My life really has begun anew. I am no longer the person you knew. While I am still the gentle idiot you all know and love I am the culmination of all the experience that came before. Sure it sounds cliche and lame, but I feel the need to say it. I am still scared of what the future holds, but I am no longer afraid of it. I have found my place.

And that place is here. deviantART. I have met more like minded people here than anywhere else in my life. Sure, I have people I don't mesh well with, but that goes without saying, though it is easier to keep that kind of thing to a minimum. I love all my friends here on dA, very much, I couldn't be happier to know you people. It's because of the community that I was able to perservere and keep ~vbu going. If it wasn't for you people, I wouldn't be this so-called community leader dA has decided to recognize with senior membership status.  If there is one thing I have ever believed about dA and life in general, it is that you can only get out of it what you put in.  The community here only grows because there are people willing to make connections.

I want to thank those people who made those connections with me.

`yachtclub - Scott, I could never have done anything I have done here without you. You were my first real true friend here on dA. Though we don't talk much any longer, please know you are always in my heart. I hope you are happy.

`turn2002 - Kevin, you and I are always pushing ourselves, even though we are worlds apart, and have vastly differing interests, our approch to our artwork is as harmonious as I could think possible. Thank you for your unerring friendship.

`sirspy - Lorin, you are just as crazy as I and I always love talking to you. I hope one day I will be able to travel to your neck of the woods. I know you will keep kicking ass along side me. Thanks for all your help.

`voodoo-prophet - Matt, you're my brother. Pure and simple. Never have I met some one I liked so much. I am so glad I took a chance, and got to meet you in person. I expect that we will see more of each other as time goes by. I thank you for all your support, your confidence, and for all you do here on dA.


Sheesh, all these seniors types....I am getting old....
Now for all you new friends, the people I'd love to get to know a lot better.

!queenfish - Amber, I am so glad to see someone doing something so different with vectors. It was a pleasure to hurl you into them lime-light. When I look back at what I did I smile, because I know in my heart, you were to good to keep all to myself. I thank you for just being the breath of fresh air you are.  Maybe we can meet someday, who knows, I wish you luck.

~meralis - Mera, Thank you for always being supportive. you and I seem to get frustrated a lot. But its good to know we have each other to get ourselves out of our slumps. You know if you ever need me I am here. Thank you for being there for me.

!dr-bipolar - George, Thank you for being awake late at night. No more than that, thank you for talking about the complicated workings of dA that I don't really understand, and always welcoming my opinions on things. It's good to know there are humans like you here, because there sure are a lot of crazies here too.

~galactose - Kristen, I do thank you for our conversations and your simple cooking advice. Its always hard cooking just for one, and I thank you for always being ready to talk and cheerful, its so strangly uncommon these days. All the best to you and husband man.

~yajido - Yaji, thanks for being my insane asian type friend. you fill my nights with laughter as you report on your antics. You are a superb joker and I hope you know how awesome it is to follow your exploits.

~yi3artist - Wes, You are an awesome dude. Your antics keep me happy and your vastly differing style makes me happy too. I know I interupt you sometimes and I'm sorry. But thanks for your sense of humor and your friendship.

=thiefoftime - Bryn, Sorry I'm such an idiot. The comfort you provide me over this winter was more than anyone could ask. I know we should talk more and I will force myself to do it. I hope things work out with you and dA and that you don't give up on it, because I believe in you.

`lemontea - Clay, You are my new homeslice. I teally respected what you said at new years, even though you were drunk off your ass. You called me your big brother, and no one has ever thought of me like that, but I am glad you do. I know you are a great artist, and a great person, I  know we will see more of each other.

`ebonred Heather, newest of the new. It was really cool what you said, especially knowing a little bit how you think. I appreciate your confidence, and thanks for the jar. That made my day.

Well, a brand new day starts tomorrow.
Wish me luck...