Today, April 28, is my birthday.

This year has been a tough one, like the last few, but this one even more so, really. Things are still rough at home—we’re up to our ears in debt—but we’re getting by. And it’s pretty depressing not to be able to find a steady job.

But we adopted a new kitten, Gus, who officially has his birthday today too. Well, I say kitten, but he’s actually a HUGE adult cat. Unfortunately, he still doesn’t get along with the other cats at home, and we don’t know how to introduce them without them fighting.

But the biggest change this past year came, as always, after a bout of depression. I decided to redesign Taka—something I hadn’t done in over 15 years—into a version that better reflects who I am today. And well, the result is the punk cat you all know, whose design is by  LuckyStitches. Since then, my life has taken a 180-degree turn. I returned to the furry fandom. I went back to Furaffinity and met some wonderful people.

I've met some amazing artists and had an extraordinary experience with them. They've all been really friendly. I’ve made acquaintances with whom I get along really well (shoutout to my two favorite femboys & . I’ve made friends who have accepted me and given me all the warmth of their hearts, like and . Two wonderful people who I hope receive much more love and support from the community .

But out of all the people I’ve met, my favorite is my dear  Broodstar (she used to have another account, but she just opened a new one). She’s someone who has changed my life. It’s not just that we’ve become besties in a matter of two months and have a mutual crush. She’s a wonderful artist, an exceptional friend, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

We have our differences, but we always work them out. I love you, little mischiveous goblin <3. Thank you for sharing your darkness with me.

And of course, shout out to you are amazing my captain o7!

And what are my goals for this year? To get out of the financial hole we’re in at home by finding a stable job. That’s the most important one, because it would allow me to commission artists, buy things for myself, and give gifts to my friends.

But I also want to improve my mental state—not be so stubborn and negative. It’s going to be incredibly hard, but at the very least, I’ll try.

In short, a huge thank you to the 80 of you who follow me and to everyone who has favorited or left a comment on any of Taka’s (or Mel’s) art over the past few months. You’re the best, and I’m so glad to have shared these months with all of you :3


Love you all

Alex "Taka"