Oh boy, is there ever a lot to say this time.
Firstly, I would be lying if I said everything that went on this year was particularly good or beneficial to my mental well-being. Of course, most of that is due to events in my personal life which, because they often affect my presence here as well, I will be sure to mention. However, I remain impossibly grateful for my friends and fans who have made me such a happy deer on this side of the internet, for without all you wonderful and ridiculous people, life would be so much harder.

After being in a long-distance homosexual relationship with my beautiful boyfriend for nearly two years, I decided this February to come out to my parents. It did not go well. Everything in my mind throughout the following days was in doubt, and I found myself spiraling and calling my boyfriend in tears, not knowing what to do or think; in fact it was the lowest point I think I had reached since the beginning of this decade. Things since then have improved greatly, but I cannot deny the scars that that experience left on me.
Whether it was because of that, or due to other factors, I could rarely bring myself to draw or pursue any creative work for the better half of this year. I felt stuck, and it seemed as though I could not make myself do anything for the people I loved.

Tragedy then struck with the death of our last dog this August, which happened while we were in Canada to visit family. It came quick, and we could not do anything to help him. It was a harrowing experience, leaving me distraught and in a grieving haze by the time we arrived home to a pet-less house for the first time since 2008.
Oddly, once I was home I found myself suddenly making artwork again, and at a faster pace than I ever had before! I was drawing like it was nothing, and for the first time in years I was actively enjoying it. And to this day I am still keeping up with that pace, doodling and sketching almost every day, and posting more pictures to FA than I have in a long time. I do not know why the death of my dog brought forth a new creative era in me, whether it truly is a coping mechanism, or if my brain finally realized that there are some things worth feeling bad about, but I feel as though I have finally been able to rekindle the joy I feel for creating. After such a long time of forcing myself to barely draw because it's what I thought I needed, I can easily say that I feel much better.

Other than that, I am taking my degree and trying to look for employment in the city, saving up money to move out and close the gap between me and my boyfriend, and generally just trying to face the hardships that come with surviving these days. Things are not always easy, and they're not always clear, but I have reason to believe that I will be okay, and I am carrying that belief with me through whatever trials and tribulations life throws at me. And boy, does life have a strong arm.

I cannot give enough thanks to all the friends I have maintained throughout everything, for the support and joy you have all given me is worth more than I could ever hope to repay. I am so happy to be here, and I am so happy to be making all this silly shit that you and I and all of us weirdos love so much. I must especially give my thanks to my loving boyfriend Skully, who has stuck with me through everything and seen every side of me as I've tried to figure out how to better myself. I love you forever my darling, and I will always be there for you as you have been for me~ <3

That's about all I can think of for now. My god, what a clusterfuck this year has been... Regardless, I wish nothing but happiness to everyone reading this, whether it be continued or discovered; I hope all of you can find some joy in life and keep being the wonderful people I've known you to be.
Have a great year you guys~ xx