Aside from the Podcast I did on this site-I was also put in the section 'Escapee Speaks'

• Cold Calls

• Creating For You

This a fantastic site for invaluable information for all illustrators. Great job with the site Thomas!

I recently had a great chat with Thomas James from Escape From Illustration Island. Topics discussed were my book, branding, starting out, pricing, mentoring, creativity, working at home, community and so much more but you'll have to listen to it to get all the good stuff.

Also you have a chance to win a signed book as well. Listen to Episode 10 of the Escape From Illustration Island Podcast to find out how you can win a signed copy of Breaking Into Freelance Illustration.

"This is a great resource for beginners and pros alike, because Holly leaves no stones unturned in her exploration of the many facets of this ever-evolving subject. And on top of that, this competition is a great way to connect and converse with your fellow Illustrators."

This is my latest interview on Illustrophile.

"It’s been a really long time, but we’re really happy to have a new interview up! This time we talk to illustrator/ author Holly DeWolf, who among other things is the author of the great new book ‘Breaking into Freelance illustration‘. We talk to her about her long career as an illustrator, her new path as an author, and her general opinion on the illustration industry."

Today called for one of my lists.
Top 64 things that you will always hear me say! oh and this is only part of my lexicon! lol

1. "write that down!"
2. "This is true!"
3. "stasap!" (sooner than as soon as possible)
4. "it rocks my world!"
5. "is that Latin?"
6. "nerd up!"
7. "see ya later rockinator!"
8. "i'm going to need a bigger mug!"
9. "couch potatoing!"
10. "joke me please-there's cookies in it for ya!"
11. "Come to the creative dark side-it comes with cookies!"
12. "I was nowhere near your neighborhood"
13. "I'm so smart..s.m.r.t!!"
14. "just keep swimming...just keep swimming!"
15. "me lose brain? thats unpossible!"
16. "superb"
17. "weeze the juice!"
18. "transplendent"
19. "cake or death!"
20. "your genius is showing"
21. "F.U.N spells fun!"
22. "you lucky creative ducky!"
23. "What rules?"
24. "thats hot like Krakatoa hot!"
25. "I'll take some chocolate with a side of chocolate please!"
26. "oh! Lightbulb"
27. "where is my decoder ring when I need it"
28. "3 chords and the truth!"
29. "its a creative imperative!!"
30. "oh cup of joe! How you rock my world so!"
31. "you and me punk rock girl!"
32. "multi-faceted entertaining"
33. "let the commencing beginulate!"
34. "applause, applause applause!" ...said with a New yawk accent!!
35. "I need a genie with a lamp and a time machine"
36. "as sharp as a bowling ball"
37. "so I says to myself..."self...."
38. "you made your sale!"
39. "FUBAR"
40. "no tribble at all!"
41. "oh my spleen!"
42. "I didn't come with an off switch!"
43. "perfectly imperfect!"
44. "I'm getting down verbally!"
45. "smarticale" (smart & intelligent)
46. "thing s that make you go hmmmmmm" (while tapping lip with my pinky finger!)
47. "just a code I live by!"
48. "badassery"
49. "kaput"
50. "sames-ies"
51. "shhhhh...I'm harnessing my chi!"
52. "got cut off in mid-think!"
53. "badabing with much zing!"
54. "something wicked this way comes"
55. "hey if can't dazzle...wear 'em down!"
56. "such a Bettie!"
57. "conjurer of conjugation!"
58. "prepare to be vanquished"
59. "I'm smad!" ( so mad)
60. "I like big words..its like my tongue is taking an exam!"
61. "mutant chemical X"
62. "when in doubt, pinky out!"
63. "shinanigans"
64. "it's ON! like teflon!"

It has been brought to my attention that I have not updated this blog since March. Why? I was debating whether to move this blog or to delete it all together. So, since I have not decided it's blogging as usual.

So what's been happening? Well, my book is officially on the shelves and ready for new homes. My official book launch will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia October 8th at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It will be held at Argyle Fine Arts on the waterfront. All are welcome to attend.

Now that I am getting back into the swing of things I have been creating new work, a new website and I am looking forward to be being published again.

Sadly another thing that has been preoccupying me is my Mum. She is terminal now with cancer and sadly I must accept that it wont be much longer now. I have to say it has been a hectic summer with all this going on, work, children and getting ready for the release of my first book. Some days I'm not sure how I'm keeping it all together but I do in my own creative way.

And to the anonymous commenter-thank you for the reminder that I have been neglectful of this blog. Cheers!

I got a new web site in the works. So much to do before the book comes out. I'll throw regular updates up as it progresses along.

Our Little Corner- A little introduction....


“And you may ask yourself,
Well... how did I get here?”
- David Byrne


In 2005 I started blogging as a creative diversion to working at home. What developed was an online community that not only inspired me but helped me in my pursuit of creative self-employment as an illustrator. I soon became hooked. I met illustrators from all parts of the globe producing really great work and demonstrating that it is quite possible to make a living as an illustrator.

New technologies have brought to light many talented illustrators who are incredibly dedicated to their creative profession. I call these illustrators the new innovators because they not only work in the industry but they promote it as well. They are creative in finding work, setting up online communities and promoting themselves through their web sites and blogs. Today’s illustrators require a new set of skills to keep them moving forward in this industry. Gone are the days of creative isolation. Digital networking is the one of the big keys to success today.

Although new technologies are being created all the time to help get us “out there”, the basic needs of illustrators have not changed. Needs such as our commitment to our work, establishing client relationships, the drive to do our personal best and to make a living from our work are paramount. No less important is our need to know where we are going and have a plan pointed in the right direction. A whole lot of “luck” does not hurt either.

Through new technologies we see new illustrators blooming and on the verge of greatness. They may not have twenty years experience or been published but add a new dimension to this industry - camaraderie. A tight-knit creative network who support and help each other has emerged.

We are not only visual problem-solvers. We also need to solve problems in running a business while juggling our home lives. Our schools do not always address that when we are leaving with our portfolios in hand ready to take on the world. To learn this on the fly can be daunting at best.

I was once told that illustration is 70% business and 30% talent. I don’t know if those percentages are completely true. What I do know is this, we are the business and we are the brand. Our image is everything. How we promote ourselves is what is going to get us the types jobs we want. The clients are not necessarily going to come to us.

This book is what I would like to see in a guide for illustrators. On many occasions I see books spotlighting the work of illustrators but little information on how they got there. Looking at the process, the motivation, the ups and downs of self-employment and the materials illustrators use really help on many levels. There are many wonderful illustrators who work in the mediums of digital, paint, fabric, clay and even painting with coffee. Whatever the choice is, fantastic things can happen on a blank page, on the computer, on a piece of illustration board or a swatch of fabric.

Also, to look forward we need to look back at those illustrators who paved the way for us. I will spotlight those illustrator champions and why they inspire us the way they do. As a child Ed Emberley was my childhood hero. Not only did he help break down the concept of drawing, he made it fun. In a way, I owe him a big thanks because those humble beginnings set my path to art and design school. Thanks Ed!

Sometimes we hit a level of our careers and ask ourselves how we got here. The answers are often surprising from very small tidbits to really big moments. We all define success differently and how we achieve those goals come from many small steps that lead to big things. Success comes from constancy of purpose and creating with purpose. Stopping to see what is working and what is leading you down the path you are on can help you continue moving toward your goals.

I want to address the creative business of illustration. Many questions are repeatedly asked about the same issues; pricing, printing, cold-calling, and e-mail networking that can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to the business. My hope is that this book provides helpful tips, advice and a lot of inspiration. Many illustrators will be contributing to this with their opinions and insights to what makes this industry great to what we all would like to see the industry become. It is a guide about networking and showing real down-to-earth advice to help build a career for illustrators and aspiring illustrators to obtain their dream job of creative self-employment.

I want to give back to the industry that has helped support me in my creative endeavors. I learn daily from my network . They inspire me, critique my work with invaluable feedback and let me know that I am not creating in isolation. Our little creative corner of the world may be small but we still push the boundaries towards new heights of excellence with a little help from our friends.

My upcoming book: Breaking Into Freelance illustration: A Guide for Artists, Designers and Illustrators.

The Big release date will be September 21st 2009.

There are some changes coming down the pipes as far as my blogs go. I have decided to subdivide my writing and illustration between two blogs now. Creative Blend will be an assortment of writing, creative business, some work, and tid-bits about my upcoming book. Pocket Rock will focus on my illustrations, ideas and work in progress. Enjoy!

I was given this lovely award from my good friend Andi Butler. Thank you.

The big news of the day is I just received my copy of this book. I contributed this year and it is a huge honor. My creative addition is, Unconventional Markets For Illustrators pages 34 to 38. The purpose was to show like minded illustrators that we do not always need to follow the rules when it comes to getting work. There are many opportunities out there and many ways to create our own opportunities in those dry times.

I have to say I was quite happy to see my name in print. I think I'll celebrate today and take it all in. Happy! :)

So now that the book is somewhat done, I am now looking to take on new exciting projects and life experiences. One thing that became VERY apparent the last year is I need to go back to my old style of work. It is nagging at me to do that daily.

This illustration was the one that reminded me that I am not working the way I'd like to. Creative tables turn sometimes. This was a huge kick in the creative pants to change!



On top of that I am in creative & office limbo due to another move. Not by choice of course. Oh well! Happy creative life goes on! I am making plans while I wait! No need to waste time, right? 2009 is going to rock! Ooooh-I've got plans.... big plans!!!

1. Book manuscript has been received by my publisher and boy am I tired. It was a great run though!
2. Just moved AGAIN... to house # 5! Ask me how sick I am of moving? I dare ya?
3. Working on two new book idea submissions.
4. Time to get blogging again.
5. Time to get back into being an illustrator again!
6. My Mum has lung cancer and will be starting Chemo soon.
7. Looking forward to New Years this year! ;)

The web site, Just One More Book, contacted me during the summer to see if I'd like to add my creative thoughts on my favourite children's book. I decided to review The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales. Of course I could never go with the conventional. That wouldn't be me!!!!

My voice chimes in around the 9 minute mark. How funny is it to listen to your own voice in a podcast? I hardly recognized myself. Funny, I thought my voice was much lower. Ha ha! The other nice thing was I could import it to my i-tunes. Too much fun!

So, basically since February I have been working endlessly on my book. It has been the largest learning experience I have... well, ever experienced. I was able to tap into parts of myself that I have forgotton, that were hidden and things I just did not know about at all. In a nutshell, this book was one of the best things that has ever happend to me.

November 10th I will sending in my materials to get the whole publishing ball rolling. There will be much editing and revising that will take place I am sure. I am loving every minute of it! I'll keep you posted.

I was sent these questions ages ago. Here goes nothing or something:

Current Location: My desk.
What are you listening to: Radiohead's "Bullet-proof-I wish I was.
Eye Color: Brown.
Hair Color: light brown
Height: approx. 5"4
Right Handed or Left Handed: Right-handed
Your Heritage: British/Scottish/?
What is your sign: Taurus
What is your Chinese Astrology sign: Taurus Dog
What is your favourite book: Te-Tao Ching
Are you a complicated person: No, I am pretty humble actually. I am the wabi-sabi queen!
Mac or PC: Mac
Have you ever had surgery: 5 times...I think.
Do you have any scars: yes
Are you a focussed person: To a fault
Have you ever been described as a workaholic: Absolutely!
When was the last time you were bored: High School
Have you changed much since High School: 180˚
Do you need to be the center of attention: Never
Do you ever walk into a room and expect everyone to like you: No. If they do, great. If they don't, oh well.
Funniest movie you have watched lately: Hot Fuzz
Do you use quotes in your daily life: Yes! I have been known to speak in quotes!
Favourite quote: "I am looking for a dare to be a great situation." - Say Anything
Are you conservative: What is the opposite of conservative? That would be me! :)
Do you bend and break the rules: Everyday like clockwork!
What are you wearing: jeans, white t-shirt, bare feet, pink toe nail polish...
Your Weakness: Too much enthusiasm for things. I often see humour in things that others do not. I like things too much sometimes. I often do not ask 'why' and instead just 'go with things'-this can get me into trouble so to speak! I am very creatively free.
Are you strong: Yes
Do you feel free: Yes! I allow myself to want what I want, need what I need and feel what I need to feel.
Have you ever felt attacked: I was sent to the hospital after being attacked by my neighbours dog in Ontario.
Best advice you have ever received: "There isn't a box!"
Strangest advice you have ever received: "Don't trust anyone who does not wear jeans!" *?*
What is the nicest compliment you have received recently: That I am inspiring.
Your Fears: Someone hurting my kids. Outside of that, I do not scare easy.
Does weirdness scare you: No! I like things to have a certain amount of weirdness to them.
Your Perfect season: Autumn
Favourite occasion: Halloween
Your Most overused word(s): 'a wee bit'
Thoughts First Waking Up: ideas, lots and lots of creative ideas. I keep a notebook by my bed.
Your Best Physical Feature: I have been told my mouth but who knows...
Your Bedtime: Depends on my creative mood.
Your Most Missed Memory: High school. I do not remember much of it.
Your childhood hero: Ed Emberley
Your adult hero: my kids!
People pet peeve: When someone ' fills in the blanks' instead of getting to know me.
Are you a good listener: The best.
Do you judge: Not often. Sometimes things are what they are.
Are you moody: No. I am pretty even. Happy and even.
Perfect drink: Starbucks Verona
Allergies: Milk & penacillin
When was the last time you experienced deja vu: Just did!
Do you believe coincidences mean anything: I just like linking things together... making connections.
What is your favourite number(s): 3 & 88
What is your favourite colour: Red
Do you have a good memory: Photographic!
What are 2 features about a person you make note of right away: Their hands & eyes when they smile.
What do find sexy: Confidence and a great sense of humour. I like things perfectly imperfect also.
Do you Smoke: Never unless I am on fire with ideas and forget what's in the oven!
Are you good with directions: No! I started this list at the bottom!
Are you clumsy: I can be a graceful clumsy person from time to time.
Do you believe in Fate and Destiny: I didn't until a year ago.
Do you believe in the idea of a soul mate: Absolutely!
Do you believe you can love someone and be in love with someone else: Anything and everything is possible when it comes to the map of the human heart, I guess.
What is the best cure for procrastination: ummm! Use your imagination. ;)
Do you Swear: When the mood strikes or I have stubbed my toe!
Do you like surprises: Oh, yes!
Do you Sing: I have been known to humm a wee bit.
Have you been in Love: I am right now!
Did you ever imagine being married: No! Surprise!
Did you go to University: Yes! For 5 very long, creative and expensive years.
Do you have a high tolerance for pain: Off the charts really.
Do you believe in yourself: Absolutely! 110%
Do you believe in your friends: Absolutely! ! 110%
Do all your friends have to the same: No! I love variety. I like it when someone brings something new to the table so to speak.
Have you been told you are charming: Yes, I have been known to charm the pants off of a few folks! :)
Do you like big words: I think big words are funny. It's like your tongue is taking an exam!
Would you say your life is regular or not: You know when you go to a department store and there is an irregular rack? Irregular. That is my life.
Favourite dirty sounding word that isn't: Asinine
Do you get Motion Sickness: God, yes!
Do you like heights: Not anymore!
Do you think you are Attractive: Define attractive?
Does nudity bother you: Absolutely not! I went to art school for 5 years. Drawing class kicks that concept to the curb.
Are you a Health nut: I am married to a personal trainer. Part of the package, non?
Do you like Thunderstorms: Love them especially when the power goes out!
Do you like scary movies: Absolutely! But it has to be a good scary movie.
Vampires, zombies or Warewolves: Vampires
Cats or dogs: Dogs
Betty Page or Marilyn Monroe: Betty Page
Favourite movie maker: Wes Anderson
Do you play an Instrument: Does a nose flute count?
Ever gone Skinny Dipping: Yes but I wont say who with.
Do you get along better with men or women: Both
In the past month have you stolen anything: Does reading someone's mind count?
Ever been Drunk: From alcohol or power?
TV or movies: movies
Favourite super hero: Batman of course.
Favourite villain: Frankenstein
Number of CDs you own: Too many!
Number of Piercings: Two
Number of Tattoos: None but I have plans!
Number of things in my past you regret: I don't regret things anymore.
Ever been called a tease: Don’t think so, however I have been called mysterious & interesting. I been told I am not like other girls.
What do you want to be when you Grow Up: I do not plan on ever growing up!
What country would you most like to Visit: Australia. England. Japan. Visit Gina in Hong Kong

So in the past year I have been noticing the number 8 and 88 keeps following me around. At first, I thought I should start looking for it but I have decided to just let it pop up and surprise me instead. Being that was a reunion year I came up with this eyeful:

88 Useless Facts About The Number 88

1. Eighty-eight is considered a refactorable number, a primitive semiperfect number and an untouchable number.
2. It is a palindrome!
3. During oral sex it means performed twice (ate twice).
4. The number of constellations in the sky as defined by the International Astronomical Union.
5. Approximately the number of days it takes Mercury to complete its orbit.
6. Eighty-eight (88) symbolizes fortune and good luck since the word 8 sounds similar to the word Fā (发, which implies 发财, wealth, in Mandarin). The number 8 is considered to be the luckiest number of all in Chinese culture and prices in Chinese supermarkets can often be found containing many 8's. The Chinese government has even been auctioning auto license plates containing many 8s for tens of thousands of dollars. The 2008 Beijing Olympics opened on 8/8/08 at 8 p.m.
7. It is the atomic number of radium.
8. It is the number of keys on a piano (36 black and 52 white).
9. There is a town called Eighty Eight, Kentucky, Zip code 42130.
10. In Star Wars, part of the name of the four IG-88 robots.
11. In Kill Bill, the name of O-Ren Ishii's Army, the Crazy 88's.
12. It is the ISBN Group Identifier for books published in Italy and Switzerland.
13. In miles per hour, the speed the DeLorean automobile must attain in order to travel in time, in the movie Back to the Future trilogy.
14. In Bingo, 88 is known as "Two Fat Ladies"!
15. Used to say "kisses and hugs" among morse code and amateur radio users, as it resembles an image of two lips kissing.
16. 88 Footwear is a skate shoe company developed by skateboarder Kris Markovich, and skateboard photographer Ed Dominick. The name was chosen because 1988 was their favorite year in skateboarding.
17. It resembles double infinity!
18. Chinese speakers also use 88 as a shorthand for "good bye" in SMS and IM chats; the mandarin pronunciation of 88 is "baba" which sounds like "bye bye".
19. Theme of four songs-
'88th Street Blues'- Smokey Wilson
'Rocket 88' by Sam Philips
'88' by Sum 41
'88 Lines about 44 Women' by The Nails
20. It is the only number known whose square has no isolated digits.
21. It is a hotel called Hotel Number 88 in Dublin, Ireland
22. It is referred to as (88) double trouble.
23. It is considered a lucky number in sports.
24. Olds 88 the model number of the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight automobile.
25. The caliber of the 88 mm anti-aircraft gun used in World War II, commonly known as 88 (acht-acht in German)
26. The designation of two freeways named Interstate 88: one in Illinois and the other in New York.
27. The number of temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan.
28. in Japanese, often used to mean "a great many" or "countless"; numbers such as eighteen, eighty, eighty thousand,
29. In hip hop, in the case of which 88 = HH = hiphop
30. A popular ice cream bar manufactured by GB Glace as part of their Nogger product line.
31. In the TV series Black Books (Series 2, Episode 2: "Fever"), the temperature (presumably in fahrenheit) above which Manny's case of Dave's Syndrome will trigger. This is suspected to be a parody of the use of the number 88 in the Back to the Future trilogy (See preceding point)
32. The number of Athena's saints (knights) in Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac)
33. The number of floors of the Petronas Towers, as of 2005 the world's tallest twin buildings.
34. 'The House of 88th Street' is a children's book by Bernard Waber first published in 1962.
35. 'The 88' is a power pop band from Los Angeles
36. Often referred to as Lucky 88.
37. The Cardinal number 7 is used 88 times in The New Testament.
38. This symbol is closely associated with Chinese beliefs that the figure 8 is also known as the symbol of Infinity. Therefore, putting these two together, we have the symbolic meaning of “Endless/forever Prosperity”.
39. Eight triangles of the I-Ching or book of changes,
40. Eighty- Eight also resembles the Chinese pictograph for “Double Happiness.” depicted in a bright red color since red enhances love and romance in a person’s life.
41. The figure 8 is also a Remedial Symbol to help balance occupants when negative symbols or a bad Feng Shui house affects them. The use of Two Eights just doubles the effectiveness of the cure.
42. The 88 symbol is also used universally to help create a flow of energy and unblock stagnant chi.
43. This symbol signifies undying love.
44. 1988 was a leap year.
45. In the movie Donnie Darko, The movie takes place in 1988. Frank tells Donnie the world will end in 28 days,
06 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. If you add these numbers, the sum is 88.
46. Stephen Hawking's book A Brief History of Time was published in 1988.
47. In The Bible, Wisdom 8:8 reads: "If a man desires much knowledge, she knows the past,
and foretells the future; she knows the subtleties of speeches, and the solutions of
riddles; she foresees signs and wonders, and the outcome of times and ages."
48. In the theory of time travel, the E(8) x E(8) string theory, well-known to many mathematicians, is often referred to
in the study of time travel.
49. There are 88 symbols along with essences, gemstones and affirmations, colors and parts of the holistic body to focus upon in the study of Wicca.
50. 'H' is the 8th letter in the alphabet. Used by Neo Nazi's 'H-H' meaning Heil Hitler.
51. As a tattoo symbol it means salvation.
52. It symbolizes the double directions of the infinity of the Universe.
53. In MahJong, the number of hands designated in these rules is 81. Each hand, depending upon its difficulty, is scored from 1 to 88 points. The points for each hand are added together in a simple sum. In the Chinese Official version, there is a minimum of 8 points needed to declare mahjong.
54. The name of a radio station called Radio88 in Hungary.
55. Star Trek theme composer, Alexander "Sandy" Courage, dies at 88.
56. Starbase 88 was a Federation Starbase in operation during the late 24th Century. The Starbase served as home base of the Seventh Fleet during the Dominion War in Star Trek.
57. Study: 88% of IT Pros Would Steal Passwords or Data if Fired!
58. In numerology, 8 is the number of building, and in some theories, also the number of destruction.
59. Michael Phelps won 8 for 8 Gold Medals.
60. The Philadelphia Flyers once had a line called the Crazy Eights with Eric Lindros at center (88)
61. In the game of eights or crazy eights, each successive player must play a card either of the same suit or of the same rank as that played by the preceding player, or may play an eight and call for any suit. The object is to get rid of all one's cards first.
62. A figure eight is a type of knot frequently used by climbers. Double it and it is doubly safe.
63. "Section 88" means REALLY crazy!
64. Sonnet 88 by Shakespeare "Doing thee vantage, double vantage me."
65. Chinese earthquake occurred exactly 88 days before the Beijing Olympics 2008
66. A dog survived 88 days in building rubble after blast.
67. A California Power Plant was built in Only 88 Days.
68. OMD song 88 Seconds In Greensboro :
88 seconds
Is all it takes
88 seconds
Don't make mistakes
69. '88 Bagel Cartoons' is a book by Mike Clarke.
70. Brahm's composed String Quintets Opus 88 & 111.
71. Term used by jazz and blues musicians to desribe a Piano. Piano's have 88 keys.
72. Started when people used to sign off their e-mails w/the term l8r. (later) Which then became l8r g8r. (later gator) Then was shortened to just 88. See you 88. Catch you later, 88.
73. When experiencing loss and/or dejection: "Fucking 88 man."
74. The speed at which a flux capacitor kicks your time-traveling ass through time.
75. 88 mph can mean some serious shit. "This party just hit 88 mph".
76. A euphamism for a woman's breasts.
77. To DOMINATE taken from the form "DOM in 8's" as the word DOM is sandwich by two 8's. 8DOM8 is also used widely with DOMINING as another former term meaning that one is "dominating".
78. '88'd' which means doubly fucked!
79. '88s&3'- A normal-sized piano (88 keys). The 3 stands for the pedals.
80. 88 Cups Coffee & Tea, is the name of a coffee house in Minden, NV
81. The 88 Million Hidden Truths of Cartoons - By Sundeep Waslekar
82. In the game Warcraft, it is a weapon called the sword of 88 truths.
83. Sonny Bono was elected as mayor of Palm Springs California in 1988.
84. 1988 deaths:
Charles Keeping (illustrator)
Nico (singer)
Chet Baker (Jazz artist)
Jean-Michel Basquait (artist)
Roy Orbison (singer)
John Carrandine (actor)
85. 'The Crazy 88' is a New Zealand Club
86. The Intel 8088 is an Intel x86 microprocessor based on the 8086, with 16-bit registers and an 8-bit external data bus. It can address up to 1 MB of memory. The 8088 was introduced on July 1, 1979
87. A Modern Firearm - Type 88 (QJY 88) general purpose machine gun.
88.There have been 88 people who live in airports, like Iranian Merhan Nasseri, who lived at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport for 18 years because of passport problems and who inspired the Tom Hanks film “The Terminal”.

...and as an additional add-on:
Movies that are set in the year 1988
1. Say Anything
2. Donnie Darko
Richard Kelly has given various reasons for this: 1. It was a favourite time, when he was a teenager. 2. Very few films have been set in the 80s. 3. He didn't feel comfortable setting a teenage film now, with no knowledge of current teenage life.

Hard to believe that school is around the corner.

© Holly DeWolf

"Want to see the most beautiful thing I've ever felt?"- American Beauty

"I can appreciate that not too many people appreciate my sense of humour."

My forte has always been illustration, creativity, making things, talking shop and being a really great Mum. I am also good at charm and wit mixed with a whole lot of joking around. The number one complaint all my girl friends and guy friends have about me is this: I am not personal enough and I do not open up enough.

Why?

It is completely out of my character. I think it is easier sometimes to let that show in my work. Chatting about past indiscretions, mistakes, weird likes and dislikes along with family stuff seems weird. It seems almost odd or a line that should never be crossed. It is also too easy to mess up and say too much that I cannot take back. That "foot in mouth" disorder happens too easily especially when you are not used to opening up much.

At my 20 year high school reunion I had a lot of people say they wanted to know me back then but I was too quite and not personal enough. Silence does make people very uncomfortable doesn't it? Who knew? They also asked me a lot of personal questions that I really wasn't comfortable talking about such as family stuff, past relationships, friendships gone bad, guys I had crushes on while in High School. Can't say I said much. Instead I did the typical deflecting with humour and that was that.

How do you find a happy medium so you are not too silent but not scaring the hell out of people? I think it takes a lot of trial and error to come up with a happy medium. It is good to have some sense of mystery. No need to be a complete open book. Having to constantly explain yourself afterwards is not a good method. On the other side of the coin, try not to get too personal with your clients. I once had a Life Coach who blurred the lines of professional relationship and friendship. This did not work for me. Needless to say, I stopped seeing her as a coach. Warning: careful joking while getting personal with someone married-they could misinterpret it as something else. When you are not intentionally putting things "in between the lines" that does not mean they are not filling in the lines themselves. Not good!

All in all, getting personal is well... personal. Make sure you are comfortable while remaining in control of the situation. Joking around is one thing but always make sure you are making yourself clear at all times. You just never know how someone is going to interpret what you say.

"I may be right, I may be wrong,
But I'm perfectly willing to swear
That when you turned and smiled at me
A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square."

- from my narratives series
© Holly DeWolf 2008

1. Try To Remain Calm
This event will have you questioning your sanity the second you walk through the door. Remember to breathe. Don't recognize anyone? That's okay. They don't have a clue who you are either. Locate all bathrooms, dark corners and most importantly, all exits. Cover your bases and hope for the best!

2. Stay Somewhat Sober
If there was ever a time to drink like a fish, this could be it. Stay in control. Keep your composure. Try to keep yourself in a standing upright position. Avoid rolling around on the floor while weeping repeatedly, "What am I doing here?" This will not go down in history as one of your finest moments.

3. Practice Your Small Talk
You will be a broken record at the end of the night. You will have deja vu over and over and over... again.

4. Fake It 'til You Remember It
Your memories of things may not be as clear as you like. It's partly age combined with a lot of fear. Study your year book. Trust me, there will be clues once you start looking around. Can't remember who is about to hug you? You have two choices. You can run away or be nice until the your brain decides to cooperate with you.

5. You Can't Live It Down
If you were shy, geeky or a big jerk in High School, you will be reminded of this often. Many will keep you in that “18” zone. Best advice, always mess with their minds. If you were a complete snob in High School, kill ‘em with kindness. They will never see it coming.

6. Avoid Confessions
Repeat after me-once in the friend zone, always in the friend zone. As a rule, leave it in the vault. This may not be the time to confess your huge crush on that "certain someone" that got away. Be kind to your ego. Be kind to your spouse. You could end up sleeping on the couch if your not careful.

7. Prepare Yourself For Trauma
You typically wont leave one of these events completely unscathed. You will be reminded of past indiscretions at a party, tripping in the cafeteria and wrapping your parents car around a tree the day after you got your drivers license. Adults are known to be a little more honest than your typical teenager. Be prepared for those stories that you wished went away like light blue eye shadow.

8. Have An Escape Plan
Try to devise a code system with your spouse or friend if you feel trapped. I recommend the “ear pull” technique. Complete panic will show. Weird gestures for escape will make you look eccentric or exotic even. Avoid reunions on a boat, a plane or in a locked bunker. Go outside for fresh air every 15 to 20 minutes.

9. Avoid The Avoidables
If they didn't like you in High School they most likely wont appreciate you now. Your Pulitzer Prize will not impress them. Be prepared to be snubbed. Fortunately, dirty looks are just looks. They wont kill you. They suck but you wont die!

10. You Are Not Alone
Think your the only one who is having a massive coronary? That would be a huge NO! We all worry about the past. Our perceptions of ourselves are far worse than what others often think of us. Not everyone is going to remember your shorts falling down during Phys. Ed. Hopefully!

11. Unplanned Moments Of Stupidity
We say the dumbest things when we are stressed out, cornered like a rat or completely taken by surprise. Trust me, it will happen! Slap your forehead and admit to yourself that you were a complete bonehead. This is step one towards recovery. Panic will set in around 4:00 am but thankfully you will be at home at that point. Best advice, curl up into the fetal position and sleep on it.

12. Leave Your Expectations At Home Or At The Hotel
We are not 18 anymore so try to remember you are about to mingle with adults and not emotionally challenged teenagers. Best advice, have no expectations. Remember, expectations are resentments under construction. It’s all relative at this point!

13. Stick With The Facts
We all have this tendency to exaggerate just a wee bit. Keep it on-the-down-low. If you are going to lie about the size of your house, make sure they don't live 3 blocks away. If your rock-and-roll husband is really a hair dresser, people will find out. Trust me.

14. No Dancing
Reunions always play your high school music. For some reason when we hear it we instinctively start dancing like we are 18 again. Avoid the embarrassment of "walking like an Egyptian." You will thank yourself later.

15. Protect Your Dignity At All Cost
Complete amnesia works well. If those embarrassing High School moments still seem too soon to talk about, try changing the subject. If that doesn’t work try the, “Oh my God. Look at what Sally is wearing” technique. Lastly, tell them your cell phone is vibrating and you have to take the call. Make sure you let them know it is a matter of life and death. Then run!

16. Dress Light
You will be sweating like a hooker in church! Avoid turtle neck sweaters, tuxedos and wool jackets. On the other side of the scale, make sure that your clothes actually fit you. Let’s face it, we are often a bit larger than we were at 18. This is not the evening for “wishful wardrobing.”

17. Plan Your Exit Early
Those drunken goodbyes mixed with fake e-mails could leave you standing around for 45 minutes. Control your exit. No one likes to be puked on or reeking of someone else's beer that got spilled down the front of your dress. Try to end the evening on a positive note and not a trip to the dry cleaners.

18. Stay Positive.
Repeat after me-Reunions are not for wimps! Remind yourself that this took an enormous amount of courage to attend. Lets face it, the whole evening is essentially based on a dare. On the upside, you never have to go into the changing room with these people ever again. Plus, you can say you made it out alive at the therapists office for years to come!

© Holly DeWolf 2008

I will be away from my desk to blast back to past back to 1988 tomorrow. This is the official reunion image that will grace many wine bottles, t-shirts and the front of a drum even! Well, like they say, gotta jet!

"I just find it amusing that you came from somewhere."- Grosse Point Blank

My 20 year high school reunion is coming up in 3 days. The concept of a 20 year reunion is quite an interesting thing. On one hand you know it is eventually coming and and on the other, it just seems weird. Some avoid it like plague and others absolutely have to go. It is a mix of memories, old friends, people you never got to know and that weird feeling of going home again.

For me, High School was a blur. I cannot remember that much nor do I feel I made much of an impression. I was one of the quiet ones that did not rock the boat that much. I had plans and big dreams to go to University and that is what I focussed on. I pretty much did my own thing my own way.

I have not lived in New Brunswick since I graduated so this is sort of like a home coming for me. Twenty years is a long time. Alot has changed. I have changed. Everyone has changed. If it wasn't for facebook I am not sure if I would recognize too many of my fellow alumni.

I do have some memories of highschool:
• The biology lab caught fire and the biology fish tank exploded some very cooked fish.
• My very first boyfriend was in grade 10.
• We moved off the island to Quispamsis to lovely Autumn Ave.
• B-52's Rock Lobster acted out at the dances.
• Vans
• Swatch
• All day shopping with Gina.
• Sleepovers mixed with a lot of sugar and scary movies.
• The summer cottage at Hunter Lake.
• Seventeen Magazine
• How exactly did we get away with playing "Add it up" by The violent Femmes at the school dances anyhow?
• John Hughes movies
• Square dancing in Phys.Ed.
• Hanging out in the Art Department
• Always being asked to read Shakespeare since I was one of the few who actually understood it.
• Late nights listening to CBC's Brave New Waves and Night Lines.
• Beating my gym teacher at archery with a sprained wrist even!
• Cutting class once or twice or a bunch of times...ya, it was a lot!
• Doing props for the movie "Children of a Lesser God" featuring William Hurt in grade 10.

I am not expecting anything which could mean I am expecting the unexpected. Mostly I just want to get away and stop for a while. I'll let you know how it goes.