I'm not dead! Nor am I undead, or mostly dead. Though I think I might be mostly dead by the end of the week. Oo

In case you're wondering what's been going on, here's a quick run-down.

• I'm working as a freelance and self-publishing artist and writer. My current focus is children's books and illustration, and I have already produced on book of tongue twisters that I've written and illustrated. I have another project that I've been working on whenever I have the time. My eventual goal is to make my living doing my own comics, books and indie games for mobile devices and consoles (with the founding of a studio) one day, and I'm pretty optimistic about my chances. It's hard work, and I'm pretty wiped at the end of the day, but it's also rewarding.

• Speaking of children's illustration, I'm doing the illustrations (and character designs!) of a seven-book series of children's books for a small publisher. Since I am under contract, I can't say more than that, but I'm getting paid getting illustrator's credit, and getting some professional work experience and new pieces to put up on my professional portfolio. Again, hard work, and I'm pretty wiped by the end of most days, but it's also rewarding. Having a happy client also gives me warm fuzzies.

• As for art for myself... Sad to say that since art has become "work", I have little motivation to do any for fun, such as fandom or original projects/works. And trying to sit down and force myself to draw doesn't always work. I'll find a balance one day, though. I'll likely start spamming y'all with more OTP fanart, or fanart of whatever current obsession(s) and fandoms I have. XD

• GAMING! My first-choice of hobby, fun and unwinding these days. White Knight Chronicles 2 take sup a lot of time. Story mode is kinda "eh", but the online is fun, the community are a bunch of nice people, and game play is generally fun and rewarding. Also made a batch of friends and joined a guild, and it's a nice, fun way to spend evenings. ^^

• Journey... Honestly, one of the most beautiful games I've played in quite a while. If you have a PS3, $15 to spare, and a PSN account, plunk down some money and play this game. You won't regret it.  Journey was also developed by the guys who made Flower and Flow. Seriously, get it.

• Mass Effect 3... 95% pure awesome (becoming such a Kaidan, Garrus and EDI fangirl), 5% suck. The suck comes from the lamest ending I've ever seen in a video game, as well as the occasional bugs and the wonky codex. Which is a shame, because the game itself and the Mass Effect series as a whole are such fantastic games and worthy titles in science-fiction gaming, as well as great examples of character and narrative-based games. As for Bioware... Since Dragon Age 3 has been confirmed to be in development, I'm hoping to the best, preparing for the worst, and aiming to buy future Bioware games at discount prices. (Seriously, Bioware. I loved Dragon Age Origins and Mass Effect 2. For as long any video game fan can attest, you've been a fantastic developer. Y'all can do way better.)

• Other stuff... I'll be 24 on Friday. Working my tail off to try and finish my projects by then, and have a day to myself. Also saw the Hunger Games. I can admit I cried like a baby in a certain scene and possibly embarrassed myself in front my friends. Otherwise great movie with fascinating story, setting and characters. I'm a little in love with Katniss now.

That's all for now.