So I'm back, and with a new layout in tow. To be honest this layout has been collecting dust since about a week after the previous layout was launched, I just never could get my butt in gear and update. Yepp, I fail!

The last six months has been up and down. Shortly after the site was updated an old stalker showed up and began to make my own and my friends lifes a living hell. You might have seen weird posts on my tagboard posted under my name, as well as on other site's tagboards (most notably Bre & ficbitch). After a lot of work and ignoring him, I finally got ridd of him by banning parts of the ISP out there from connecting to my domain. Not a fun decision as it affects friends and innocent visitors but like the last time when I banned parts of the AOL network, it was necessary.

Last night the AFA awards took place and wow what an event. If you've never participated and aren't sure what I'm talking about, head over to the Academy of Fanart Artists and find out and perhaps even sign up for next years event. I won in three categories which was one more than before and Chosen Art was again awarded a special price as one of the official sponsors of the event. But for me personally, the most notably and breathtaking and humbling moment, was when I was recognized and honored for my work within the community, both with all my sites but also for the work I do to prevent fanart theft. I'm still reeling from the amazing words and support that I was given, and it'll be a while before I actually believe that happened (did it??? ;)). Since I've been so out of the loop for the last 14 months, I never thought it possible that people still kept track of me, or even remembered me (yes, I did imagine I was turning into a little lurking anon). Words from people I never expected or never really knew - that's something that stays with you and inspires. I know the art I make these days are far from what most people are interested in, so it's amazing to find out that people still appreciate it. That moment was humbling and I just want to extend a BIG HUGE HUG to SayJay for this amazing award, and to Heather and Bre, and all the rest of you! You guys brought tears to my eyes that has yet to dry. I love you all thank you everyone, so much, again! *hugs*

If you want to read more about this and what had me going for the box of tissues, head on over to this place, where the event took place last night!

I won't be posting any new art today. Just putting this layout up has been work enough for one day and I think taking it slowly might be a good thing, otherwise I might end up right back where I was before. As you can see I've added in a whole bunch of buttons at the top of the menu - those are the places you can find me. That last button (TIP) is just the button for my visitor tracker. It's really fun being able to see where everyone is coming from, how long they're staying and how they found their way to Chosen Art. Unfortunately that info is only available to me as it's password protected, but I didn't know where else to put that button.

Oh yeah, and uh, the "recent art" buttons kinda suck at the moment but I can't be bothered with changing them into the new style when I'll be replacing them with new art very soon.

To end this short update filled with love, I thought I'd show you the introduction video that played last night at the ceremony, created by yours truly!