Growlbeast

Well, Well, Looks Like It's the End of Summer (almost)! - Blog Post/Updates

Added 2020-09-01 22:11:56 +0000 UTC

And our skies are finally CLEAR!!
For the first time in what feels like a solid month, I'm not wracked with allergies from the wildfire smoke! I'm so glad the skies are clear and blue! With the skies, I honestly find my mood following suit. With the lack of smoke on the wind, my nerves are calming as well and I feel like I can finally breathe after that period of chaos in my life.
(CW: Death/Loss ahead)
Loss is never easy. No matter how many times you have to experience it. No matter who you are or who you've lost, the experience seems always ready to teach you something new.
When I lost my father, It was sudden. There was shock and fear. Everything felt explosive, and nothing wanted to feel permanent. I had to learn to create more permanence, I learned the hard way that you should always tell those you love, that you love them. And, seriously, if you love your family too, make more of an effort to contact them more. Especially as they get older... It sucked being so far from home during that time.
My grandparents passed this year, both of them (as I know a lot of you know). And their passing went much more quietly, but with their own added challenges.
My grandfather was one of my role models in life. An incredibly intelligent man, who seemed to have good company all over, no matter where we went. He had a beautiful family, home and so many stories. Ever since I was young, and still into my adulthood, I've always wanted to be like him. He always had kindness and understanding for everyone and everything. Acceptance, as well. (I never had a shred of fear when I came out to him!)
He taught me to be patient, and understanding. He once taught me that a yellow jacket stealing a piece of meat from my plate deserved to live just like me, when I wanted to smash it.. This man even knew which star I saw on the drive over to see him in the hospital, when I was a pre-teen! Everyone he met remembered him and he made an impact on all those who crossed his path.. Sorry to ramble! But, It's honestly still surreal to me that he's gone. He talked to me on my Birthday and seemed a bit tired, but said he was re-arranging the furniture in his house. He was in the hospital, and in a coma shortly after that. Covid still has meant I lack closure. So, this experience is still teaching me something..
I know I'll be taking opportunity to spend time with my family this year, and the year coming.

I'm pensive as of late, but I still feel optimism. I know things are moving forward and I know healing is happening as well.
With that, let's get to some Patreon updates!
(thanks for reading all of that personal stuff!)
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September Roadmap:

-[MegaPic Project]: I admit, I bit off more than I can chew with that and I'm honestly FLATTERED as to WHY! I wanted to include every new patron in it, which got a bit out of hand with the work added on. I got to the point where my iPad couldn't handle all of the layers. Dealing with that kind of sapped my energy with the project.. BUT I WANT TO GET IT DONE!
So, What I'm going to have to do is flatten the group image entirely, and start a second file that expands on that.
That being said, NEW PATRONS, PLEASE SEND ME REFS. I know It's MORE work but all of you have been so patient that I don't want anyone left out.
If you have been on the project and are awaiting your finished file, please reach out to me so I can deliver them personally! (I do have a lot of folk done!)

-[Streams]: Are going to continue as freebie opportunities (or Voracious Tier work.. or personal work only.) No new commissions will be accepted until I have caught up on everything!

-[Voracious Rewards]: Please contact me with where we are standing, and what you would like from me this month! (As normal, and because I want to see if any plans are changing!) <3

-[Other Projects]: As time permits I'd like to give you guys videos of my process on already completed images! So, I'll be looking into video editing software so It's not just art and silence!
Stickers will remain on hold, so freebie streams will still be in their place. I just don't have the time to ship them especially since rates are all wonky. Here's to hoping the USPS can recover. My plan as of now is once this is something I can tackle, All active patrons will get a "Care Pack" from me with every sticker I have, and ideally some other/new goodies. I want to make it worth it for everyone who's been along with me for this ride. I wish I had some of the resources other artists do to be able to offer merch during this time!

This Friday, I'll have a "Flat Fuck Friday" fun base for you all to color (canine/feline/mustelid base lines available) But I will not be offering another base for the month of September. I just want to seriously prioritize getting the stuff mentioned above done!
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Lastly, I just find it incredibly amazing how much support I have here. I feel like all of you are friends, and without you, I would not have had the time to process the loss I've experienced this year. You all have made a hugely positive impact on my life. I want to always be the same for you all, in turn. If you ever feel as though I'm not doing enough, please talk to me. I will listen to you. I want to make sure you feel good about helping me here.
And, if any of you need someone. Even just someone to listen and be like "UGHHH" with you, feel free to reach out to me, or to just yell into the discord chat! The whole chat is this incredible, positive space for so many of us!

This community is incredible and I am so thankful for it, thank you all.
<3
-G
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Here are some pics, since my garden was.. not great this year! The heat and lack of rain made it hard on my plants, but I did manage to have some flowers!