Photos!

Oh bronzetigress

( Something came in the mail today! )

And if anyone else is wondering why art is being slow lately...

( It's because of this furry thing )

Thank You changes everything.

My mother is an amazing woman. She has been through so much in her life, has never really known happiness and yet, has still survived. She went through something similar to me, she broke her back protecting me when I was two and has metal rods in in her back ever since.

She has gone through a horrible divorce and managed to raise a bi-polar teenager and a depressed one with a social disorder while on welfare. She went back to college and became a certified goldsmith and is one of the most talented I have ever seen.

But then she sliced open her thumb.

Then her daughter moved away.

Her son dropped out of highschool.

And she had to do factory work. She told me she stopped dreaming a long time ago and yeah, seeing a true smile on her face is rare. But, this past weekend, I was finally able to do something for her.

It may seem like a small thing, but I asked mom to trust me and let me dye her hair. She agreed and I dyed it darker then she has ever had it in her life and put highlights in it. Then I straightened it out for her.

All this week, I've noticed she stops and looks in the mirror and smiles at herself. My hair straightener has been on the counter every morning and every evening mom has taken just those extra few minutes after work to look nice. Now she's mentioned that she's wanted to start exercising again.

She's starting to dream again.

And today, she came home, hugged me and said thank you.

And well, I just wanted to take a quick moment, because there are some people out there I want to thank.

Those ones not here are my Great Aunt. A lady I was afraid of when I was small, but one who opened her home up to me and helped me get to school. The one who gave me a summer job, food when I was desperate and a home when I was afraid. The one who took me to a tanning salon and bought me hours there to help manage my depression during the winter and the one who spends the little extra to remind me that I am worth something.

The one, who even now, believes in me and always reminds me that I am family.

Also Michelle. She has been a good friend since I entered college and feels like a sister. Never before have I had a friend that I have felt so comfortable and safe with. She has kept me sane through many hard times and is willing to act like a complete idiot and married me just so we could have cake.

Those here, well, all of you have played an important role simply listening and responding to me. I don't always reply, but I read everything you say and appreciate it.

But there are some of you who I would like to say a few words too.

Aster- You were one of the first to believe and support me in my art. One who has always inspired me and helped me out. You gave me the courage to start and everytime I look at a bunny or chains I think of you and remember where it all began. Thank you.

Maile- You pushed me farther then I would have ever gone with myself personally and professionally. You invited me into your home, you opened doors for me in the US and you have been one of the most generous, loyal and loving person I have ever met. Your calls and your visits and even just knowing you're out there has helped me out more then you'll ever know.

LH and Elm- It feels like I've always known you. I can't imagine a time without you. You first got me into Sukioden, you will always be my favourite authours for that series and you have both been such good and fun fun friends. The cards and the chocolates are always appreciated and loved and just seeing your entries make me happy. I'm glad I know you two, and well, there are still some fishies here that I need to send you ^___^

There are another set of sisters who I need to thank. At my first Otakon I was all alone, wandering around a little lost and scared when a Kaku and Paulie came up to me and knew who I was from the Zoro Bunny in my arms. They invited me to tag a long and through them I met so many wonderful people and learned just how amazing a convention could be. That first year, and every year after I haven't wanted to leave and it all started because you two reached out. And I don't think I've ever said how grateful I am to you both.

Vampy- You are another who has made Otakon such a treat and well, you've always made the OP fandom special to me. I love and adore you and consider you a sister and cherish the text messages I get. They always come when they are most needed.

Chibi and Tiff- I've only spent a brief period of time with either of you, but online, you two were part of what made One Piece special to me. A few years ago, when I first got into it, all the major writers were a part of the joy of the series and I have to say, a lot of the inspiration I got and the encouragement to go on, came from you two. So thank you.

Dethorats and Brian- I met you as we all wandered off to through Luffy into the sea. And every year has been just as memorable. I feel safe and happy while at Otakon because of you both and also Brian has let me actually enjoy the con! I truly appreciate it. You guys feel like family.

Maderr- You are one of my biggest inspirations. Every story you posted has always made me want to draw. You've reminded me why I love dragons and have helped me explore new worlds and have always made me want to try something new. When I actually get ahead in money a bit I really do wanna support your writing, because you are truly talented and as a person and an artist with words, I truly admire you and want to see you go very far.

...ohh wow this is getting long. I'm going to have to be a touch more brief, but believe me, I'm no less sincere.

Onikotsu- You are a younger sister to me. A dear friend who I can trust and adore. I wish I had the money or time to talk to you more, but believe me when I say I love you. You have been support through very hard times.

Saendie- The first Anime North when we went to the dance and you shared a room with me at JJ's Aunt's...I don't think I ever told you this, but you made me feel important and special and worth something. You've made me feel like that every time after as well.

Devlinreiko- Every card you have ever sent me has been kept and cherished. You are another reason why One Piece means so much to me and will always be someone whose words I will cherish.

There are many more I want to mention, but it'll have to wait for now. Just know that you are loved and if you need a reminder of why, or are just curious, ask and I'll be more then happy to tell you.

But there are two more I can't close those without saying something too.

Ukiiukii- You kept me alive and looked after me when no one else (myself included) would. I'm very glad I have you in my life. And in the end, I am so very glad you ended up being a brother figure to me. I like laughing with you.

Rudelad- This past Otakon, you handed me something and said the words I needed to hear. I couldn't have stood up this past year without that.