Seven years before I joined DeviantART I was 20 years old, which to my deep chagrin, is probably older than many of you reading this are right now. I was bold and brash, beginning to realize the talents and abilities I was given, and unafraid to say what I felt in my heart or staunchly stand for what I believed right. I threw myself into everything I did and inadvertently became popular through it all. Was very accomplished and successful for such a young age. I had my life planned out exactly what I was going accomplish and how I was going to do achieve those goals.

Then something happened.

Seven years ago, when I became member of DA, I was timid. I struggled to cope with the limitations of having chronic Eppstein Barr and didn’t have enough physical stamina to get through most days, which forced me to twice drop out of graduate school. Plagued with lack of physical ability and self-doubt gnawing at my soul, I secluded myself in a cocoon of depression. That depression wore away at my creativity. I had no income and didn’t know what I was going to do with the rest of my life.

Then something happened.

Seven years later, I’m well into my 30’s and responsibility weights much heavier on my mind. I completed my Master’s degree and entered the professional world of architecture and photography. As an award-winning emerging regional artist, I’ve been on display throughout the southeastern United States and became a published photographer and writer. Not much for some, but much further than I thought I’d ever be. It took 16 years on my own to realize my talent wasn’t a figment of everyone else’s imagination. Talent and ability are not measures of who a person is and I think people are savvy enough to realize that; so instead of agonizing and torturing myself, I know better enough to accept and deal with again facing popularity and critical success. Don't know where all of this is going, but I'm having a lot of fun getting there. I’ve learned to manage life within my physical limitations without sacrificing my body, which I came precipitously close to doing four years ago. With resiliency, I’ve again become assertive and confident, standing up for what I believe is right no matter the consequence. I was under the mistaken belief that I had no choice but keep my feelings trapped inside and heap the burden of the earth upon my shoulders. I thought putting my physical and mental welfare at risk for someone whose sole intent was to run me over was what I was supposed to do. I learned that was really stupid – and gained freedom in learning that I didn’t have to suck it up or go it alone for the sake of another’s narcissism. I thought it was me against the world and am happy to know there’s a ton of wonderful people who have my back. So I’m eternally grateful – to God, to my cherished and fiercely loyal family and friends, and to my wonderful supporters near and far.

Deviants, I would not be here without you. You’ve been there from the beginning and through ALL these years you’ve stuck with me. I’ll never forget such loyalty. Thank you for putting me on this amazing journey - it’s been a really nice start.

In reflection of seven years on DA, I wanted to present a mini-retrospective of entries to this website that doesn’t have “Guide” in it’s title. Not necessarily the most popular submissions, but they're...me.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Honestly not sure how long I’ll remain on DeviantART, but for right now - don’t dare think I won’t hesitate to whack you with my cane because I ain’t goin’ nowhere kid. New submissions coming in January 2010, have a wonderful holiday and New Year all.

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