Miracle Gro

JAN 31 - FEB 6 2010 — MIRACLE GRO — ISSUE 139

The Winter Retreat 2010 is in the bag. Two and a half days with 180 different games, non-stop snacking, no sleep, and a video of three white boys doing the funkiest dance I've ever seen made it yet another great year. Thanks to everyone who made it out. Even without enough snow to make the tubing as exciting as in years past, spending time with God's Body made a weekend to remember.

MARK 4:26-29 - NIV

I think most of us are familiar with Miracle Gro. If not, it's a group of products that you can add to any lawn or garden and before you know it, your drab, ordinary property becomes a lush, rain forest inspiring, neighbor fixating, gravity means nothing to it, weeds-better-not-take-a-second-look-at-this-or-they'll-die-instantly, cornucopia of green, ripe products fit for rulers of magical kingdoms. Or something like that. The idea being, though, it does work we can't, stimulating growth and protection in ways not humanly possible.

The Gospel is amazing and functions in much the same way. A lot of us can remember how it wasn't the necessarily the person who reached out to us that kept us up long nights and brought us back time and time again with questions, it was God's Word; the Bible. It captivates, engulfs, and compels you to consume it, and growth is a natural effect from spending time in it.

There is Power in God's Word, and we need to remember that power when someone we've reached out to isn't as anxious to jump into studies or continue them as we'd like. God does the growing, and His Word, once planted, can do more for that person than anything we say or do. It may take time and the growth may come when we least expect it, but we should never lose faith. And like the man in the parable, when they are ripe, we need to be prepared.

THINGS TO NOTE: Normal Week

THIS WEEK:

Monday - What Monday?

Tuesday- The moving thing has kept me a little busy... Sorry for the tardiness

Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the FQ

Thursday – Be in prayer the Youngs. Tragedies like this can't always be prevented, but the fall-out from them can. Dave and Michelle can be pillars in keeping their family strong and in leading them through this with God's guidance and wisdom, and we can be God's support to them.

Friday- Plans TBA - depends on funeral arrangements

Saturday – Go plant seeds so God's Miracle Gro can get to work

Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday Service at the MSC

Brett "Miracle Gro + Me = a free trip to the hospital for poison treatment" Hibbler

Fully Loaded-er

[caption id="attachment_128" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Sweet monkey-cakes, man! There's an entire Twinky in there!"][/caption]

Um... what can I say? I put more stuff on the site, and so now it's more loaded than before. Were the new postings essential? No, but I wanted to put 'em up, I felt they'd be beneficial, I had the space, and so I did it. Then I realized it made my last title a lie, so this is my attempt at correcting it.  Now quit hassling me and get over there and take a look!

Oh, and in case you're wondering what to look for (since I have neglected to mention that), head to the PORTFOLIO section and check out the new MY MAGAZINE sticky. (Formerly known as ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Seriously. That was the name of the old link, if you've forgotten.) Hit me back with your thoughts. And if they happen to be about my site, that's cool too.

Brett "Is it sad that a trained designer loves a canned Photo Booth filter from '08?" Hibbler

Fully Loaded

It's finished.

Temporarily. (You know, since it's a temp site and all.)

The final two pages have been filled to the breaking point with samples and are ready for viewing. And by "breaking point" I mean "barely have anything on them." Nah, that's not entirely true. It's worth checking out and provides quick access to the other sites I have created, as well as a good amount of paintings and sketches I've done that didn't really fit any other categories. Check 'em out. Send feedback. Eat cookies.

I'm out.

Brett "This pic seemed like a good idea at 12:30 AM" Hibbler

Anything We Can Do, God Can Do Better

JAN 24 - JAN 30 2010 - ANYTHING WE CAN DO, GOD CAN DO BETTER - ISSUE 138

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. With that one sentence I've now upset about 80% of you, but allow me to explain before you print this email out, wad it up, and chuck it into the nearest trashcan as an elaborate sign of your distaste. (You should really find a less expensive way to express yourself, that's just wasteful.) As you all know, this weekend is the Winter Retreat. There is one very key ingredient for this weekend to be complete, snow. Like it or not, without snow we can't nearly break our necks while tubing at absurd speeds in the dark, the landscape will be soggy and bleak, and the trudge up the hill every time we leave our cabins won't have that same "if I slip I and fall no one will find me for a month" excitement. Now what kind of retreat would that be? So, as I said before; let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

To make it up to you for all these snow references, how about if we talk about the exact opposite, a cruise...

The Oasis of the Seas — a cruise ship which rises about 20 stories high, five times larger than the Titanic, — has seven neighborhoods, an ice rink, a small golf course and a 750-seat outdoor ancient Greek-styled amphitheater that doubles as a swimming pool by day and an ocean front theater by night. It has 2,700 cabins and can accommodate 6,300  passengers and 2,100 crew members. Accommodations include loft cabins, with floor-to-ceiling windows, and 1,600-square-foot luxury suites with balconies overlooking the sea or promenades. The liner also has four swimming pools, volleyball and basketball courts, a youth zone with theme parks and nurseries for children, and an indoor theater that seats 1,300 guests. One of the "neighborhoods," named Central Park, features a square with boutiques, restaurants and bars, including a bar that moves up and down three decks, allowing customers to get on and off at different levels. - Information from an online article

Regardless of how absurd you think it is that man has decided to build a ship like this, no one can deny the awe it invokes. Like it or hate it,  the Oasis of the Seas puts your jaw on the floor just reading about its size and features. Think about this, though. If man can create something like that, imagine what God has waiting for us in Heaven?

Let your mind flirt with the possibilities a while and then thank God for giving us an all expense paid trip on the best vacation ever.

JOHN 14:1-3 - NIV (Click to read)

THINGS TO NOTE: Women's Midweek // Winter Retreat // Service on Sat for Singles/Campus - Sunday for Families

WINTER RETREAT NOTICE!- LESS THAN A WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS WEEK:

Monday - Wake up and do your best snow dance. Twice.

Tuesday- Continue praying for those in Haiti. Though help is pouring in from everywhere, it's still far from "normal" and the rebuilding will take some time. Keep praying that God adds to the family thanks to the actions of our brothers and sisters in how they've handled this life-changing event.

Wednesday – Women's Midweek at FQ // Brothers meet at Lee's at 7:00

Thursday – Live online HOPEww fundraiser for Haiti from 9:00 -10:00 pm - www.dtoday.tv

Friday- No Bible Talk // Winter Retreat Day 1 - show up anytime!

Saturday – Winter Retreat Day 2 - Worship Service for Singles/Campus at 11:00

Sunday - Worship Service for Family Groups at 9:00- Any campus and singles who want to help with the children, please let me know

Brett "Planning to be the 1st man to pull off the Double McTwist 1260 on a tube" Hibbler

Hangover

JAN 17 - JAN 23 2010 - HANGOVER - ISSUE 137

No, I'm not talking about the movie Hangover, nor am I suggesting that right now I'm experiencing one. Can you imagine the emails I'd get if that were the case? "Hey, everyone, I'm hungover this morning, sorry if the 'C is a little incoherent." I wonder who would call, email, or just show up to my house first? And would they talk to me or just give me the evil eye while shaking their head in shame? According to my friends in HS and college, the day I drink and swear is the day of the Apocalypse, so if I ever did send that email, perhaps you'd better worry about dragons attacking your house and the barrage of missiles destroying your town, instead of rebuking me. Now that this has gotten a bit bizarre, I think I'll move on.

For anyone that has ever experienced a hangover, or seen someone going through it, it can greatly affect a person's day. It can impede their ability to get things done, it can hinder their focus, and it can suck their ambition to do much of anything besides sleep, right out of them. It can affect their mood, how they interact with others, and how they're perceived by anyone who has never met them before, thinking this may be their usual demeanor. It can cause them physical discomfort and annoyances, and always comes with at least some regret, if for no other reason than the current throbbing, spinning, or nauseated feelings going through their body.

Can't sin do the same thing to our lives? From my experience, there can often be a period of time after sinning that feels a lot like a hangover. When we come to our senses, and all the emotions, guilt, and anguish set in, it can depress us, hinder our ambition to be a light to the world, destroy our belief that God can still use us, slow our desire to get back into His Word or come to Him, and dampen our spirits and demeanor so much that no one would ever guess we have salvation or the Spirit of God living in us. It annoys us, upsets us, and, if we're not careful and diligent in righting ourselves with God, it can prevent us from having an impact on a world in desperate need for Christians.

When sin rears its head, winking its eye at you and promising fun, excitement, enjoyment, or any of the many other tempting offers it claims, remember back to the last time you messed up. Remember your last hangover. Remember how it affected your relationship with God, how it messed up your day, how it hindered others in your life, and think about all the things you could have done, if only you weren't hungover.

EPHESIANS 2:1-2, 4-5, 10 - NIV (click to read)

THINGS TO NOTE: "Normal" Week

WINTER RETREAT NOTICE!- T minus 11 days and counting.

THIS WEEK:

Monday - MLK Day - No school for those in school. For the rest of us? We still have to work. How... fantastic.

Tuesday- Pray for those in Haiti. I believe there are now a confirmed 12 disciples dead, the church is destroyed, and lots of homes wiped out. Our brethren, the victims, survivors, and workers all need our prayers and support, but more so they need the faith, strength, and courage only God can give.

Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the HFQ

Thursday – Pray for recognition of sin and to avoid hangovers

Friday- Normal 7:30 Bible Talk at Biggby's

Saturday – Practice walking uphill so you can tube down the hill more than once

Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday service at the MSC

Brett "Eating before and during sin won't keep you from getting a sin hangover" Hibbler

E-Mail Forwards: UnChristian?

The following is an excerpt taken from an email I sent in response to a false forward regarding a national retailer designed to tear them down and to create a boycott on buying from them. Email forwards flood all of our in-boxes, and though some provide good laughs and occasionally give you some solid advice, the majority are "anti-something", mentioning alleged facts in an attempt to bring down a corporation, person, political agenda, etc., and then get people riled up enough to do something about it. (Usually they just forward the email on, though, content that they've now done their part. Probably not the writer's intention.)

...My real concern about these type of emails is that the majority of them are 2% truth that then distort all remaining facts, becoming nothing more than false rumors used to destroy an image, otherwise known as slander. Others have continually told people to check into the information before you send it on, (even providing a link to sites like Snopes), and it seems like they are just talking to the wind. So indulge me for a moment as I offer some biblical advice, which I'm positive is their reason for being concerned over these false emails.

EPHESIANS 4:29-32 - NIV (Click to read)

The world loves to run its mouth around the water cooler in gossip and in running others down. As a Christian, it is my job to edify and build up. Even if these types of emails were 100% true, why would a Christian send them on? Jesus' ministry and preaching didn't revolve around bringing down or replacing the corrupt Roman government or the failing Jewish leaders. Did He call out their sin and debate them when face-to-face? Absolutely. But there was no "anti-anything" in His rally cry except sin itself. Instead He stuck to building those up around Him, speaking truth to cut hearts, and did everything He could to show love to people so they could change the world from within, not by taking their "business" somewhere else.

How do these types of emails help those who hear you? How is any of this loving or edifying? It just destroys our images as Christians. If you have a forward with VALID medical advice or a good pick-me-up, then please, send away. But if you're just forwarding lies, false information, or even factual information for the sole purpose of tearing someone, or something, down, I would take a hard look at the scriptures again before sending it on. You have an educated opinion on a subject that you want to share? Great! But you need to be very, very careful about how you share it. Take it from a guy who has his fair share of soapboxes and has failed that course on more than a few occasions.

I truly hope that more people know you for the love you spread than the angry, boy-cot, "hate-these-people-emails" you send.

1 JOHN 2:4-6 - NIV (Click to read)

Brett Hibbler

Heating Up

I'd say there's a good 93% of what I'm putting up for now, fully viewable on the site as of 4:00 PM. The last two pages will be up soon, so don't get yer skintight jeans in a bunch. (Not that they could, there's not enough material to breath in let alone bunch up.) There are a lot of things on the stove at the moment, and I'm trying not to burn my Mac 'N Cheese, you know? I realize it's a temporary site, but it can't be all haphazard with random links and shoddy visuals. It's still done by me, and so long as my name's on it, I want it to at least have a shred of dignity about it. But I also can't neglect other responsibilities, as much as I'd like to do away with the hassles of power bills, filling up my gas tank, and cleaning the bathroom.

For now, though, take a look around, check things out, and if you have questions, comments, or random statements that will bring me amusement, let 'em fly. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to make sure that smell suddenly drifting past my nostrils isn't the end of another project, incinerating before it ever has a chance to flourish.

Brett "I need a bigger stove" Hibbler

A New Beginning

It is 2:40 am, EST. I'm tired. I should be in bed. In fact, I should have been in bed about 3 hours ago. I'm sure I'll feel it in the morning. Why is it that staying up always seems like the best idea on earth? We all know that as soon as the alarm hits, the only thing we'll think is, "Idiot!  Why didn't I just go to bed! That last 20 games of Freecell could have waited till work..." If only daylight savings time came more often. (Falling back, of course)

Driven by an unending desire to get my new site updated, including a functional blog, I've pressed on, though. The site still has some work ahead of it, but at least I have the blog done, including the back-archive of old posts from my 1st site; not that anyone plans on reading them. I still wanted to put them up, partly to take up space, and partly so I'd have them stored safely on the ever-expanding internet, where posts, no matter how hard you try, always seem to be stored in some giant databases' cache, never to be deleted.

But, since I'm struggling to type without backing up 30 times to fix my spelling mistakes, I think I'll throw in the towel. Maybe I'll throw it in twice. I'm pretty bushed.

At least as I drift off I'll know that as of Jan 13th, 2010, 1 Last Shot is poised for a new era of sporadic postings, odd updates, and bizarre jokes. And because of that, I'll sleep like a dead horse. Except for the whole not waking up thing.

Brett "Still short, still broke and still me" Hibbler

Sufficient

JAN 10 - JAN 16 2010   SUFFICIENT   ISSUE 136

This week's 'C is rather long and void of the usual banter and jokes. It's something that's been on my heart, though, and I wanted to share it. If God uses it to help you in some way, then A-Men. If you choose to skip it and just check the week's agenda, I won't take any offense. The Vitamin C has always been a reflection of my reaction to messages, quiet times, and current events in my life, and this week's is no different. I just appreciate having the format to share it and you accompanying me along the way.

THINGS TO NOTE: Family Group Midweek // Devo Event Friday // Men and Women's devotionals on Sat // Sunday Singles Breakfast at 8:00 at MSC

WINTER RETREAT NOTICE!- Only two weeks till the Winter Retreat. Woo!!!!!!!!!! Practice your luge techniques, Donovan. This year we need more speed and I think technique is the key. And maybe those tiny suits they wear... but, uh, we'll skip those and pretend it's just the technique.

THIS WEEK:

Monday -  sips at our souls like a thirsty giant. I have no idea what that means...

Tuesday-  Pray for clairvoyance (the intuitive knowledge, not the supernatural power)

Wednesday – Family 7:00 Midweek at Dave and Michelle's

Thursday – Check on your progress for any goals you made for this year.

Friday- "Word Play" Exhibit Devo at the Museum at 7:30. Travel/parking arrangements will be made at midweek to avoid the parking charge. Possible party at Mike's afterward.

Saturday – Men's Devotional - Details TBA // Sister's Devotional at Young's at 9:00

Sunday - Singles Breakfast at 8:00 at the MSC. I'll email the list of what you said you'd bring. Normal 10:00 Sunday service afterward

----------------------
2 CORINTHIANS 11:24-27 - NIV (Click to Read): Please Read First

This is a small glimpse into the life of Paul. That's the life a man, devoted to God with every fiber of his being, lived. Would any of us dare argue that we are more dedicated, more faithful, more spiritually active than him? So why then do we look at trials and hardships in our lives and feel as if we deserve better? As if we're being punished or neglected and that God isn't living up to "His end of the bargain"? Are the struggles we're enduring even half of what he went through? For us they're difficult, pain is relative to one's own experiences, I understand that, and it's hard to put in perspective at times. But at some point we need to take a step back and look at what Godly men and women endured and realize we need a reality check. If he didn't spare such an incredible servant, a man who wasn't officially an apostle, yet was so righteous he's better known than 3/4 of the actual ones, why do we feel as if God should spare us from far lesser pain, trials, suffering, and hardships?

I have never found any scriptures that indicate we are promised anything here in this life but to have our needs met if we seek first the kingdom of God. We have a promise of eternity in Heaven and tremendous rewards there, but nowhere do I find anything about gaining a life with few struggles by taking up my cross. And even what we consider our needs may be up for debate with God. We may think we need three meals a day and eight hours of sleep at night, but He may think we need one meal every three days and three hours of sleep at night.  Clearly God didn't think Paul needed what we would consider "essential."

One may then wonder, "So is life supposed to be miserable then? Just one struggle after another? Am I supposed to be happy as I bounce from one punch in the stomach to the next?" My answer to that is simple: misery is a decision. They way you view those situations and how far you concede to the emotions they can evoke determines your mindset, not the situations themselves. I never once, in all the writings available to us about Paul, get the idea he felt neglected by God, that he was miserable for his trials, or that he lived a joyless life. We know he petitioned God to take away at least one thorn in his flesh, and I can imagine it was probably done with some very powerful, passionate prayers. Yet God, in all his power, wisdom, and love, would not concede.

Do you think it was easy for God to say no? Does a parent take pleasure in watching their child struggle through a situation in life, knowing they could easily step in and fix the problem? Absolutely not. But what does the child gain if the parent always steps in and saves the day? How will they ever grow, gaining the wisdom, strength, and durability only trials can instill?

Perhaps we know that, though, that trials are necessary. The scriptures tell us often that God disciplines those He loves. So maybe that's not our struggle. Maybe we just want to know when does the "learning" end? Or why does there have to be so many struggles?

I don't have all the answers as to where or how to always keep a positive outlook at every moment. I don't know when the trials we're facing are something God's trying to teach us, and when they are just a repercussion to living in a world with the gift of free will, where one person's decisions can directly and vehemently affect the life of another. It seems to me that early Christians, and especially Paul, had eternity in their hearts and fed off of struggles, using them as fuel to hate this world and long for the next. I know that set them up for success given what many of them faced. But I also realize trials and difficulties can be very powerful and consuming, and sometimes it seems like a promise of a glorious eternity isn't enough. It should be, but our minds are bogged down with what we know and often trapped in the here and now. Future hope doesn't always cure our current ailment.

There is something else I know as well. This man who endured so much, and who still had more to go, viewed his life like this:

2 CORINTHIANS 12:10 - NIV (Click to Read)

And if I claim to be a Christian, just as he did, a man whose life far surpasses mine, how can I react any differently? If God's grace was to be sufficient then, shouldn't it be now?

I constantly pray for understanding about trials, but I remember Job, a far more righteous man than I never got an answer to his. I pray for them to lesson, to have "learned what I need to", but I remember Paul, an iconic Christian, had no end to tribulation. I pray for strength to keep going, remembering they made it, so I can as well. I pray for joy in this life, no matter what transpires, remembering how joyous the apostles were, even from prison while recovering from severe beatings. And I pray to do what Job, Paul, and so many other greater Christians have done in times when the world is caving in, threatening to crush my spirit; I pray to trust God, who from intense studying I know without a doubt loves us beyond anything I can comprehend. I believe that He has given me a way to press on, the capacity to be courageous in trying times, the motivation I need to endure, and the opportunity to show a world that loves to sulk in it's own sorrow that there is something better waiting, something so powerful out there it can bring a person through the ugliest of life's atrocities without destroying their hope, faith, or joy. That a person can have their life torn to pieces and everything they know taken, but still press on, fighting that good fight and determined to finish the race.

The world chooses to be bitter, a Christian chooses to inspire. The world chooses to doubt and be insecure, a Christian embraces their faith, trusting in the unknown. The world cripples under tragedy and focuses on themselves while crying out for sympathy, a Christian stands and leads, focusing on the needs of others and tending to the tears of those in agony. The world has no bright spot, embracing negativity and dashing the hopes of the mourning, a Christian remains positive, breathing life into a hopeless situation and lifting the spirits of the tragic-stricken.

We are Holy, separate from this world, and it's time we start behaving as such. Otherwise the greatest question Jesus ever asked may have an answer none want to give.

"Will the Son of Man find faith on the earth when He comes?"

Brett "May His grace be sufficient for us" Hibbler

Expect More, Pay Less

JAN 3 - JAN 9 2010 - EXPECT MORE, PAY LESS - ISSUE 135

2010. From here on out, that's what we'll write following the day and month. Does anyone find that as hard to believe as I do? Not from a "how time flies" standpoint, but from a date in time perspective. Maybe if all the movies in the 70s, 80s and 90s hadn't speculated on what life would be like in the 2000s it wouldn't be as hard to accept, but we're ten years into this century and there's no Skynet, time travel, house-keeping robots with Robin Williams' voice, readily available hover boards, manned space trips to Jupiter, or cross-country death races as our primary source of entertainment. I guess not having robots running the world, convicts racking up money by running people over, and worrying that someone from the future may beam into my house at any moment, interrupting my breakfast to tell me my future kids are in court trouble, should be cause for celebration, but are those too high of a price to pay for a floating skateboard, self drying jackets, or being able to watch a sport involving Rollerblades on regular TV? I'm not so sure...

As it is at the start of every year, expectations for the one to come are always high. Goals are set, agendas are written, books, videos, and memberships are purchased, and new mindsets are forged. Changes for the positive are to be commended, and for anyone looking to better themselves by making an alteration to their lifestyle, I encourage you to do just that. But before you finalize those plans, sink your teeth into that new routine, and go willy-nilly with your new aspirations, I have a challenge.

What is your goal(s) based on? The final outcome you are striving for, how did you arrive at that endpoint? I'm beginning to see how expectations are everything when it comes to a challenge. And it doesn't take much to see how expectations in our world have sunken lower and lower, brought down by our natural desire to shy away from hardship, yearn for smooth, easy, paths and to hate the feeling of failure. (Fittingly, Rob discussed this yesterday. He must have peeked at the notes in my brain before doing his Communion thought. Tricky guy, that Rob is. I hope he didn't get anything secret like my email password. Then he could run amuck in my life while pretending to be me. Oh the carnage!) Target's motto, "Expect more, pay less" sums up our desires perfectly. We want a lot of gain for very little loss. If we lower the bar, those issues disappear and suddenly we get all the feelings of accomplishment with half the effort. It seems win-win until we look at the bigger picture.

By lowering expectations we cheat ourselves out of seeing what we can really do and receiving the enormous benefits of accomplishing something truly difficult. We've started aiming for the floor when we should be trying for the ceiling. And by doing that, what was once a low expectation for one generation, becomes the top for the next, who never realize they could do better. Should do better. So in the culture today, watered down and lazy, have our expectations become victim to our modern theology?

Look at your goals again. Are they based on man's aspirations or God's? The difference could determine weather you're aiming for the floor or the ceiling.

EZEKIEL 11:12 - NIV (Click to read)

THINGS TO NOTE: God Works serving on Mon // Normal Midweek // Regular Bible Talk // Leader's Retreat // Evening Service on Sun

WINTER RETREAT NOTICE!- Only three weeks till the Winter Retreat. Make sure you're getting your work schedule, ride, and gear set now. You wouldn't want to miss out on 3 days of life-altering fun and forever be known as a fuddy-duddy would you?

THIS WEEK:

Monday - God Works serving for SINGLES and P-Burg FG in MI. If you can get there at 5:00 it would be helpful

Tuesday- continues our return to normalcy as the holiday season ends. Boo!

Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the HFQ

Thursday – Pray for great expectations in your life, and the lives of your Christian family

Friday- Normal 7:30 Bible Talk at Biggby's

Saturday – Leader's Retreat

Sunday - Leader's Retreat // EVENING Sunday service at the MSC - 5:00 to 6:00 pm

Brett "Hopefully Target believes that negative press is good press" Hibbler

The Last Post On Old Site

December 2006

December 23rd, Christmas Eve eve, and a momentous occasion since I’ve now just posted twice in one month; a feat accomplished rarely in the entire history of my site. I better cut back or you guys might think this is normal and expect it from now on. This one’s short, though, so maybe that will deter you. I finally posted the majority of my Devotions on the DEVOTION page. Check ‘em out and let me know your thoughts, ramblings, ideas, suggestions, and weight. OK, so maybe not the weight, but the others would be much appreciated. I believe that’s all I have for now. Have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a Joyous Return Season all you retail workers. (Ha!)

Brett “No I’m not an elf, they have bigger ears” Hibbler

I Say

December 2006

Ha! It’s December 3rd which means I beat my last gap between postings by roughly three months. Take that paralyzing indifference! But, no time for ranting, on to the news. I added a new section to the ART PAGE complete with a slew of new material. I have put up a bunch of the T-shirt designs I’ve done at All American Screen Printing and a few I did for other clients. There’s a new LOGO section in the works, so check back for that, and if you’ve tried to visit the DEVOTIONS page and never gotten any of the links to work… To you I say, “I’m sorry.” It’s because I’ve never posted any of the actual thoughts. I want to get them grammatically fixed before I post them which has proved nigh impossible. But, keep checking back because I might just throw them up as they are and let the grammar Nazis blitz my email account with how I don’t have proper comma use, have poor sentence structure, and use too many sentences that begin with “And,” and “But.” (Like this one.) To them I say, “Bring it.” I think that about does it, folks. Keep it real. Or if that’s not working, make it fake. And now to you I say, “Goodbye.”



Me

1 Year Later

March 2006

Wow. It’s been about two weeks short of a year since I last wrote anything on here. That’s pretty sad. ‘Course, what’s even more sad is the fact that I don’t have much new to report. However, the site did get a face-lift, so that’s something, right? In case you missed it, the entire home page is now done in flash and looks pretty snazzy, I think. (Isn’t that all that matters anyway? It is my site after all…) Especially with the one-and-only LOAD MAN kicking it off. (To see him dance longer, visit a friend with a dial-up connection.) The DEVOTIONS page is finally up, so, if you’re looking to take a peek into the religious side of my mind, check it out. My resume is now online, and you can access it through the BIO page, or just click the piece of paper below my computer desk on the HOME page. Also, there’s a new APPAREL link on the ART page that contains some clothing designs I’ve done for clients. I do have one good piece of news to report, though. Back in November I was hired as the graphic artist at ALL AMERICAN SCREEN PRINTING in Toledo. Not a bad little job. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get my daily fix of chocolate. What!? Don’t look at me like that. I can quit whenever I want. Honest.

B-HIBBY

4 Month Gap

March 2005

Miss me? It’s only been what, four months since I last posted on here? Hopefully, it’ll have been worth the wait, even if it means I’ll have to type your eyes off for the next few minutes. (Get it? Instead of talk your ear off I said…ah forget it. If you didn’t get it, explaining it just makes it lame; and if you did get it, you’ve already figured out it was lame. But moving on…) First off, anyone who didn’t receive my letter regarding my new employment, let me know and I’ll update you accordingly. As you have probably noticed, the site looks a bit different. I’ve added a few new sections, so make sure to check them out. (an all new BIO page, a brand new MERCH page, a DEVOTIONS page that will be coming soon, new LINKS, and new CONTACT INFORMATION) I’ve also tried to decrease that loading time yet again, so here’s hoping you don’t have to wait too long to view pages. Two things worth checking out: there’s a new penciled piece posted on the PENCIL page, and a pretty cool cereal box that I designed, posted on the OTHER page. Both, I feel, are worth the trip. Speaking of trips, I’ve moved yet again, (See how I tie stuff together? I should get paid for this.) so we’ll see how long I stay here. Moving, for me, is getting to be just another way to kill time it seems. I can also kill time reading emails, so let me know what you think of the upgrades; and, as usual, any complaints about the site are welcome, too. Another great lead-in. I’m on fire with lameness today! And with all this lameness at my disposal, I think I’ll go annoy my roommate. Until next time, I remain,



Brett Hibbler a.k.a. Tater Salad (Ron White, you’re a genius)

Upgrades

November 10th, 2004

OK, no time for introductions this month because there is way too much to talk about. I’ve done some major upgrades to the site that will hopefully benefit you as you navigate around. I did my best to speed up the graphics loading process, since this site is so heavy in them. Also, there’s an entirely new art section with new categories. There’s a preview for a comic I did recently, a section for my cartoon strip, new penciled pages and life drawings in the art section itself, an animation section and more. Bottom line; make sure you check it out. Oh, and since it seems a lot of people never see it, the guitar on the home page actually links to the music section of the site, so check that out too. In addition to these changes, new links were added to the link page so; you guessed it, check those out as well. The other big news bit is that I’ve been hired by a company in MI to design logos and create and maintain a website for them. The link is www.northmenministries.com, and can also be found in the new art section. It’s not quite done yet, so make sure to check back every so often. You can check here too, and I’ll let you know when it’s up officially. Phew. I think that about covers it for now. There wasn’t even time for a witty comment in this one. Never fear though, there’s always the next update. Asta-la-whatever.


Brett

The Cursed

October 3rd, 2004

Well, it’s that time again. Another ramble, more updates, and the chance to get a glimpse at the man behind this amazing site. Right, well, it sounded good in my head at least. Moving on… As you may have noticed, when you first open the site, a new “help” page displays. I found out some people were missing certain links on the site so I figured I’d make sure that doesn’t happen for anyone else. You can also call up this help page at any time by clicking on the main logo on the home page. Currently I’m working on a web site for a large Christian organization based out of MI, so look for that link soon. Also, www.Komikwerks.com is giving some free publicity to Kubert alumni, so look for those pages to be posted soon as well. Other than that, I have plenty of time for any of you art companies who need some art, or for anyone who just wants to hang out. Freelancing is rather lonely, so feel free to contact me. OK, I think that’s it. Later everyone.

Brett

Traveling

AUGUST 2004,



AH, ANOTHER MONTH AND ANOTHER UPDATE. AND WHAT’S THIS MONTH’S MOTTO? TRAVELING. FIRST, I MOVED BACK TO OHIO RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF CONSTRUCTION SEASON (MY FAVORITE SEASON) AND JUST IN TIME FOR MY B-DAY. THEN, THE NEXT TWO WEEKS I SPENT TRAVELING TO SOUTHERN OH AND NORTHERN MI TO CHRISTIAN CONVENTIONS. BETWEEN THOSE TWO I FILLED IN FOR AN OCCUPIED DRUMMER IN A FRIEND'S BAND, LEARNING 6 SONGS IN 2 DAYS FOR 2 CONSECUTIVE SHOWS. (BOTH OF WHICH WENT OFF PRETTY WELL GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, I MIGHT ADD.) THEN IT WAS OFF TO THE BIG CHICAGO CON WITH 5 OF MY FELLOW KUBIES. A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL, AND WE EVEN HAD THE CHANCE TO HANG OUT WITH A FORMER KUBIE AND FRIEND WHO HAPPENED TO GET WORK FOR TOP COW, DAVID NAKAYAMA. CHECK OUT HIS WORK ON THE PROXIMITY EFFECT TPB AND WITCHBLADE 77. (YOU KNOW, WHEN LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW HOSTS MENTION PRODUCTS ON THEIR SHOWS, THEY USUALLY GET FREE STUFF. *HINT, HINT.* OH WAIT, NO ONE FROM TOP COW READS THIS…) OTHER THAN THAT THERE’S JUST BEEN A FEW ADDITIONS TO THE SITE. THERE’S SOME NEW LINKS, SOME CORRECTIONS TO MY TERRIBLE GRAMMAR, AND MY FIRST FLASH

ANIMATION, THE LINK OF WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE ART AND MUSIC PAGES. ENJOY.

BRETT

No Shoving

JUNE 2004,

OK, FIRST UP, THERE IS NEW ARTWORK ON THE SITE PEOPLE. I KNOW, I KNOW, IT’S EXCITING, BUT LETS BE CIVIL ABOUT THIS. NO PUSHING OR SHOVING, THERE’S PLENTY OF SPACE FOR EVERYONE. OF COURSE THERE’S PROBABLY ONLY ONE OF YOU ON THIS SITE RIGHT NOW ANYWAYS SO ROOM ISN’T A PROBLEM. THERE’S 3 NEW PENCIL PAGES, 2 NEW PAINTINGS, AND A NEW SKETCH OR TWO. THE PENCILS (SOME SAMPLE PAGES I DID FOR MARVEL FROM AN ULTIMATE X-MEN SCRIPT) AND PAINTINGS (SUNFIRE AND NINJA TURTLES) ARE AT THE TOP IN OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PAGES. THE SKETCHES YOU'LL HAVE TO LOOK FOR. HAPPY HUNTING. ALSO, THE REST OF THE SITE IS PRETTY MUCH DONE NOW AS WELL, SO YOU CAN FINALLY CLICK ON STUFF WITHOUT GETTING “UNDER CONSTRUCTION” ANYMORE. WOOT. (OBSCURE REFERENCE ANYONE?) THIS PAST MONTH HAS FLOWN BY. I’M STILL IN NJ, (THOUGH I DID MOVE TO ANOTHER LOCATION AND HAVE REMEMBERED WHY I HATED APARTMENT COMPLEXES SO MUCH) AND I’VE BEEN TRYING LIKE MAD TO FINISH THIS SITE. AS WELL AS SEND IN NEW SAMPLES TO MARVEL AND D.C AND TO GET SOME STUFF FOR ASPEN COMICS TOO. OH, AND DID I MENTION I WAS STILL WORKING AT FYE ON TOP OF THIS? YEAH, CHAOS IS MY LIFE BUT I WOULDN’T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. ANYWAYS, ENJOY THE NEW STUFF, AND HOPEFULLY I’LL BE GETTING MORE UP SOON. YOU GUYS TAKE IT EASY BECAUSE, WELL, SOMEONE HAS TO RIGHT?



BRETT

Graduation

MAY 19th, 2004

WE DID IT. AFTER THREE YEARS OF ADJUSTING TO THE INSANITY THAT IS NEW JERSEY, THE BOOT CAMP WE CALLED SCHOOL, 28 HOUR DAYS, 9 DAY WEEKS, AND PUTTING UP WITH THE SAME HANDFUL OF PUG UGLY GUYS IN ONE CLASS ALL YEAR WE GRADUATED. PHEW. WHAT NOW YOU ASK? THAT’S THE QUESTION OF THE HOUR FOR MOST OF US. SEND OFF RESUMES AND PORTFOLIOS AND HOPE SOMEONE WILL BE WILLING TO TAKE A CHANCE ON ONE OF US I SUPPOSE IS THE ANSWER. OR WIN THE LOTTERY, WHICH IS THE ONE I PREFER. BUT UNTIL THEN I SUPPOSE THERE’S ALWAYS QUIZNOS SUBS OR THAT EVER GROWING, SOON TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD CORPORATION WAL-MART TO BRING HOME THE BACON. ALL-BE-IT TINY AMOUNTS OF BACON THAT CAN’T POSSIBLY HELP PAY OFF THE HUGE DEBTS WE’VE ACCUMULATED, BUT BACON NONETHELESS. ANYWAYS, HERE’S A PIC OF ME AND SOME OF THE GUYS AT GRADUATION. ENJOY.

[caption id="attachment_7" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="My Graduation Dinner: May 2004"][/caption]





BRETT

Woooooooooo!

MAY 2004,

MY SITE'S FINALLY UP.....SORT OF. AS SOON AS I CAN GET THINGS LIKE, WHERE I'M GOING TO LIVE , WHAT I'M GOING TO BE DOING, ETC... FIGURED OUT I'LL FINISH THIS BAD BOY UP. UNTIL THEN PLEASE BEAR WITH ME AND THE MULTIPLE PARTS OF THIS SITE THAT ARE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION. THE ART SIDE IS PRETTY MUCH DONE, AND THE MUSIC SIDE WILL BE SOON. THAT IS IF LIFE WILL LET ME BE FOR A FEW MINUTES. JUST KEEP CHECKING HERE FOR UPDATES AND WE'LL SEE WHERE THIS GOES. NOW, HAS ANYONE SEEN MY BED? IT'S BEEN MISSING FOR THE BETTER PART OF THE LAST 3 YEARS AND I COULD REALLY USE IT.

BRETT