Here is another fantastic submission by the member  lapres! Thank you for allowing this to be submitted!

Here is the description from the original submission:

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This is the last image I'll be posting up for my 2013 run and what a fantastic year it's been. I've had the opportunity to learn about the fandom, meet some fantastic people, and forge some very tender friendships that have gotten me through some very rough times.

Though many of you don't know me very well, aside from just the art that I post, this year and the ending to last, has been very difficult on me. I've left my home country, my family, and all of my friends behind to live in the UK to start life fresh and new. Over time my hearts been sinking deeper and deeper with knowing everything I knew has suddenly disappeared, and have been throwing myself into art harder and harder as my form of bandage. The fandom has given me something to look forward to, the hope of making friends, and trying to make something of myself rather than working a job where I wouldn't go anywhere. Who would have thought furries, and especially Furaffinity, would bring me joy again. Through this website I've found local Fur Meets , and learned what Live Streaming was. I religiously opened my livestream every day in hopes of maybe having people stumble across my gallery and come keep me company during the days, as having to be at home 100% of the time during the week gets very lonely when there is no one else around. Through this I've made some very special connections with quite a few of you.

I'm not an artist that posts to get recognition. It's nice to be recognized for your work, but the happiness people have when I finish something is what makes art worth it. I don't like fangirl/fanboying when I talk to someone or meet someone in person for the first time. I'm just like you. I'm not into pitty parties, or groveling after people in ass kissing moments. I just like meeting people and making friends as I go. You'll find most of the people I've become very close to don't draw at all, which seems different than most artists who band together with one another. I just like being a regular ol' person. Though, I have met some fantastic artists, and love them and their work. In my opinion it should be love the person first, then what they can do.

My life has seen ups and downs, and through my own personal experiences, I've been able to talk to people who have been down on their luck and show them there is always hope at the end of the tunnel. My stream has become a community, instead of a place for people to watch me work. Even on days I'm not there, people come in to chat with one another, and that's special. =)

It's you guys who make me feel happy and enjoy doing what I do every day. Though being homesick is taking its toll, a group of you have taken me into your arms and have shown me what there is to love about being here. I cherish each and every one of you for the love you pour into me.

This isn't everyone in the slightest:

Dash and Taryn, you two are brilliant and I love spending time with you guys. ;_; That sassy lionness who stains my couch and that saucy Lynx who creams on my carpets. Sigh! I can't take you two anywhere.

Bells, for always being such a doll. I look forward to every time you're in stream with me. I wish I lived closer so we could properly hang out and do lolita dressup days and play with our BJDs. Omg sleep overs? Whut?! *Grabbyhands*

Callie, Fluff, Mike, and Kat - for being such amazing people to me. Callie and I stuffing ourselves into carboots/trunks and always being you. <3 I love you, Callie.

Levi - my bukko bandit. :B Hehehehehehehehe. Titty papercuts have never been so special. <3 I miss you and hate being so far away from you. :( You've always been there for little ol me all through out highschool, and the 10 years since then. Damn, I feel old. Hng. For being the first fur I got the chance to know, and being my brother.

Cody - for being one of my closest and dearest. Looking forward to you coming over to Italy and getting to properly make you feel welcome in Europe. For always having my back no matter what the situation, and I'll have yours in return. You're a blessing. <3 Your face, my dear!

Mr. Oss - You've become a very special person in my life, and I don't want to live without that. You've made my transition here in the UK fun, tolerable, and adventurous. Thanks for always making me smile and laugh at daft jokes.. and for all of the tea I've managed to spit on my poor compute desk. Asshole. <3 Many adventures planned this coming 2014 year. Thanks for letting me be your navigator. :3

My streamers - Without you guys, I'd honestly hate what I do, and would have given up ages ago. Miliki, Procene, Dar, Kit, Doffa, Al, and the many more of you I haven't named.

Who would have thought a year and a half into the fandom I'd be where I am now. Having done my first convention, and now planning next years.. getting to celebrate my one year Leeds meet last weekend with good friends, and then getting to celebrate a wonderful weekend and Christmas.

Appropriate that this is my final image for the end of the year. I can't wait to see what next year has in store. Bring on the adventure, the fun, and hopefully bigger and better art pieces out of me!

Ellis ©
Art and Lappy Owl ©

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Ellis ©  slaton
Art/Lappy Owl ©  lapres