Thanks.

I can't deny I'm a bit difficult to get to know sometimes, and my overuse of sarcasm, general arrogance and quirky sense of humour can both alienate people, and make me come off as a bit of an arsehole, but - and I hope I'm correct in saying - generally speaking, once someone has taken the time to get past my stand-offish, peculiar exterior, they discover a very warm gooey centre that is full of love. Honestly.

And its at this time of year, the time for giving, that perhaps I could give a short mention to the people who have enriched my life on dA over the years, and keep me coming back each day.

And the first to mention is obviously Mha-kit... how long have I known you, now? Ten years? Knew you before dA, and I'm glad to still know you and stay in contact, because you're really quite lovely. Thanks for sticking around, I appreciate it.

Plus the people I knew around the same time, but don't really keep in contact with - Ladyfiction, CrazyJen, nedunque, beeeeespain, Original-Yazzy - I hope you're all doing very well.

VSConcepts ... Well, where the fuck do I even begin, mate? I mean seriously. I'm fairly sure that without your hours of sitting, pulling your (proverbial ) hair out, listening to me bitch and moan about all sorts of shit, that my life would be very different today, and not in a good way. We know I'm not the best at vocalising what I actually mean, and tend to speak between the lines, but, your friendship and presence in my life does mean a lot to me, and if we're being honest, I'll probably not be able to thank you enough for it; however, I will try.

Tepara I think you kept me in line, sometimes, do you know that? Gave me a smack on the wrists when I was being an idiot, and yet always had the time to listen to me and get my side of the story.. and then tell me up front I was being an idiot. You're very sweet, and you have a lot to give. Thanks for being you.

Astralseed Katy, I have known you, or of you, for much longer than we've been friends, and its somewhat a shame I didn't choose to speak to you sooner. You're one of the kindest, most genuine people I've had the pleasure of meeting, and you're good for a laugh as well, which makes you the best kind of person, I reckon. I'm glad I've been able to get to know you, and that we've become friends. You're a top lass, in my books.

ChewedKandi I don't talk to you that often, but when I do, you do amuse me. I love that you say it how it is, and take no shit. You're quite fabulous. I'd tell you that I know you'll go far in life, but frankly, you're already doing pretty darned well - but you know that, and that's another thing I like about you. I'm not that great with words, but let's assume that the mere fact I mentioned you has said enough.

moonbeam13 Thanks for putting up with my shit < let's start there, shall we? You're kind, you're understanding, you're fun, you don't take crap from anyone, and you never fail to look out for the people you care about, which is a very admirable quality. And on top of the general stuff, you believed in me as a person, and helped me to believe a little more in myself that I could be someone worth looking up to. You also forgave me for being a grumpy bastard. Probably more than once. I appreciate that.

Reldia You're far too nice to me, sometimes.. I'm not entirely sure what I did to deserve it. I'm glad to know you, and even more glad to have you as a friend. I like people like you; you are who you are, and you don't care what other people have to say about that. Course, if anyone doesn't like you for any reason, it's most certainly their loss, because you're one of the loveliest people out there. Everyone should like you

PolarisAstrum Well, I don't actually know you all that well yet, but I hope to. You're kind hearted, easy to talk to, good for a laugh.. and you say what you think, which is a quality I just adore in people. You also have immense skill with coloured pencils that I would like to steal from you in the night, so that my drawings could be even half as pretty as yours.

VelCake We're not what I'd call friends, in fact I'd go as far as saying I don't know you very well at all, other than things I've learned either from your userpage, or via Dean. However, you're here in my journal because its a thanks to people who enrich my dA life, and I love your beautiful, colourful artwork very much. I always enjoy seeing your drawings in my inbox, and one day I hope to own an original of yours, or at the very least, a great big print of something you'll have drawn specially for me. I'll commission you, eventually. I do keep meaning to.

omgitsacat Because if I don't add you to this, then you'll only point out that I have't mentioned you. Obviously, I love you the most, and I always will. Hopefully this short mention is good enough for you. Although, it has to be said, I wish more people were like you, because you make me laugh so hard sometimes I think I may actually pee a little... but, you enrich my life much more outside of dA than you do onsite, so if you'd like a proper mention for enriching my dA life next year, then you're going to have to try harder <3

There are many people who I've enjoyed getting to know, and many more I've probably forgotten, because I do that. It's ever likely I've forgotten someone fairly important, because I'm having a blonde moment. It's the people I come to dA for every day, much more than anything else. Yes, I like art - that's why I joined in the first place - but what keeps me here is the friendships I've made.

So, thanks.