It is Winter for some of us, Summer for others, but for many, it is a season of good tidings, Christmas cheer excited stress and merry rejoicing. We see happiness and jolly, seeping out of every crack, whether it be forced or true, and perhaps some wonder... if there's something wrong for not quite having the will to join in the revelling. To feel the pressure of false joy, perhaps seeing those cheery folks stare in horror as we don't grin and agree wholeheartedly 'what a wonderful time of year!' it is.

This message is for everyone, who finds Christmas not-so-merry. Or at least those who consider why some don't. Those who cannot sing, or cheer, those who have lost loved ones or are suffering in physical pain. For those who are alone. In their warm homes, and even worse, for those who have no homes, those literally freezing. We are here for you. Somewhere, out here, lurking in the cyberwaves, there is love and hugs waiting for you to be warmed by.

I am not of any particular religious holdings. But I believe quite strongly in the power of prayer. Especially collective prayer. And good wishes filled with love and kind tidings. So put your hearts out and keep those less fortunate in your thoughts. Those who suffer this cold season in pain, discomfort, fear that it may be their last. The aged, the frail, the diseased, and simply the sad. This is the land and time of loneliness for many, and I for one, am here over the ho-ho-holiday for every single person who needs a chat, a rant, or just a bit of good old-fashioned hugging.

Much and a zillion 's to each and everyone of you.

And remember. It Does Not Have You

*TazzyDee



ps. see this fantastic blog in #communityrelations courtesy of the lovely ^RockstarVanity filled with awesome things you can get up to over the holidays to make someone's season warmer on dA.

hey all! hope everyone is doing well.

just another write up on submissions. remember that things submitted to the gallery AND suggested as faves both follow the same guidelines. they should be something created as a cathartic artwork relating to mental or physical illness. while this can take a lot of forms, that's where the second guideline comes in.

the description of the piece should mention what its about, at least to some extent. this is because #ItDoesNotHaveMe is, at its core, an awareness raising group. without mention of what the issue is, the piece does not raise awareness. as such, if you suggest something from the gallery of someone who isn't a member and it looks to express a certain emotion but doesn't mention it in the description at all, then it will be unlikely to be accepted as a group fave.


members can suggest faves and submissions. contributors can suggest faves and submissions and write blogs.

and...hm. well any other questions, comment here and i'll do my best to answer


i'm also looking to bring back the cathARTsis series as soon as i make good on the awareness articles prizes to the existing winners. hopefully as the new year comes.

thanks!
^opioid

I don't know about you, but do you ever think about how many other deviants out there, going through things, that haven't said anything because they either feel scared for one reason or another or they just don't know what to say? Do you feel that way at times yourself? I know, that truthfully, I do. Or rather... I did. You know how I got through that feeling? By remembering that I'm not alone. Neither are you all for that matter. We don't HAVE to be alone in any situation we're in. We need to remind ourselves of that and when and if you EVER feel like that, please let someone know. We're always around. We're all here together to get through anything and everything we've been through or have dealt with... and for things to come. So, if you ever need to talk to someone. Just note us, any one of us and we'll meet you in chat or if you just want to talk via note.. just let us know.


Remember... you're NOT alone.

I didn't realise I could submit a blog until now - heh. I am a more quiet contributor but I just wanted to take this opportunity to ask everyone and anyone - members of this great group or not to pray for my mother. She has depression and has gone through countless surgeries - some not even necessary (we found that out too late) in addition to working full time running her own small business.

Having to remove 2 nodes from her breast, and from previous frailties we tried to get the best doctor he could and whether it was just a bad day or luck they removed 9. This means it is extremely difficult for her body to drain fluids and it gets pretty stiff - every night she she needs to do these exercises to aid the process.

In addition to that there were worries her breast cancer was spreading to her abdomen, she was going to get her gall bladder removed and after specifically telling the surgeons to not remove it if healthy and to contact my dad who faithfully stood outside the room for hours they removed a guess what? Perfectly healthy gall bladder - she now has trouble digesting many foods. Luckily my mum is recovering another bought of breast cancer but stress may induce a return - after removing her uterus and taking these pills which reduce the density of her bones but reducing the chances of a return by a small percent I think work and the family is finally getting to her.

Anyway, sorry for the rant - this has become more of a confessional... the bottom line is my mum is very frail and sick everyone who knows about her condition (very few, not even my little brother knows she has cancer)are worried. Frankly I have been a terrified lately. This is just a shout out to anyone who has the time to pray for her, I don't know what anyone would do without her - she is a hard working loving mum who has sacrificed endlessly for her family and friends.

I live with my own illness and am so lucky to have wonderful people to support me. Supporting someone who has an illness can be very challenging as the illness generally touches every part of your life. What can you share about the people who support you, the challenges you've faced, and your victories? Do you support someone who is ill? Do you support someone who is ill while you are ill as well? Illness is not limited to physical but also mental. I have a physical illness but I try to support a family member who has a mental illness. Let's get sharing!