Been working on a few things, body allowing. Brainstorming ideas for the books and for random short stories here and there. Trying to clean out the catch all that was once our office/library so we can use it again. Minor home improvements. Lying on the couch shaking and spasming like a caffeinated Magikarp. You know, all things that are good.

Physical therapy starts this week. This will be the, what, third? Fourth time going through it since the dystonia began? Not quite sure what to expect. The practice discharged me all those previous times without any real results to show for our efforts. Said I plateaued out. Here's hoping for... I don't know what. At least I'll be able to wear shorts, and will blind everyone with the translucent whiteness that is unsunned Alaskan skin. The glare's like the MiB flashy thingy, except rather than making everyone forget, my pikapika legs just makes them wish they could.

Tried my hand at artwork during a calm period. I drew a table, which honestly was a huge accomplishment for me. The sketch took me far, far too long to complete for the result I got, but still, I was pretty pleased. Tables really aren't my thing, y'know, but I gotta start somewhere. Not sure how to get where I want to be from here, but as long as I keep going, things should turn out, right?

These may seem like baby steps for some, but they're huge for me. Hard not to be down on myself; the me from six years ago could run circles around this present day incarnation without breaking a sweat. However, I'm more tenacious than he ever was. I'll get where I need to be. Gonna be a crazy adventure to get there, but I'm up for the challenge.

So, yeah, didn't know that FA published the journals as a brutal wall of text. So... sorry 'bout that.

Been a rough week. Dystonia attacks and the like have been keeping me down. Literally. Don't think I've been this prone/supine in a while. Good thing we got that giant pizza peel to give me a good flip when needed.

Bought a sketchbook and some basic pencils. Once the Parkinsonisms quiet down, gonna try my hand at arting. Any suggestions on where or how to start are appreciated.

Later!

Alright, so here we go. Account made, moniker chosen, avatar placed; something witty and/or profound put in the favorite quotes place. I think I'm doing this right. Maybe. So guess all that's left to do is introduce myself.

I mean, that's what you do, right? First journal entry on any social media site has to be an obligatory self-introduction. But this feels weird, y'know? I've always lurked and watched the furry community from afar with a sense of awe and affection and, yeah, a wee bit of jealousy. Do you have any idea how powerful and freeing being part of a community that values individuality and that shows compassion to the outsider really can be? Gah, how I envied at times. But I'm taking some advice from an awesome artist I've followed for while, and creating an account meant for something more than just watching from afar.

So here goes...

Hello.

My name's Oakstone.

I'm a furry.

...phew that feels both weird and exciting to finally admit that. No more, "Oh, I'm just interested in anthro art for my books;" or, "Well, I know about the community, but only because of a friend I have." Yeah, sucks not being honest with yourself; ultimately leads to dishonesty with others, which is no bueno. Not that the above reasons aren't true. They're just not the full truth. Yeah, two pieces of bread slapped together could technically be considered a sandwich, but without something filling out the middle, you could hardly call it a complete meal.

So how long have been on the outside looking in? Jeez... anyone remember early VCL? Furation? Those days. Been quite a journey from there to finally being here. I do regret not making the jump sooner, but you know, life, he? I mean, I'm not old (not according to Monty Python and the Holy Grail), but I'm definitely not freshly squeezed and pulp free.

I'm a writer by trade, but since my disabilities set in years ago, I haven't written much. I always aspired to be an artist when I was younger, but was talked out of that by "people who know better." Wish I chose to ignore them, but hey, better late than never, and the idea of learning the basics and working my way up is exciting. As for the writing, I have nothing published. Yet. But I have two novel sized pieces roughed out. Just have to refine and redraft them. One of them features anthros all throughout. Maybe I'll share some chapters here now and then. Might be fun.

For now, I have no reference sheet, or sketched fursona, or headshot (boom!), or portrait. My avatar is from a piece I commissioned from the amazing  morrokko way back when (I'm still going to send you a copy of the book when I'm finished; I haven't forgotten), which features my main characters from my book. I have in my head a picture of my fursona, but he'll probably stay in my head until I learn how to sketch them out myself. Or until I come into some cash. We'll see which one takes less time, right?

If you've read this far, then kudos on your fortitude. Get up, stretch, take a break. Mayhaps you should drink a refreshing beverage, or a tasty treat. I'm almost finished.

Back? Well sated and relaxed? Don't worry, we're on the home stretch now.

I hope to get to know you folks better. If I approach some of you with a bit of awe and formality, please know that it's only because, for some of you, I've followed your artwork for decades. I've seen your styles grow and evolve. I've read posts you've made on here and on dA and on Twitter; I've read of your triumphs and your sorrows. I've seen this community rally around one another and bolster each other in hard times, and celebrate with each other in times of joy. I'm trying not to go full creeper here, but in short, I've watched you, and you are amazing. And I want to be part of something amazing, too. I promise I'll try not to fangirl too hard.

I'll post more journals as thoughts come up. I'll try to answer comments as they come around. I'll aspire to keep this area drama-free, and I hope to be able to share advice and comments and cheese and stuff. Except for the brie. That's mine. Mine.

So here we are. At the end. You stalwart trooper you. Thank you for reading. Looking forward to getting to know you folks, collectively and individually. Thanks for having me... you are having me, right? No matter. I think I'll stay here for the time being.

Might be nice.