*yamigirl21

Hey there Everyone, ^_^

It's been a while since I've updated my journal huh? I guess mainly because most of what I wrote previously still applied and in truth, much of it still does now too. But I thought, what the heck? Might as well talk about my recent ongoings while I was here visiting. ^_^

Gosh.... Where to start? Well, in terms of deviantart related things, I have done a better job of keeping up with messages, which I'm happy to say, but I still need to get caught up on commenting on other's deviations.... That's taking a bit longer than expected but as always, I WILL get to them! ^_^ I'm looking forward to it actually since so many of you have done such amazing work over the past few months! I mean wow!!!

Speaking of artwork in general, it's also been a little while since I've posted any new work myself, (with the exception of the string of older works that I posted recently) but never fear! I have confidence that I WILL have new work to post soon and I'm hoping that it'll be work that I am truly proud of!!! ^____^ Also, don't forget to visit my OTHER deviantart site:

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I'm fairly certain that though I'll continue to post work on this account, given the differences in my work, I'll also be posting things on that account as well. So be on the look out for it!

So what can I tell ya? I'm also happy tyo say that I've retained much of the optimism that I had at the start of the new year. We're quickly approaching the half way point it seems, but I'm still hoping for a change in my life for 2008; a positive change! And not JUST by hoping, but by taking the bull by its horns and taking action!

I guess that's what this whole year has been about for me. Trying to move forward after YEARS of feeling like I was stuck or that there wasn't anything that left for me to do, or that it was too late for me to accomplish things etc etc. I don't know WHERE I got those thoughts in my head but lately I've felt like I've been winning the battle against negativity and hoplessness! I HAVE been taking steps to move onward in my life and in terms of my art and I'm hoping that things will continue down that path! In fact sometimes its difficult for me to pinpoint exactly WHAT I should do given the number of options that I see now! @_@ But hey! That's a heck of a lot better than how I used to think, right? ^___^

I mentioned in my previous journal that I've been studying art, trying to brush up on my basics and trying to refine my techniques. Thankfully I've kept up those efforts! Yay me! ^__^ I've purchased a mountain of various art books which has gotten me excited about art in general again! I've even thought about taking art classes again! Despite what I can ALREADY do, I'm anxious to expand on my techniques and see how far I can really go! There's always something new to learn right? And maybe I really can be a better artist than I ever thought possible! For so long I felt so limited on what I KNEW that I could and couldn't do. But then I started to ask myself, why accept those limitations? I could still be learning new things every day and with that, I can gain more and more confidence to pursue what I want. And even if I don't have a clear picture of EXACTLY what I want, just the process of trying to find the answer might reveal more and more possibilities for me. ^_^ That's how I've felt recently and let me say it's a good feeling to have!

I've also put myself on a sort of "routine" which has helped me focus and add a bit of discpline in life. Much of that is thanks to the support of who has listened to me *every* day about what I strive to accomplish! Thanks girl! I couldn't have gotten even this far without you! In short, this routine is simply voicing things that I hope to accomplish (and SUCCEED on accomplishing) even on a daily basis, and also making time for art EVERY day no matter what; if not by working on my paintings, then by sketching.

I'll be honest when I say that I've never been much of a sketcher though. That may sound strange for any artist to say but I guess I was too fixated on beautiful *finished* pieces to really find the value in sketching. At least my OWN sketching, since I was never really good at that to begin with, as opposed to others who did WONDERFUL sketches that I've seen myself. Heh.... it really is odd.... I sometimes feel as if I can run but can't walk, when it comes to my art. (I'll fix that though!!! Yeah!!!) So that has been one aspect that I've worked to improve on these past several months. Taking a sketch book where ever I go and capturing something. I know that may seem like a pretty obvious truth that many artist, discovered LONG ago, but for me? What can I say? It wasn't something that came naturally, but now... I think I'm finally starting to get it.... Better late than never right? ^_^;

Though of course I'm still painting too! I haven't given up on that despite the lack of work posted here. As I mentioned in my last journal, I'm currently working on a painting with the characters of Peter Parker and Mary Jane from Spiderman. I had a little love affair with the comic series of Spider-man for a number of months beginning last spring, but before I move on completely (given the dissolving of their marriage that I DON'T support at all!!!!) I wanted to do at least one painting.... I find that whenever I fall in love with something I have to express that in a one of my works, so despite my fading interest in it, I want to see this work through to the end.

I guess that brings me to my current interests huh? Well, I still read some comics. I've stopped my support of Spider-man given the number of changes in the story that I'm not fond of, but I still read "Buffy Season 8," as well as "Angel: After the Fall," both of which are continuations from the tv series that ended years ago. Additionally, I'm also reading Gargoyles, which is also a comic version of what could have been animated......

I recently enjoyed the Phoenix Wright/Apollo Justice series on Nintendo DS! They were incredible games! Man! And with such interesting stories and characters too! Wow! I also hope to do a piece of fan art for that! I loved them!!!

Manga-wise I'm reading "Red River," "Fruits Basket," "Moon Child," "Honey and Clover" and "Vampire Knight." In the last few months to just recently, I finished the "W Juliet" manga series, "On the Other Side of the Mirror," and "Absolute Boyfriend."

And as for anime, though I don't watch as much as I used to (partly due to time constraints these days as well as other reasons....) I'm currently watching the anime version of "Vampire Knight," which I've enjoyed thus far, though, I must say, I think the REAL gem has been the "Honey and Clover" anime, which I just finished this very evening actually..... Wow..... Now THAT was truly a work of art, no pun in tended (given its art related theme).... To anyone reading this, especially those who love art, and the art making process, or simply those who, like me, are looking for answers in life, I *HIGHLY* recomend it! It was..... just.... so.... wonderful.... beautiful in so many ways. It touched on so many of my own feelings; my own concerns, my own fears, even my hopes for the future. As cliche as it might sound, I truly did laugh and cry.... It touched my heart..... In all honesty it was one of the best anime series I've ever seen......

Let's see.... what else.... Well, aside from the above, I've also continued studying my Japanese which in truth is also occupying a bit of my time. I study privately with an instructor on a bi-weekly basis, but even when I don't have class, I study alone with my text books and audio CDs etc. I think it's going well so far but I've still got a long way to go.... I'm up for that challenge too though!

I still think about my unfinished fanfiction, "Transcending Memories: A Bond Unsealed."

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There are days that I truly feel that I could pick right up on it as if no time had passed at all. I still feel THAT strongly about it and I know I always will. But there simply isn't time for my to focus on this, at least not right now. Not when when I FINALLY have all this motivation to move forward. I like to think that when I am better established with my life, maybe then I can finally return to it.... I'll welcome the chance to as it would make me feel as if I truly accomplished something if I was able to finish it someday..... even if it was just on a personal level.

Well everyone! I guess that's about it for now! Given the time spans between my journals I hope that the next time I'll post one I'll have something really great to share! In the meantime though I'll keep pressing on and I hope that you'll all wish me luck! Thank you all for your support, and your interest in me and my work! It truly does mean the world to me..... Take care now! Everyone! Until next time then!

Love,
yamigirl21

Proud member of and