi4P7c2Bm0Zi2HoNo7mWjDH_LzR9wxSXMFGWMnQFiSOx64xITX9AUkQa7er9s-vGOiBJ4nbjkzRKVGVnSvp521z/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2445" data-original-width="2374" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jGT_nrXGFxu9R8MedlVQK1saRjedD6mJvA9yjQVVUmgCQvi4P7c2Bm0Zi2HoNo7mWjDH_LzR9wxSXMFGWMnQFiSOx64xITX9AUkQa7er9s-vGOiBJ4nbjkzRKVGVnSvp521z/w389-h400/Pinkrondu.JPG" width="389" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I honestly thought about waiting to post something until June 2. I figured this way I could say I made it another whole year without posting on this blog. Even though I said I was going to make more of an effort.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Truth is, between social media and laziness, I never had the desire to. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Is there really any point to a website anymore anyway? I can post updates on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, snapchat, linked in, linked out, inside, outside, up and down. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But you just don’t get the full Monty on those social media utopias. And here? Well, you came here for a reason. And maybe you’re willing to spend a little extra time reading. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then there’s that whole pesky Coronavirus.....thing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life has taken quite a tumble for EVERYONE in the last couple of months. I found myself with so much extra time, I figured, why not do something productive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After the first two weeks of growing facial hair, sitting around in my underwear, binging on Netflix, PS4 and my Nintendo switch, it was time to put down the little debbies and get to being effective.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made myself a 20 something list of things I wanted to accomplish. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’ve caught up on commissions, cleaned out the garage, finished 120 Marvel cards for an upcoming set, rearranged my studio, took my vitamins, said my prayers and started training. I’ve become Hulk Hogan lite.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And of course I wanted to update my site. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’m nowhere near done. But I cleaned out a bunch of the older artwork I’d been hoarding. Stuff that I thought was pretty great in its own specific time, but now reminded me of primitive cave art, has all been kicked to the digital curb. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That being said, if you fart around enough with the links, you’re bound to run into this pink haired (and also redesigned) beauty. But I promise you, I am working on it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lockdown/quarantine has at the very least gifted me with time. Time to create, time to de-clutter, and time to catch up. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’ll make another quasi empty promise to continue the updates here. Because sometimes I feel like writing more than just 140 characters. Even if no one reads them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">See you guys soon! </div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-9377641383896398972019-06-02T01:29:00.002-07:002019-06-02T01:35:46.174-07:00Still here.... 2 Years later<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow. So much time has passed that even the software I had for Blogger is no longer compatible with my iPhone or iPad. Luckily it seems that I can still post directly from the internet. Although it would seem.</div>
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I have some news, probably lots of news coming. But I’m not going to get into just yet in the event this doesn’t work. But if it does... I’ll make the empty promise again to get more active with my posts and updates.</div>
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Really.</div>
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In the meantime here’s some art.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5n7VQZM6ojQE6yApiyzYSFNe7rcxjrR6x50GJx-8zZ321u9ASQFgcOXK-CnK1nLmzHVsRVr_p36XsQiRs_13CLN3gIxVVlnjlmCqyQamj9hoz7XjtgTVr0CqZ45DFTf_gf8c/s1600/AF61A431-C5EC-4317-A101-C6F67EEA51A4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5n7VQZM6ojQE6yApiyzYSFNe7rcxjrR6x50GJx-8zZ321u9ASQFgcOXK-CnK1nLmzHVsRVr_p36XsQiRs_13CLN3gIxVVlnjlmCqyQamj9hoz7XjtgTVr0CqZ45DFTf_gf8c/s640/AF61A431-C5EC-4317-A101-C6F67EEA51A4.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Lana and the lovely Rusev from WWE</td></tr>
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Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-32776842317886850602017-11-27T16:34:00.000-08:002017-11-27T16:47:53.936-08:00All the Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb4U7fc9UR8cMcnOi-lnrbhmj3CRcdVNiYPWe_DPMasVq-LiRMnWeGLwC1I-dyewabrblCBAxL8BcktLqhzo3Wp6BjzlWzGJLcKB_kYGRJAmdnLDC78b5W6lyi-RDYg4cuOFF/s1600/boogarvariant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb4U7fc9UR8cMcnOi-lnrbhmj3CRcdVNiYPWe_DPMasVq-LiRMnWeGLwC1I-dyewabrblCBAxL8BcktLqhzo3Wp6BjzlWzGJLcKB_kYGRJAmdnLDC78b5W6lyi-RDYg4cuOFF/s320/boogarvariant1.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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So. It's been a while. Last time I updated this was June of 2016. I know. I'm horrible at this. </div>
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BUT, lots of things have developed since then. I returned briefly to working on Star Wars cards for Topps, I drew a cover for Betty and Veronica, made it through a hurricane, and most importantly SUGAR BOOGARZ is finally in comic shops! There are some personal things too, but more on that later. </div>
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The fact that Sugar Boogarz is finally in comic stores is truly a dream come true, and the pinnacle of a life long goal. I've always loved making comic books, and thanks to a lot of hard work, my wife, and Cosmic Times, that dream is officially a reality! </div>
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I honestly can't tell you how happy it made me to walk into a comic shop and see my book sitting on a shelf next to Spider Man and Watchmen. It was even more amazing to buy a copy for my daughters. </div>
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Its a piece of me that will forever remain for them, and something I hope they'll forever be proud of.</div>
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THAT BEING SAID!</div>
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I know that a bunch of you are waiting on commissions. Some of you have been waiting a while. I want to tell you how much I appreciate your patience. There have been many contributing factors to why there has been delays. The comic book is a large part of that, but also, my day job at Disney, and Artistic Talent Group has gotten busier and busier! Ive been sent several times to South Florida, to New York, Seattle, Texas, Alabama, Boston and more. Its a blessing to be in demand, but it also slows down my studio work. But bill shave to be paid. On top of that, we've had some personal issues to deal with, including my father having triple by-pass heart surgery, and other larger issues but more on that later.</div>
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The good news is, I'm back in my studio and ready to go again. I have a newfound purpose and I'm ready to conquer goals all over! I've gotten the commission list in order and Toni is going to help me keep on track. </div>
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My current commission list is closed until I get caught up. To the right I have my current list. It's even scarier than it looks! lol. I'll update it as I go. It's not in a particular order, and some are in different stages of completion, but I know some are time sensitive so I'll be attacking those as quick as I can. It's a big undertaking, but with the exception of a few MONSTER orders...(cough cough Dave), I should be caught up by the end of the year. If you have ANY questions, don't hesitate to message me at locoduck@locoduck.com</div>
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Thanks again guys!!!</div>
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<br />Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-46218854852881831502016-06-27T18:30:00.001-07:002016-06-27T18:32:22.596-07:00I'm Not A One Trick Pony!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HSmBk4_vXJ0C0_zreksAFAkyBKj2Kg-77VV9zgSwszxg3qzl3jCrg1POQi1OattZmF8ANi47jJBLYpHrlOHDxqmKjGWHswLJrIFPwKOd64ruQDPp_6eN9lFhCWPnOLh7Zxpy/s640/blogger-image-2110307453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HSmBk4_vXJ0C0_zreksAFAkyBKj2Kg-77VV9zgSwszxg3qzl3jCrg1POQi1OattZmF8ANi47jJBLYpHrlOHDxqmKjGWHswLJrIFPwKOd64ruQDPp_6eN9lFhCWPnOLh7Zxpy/s640/blogger-image-2110307453.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HSmBk4_vXJ0C0_zreksAFAkyBKj2Kg-77VV9zgSwszxg3qzl3jCrg1POQi1OattZmF8ANi47jJBLYpHrlOHDxqmKjGWHswLJrIFPwKOd64ruQDPp_6eN9lFhCWPnOLh7Zxpy/s640/blogger-image-2110307453.jpg"></a><br /><br />Drawing on the road again. Headed home to Orlando. This time I'm doin. A character study for my upcoming Sugar Boogarz book. From issue 4...Beware the Lickubus Beast. I've been really focused lately on my creator owned comic. This should've been a thing in 2014 but life took me on a different path. There's been so much rumblings of the issues in artist alley lately that I wanted to prove I wasn't a one trick pony. I've always had a passion for drawing comics of my own creation. Since middle and high school I've been doing it. But lately the focus of my universe has been fan art. It's what you guys love and to a degree I love doing it as well. But I have lots of stories to tell. And I'm really hoping that you'll start supporting those as well. I'm not saying I'm giving up on fanart, but I am shifting some of my attention back to the stuff that really makes me happy. Drawing my own comic books and stories. Please, join me, support them and take part. If you're at a show buying 25 dollars in prints, maybe consider asking me about my books and picking up a book or two. Let's see if this experiment works. Let's see if the main attraction at my table can become MY art, and MY stories! I promise...they'll be every bit as moving as my fanart. :)</div>
Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-24648989902554106952016-06-22T01:07:00.002-07:002016-06-22T01:08:51.359-07:00That Horrible Night in Orlando….Rest In Peace Pulse Victims.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First off, Toni the girls and I are all fine. Aside from driving by the club early last night on our way home, we were nowhere near the area. That being said, my heart hurts for everyone affected, and for our country in general. But even more for Orlando. I'm a proud Texan born and raised, but Orlando has embraced me and become my home for over 12 years now. And what happened last night was senseless. Regardless of whether or not it was a Gay club, it was a place full of life and love, happiness and energy. Having grown up in and around the LGBT community, I have been to places like Pulse. Growing up we'd easily go in groups after a theater production and hang out. Not based on our sexuality, but our desire for good music and comradeship and fun. This kind of horrendous act could have happened anywhere at anytime to any one of us. Fueled by anger and hate and ignorance, it shouldn't happen though. It's broken many today and countless more will follow, but it's uplifting to see our community coming together en masses to form a circle and give strength to our city and those who reside in it. Continue to love one another regardless of skin color, sexual preference, political or religious beliefs. And if you're the praying type, fill the heavens with your words for those taken and those left behind to pick up the pieces. If you're reading this, it's because I love you all, and everyone of you mean something special to me. Hugs and love always.Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-73127678551479726982016-05-15T02:57:00.001-07:002016-05-15T02:57:20.861-07:00Somethings coming....<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDaM4M18Q1Ptsvb6PqUWD2QgoSM9wvMstgokuLoIVX9vpQGU_wJTYkhkcgGZeABcDKisoGXrLpiKApHnbUtph8Bq56_ZRV7WvMKOhkGa6grbcydvB-JUFEQBdvdPabIu6dyEu/s640/blogger-image-8263218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDaM4M18Q1Ptsvb6PqUWD2QgoSM9wvMstgokuLoIVX9vpQGU_wJTYkhkcgGZeABcDKisoGXrLpiKApHnbUtph8Bq56_ZRV7WvMKOhkGa6grbcydvB-JUFEQBdvdPabIu6dyEu/s640/blogger-image-8263218.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a way to end my night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This post maybe a bit of a soapbox, but injuring my drawing hand put a bunch of things in perspective for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I know there's a bit of a debate out there among artists and people in general about our skill. There are those people who will look at our ability to create art as a "gift." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I believe in that notion as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now I can already see a ton of artists pulling their hair out because I agree with that point. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But there are a few reasons why I do. One....because I AM religious and I do believe God has a hand in things. I won't argue or debate religion with those of you who don't believe that. You're entitled to feel what you feel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But ultimately I believe I was born with a gift. That we all were. LIFE, is a gift and we all have to work at it. Some are gifted in other ways, I was blessed with an ability to make art.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And two....The rest was up to me. That's where I believe that studying, and honing my gift over years and years comes into play. I've poured blood, sweat and tears into my craft and I always will. If I don't nurture and work hard at it, it will die out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When I hurt my hand, I found myself praying...a lot....for healing, for another chance to keep going. And ever since, I've been working my ass off to get back to where I was. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've been blessed to continue on that path. And I want that path to lead me back to telling stories with my art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've always loved comics, and as far back as I remember, I've drawn them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I started a project called Sugar Boogarz back in 2013. Yes it's been that long. I was supposed to have an ongoing title, plus a webcomic kicking off in 2014. But due to life, and work....plenty of blessed to be busy work....I've never fully realized that potential. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now that my hand is in somewhat working order, I HAVE to see it through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A few months before my accident, I had created a piece of art that I framed in my studio of these Sugar Boogarz characters and they were asking why I had abandoned them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I looked at that piece everyday and could never answer myself why. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So I've decided to put my gift to use. And tonight I drew a new page of my book. And tomorrow, I'll do the same.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I'll continue to do so until I accomplish my goal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For those of you who are waiting on commissions....don't fret. I'm going to work on those and get one to two done a day and work on my personal comic project at the end of the night. Like I did today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tonight I knocked out a 5 character digital commission and then did this page. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We're back on track..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And what does Glee have to do with ANY of this? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well I've started and stopped and restarted the series a few times. I love it to pieces. But could never get past season 2. I'm happy to say I'm two episodes into season 3 now. And this particular episode ended with a fantastic rendition of Something's Coming from West Side Story by Darren Criss. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I felt pretty good about myself.... and my art...my skill...my gift....and my accomplishments. And as I looked at my page, I kinda sang along with the lyrics ....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Somethings coming, something </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">good!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks for reading, and for all your love and support.</div></div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-686040811394769542016-04-22T13:41:00.001-07:002016-06-22T01:09:22.709-07:00She's a little Suicide Squad CrazyThese are my first real attempts at drawing anything with substance since my hand injury. The more I draw her, the more the Suicide Squad design for Harley Quinn grows on me. Looking forward to Margot Robbie's performance! But I'm looking even more forward to getting back to drawing.<br />
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Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-30049792879271225712016-01-11T01:39:00.001-08:002016-01-11T01:40:33.420-08:00Big Hero Baymax<div>
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Fun little #baymax commission from Baltimore comic Con. I really loved #bighero6 It was such a departure from the comic book. #bigherosix #disney #disneyartMichael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-53304648514720472292016-01-06T21:05:00.002-08:002016-01-06T21:08:14.506-08:00Unexpected Horror and Prayers for Glenn <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Details are out there now. It's just a living nightmare. I worked with Glenn Ferguson just a couple of weeks ago at an event he was relatively new to. Although he is a master caricaturist, he still had an eagerness to learn and was over the top complimentary to the rest of us. Just overall a good, good guy.<br />
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Early on New Years morning, he was barbarically attacked and stabbed in the neck and head with scissors by a co-worker let go the day before. He didn't deserve this at all. It's crazy to think that this could happen, especially in a low risk job like ours. This horrid event has brought our community of caricature artists together and everyone is pulling for Glenn. A go fund me account has been set up to help out with his medical bills.<br />
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<a href="http://dt.gofund.me/GlennFerguson&rcid=e2acb4a7d27c43beb3342cfc9d26083a">http://dt.gofund.me/GlennFerguson&rcid=e2acb4a7d27c43beb334…</a></div>
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The extent of his injuries is still unknown, but I fear for him and his passion to create. If you're the praying type please keep he and his wife and family in your prayers.</div>
Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-43784625677607914352015-10-02T20:00:00.001-07:002015-10-02T20:00:56.295-07:00Freddy vs JasonMy first entry into 31 Days of Halloween and Inktober. Drew this while in line for the Haunted House of the same name at Halloween Horror Nights.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcqJpSeKjfbE8ocREn5WpDpnss17Crou9buRsgBHpI29Auz49CYEZHocqEuzmXfVBH33YLH3N8yQcje2gQ6tLe6S0m6MPR2ivpz-jPZERW6f8WfwtDs__6XngcrpzhIP7uyjq/s640/blogger-image--934607494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcqJpSeKjfbE8ocREn5WpDpnss17Crou9buRsgBHpI29Auz49CYEZHocqEuzmXfVBH33YLH3N8yQcje2gQ6tLe6S0m6MPR2ivpz-jPZERW6f8WfwtDs__6XngcrpzhIP7uyjq/s640/blogger-image--934607494.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-91131189578844751902015-08-01T19:59:00.001-07:002015-10-02T20:01:52.597-07:00Lea Thompson<div>
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As a young teenage kid I had two major crushes. Girl Next Door Sandy from Grease, and Lea Thompson. Particularly Back to the Future Lea. So today I got to meet the girl of my teenage dreams lol. She hasn't aged a bit. And while I found the TRUE woman of my dreams and married her, I still couldn't help but tell her, "Teenage me would be so jealous of current day me right now." </div>
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She gave a genuine laugh, leaned on my shoulder and then gave me a hug. This was one of those rare moments where meeting your heroes/crushes turned out pretty damn good!</div>
Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-79221937145067775312015-07-24T01:32:00.001-07:002015-07-24T01:32:35.479-07:00Tampa Bay Fanboy ExpoThis weekend we'll be set up for the first of two shows in beautiful Tampa Bay, Florida! Come visit us at the Grand Hyatt Gulfport and hang out! All the details can be found here. www.fanboyexpo.com<div><br></div><div>I'll have some cool new pieces available including this limited Belle and Gaston. Both the voice actors will be in attendance and you can get it signed! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim82hybgWruNUheEOCe3CqjgZfHTwC2mLYv6-89QzjVv401m9-cKIfJcrkKrCZG19WnBHfDZSagcH0MzrG60c2csBaMavpP2NzNPRC4C79VLhyphenhyphenli8W5w0eT3M19HWvQ8RNJulm/s640/blogger-image-111775959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim82hybgWruNUheEOCe3CqjgZfHTwC2mLYv6-89QzjVv401m9-cKIfJcrkKrCZG19WnBHfDZSagcH0MzrG60c2csBaMavpP2NzNPRC4C79VLhyphenhyphenli8W5w0eT3M19HWvQ8RNJulm/s640/blogger-image-111775959.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In addition Adam West and Burt Ward, televisions original Dynamic Duo Batman and Robin will be there as well. And since Id never drawn those incarnations before, I couldn't leave them out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDJQjUqY8jDzGDM36YwsoAccIcAOC9WR1NnVwcTqjB4TuksIZ0Z3RdhEBRAQPAEB1pvc0VGMNwhYfYlzGQ8XHEkP8fxLlSp5PRnsUXQNVNbuum-ZIqdoafjT4iBdYbL7EPnZZ/s640/blogger-image-1222096139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDJQjUqY8jDzGDM36YwsoAccIcAOC9WR1NnVwcTqjB4TuksIZ0Z3RdhEBRAQPAEB1pvc0VGMNwhYfYlzGQ8XHEkP8fxLlSp5PRnsUXQNVNbuum-ZIqdoafjT4iBdYbL7EPnZZ/s640/blogger-image-1222096139.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Should be a POW and WHAM heckuva weekend! </div><br></div><br></div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-83731677715998644772015-07-23T13:04:00.000-07:002015-07-23T16:14:42.433-07:00Disney Pixar's Inside Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I can't believe I'm about to write these words. But, here they come.....</div>
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I didn't really care much for Inside Out. </div>
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There, I said it. Got the words out that are very contrary to popular opinion. And to be honest I'm very mad at myself for feeling this way. I hate that I rank this movie only above Cars. (And I truly loathe that movie. But what do you expect from a guy who knows even less about cars than he does about Algebra?)</div>
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Back on point. I really wanted to go into this movie and fall in love with it. After all, I loved the sitcom Herman's Head. Basically the same idea, with lots more time to flesh it out. But the reality of it was, I just couldn't connect. </div>
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Fair warning....from this point on there will be SPOILERS. So if you haven't seen it, and don't want to know some stuff...maybe you should look at my Megacon pictures again. The last thing I want is for you to unleash your little ANGER on me. </div>
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You may be wondering why a guy who seemingly could care less about the movie owns TOYS based on that which he doesn't love. Well, that brings us to the one thing I really did like about it. The character designs. They're all so damn cute. For the character designs alone, I went to see this movie. I see so much of me in Anger. I mean, hell, we even have the same fiery pointy hairstyle when he blows his lid.</div>
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Other than that, the movie just left me indifferent. Maybe it's because the center character is a little girl? And even though I've been known to act like one at times, I'm not a little girl myself. </div>
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Riley (the above little girl) has a wonderful, happy coherent life. It has everything most kids hope to have. An original two parent household that offers love and unity. She's got the beautiful home, with swings and laughs and sports. And in her darling little head, she has this awesome group of emotions (Joy, Anger, Sadness, Disgust and Fear) Life is GOOD. </div>
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Until <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">dad announces that's it's time to shake things up. Take Riley and her band of emotions and cause some chaos with a move to a new city, new life. Complete with new school, new apartment, new friends and new problems for those little colorful characters in her head to deal with. </span></div>
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Is it the emotions? Is it Riley? Who can be sure. All that we know for sure is, through a series of mishaps Sadness and Joy become separated from the core group and have to work their way back to brain central before Riley literally loses her marbles. (The marbles in this case being cute little glass balls of memories)</div>
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From this point based on early comments about how dark and deep the plot became for children, I half expected Riley to turn bi-polar. But the truth of the matter is, it wasn't that dark. It was just something most kids in the real world have to deal with. </div>
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But back to the plot. </div>
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Joy and Sadness end up as far away from the command center as can be, but luckily they stumble upon Bing Bong. An adorable mix of Elephant, Cat, Cotton Candy and that funny hobo on the street corner who sings Mister Celophane. Long forgotten, Bing Bong is Riley's imaginary friend. And he knows the way back! </div>
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Adventure ensues, and ensues, and ensues some more. In the meantime we've lost the cool dynamic of all the emotions together, and the movie honestly drags through some funky, abstract Picasso like scenes that I assume will best be enjoyed after you've popped some sort of happy drug or are drunk off your ass. </div>
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I really wish that all the emotions had shared this journey BACK together. But ultimately, someone had to keep watch of Riley's sad developments.</div>
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Now I won't lie, I shed a few tears. Pixar knew exactly how to bring those out. Towards the end Bing Bong makes the ultimate sacrifice to help Joy and Sadness make it home. Nothing like a good Disney death to get you right in the cockles. </div>
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The girls make it back, realizing that sometimes you NEED the sad memories to compliment and create the happy ones. All the emotions hug it out, Riley balances out without a need for medication and therapy. And in typical fashion, happy ever after is the result.</div>
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Some of the best sequences come at the end, when we see all the emotions interacting in variations of themselves through others eyes. Even the versions that live in the heads of dogs and cats. I think if we'd gotten more of that, it would make for a much better film. </div>
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Bottom line, it wasn't the worst movie I've ever seen. My two little girls liked it. My oldest even watched it a second time. Although she came out of it liking it less on the second viewing. I wish maybe they'd kept Anger or Fear in the mix, or even made Sadness a boy. The plot isn't female centric. These are problems both boys and girls face alike. But most of it centers around the three girls Riley, Joy and Sadness. And although I'm in touch with my feminine side. I just got bored as it progressed. </div>
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I'll own it im sure, because it's so pretty to look at. And maybe after Rewatching it a few times it'll grow on me more. But for now I'm content with sticking it in Lightning McQueen's passenger side and watching it drive off into the sunset.</div>
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<br>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-57135214148299885452015-04-22T02:41:00.001-07:002015-04-22T02:41:33.813-07:00Megacon 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIXs0P3Ahvz3w7PGi-1X3D9pl2LLPlmJeVKbWq7hKMn44iO15qWNEBmDdr7fksOAoOK7GBVDfpXAdlgwG6nwpKrQKBlsj5_0TN14w8WcPujW5VMGArqphSED1ol2nvM_H22N_/s640/blogger-image--1813294680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIXs0P3Ahvz3w7PGi-1X3D9pl2LLPlmJeVKbWq7hKMn44iO15qWNEBmDdr7fksOAoOK7GBVDfpXAdlgwG6nwpKrQKBlsj5_0TN14w8WcPujW5VMGArqphSED1ol2nvM_H22N_/s640/blogger-image--1813294680.jpg"></a></div>It seems like I just started doing this awesome show last year. How time has flown by. I have to admit that this year was not only my best Megacon yet, but also holds the number two spot among cons of all time. Just behind New York this past October. Thank you everyone who came out and supported us, shared some laughs and kept me busy! You make it all worth while! Next stop C2E3 in Chicago! I'll be in artist Alley R! <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu_2O42zdQu10Wn0z4_CQcrh-eSsZKy15L6fEOW0AnaZ5dbXBbhMHu37oaNNrtwABsANmUBkfwRRa7JB8b7LTh69fqK4D8WEnSmbbHauxtr9rjARHTULn89F0GdUhSZyUf8E8/s640/blogger-image--1311163955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu_2O42zdQu10Wn0z4_CQcrh-eSsZKy15L6fEOW0AnaZ5dbXBbhMHu37oaNNrtwABsANmUBkfwRRa7JB8b7LTh69fqK4D8WEnSmbbHauxtr9rjARHTULn89F0GdUhSZyUf8E8/s640/blogger-image--1311163955.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3QHaRmOnbC5tZaN9HmVg1C0BVea2GvvMDPKrksgeZ_21UtbzRkihaLdSrmjhf1j64u5ipZIb6w0oO2BArin1dQiAjCBUNxkRx1tCWPh80lBSfv7WCo9Z3nc6ApccaDxhKzSC/s640/blogger-image--641605038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbiY-Tl7IRjA7RNCUVXVNhtjh_D5mYhhbV7BeUAxfJjR6J8_hDVkPP_0ifGArER15N_Eifz7DNICF8FqrlFEbp9cF9Tb2OIkAFadz_CNW7ti0EoY9x_DF3ftImwJomMvFEuGm/s640/blogger-image-2108529351.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qU8vVMiBHfXikwNZRSJsbnuzKqVknxunoZ6JK75kOJhiolLf34tIz1JLIcWZRisBOIFWJVDbST1y38WBMQJ_CvsNr1YzKwsm1UUs-fbOfodFUUHMjjCypnBcICIXXCXRRb9Z/s640/blogger-image-156756560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qU8vVMiBHfXikwNZRSJsbnuzKqVknxunoZ6JK75kOJhiolLf34tIz1JLIcWZRisBOIFWJVDbST1y38WBMQJ_CvsNr1YzKwsm1UUs-fbOfodFUUHMjjCypnBcICIXXCXRRb9Z/s640/blogger-image-156756560.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-52839026939356079022015-03-04T22:41:00.001-08:002015-03-04T22:51:37.353-08:00Marvel's Princess Leia Number 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtCtB1sO9H-R2tgxRMExaegsGx1WjQYgLCTeylwbun63LQp6trGVa1T5aM155NNDapU0gDf9Uk7L3NToK8E2o5cyiTsmPbxzFC7FzhyphenhyphenSnX1M9lr-z7HfCSfbBZCyZARMXTqcE/s1600/11018735_842315869186157_1901646337023101491_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtCtB1sO9H-R2tgxRMExaegsGx1WjQYgLCTeylwbun63LQp6trGVa1T5aM155NNDapU0gDf9Uk7L3NToK8E2o5cyiTsmPbxzFC7FzhyphenhyphenSnX1M9lr-z7HfCSfbBZCyZARMXTqcE/s1600/11018735_842315869186157_1901646337023101491_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Picked up a few of the new Princess Leia blanks from Marvel Comics. I had heard that the card stock was less than stellar. This scared me a bit so I decided to draw one tonight and experiment with color and inks. The stock definitely is a little more slick than Id like, but I feel it still works. Anyway, its listed on ebay now and you can see the link in the comments below. Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-26216945501172215322015-03-01T00:20:00.001-08:002015-03-01T00:20:09.203-08:00We Can Be Heroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8fDo6b2mtnl6X4OIlJpQ0rLhHRMIW4d1imQMS9jtV3I6ltX1pUhiFzsaOU4mI58Vh42wal8T3YkXVg7SKXIJRoeOjEZCQCLMbSeNPZJtcrUHnAp4MNwLkqie_tfQpyU3ij-y/s640/blogger-image-1292240487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8fDo6b2mtnl6X4OIlJpQ0rLhHRMIW4d1imQMS9jtV3I6ltX1pUhiFzsaOU4mI58Vh42wal8T3YkXVg7SKXIJRoeOjEZCQCLMbSeNPZJtcrUHnAp4MNwLkqie_tfQpyU3ij-y/s640/blogger-image-1292240487.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had the opportunity to step out of my shell today. I'm not an introvert by any means. Lord knows I love people and I love to run my mouth. I'm always out and about and I set up shop at so many conventions. I meet and draw hundreds of smiling faces every year while caricaturing at Disney. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But cosplay? Not really my thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Honestly I think there are so many others who do it way better than I can. I respect the time and effort fans of the genres put into bringing their favorite characters to life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I can barely sew a button badly onto a pair of pants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But there is this little fella who is sick. A very young child named Armani. A horrid cancer has set up shop in his brain, and he's bravely fighting an uphill battle with it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Treatments aren't cheap, and bills are mounting up. So our good friends at World of Comics decided to hold a fundraiser to help ease the financial burdens that Armani and his family are facing. And they managed to do it while bringing a smile to his face.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Like most little boys his age, he digs superheroes. What better a way to show that he isn't facing his villain alone, than to bring cosplay warriors to his side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I could've easily drawn a piece for a raffle, done caricatures or simply made a donation on this day. But something in my head told me I should join his team of champions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks to my good friend and (awesome cosplayer in his own right) Xavier, I was able to temporarily become someone else. Someone larger than life, and eager to smash some bad dudes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today, I was the Wolverine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My costume wasn't the most extravagant. Hell, I blended in more with the crowds than I did the cosplayers. But I got to be a part of something bigger. I was able to see the interactions, the wonder and the moments where this strong young soul got to become an honorary member of the Green Lantern Corps. He was able to run around with Spider Man, and be flirted with by Supergirl and Black Cat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today Armani got to just be a kid. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He got to escape the monster for a while, and play. Seeing him surrounded by so much love, and so much spandex, was a testament to the good that the cosplay community does.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So thank you cosplayers. Thank you secret superheroes for everything that you helped bring this mini hero. Both emotionally and financially. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And thanks for letting this silly pusher of pencils and ink join you for a day in your crusades. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I kinda liked being a super hero today BUB!</div><br>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-62630506005104934752015-02-04T00:12:00.001-08:002015-02-04T00:12:40.606-08:00Batman Black and White SketchCoverI know it's been another while. Been busy beyond belief, but here's one I did just for fun.....but it's still for sale. 50 buckers! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk4QoFdFy-qWIK-P_RJTBgIH3rbZwYVLDCs0U4npvOtoFfnVrPD7_jYsfofB9jketRsx9h1k3O81FhZ4LIZoqhSo6Bljsjqos-VlQO-h8oKC-zIuFeER3VwdRjIn3DiIK16je/s640/blogger-image-1569292395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk4QoFdFy-qWIK-P_RJTBgIH3rbZwYVLDCs0U4npvOtoFfnVrPD7_jYsfofB9jketRsx9h1k3O81FhZ4LIZoqhSo6Bljsjqos-VlQO-h8oKC-zIuFeER3VwdRjIn3DiIK16je/s640/blogger-image-1569292395.jpg"></a></div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-87898920072478000892014-11-25T13:05:00.001-08:002014-11-25T13:05:23.352-08:00Gotham Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_v6liUe3Mgo3FhS6R7Ea4AyL6WoslxBVNiJcjQdAAQzZDC2czWG5S-3_hq0xkiHLKhNPD7cpXIQsJUvXmBPheTB5l_Gk-Lk61s8wMJ10dlgEKk8OFGozsEyzMt9PCKR4s2nJ/s640/blogger-image-672819909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_v6liUe3Mgo3FhS6R7Ea4AyL6WoslxBVNiJcjQdAAQzZDC2czWG5S-3_hq0xkiHLKhNPD7cpXIQsJUvXmBPheTB5l_Gk-Lk61s8wMJ10dlgEKk8OFGozsEyzMt9PCKR4s2nJ/s640/blogger-image-672819909.jpg"></a>Commission of the lovely bat ladies!</div>Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33193816.post-1509721292033485522014-09-12T01:50:00.001-07:002014-09-12T01:50:48.630-07:00Fanboy Expo In Tampa Bay This Weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_QLkS9Peg2NqAWMsDXXN82lP7rtox4K-YfhCBhCfa72aN3OKjc7RCb_zUfDCeHhHMFwyfUnEIaFVQTUexCZwrIbosE45z5nlKvRF2kc6BGW3YowL-j1q20Zl4jU0IDc97u2g/s1600/dancinggroot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_QLkS9Peg2NqAWMsDXXN82lP7rtox4K-YfhCBhCfa72aN3OKjc7RCb_zUfDCeHhHMFwyfUnEIaFVQTUexCZwrIbosE45z5nlKvRF2kc6BGW3YowL-j1q20Zl4jU0IDc97u2g/s1600/dancinggroot.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
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We'll be setting up for the weekend at Tampa Bay Fanboy Expo. The event is being held at the Hilton downtown Friday, Saturday and Sunday! </div>
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We barely snuck into the show, so we aren't sure where our spot is, but we are definitely going to be there! Come on by, say hi, and pick up our newest piece! Dancing baby Groot- Sugar Boogarz style! </div>
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Come on, you just KNEW I had to make one of these little guys! </div>
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(Man am I aching to go see it in the theater again!)</div>
<br />Michael "Locoduck" Duronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623006545085061728noreply@blogger.com0