Skatelin Destroys

Ice Fishing

2012-03-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! It's been awhile since I last posted. I have to admit that I'm not very good at this blogging thing. I've been quite preoccupied with life in general!

I've been working on more artwork for my portfolio, and my goal is to present to my artist at the end of March, I'm so nervous! Along with that, Kyle and I recently added a few members to our growing family! We got a little puppy about 3 weeks ago, and I also rescued a hamster from my friends who no longer cared for it.

Our puppy is a German Wire Haired Pointer crossed with a Border Collie/Blue Heeler mix. We named her Voodoo and she is the sweetest girl ever!

The hamster I named Poutine, I have a ball for her and take her out every so often to run around the house.

Well, now that we're up to speed I'll get back to the main topic and title for the entry: Ice Fishing!

Yesterday Kyle, myself and Koolaid (a friend of ours) went about an hour out of town to Katepwa Lake. It was a beautiful day with a little breeze, but we went around a bend and were almost completely sheltered from any wind at all.

This was the first time Voodoo and I had been ice fishing. She was very good and stayed close!

Drilling my first hole!

I caught the first two fish, a Burbot then a Pike.

Keep on for more!

Koolaid caught the next one, a Pike that wouldn't let go of his glove.

After that he caught an invasive species called a Tullibee.

Their eyes make good bait so we killed that sucker (as you're required to) and popped out it's eyes. It was kind of gruesome but neat. Kyle showed me how to do the first, and I did the second!

Then Kyle caught a big Pike on his tip-up.

Right after, he caught a Burbot that was huge! And by that I mean fat, not long. I guess Voodoo liked the taste of that fatty because she wouldn't stop licking it!

The last fish of the day was a little Pike caught by me! I had just lowered my line down when it almost immediately snagged it.

All in all it was a very good day!

Beef Jerky Mafia

- Skatelin

SpiritHoods!

2012-01-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

I had been eyeing SpiritHoods for months before finally ordering one. I just couldn't justify buying myself such a gift with Christmas so close. So right after the Holidays I purchased a Grey Wolf SpiritHood!

It is extremely comfortable, warm, and super cute! They're a little pricey, but I think it was well worth it considering the cold Winters we have here. I've been getting a lot of use out of it already!

New Years Eve

With such a neat new prop I figured it was a great opportunity to take some photos and practice editing in photoshop. Here are the results:

Well, that's all for now. Take care!

- Skatelin

Tuesday Karaoke and other trouble makings.

2012-01-05T17:06:00.000-08:00

I had meant to post this much earlier, but unfortunately I had contracted the flu. I guess that's what happens when you work in a pharmacy!

On Tuesday Kyle and I went out for some drinks and karaoke with some friends. We started off at the "Slow Food Pub" which had $3 beers and some pretty delicious food! We'll have to go back another time as I only had a chance to try their deep fried bread sticks, which were really good!

Shots, shots, shots! (None for me though... haha)

After drinks we headed over to a pub called "McNally's" for some karaoke. As per usual our friends chose to sing something by the Backstreet Boys.

A group of raunchy looking guys took some offense to this and tossed a beer bottle on stage, which resulted in them getting escorted out. I managed to catch it on video though!

Watch closely at the beginning!

Greasy comb-overs

After a few more drinks we headed over to our friend's place for a short while, then it was time to call it a night!

- Skatelin

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

Last night was fantastic. Kyle and I rang in the new year with a group of excellent friends!
We played a few drinking games and chatted a lot. It was nice to be able to see almost everyone in our group together as it doesn't happen often with busy schedules.

Well, it is now officially 2012. I can't wait to see what this year will bring!

- Skatelin

A final post for 2011!

2011-12-31T16:40:00.000-08:00

As of midnight tonight, we will be jumping in to a new year, and a new beginning!
I have more hopes for the new year than I have memories and highlights of 2011.

Let's take a look back at this past year....
There was tons of fishing, some camping and some road trips. I had been fired from my job in June and have been working between different stores without a set schedule or benefits. Luckily within the next few weeks I'll be beginning part-time employment at the main store I work at now.
I also started modelling and submitting sets to Zivity this year. That was a big step for me as I've always been quite self-conscious about my physical appearance.
At the end of the Summer I had surprised Kyle and taken him to the Humane Society to pick out a cat. He chose a 3 year old, white, fluffy, Persian-cross kitty whom he named Toki Wartooth. I almost forgot to mention him as it feels like he's been with us since he was a kitten!
Lastly, I had enrolled in an Infection Control course in October and completed it with a grade of 87%. What I learned from that course will benefit me at work in the pharmacy, and when I (hopefully) begin an apprenticeship to tattoo.

Now for 2012!
I have some plans and goals in mind.
I would like to start a tattoo apprenticeship, I have to go back and speak with the artist I'm hoping to be my mentor. I spoke with him for a good hour back in October and he told me what I should work on and what I can expect if I'm able to begin an apprenticeship under him.
Now that I have my own computer I have been trying to blog more and edit more photos, something I will be continuing into the new year and hopefully be more consistant when doing so. I tend to feel overwhelmed and push things aside quite often.
Other than that, I have some debts to pay and I'd like to save up some money to travel in 2013, I'm hoping to visit my brother in China if he's still living there!

Continue on for more!

To finish off, I'd like to share some recent photos I've taken while out with our friends.

This was our Holiday get-together:

Kyle actually snapped this photo of his friend, Graham, before I met up with everyone for the evening!

The guys were singing along to the Backstreet Boys...

A bit of fun for our friend's birthday:

Zeppelin! Such a sweet dog.

Happy new year, and be sure to behave yourselves!

- Skatelin

New set on Zivity!

2011-12-27T20:29:00.000-08:00

I may have forgotten to mention recently... my newest set was published on Zivity on Christmas Day!
It's called "Pink Elephants" and it was the last set I shot before cutting off my hair. I'm really excited for this set, it turned out great!

Click-through for my Zivity profile and to view "Pink Elephants"

Interested in a free 30 day trial? E-mail your request to skatelinwolfsblood@gmail.com

I'd also like to mention, I'm always open to suggestions for shoots! Let me know if you have any ideas in mind!

- Skatelin

Being Festive

2011-12-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has enjoyed their holidays!

Kyle and I had a nice quiet Christmas. On the 24th we drove a couple hours North to Outlook with my parents to stay overnight at my aunt and uncle's place. My grandmother had also driven out to join us as well as my cousins who now live away from home. It was a nice little trip but we were happy to come home after lunch on Christmas day. We then went to Kyle's mom's place for turkey dinner and more gift giving. Everyone got pretty spoiled and we came home with at least a few boxes of candy and gifts.

My parents, myself and Kyle with his out-of-control hair!

Now that all of this holiday rush is over I can finally concentrate more on some artwork and photography! I have also been picking up more shifts at my main pharmacy and I'm excited to be starting a part-time position in the new year!

- Skatelin

'Tis the Season

2011-12-19T13:02:00.000-08:00

I can't say Winter Holidays are my favorite, there is a lot of stress, running around and money involved, but I do enjoy the little things that come with it. Going to parties with friends, wearing ugly sweaters, making candy and wrapping gifts are some parts that I do enjoy.

Speaking of ugly sweaters and parties, one of our friends put on a "ugly sweater party" just this past weekend. There were a lot of magnificent sweaters, but our friend Murray definitely took the cake.

He's in the middle, sporting his mother's turtleneck and vest:

A few weeks previously Kyle and I had attended another party, no theme but I snapped a photo of Kyle in front of a decorated tree that I really like.

Making candy has always been a tradition of ours. I remember when I was young my mom would always put together tins of homemade treats to give to our friends as well as our favorite teachers from that year. We still make candy, but not as much. Now it goes to work and is devoured extremely quickly! We did this a few weeks ago and I only took photos with my iPhone, but with the way technology is now the quality is still pretty good!

Top: "Eatmore" uncut, Middle: Candy Canes crushed for toppings, Bottom: Messy Kitchen!

Clockwise from top: Peanut brittle, "Eatmore" slices, English toffee, Holiday clusters (pretzels, dried cranberries, candy canes and white chocolate), and rum balls (Grand Marnier and Bailey's flavours!)

We had a lot of fun making holiday treats. My parents just recently had their kitchen redone so it was nice to have such new appliances and countertops to work with! Kyle made most of the treats, while my mom and I helped out with grabbing and weighing ingredients and relaying instructions.

Finally, one more holiday related thing. Last night Kyle and I went out for ice cream (classic Canadians getting cold treats in the Winter) and we decided to pick up something extra special. We got an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, we also got something "special" written on it. Kyle's grandpa found it especially humorous.

Now for the this last week leading up to Christmas Kyle and I will be concentrating on a number of paintings. I guess that is one perk about being creative and not being able to afford gifts, you can just make them! I have more fun and it's much more meaningful as well.

Take care!

- Skatelin

Feeling Fresh

2011-12-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in my last post that I had made the final decision to shave my head. Well later on that evening I took the plunge. With Kyle to help and my parents support I chopped off all of my hair except for a bit. I've always wanted a "Chelsea" haircut, and this was the perfect opportunity to try it out! It was a little unnerving to get rid of the 7 years I had invested in to growing my hair, but those past 7 years also had a lot of negativity attached to them. Needless to say, I feel wonderful. My hair is short and cute and I feel completely confident with my new cut. I even set up my tripod to take some photos. This was Kyle's first time cutting anyone's hair so I think he was more nervous than I was!

Away it goes!

He makes such a fantastic barber!

Just in case you were wondering, yes I did keep my ponytail. I'm not sure how long I'll hold on to it for, I find it more comical than anything. I grew up constantly coming across my mom's old hair braid. She held on to it because she didn't know where to donate it! Unfortunately my hair isn't eligible to donate as it's been processed and dyed to no end! For now it remains in a ziplock bag.

The next day a nice woman that I work with (she's also a good friend of my mom's) came over and fixed up any loose ends Kyle had missed.

Here is the finished result:

Now we're off to a friend's birthday party!

- Skatelin

Today is the day.

2011-12-15T01:31:00.000-08:00

It may only be 3am, but Kyle is going to help me shave my head when he comes home from fishing around dinner.
I have been thinking about it constantly for the past week or so, but it feels like it's been in the back of my mind much longer. I'm so happy that he's here to support me and actually help me do it. I know he loves my long hair, but it will grow back. It will also be much healthier than it was before! It's so damaged that it is constantly tangling in to knots, it's really dry and the ends are ragged and split. The damage is almost synonymous with my emotional state. It really is only fitting that I remove it and start over.

I'm also rekindling my adventure in to photography. I've dug up some old photos that I promised to give to Kyle's mom. After struggling with opening photoshop for a bit (I'm just going to purchase it and save the hassle after this last trial...) I edited two photos of Kyle and I. I still have some concert photos and Halloween 2010 photos to edit. The only problem is that I have learnt quite a bit since I've taken them, and the photos are of less quality than I'd prefer.

So far...

(I love this man so much.)

I don't know how much time I'll invest in to practicing photography, I have much more passion for art and painting! It's nice to get some old work aside though, I won't have to go back once I've completely started fresh. Perhaps I'll paint for a bit before I go to bed.

- Skatelin

Things have not been going so well.

2011-12-14T01:23:00.000-08:00

Normally I like to try to stay positive but lately I've been finding that really hard to do.

I lack motivation to do almost anything. Waking up in the morning is a chore, and I'm almost always late for work. I haven't touched my artwork or my camera in weeks to months. At first I thought it had to do with me coming off of my anti-depressant medication. Now I'm just starting to think that there is an underlying issue that I need to take care of. Only I can't figure out what it is.

I feel lost. I'm putting on a mask pretty much every day. I'm lucky that I can be myself around Kyle, but I'm starting to think that it's getting a bit overwhelming for him to deal with my sadness and negativity. I know he's supportive and he wants to help me, but I can see that it's starting to take its toll on him.

For the time being I'm giving Tumblr and Facebook a break. Social networking and just socializing in general has left me self-conscious and exhausted. I keep on trying to please the people around me, but it's proving to be a losing battle.

Time for self-improvement. I've also been considering cutting off my hair, possibly shaving my head. I'm tired of having to take care of how I look. I hardly wear make-up or even brush my hair anymore. I'll leave that decision for awhile though. I need to work on my insides first before I can even consider my outer appearance.

I'd really like to start posting more on this blog. There are only a handful of people who follow it and I like that much better.

- Skatelin

Newest self-shot set: Sweet Leaf

2011-10-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

So, some time ago I received a request to enter in a contest on Zivity titled "High Times in Hot Pants". Of course it's right up my alley.
Over a month later (and less than a week before the deadline) I finally got to shooting and editing the set. I'm just awaiting editorial review, but here's a preview just for you guys!:

"Sweet Leaf" Preview

Click here for my Zivity profile,

and if you're interested then contact me at skatelinwolfsblood@gmail.com for a free 1 month trial!

- Skatelin

Happy Friday!

2011-10-15T00:10:00.000-07:00

Today I wrote my midterm exam! I think I did really well. This course is pretty simple, but I think it's mainly due to the fact that it only takes 2 months to complete! I write my final in November and if I pass then I'll have my certification in infection control!

In other exciting news, I had another photo set go live on Zivity today! It's definitely one of my favorites since I've been wanting to do a skateboarding shoot for awhile now. It turned out great!

Click-through for my Zivity profile.

(Contact me at skatelinwolfsblood@gmail.com if you're interested in a free 1 month trial!)

That is it for now! I just finished shooting a self-shot set and now I have to edit it. I'll post a preview later :)

- Skatelin

Why hello everyone!

2011-10-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that I have received my very first computer! It was an early gift from my parents, although I will be paying them back for it :)

So now I hope to be able to post consistently!
Expect more photos, more posts, more everything!

I will keep this short though, as I am writing my midterm exam in the morning.

I'll catch up later!

- Skatelin

Late Fishing Post!

2011-09-06T02:39:00.000-07:00

Almost right after the first time Kyle took me fishing, we went out with his friend (also named) Kyle! I'll just refer to him as Anderson to make things easier though.

This was the second time Anderson had ever been fishing, and the first time he caught something! He even managed to out-fish us, I think it's beginner's luck.

Photos!

Keep on for more...

Anderson caught his two in a row!

Then my turn

And finally Kyle!

I also made a frog friend. This was actually the second one I caught because the first one got away before I could get a photo!

- Skatelin

Another self shot-set on Zivity!

2011-08-12T23:43:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to keep pretty consistent between photographer-shot and self-shot sets on Zivity.

So here is my second set titled "Lady Wolfsblood".

Click-through for more!

(Contact me at skatelinwolfsblood@gmail.com if you're interested in a free 1 month trial!)

- Skatelin

Gone Fishin'

2011-08-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

Today Kyle and I went fishing.

We got up around 7am and headed about 45 minutes North of the city to an off-shore fishing area.

We ended up staying out there for about 4 hours until our container of bait was gone.

Here are some photos!

Kyle caught the first one.

And the second one.

Keep on for more photos!

Then I caught three in a row!

This guy had all three hooks through his mouth!

Then he caught another.

Then I caught one.

Then he caught the last one!

This was my first time out fishing, and I'll definitely be going again!

Oh! And on the walk back I caught a Garter snake! This was a first as well as they usually slither in to bushes by the time I get to them.

I named him Garrett.

- Skatelin

Derby Doll on Zivity

2011-08-03T23:09:00.000-07:00

So I'm extremely excited to announce that my Derby Doll set has now been published on Zivity!

This set was an idea in the making since I first met the photographer about a year ago. I'm really glad that we were finally able to execute it. It is easily my favorite set to date!

Click-through for more!

(And as always, contact me at skatelinwolfsblood@gmail.com if you're interested in a free 1 month trial)

- Skatelin

My first self-shot set on Zivity!

2011-07-31T23:23:00.000-07:00

Bonus! I can also use my interest in photography to help boost my votes on Zivity!

Click-through for my profile, and if you're a member then check out my sets!

(If not then send an e-mail to skatelinwolfsblood@gmail.com for a free 1 month trial!)

- Skatelin

Camping!

2011-07-31T22:37:00.001-07:00

I love camping! Kyle and I both grew up going tent camping with our families, so when our friends asked us if we'd like to join them this weekend we jumped on it!

We left bright and early on Thursday, leaving the city before 7:00am.

Here's our vehicle, packed and ready to go!

And our planned route.

Saskatoon first,

then up to Prince Albert and through to the Provincial Park.

On our way we came across this old bridge.

Once we got in to the park, we had to navigate to our campsite. This took awhile as we checked out some spots our friends had suggested then got lost on the way up to the one we chose. We ended up going around the other side of the lake and wasting a good 2 or more hours, oh well!

Continue on for more...

Here's our campsite!

(Brennan and Morgan set up in the bare area!)

On Friday we went in to the town of Waskesui to check things out. We had some lunch at one of the cafés before heading out to the beach to meet up with Kyle's mom who was staying in a cabin for her holidays. After hanging out for a bit and checking out her cabin we headed back, but not before grabbing some ice cream! Later that night our friends Brennan and Morgan showed up and I attempted to make us all some dinner, except I ended up becoming way too inebriated and burnt almost everything.. oops.

Saturday we were all up before 10am. We started drinking early then took Brennan and Morgan's canoe out on the lake. We brought some drinks and snacks and fishing rods. After paddling around and casting a couple lines we headed in for a bit. Morgan and I then hung out at the campsite while Brennan and Kyle went out on the lake again with some bait this time in attempt to catch some fish. They were unsuccessful. Once again we stayed up and had some drinks before retiring for the night.

Some photos of the lake and canoe fun.

All of a sudden it was already Sunday and it was time to pack up and leave. Before heading out on the road we stopped in Waskesui again to eat, but at "The Angry Taco" this time. The food was pretty good but we had to take most of it home as we weren't used to eating that much after a weekend of drinking and campfire food.

On our way back we took a bit of a detour to stop and visit my grandma who I haven't seen in about a year. We had a nice little visit and I gave Kyle a tour of their house and town.

Detour!

All in all we had a great weekend. I am pretty tired of all the driving though! Especially through the flat prairies. I do love them but you sure get tired after driving the same long road for hours with little turns or towns.

Here's a shot of our driving view.

Although there isn't a lot to see on the highway (besides roadkill), we did see quite a few different animals once we got in to the park.

We saw a lot of female deer, a young buck, a baby deer, a female elk, a little fox, a pelican, a bald eagle, and plenty of hawks. Of course along the way there was the standard of crows picking at roadkill, and farms full of cows, horses, and a few with bison! I also managed to catch an itty bitty frog when we first arrived.

And our complete route.

- Skatelin

On the subject of photo sets

2011-07-05T21:45:00.001-07:00

I had another set published a couple months ago for a Canadian rock magazine called RockStarWeekly.

Here is a photo that is not in the set, click-through for the rest!

- Skatelin

My first set on Zivity!

2011-07-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

It's called "Zombie Stompers". I'm quite happy with it as it is my first in studio shoot. I have a lot of improving to do and many more ideas. The only thing I think I would have changed about this set is the backdrop, I think grey would have been better suited.

Click-through for my Zivity profile and to become a member and vote!

- Skatelin

Cabin Party

2011-07-05T15:23:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, Kyle and I went out to a friend's cabin along with our friends Holly and Graham for some Canada Day celebrations.

We set up a tent, but ended up crashing on the living room floor for a few hours to freshen up before heading home in the next morning. It's about 30 minutes out of town so the drive isn't too far.

Here are some photos of our inebriated fun:
Photo credit to miss Holly!

Graham, Kyle, Myself, Holly

Myself and Holly

Graham and Kyle shot-gunning some shitty beer

Continue through for more photos as well as a little surprise from nature the next day!

Holly, Myself, Rhea

Rhea and Jay

Kyle, Myself, Graham

Holly and Graham

Kyle and Myself

... and here is a more accurate representation ;)

Holly, Rhea, Myself

Top: Rhea, Left: Holly, Right: Myself

The next day we had a pretty nasty storm come in quick and leave again. It brought in hail that were about the size of ping pong balls to golf balls. I'm not sure if much damage was done around the city, they weren't coming down too hard. We saved a bag full in the freezer though!

Photo by Myself

- Skatelin

A Fresh Start

2011-07-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

After neglecting my former blog for most of the past year, I decided to start out fresh.

A lot of things have changed in my life over the past year, and they have all been for the better.

I feel much more productive and much happier. I have a wonderful boyfriend, wonderful friends and family and of course my lovely pets.

Keep checking in for new posts about my day-to-day adventures as well as artwork, personal photography and modeling!

- Skatelin