*** Cross-posted with `mirz-alt ***

Well, we're slowly on the mend, but baby ended up with RSV.  Thankfully he was able to be treated at home instead of the hospital, but it's been crazy trying to give him treatment with the nebulizer (he does NOT like it), and just juggling the other sick kids. The illness has triggered a string of migraines in me which are kicking my butt, on top of giving me vertigo. That said, I was proud to have gotten my `Mirz123 message center caught up this weekend and am working on getting my `mirz-alt there, too.

Aside from that, managed to upload a few emote signs, a few pixel dolls, and I'm working on finishing my contest entry for ^Endorell-Taelos's contest.  So progress is happening.

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and best wishes for our speedy recovery. You guys are so sweet.

And, to whom it may concern... No need to write. Everything all considering, I would understand why you wouldn't want to. My best regards, nonetheless.


But I am. And everyone in my house. The worst is that my two youngest have it the worst.  It's so hard to see your babies suffer. I hate this time of the year.  Feb/March is always the worst for us sickies-wise. I think when the temps start going up and down, the buggies get all active.  Anyhow, we're still in the midst of it.  I hope we go on the upswing soon. It's been rough.

While I have been slow (still), I am still trekking along.  Finished 2 of my 3 lit contest entries and the last one should be up today or tomorrow.  Then on to August Moon.  Jim has been sick too, so that one has been a bit behind.  In the meantime, for you Relativity fans, we do have a new side-story that was written entirely by Jim.  Be sure to check it out (it will be published soon on the BlackTorrent site) ---> [link]

 I am finishing my last commission and may have another lined up.  Then back to pixelling portraits.  The sickies kinda burned me out, but I want to get back on them soon.

 I still have quite a to-do list for prizes and gifts and hope to make a nice dent on those this weekend. This includes gift stories for *Know-Kname and `justMANGO

Oh, and I haven't forgotten emoticons.  I have plans to catch-up my emote calendar and start the 2013 one. Plus a couple of stamp ideas, as well as a few PLZes.

There is a ton more, but I'm just gonna stop here.  When I feel a bit better I'll do a better journal and get my formal to-do list out there.  Until then, I do have two VERY big favors to ask....

PIMPAGE

I would very much appreciate if you could all get the word out about my Relativity contest.  Sadly, it seems that most people like fantasy and those contests get a lot more support.  I'd love to see at least a dozen entries to the Valentine's contest and I just don't think I can get enough word out on my own.

Valentine's Contest + New DeadlineAfter a good amount of positive feedback, the deadline for the contest has been extended. The new deadline is May 31, 2013.  No further extensions will be given.
Support stamp!

In celebration of Valentine's Day (which is today) we are hosting a Relativity contest! Note, this theme is a bit different than our past contests, so be sure to read everything.
The theme is Romantic Love
Just what that means depends on you. Perhaps it's a shipping of two characters. Perhaps it's unrequited love where one side gives and the other doesn't reciprocate. Perhaps it's a tainted love that ends with screams and gunshots.
Who's in love? That's up to you, and you have TWO options:
One of your original characters paired up with one of the Relativity OCs.
or
You may pair two of the Relativity characters who are not currently in a relationship.
The reason we are doing it this way is to allow as many people to participate, regardless if they have an

Also, if you could spread the word about the Emote Awards voting, that would be great.  I know a lot of non-emoticonists feel funny about nominations, since they don't always know who is who in the community.  However, the voting stage really is for everyone, so `Krissi001 and I would love for a big turnout!

Emoticon Awards Voting - Extended:iconupdatedsignplz: At the request of several people, and to allow as many people the opportunity as possible, we have decided to extend the voting period for one week.  The new voting deadline is March 14, 2013.
Kindly note there was also some questions as to some of the deviants listed in the newcomer category and the fact that their first emote was created in late 2012.  Due to the fact that the Emote Awards had an erratic timeframe before now (an uncertain date from December to December), we allowed those additional 2 nominations as they would have been in a window where they would have been excluded. Now that we have moved to a Jan 1 - Dec 31 timeframe, that should not be a problem in the future.
We'd like to welcome everyone to the 2012 Emote Awards.
First of all, we would like to thank everyone who took the time to make nominations. We were staggered at the number of people who participated!  Now, before w

Love you all!