Hello Xyliacs.
We are back. I have a lot to say here: lots of news, and thank yous and I hope I don’t forget anything!
First off, before I get into the story of the computer meltdown and aftermath, and say my many thank yous, I want to address today’s update. I ask that you please try not to get too excited about this image of our title character, that’s all I have to say. 
Okay the computer. Well, I’m trying to chalk this whole thing up to the category of ‘learning experience’. Look kids, I am the first one to admit to being extremely technically unaware. Class One A Techtard here. I can make software work for my means- which is the job of creating art- but when it comes to fixing computers, dealing with hardware issues, repairs, or even backup concepts – these things are all fairly alien to me. People even start talking about this stuff and my eyes glaze over into full blown ADD “look at that shiny thing mode”.
I’m an artist. (Well and a musician too, but that’s another story…) It’s all I ever wanted to be, and it’s what I do. Not an electrician, technician, or any kind of computer wizard. Not only that, but I’m an artist who was educated and received her degree in the PRE PC age. (You know, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. There were no cell phones or CDs either. EWWW! Scary!!) In fact, I graduated from college before many of the Xyliacs were born, and all of my computer know-how was learned on the job as I went, not from growing up around computers my whole life, or having classes learning to use them. The fact that I can find my way around Photoshop as well as I can (which is pretty darn good) with no education is actually fairly remarkable, if you ask me.
All of this said, I have owned Macs for twenty years now, and not once have I had a hard disk failure. Start up problems, motherboard issues, lightning strikes (that got through the surge protector) fried monitors, software bugs- I’ve had problems, but never a complete hard drive failure.
Last week, Old Blue (my iMac) started doing one or two odd things. Primarily, I couldn’t send out Mac mail. So I figured it was my internet provider. They came and checked everything, and after three hours of phone calls and a repairman, decided it was my computer’s fault. Huh. I figured it was some buggy thing, and I would run diagnostic. AFTER I got my assignments done.
Here’s where the blessings come in. Frustrated, I posted the problem on Twitter. And one of my Xyliac friends, SCAScot, aka Richard the Scot, responded to my comment. “I know some about Macs” (a MAJOR understatement as it turns out) and he offered to chat with me about it. Now, when the local Mac guys around here charge $60.00 an hour just to talk to you and $120.00 and hour to crack open a machine, and Richard offered his help as a fan of the series, I was beyond appreciative and still am.
Richard walked me through problem solving- I opened a new account in my computer, and it solved the problem. But only temporarily. And here is where I was REALLY fortunate. Richard insisted that I go- right then- and get a back up harddrive. Now, I back things up, don’t get me wrong. But I always did DVD back up. He told me to get an external hard drive. And now. Now, I don’t have any extra money, but I did it anyway. And THANK goodness I did. It saved a lot of my most recent art work- in fact about two months of work, all of my brushes, fonts, music- everything I put on there.
And so, once we got the computer limping along so I could get the update done and some other projects I needed to complete- Richard told me to do an erase and install of the operating system as SOON as possible.
I figured– I got a week, maybe two…
Nope. The one mistake I made was that the page that you see here (which is a complete recreation from scratch) was completely done, but I forgot to save it to the external harddrive. It was a new habit, and I just plain forgot. My daughter needed the computer to check a school project, I did a reboot to make sure it ran smoothly and – that was it. Complete crash. Now yeah, there are options for retrieving data. But they all involved days of waiting, and I didn’t have days. I needed to get back online for my freelance. It was one file. That Xylia page. And my address book too- thought I had transferred it, but apparently I didn’t get all of the pertinent files for a full transfer.
So it was wipe it clean and start over. And (with Richard calmly walking me through it all, especially that moment where I hit that last button – ERASE – I did it. Now the computer works like brand spanking new. All the software is updated, the OS is updated, and it runs like it should.
And so, instead of mourning a few things lost, I am SO GRATEFUL! For my good fortune to meet such a giving and helpful soul as SCAScot!! The guy went above and beyond the call of duty, and I hope all Xyliacs will join me in raising a toast to Richard the Wizard! Thank you for making Xylia possible, my friend. You really made that happen.
The only thing that he asked was that if he could appear somewhere in the land of Xylia.
I can make that happen, Richard. Thank you again.
I also want to thank Josh and Kez for all that they do- I can never thank them enough. Josh is the one who let you all know what was up on Monday- and Kez of course has been working tirelessly dealing with the frustrating issues with the new site. It turns out that part of the problem may have actually been coming from my faulty computer, miscoding files.
I also want to thank all of you readers, for sticking with me through all of the crazy up and downs of my unconventional web comicker existence. The car crashes, my father’s many trips to the hospital, my own illnesses and bouts with depression, tornado warnings, and now computer malfunction. I appreciate your patience through all of this, and willingness to stick with my little story despite only having once a week updates and occasional interruptions. But mostly, thank you for sticking with me. For all of your kind words of support, and expressions of appreciation for what I’m trying to do.
Here is a wonderful fan art gift I received from Tiana. It’s a gorgeous image of Xylia in water- ‘More Ways to Fly’ Thank you very much Tiana!
http://calthyechild.deviantart.com/art/Xylia-More-Ways-to-Fly-137839500
I’m hoping to have some new incentive pieces up VERY soon, and get back on track with Xylia. Part of the issue is that I have made some changes in Barbland, like I mentioned before. One of them, is a daily fitness regimen. It’s funny how much time you realize a day doesn’t have when you start dividing it up into even smaller parts. The good news is that my daily trips to the gym have amounted to a weight loss of 23 pounds so far. And my goal of running 3 miles straight is somewhat in sight already. I’m pretty happy about that.
And as I’ve hinted around about, there is a very special person in my life that I make time to talk to each day and that has been a tremendous blessing to me as well. He is a Xylia reader too, and I know he’s reading this and won’t say a word in the comments. ^_^ I do hope he is feeling better today. <3
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
*tips hat* Just glad to help.
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Yay, you’re back! Hooray! *hugs* I am so glad, and a big Huzzah for Richard the Scot! And Kez and Josh too, and of course Barb herself!
Way to triumph over adversity, Team Xylia! You all go outstandingly!
All the Best, Peg
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Yay SCAScot, Yay Kez and Josh, and Yay Barb! And Yay new chapter! Love the ivy
What a lot of frustration to go through. And computers are supposed to make our life easier. I’m so glad things are running smoothly *knocks wood* again and I’m looking forward to the next page – whether that be Monday or a week or longer. Good stories are worth the wait. Congrats on the fitness regimen and the weight loss. It takes a LOT of dedication to hit the gym every day, you go girl!
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Kudos, SCA Scot! You’re truly a gentleman and a hero!
I’m glad things are running so much better now for you computer wise, Barb! And I gotta say, you’re very brave for diving into Photoshop with no real computer experience to back you up! When I first started coloring digitally, I looked at Photoshop once and went “Eep! No way! *runs*”… and thats WITH experience! So, yeah. You’re super brave.
I still think colored sticky notes on the edge of your screen till you get into the habit of always backing up (or even just saving in general) to your external hard drive might be a good idea. Ask the kiddos to change the color every couple of weeks so you dont get used to it being there and ignoring it. But thats just me!
We’re just glad to have you back and your computer running like it should. I think your honey should sneek you away for an evening out if at all possible, as a reward for having dealt with the computer melt down so well!
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I’m glad things are getting better! Keep up the good work!
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Barb, so glad to see this all come together for you. I can see that the artist in you cringes when these things happen. For those of us who have come to know, appreciate and love you, there is no problem with being patient when these things happen. As to your being educated in the “pre-PC era,” lets just say that my education was right after the asteroid hit.
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Well! A new page, a new upgrade to the computer, and a new guy – sounds like you’re out of Sad-ville and running on all cylinders!
And that’s better than just a new page.
We love ya!
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:07 am
Thanks to SCA Scot (why do I keep wanting to say “Scuba Scot”?) for his selfless and tireless efforts,
thanks to Kez for her ceaseless battles to keep the willful and wiley webpage in line,
thanks to Josh for his vigilence in keep us all informed, especially in times of crisis,
and thanks most of all to Barb, for never giving up, for never giving in, and for always striving to do and give her best to this story and these characters that we love!
Go Team Xylia!
I’m so glad that things are once more running on an even keel, computer-wise and in other areas of your life! Congrats on the exercise regimen and the progress you’ve made! That sure as heck ain’t easy, and I know!
I second ACWN’s thought – you need to let your fella sneak you away and treat you – you’ve more than earned it!
And lastly – I know you said not to get too excited, but come on – XYLIA!!! She may be coming back to the story this chapter?! Yippee!!
*does little happy dance*
Okay, I’m done now. ^_^
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:51 am
Ah yes, system recovery…I’ve had that experience quite a few times. Upside? Like you said it gets the computer back without the accumulated glitches. Downside? If you don’t have the things you want backed up they go bye bye, as I can lament a few times over!
The page is gorgeous…I love the split screen effect…and I’ll try not to get my hopes up that she is going to be back so soon, I got the impression that finding her would be a long term goal for Claude. We can’t get our wish THIS soon I suppose! LOL
Keep up the great work, hopefully the major issues are behind you now, and all things in your life will be looking up from here on in!
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 am
A couple of months back, I wrote a blog post about what support means to an artist on the internet. If you’re interested, you can read it here: http://web.me.com/scascot/The_Muddle_Of_The_Woad/Thoughts/Entries/2009/5/26_Inspiration.html
In working with Barb on this, we had some pretty lengthy conversations – I’m not going to divulge Barb’s secrets, but I will say this: See that tip jar up there? Use it. Every little bit helps.
Barb does this because she loves doing it. Her passion and dedication are inspiring. During our conversations, to hear the sound of defeat creeping into her voice verged on heartbreaking. It struck a chord with me, because, like her, I own a small and struggling business. I understand the dream of working for yourself. I did what I did, precisely because I understand that – and I refuse to quit. During our many hours of conversation, Barb asked me why I was doing this, and why I wouldn’t take any payment for doing it; it was then that I asked her to believe in the kindness of strangers. I asked her to believe that she was worth it.
So, I guess that’s what I’m doing here – I’m asking the readers to believe in Barb as well. Maybe you can help in some way, like I did, by providing some service that Barb needs. If you can’t, maybe you know someone who can.
Maybe it’s not even Barb that you can help. Like I said in the blog I linked to (above), go out and find that person who inspires you, who makes your world a little bit brighter, and let them know. It may be a donation of time, service, money or just a well-timed compliment, but it will mean more to that person than you will ever know.
Thank you.
/soapbox
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:05 am
and they say you never need to do a re-format on a Mac?
Great work Richard and your time is appreciated!
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Great cover, Barb! I am absolutely amazed at how you do textures and light.
I have become excited nonetheless. XD
And mad props to SCAScot for all the valiant compy swashbuckling!
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Glad you’re up and running again! Nice page, once again.. I’m looking forward to reading this chapter!
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
this pic kinda reminds me of the corpse bride….
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I can’t see the last two pages on Internet Explorer, but they work on Firefox.
The entire strip is so pretty!
I forget why she got cursed into stone, though.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:17 pm
A beautiful image! Hope your comp problems are over. Cheers for SCAScot!
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:11 pm
SCAScot, know well what you mean. Over the last year and some months, I’ve come to think of Barb as a talented and valued friend. Through her posts, I’ve read of her struggles as she sought to deal with the curveballs that life handed her. While I lack your technical expertise, I’ve tried, in my own way, to be supportive of Barb, because I’ve seen some of my own struggles in the past mirrored in her. It would seem that, everytime a situation seemed hopeless, a loving God placed someone in my life who could help. I’ve come to believe tha the best way to say “Thank You” to those who were there for me is to try, however imperfectly, to be there for someone else
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Truer words never spoken or written by both SCAScot and Joseph.
I will say it again and again and again. Xyliacs never cease to amaze and inspire me. I truly believe Xyliatales has managed to find some of the most wonderful people on the entire Earth and bring them together.
September 24th, 2009 at 12:40 am
YAY Barb is back and glad you got everything working again
September 28th, 2009 at 9:29 am
I’m so glad that you have such wonderful people to help you out and are able to have such a good outlook on life
Good luck with everything, and congrats with losing the weight! That’s always a major confidence booster.
September 28th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Can’t see the current page at all, at either address (comics.xyliatales.com or xyliatales.com), but I can see the previous pages just fine. I have Firefox 3.5.3 on XP Pro with all the latest updates. This has been going for a few weeks, now.
October 7th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
For some reason or another the updates as of http://xyliatales.com/chapter-8-find-me/ are not showing up on my computer. I can get to the pages no problem, but there are no comic pages on them. Just empty boxes with the red X in them.