Miles' Challenge - 6 Final Thoughts

 Per Curt's request, what follows is a retrospective post about this year's Challenge.  As you can see from the first picture, I painted a good deal of stuff.  I really like putting on convention games and the Challenge has proven to be an invaluable motivating tool in moving items from the un-painted to painted category.  Combine that with the wonderful camaraderie and the true friends I've made while participating and you have, for me, my favorite hobby event bar none.  One of the reasons I go a little overboard in painting is that it's just too much fun.  I think I do 80% of my annual mini painting during the challenge itself.

On the right side we've got a the following - A Napoleon command stand, a British artillery battery, some mortars 3 big infantry battalions (1 Canadian, 2 Portuguese), some native Americans and a parcel of WW2 Russians.  All of the Nappy stuff will be needed for my game this summer at Historicon.  If you're coming to the con let me know as I'm reserving choice commands for Challenge participants!

Down the left side you've got the fort from the defensive terrain challenge.  All bunch of 15mm FOW stuff and some WW2 German Pioneers and the 2 Ellies.  Of all the things I made during this year's Challenge, I think the fort will see the most use as it works for multiple time periods and I think came out rather nicely.

As we move to the "other side of the river" there's more Nappy / War of 1812 stuff with two gunboats, a British Naval Landing party and some crewman.

 On the hill, there is all the stuff I painted for "Frostgrave".  Why did I succumb to the Frostgrave virus? Really two reasons, one the games structure which is essentially a cross between Saga and D&D appeals to me and second (to my great surprise) my son has started playing D&D at college and I'd like to support his return to gaming any way I can.

The Templars on the left were down midway through the challenge, as was the Saurian rider but the rest of the stuff was purchased on the last Friday, prep'd & primed on Saturday and painted on the last day of the challenge.

Of course behind the mountain is the USS Wasp, which be the centerpiece of my game and was a lot of fun to both build and paint.  Of course, I haven't figured out where to store her.

Curt Has asked for us to post some pictures of ourselves.  In terms of how all of you see me, perhaps this image best conveys your thinking.  I think it a good likeness of the Reverend Reidy since the "incident"

 First a picture of my family, my giant, tech crazy son and my lovely but fierce wife who I fear one day will realize she can do a lot better than me.  This picture was taken last summer at Colonial Williamsburg, which has been a favorite vacation spot for us (what can I say, we're all geeks).

We're in brickyard by the clay pit which is used to make bricks.  One time when Sean was four he got away from us and ran right into the clay to help with the demonstration.  My wife ran in after him and got stuck and then I tried to help her and fell over - it was a grand mess with our son cackling maniacally as if he planned the whole thing....

Right after this picture was taken, my son picked me up and dangled me over the clay.  I had to remind him that I'm paying for college tuition.

I bought my first historical miniatures in Williamsburg also!

Lastly, an actual picture of me with the family all cleaned up and out for dinner.  We clean up pretty good.

In closing, I do have a few thank you's

Curt - thanks for creating this idea and seeing it through to the present form.  It's a fantastic concept and really something to be treasured.  I appreciate you allowing me to tag along.

Sarah - thanks for donating your husband for 3 months.  Then again we may be providing you with three months respite from his antics...

My fellow "Challengeristas" - thanks for making this such a wonderful social event in what can be a pretty solitary hobby.  I especially want to thank Mr. Millsy for being such a good sport - we tease because we like and respect you - yeah I'm sure it's something like that.

In closing, I will reveal the most importance source of my painting speed - a special chant that always works.  Please remember to use this awesome power for good and not evil:

"It is by spreadsheets alone I set my brush in motion.

It is by the juice of vallejo that brushes acquire speed,

the fingers acquire stains.

The stains become a warning.

It is by spreadsheets alone I set my brush in motion."