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Over the weekend just gone I passed the milestone of being a member of dA for 6 years. I'm a little bummed that it actually slipped my mind as I hoped to write a journal to celebrate it on the actual day as I have done each year before this. Alas, what's done is done and I will simply have to celebrate the occasion a few days late.

It seems odd looking back over the 6 years. I've grown so much as a person and as an artist and I really do wonder what my life would have turned out like if I hadn't joined this community all those years ago. I've met so many amazing people, collected so many epic memories and have lost track of the number of awesome things I've done because of this site.

Sure I've had my ups and my downs and like most members have contemplated leaving at one point or another, but dA is my home and my community. You guys have helped me through so many different situations and kept going when I really needed it most. Whilst the community is always changing and I've passed through different friendships over the years, dA has always been at the heart and has united us together.

This site has given me a place where I can honestly be myself and not be worried about how I look or sound. I've met a wide range of amazing people, many of which I am proud to call my close friends. I've been gifted friendships I would have never found offline and for one of the few times in my life, found somewhere where I honestly feel I fit in.

Browsing back through my gallery you can see the journey I've been on as an artist. From dabbling in digital and traditional art I have progressed into emotes and established myself as an experienced member of the community. It makes me so happy whenever someone links a new emoticonist to one of my emote groups or takes the time to say thanks for being featured in an article and when I hear I've inspired others to take up the art form I don't think I can easily find words to sum up the immense feeling of happiness and pride I experience.

Whilst the start of the last year wasn't the greatest for me on dA, it hasn't been all doom and gloom as I walk away with an amazing set of new friends and some pieces in my gallery that make me beam from ear to ear every time I see them. I hope it's a sign of even more awesome things to come as I enter my 7th year on this site.

Although part of me would love to list all the people who have really stood out to me over the years I fear that I will sadly miss someone out, so will opt for the simple shout out thank you to make sure I cover all bases. You guys know who you are and I am forever thankful for all the support, laughs and jokes over the years. Equally I would like to do a shout out to all my watchers who have faithfully followed me. Even if we've never interacted on an individual level, I want to thank you for supporting me and supporting my art.

Anyways, I think that's enough sentimental stuff for one journal. I wish you guys all the best and look forward to celebrating another year on deviantART.

Flove! <4