It is done.
Today I closed my forum at Fallen Knights. Today was the end of a very long journey. I am sad....yet hopeful for the future. I met a lot of wonderful people through that forum....including the person who is now my best friend. I also made a few enemies. Ah well. That forum nearly consumed me....nearly all of my online time in recent years was spent on FK. I put my heart, blood, sweat and tears into that forum. I truly appreciate all the kind words of support that I have received from everyone too - both past and present. It was a tremendously tough decision to make (closing the forum). But at the end of the day - it was the right one. I just purchased server space for a two-year term that was nearly half of what my 'quarterly' billing was costing me for that forum. *gasps* Thank the gods for the generosity of contributors this past year. But now with all that gone, I hope that I can focus on my career instead of all the 'drama' that was involved in administrating a large public forum. I hope that in time....all that I will remember are the fond memories and not all the pain.
Cathys Page is back up. The front page for Elessars Realm is back up. And the front page for Fallen Knights is also back up. But now I need to get to work on the rest of the pages for both ER and FK. It will take me a while though, and no doubt a lot of my icons, wallpapers and graphics are going to show little red x's both here and around the net. *laughs* I also think I'll take more steps in blocking hotlinkers too. But those of you who made use of the archived images and graphics at Fallen Knights, keep checking back as they will return.
On a personal note, I miss Ash. Very much. But last week's trip to visit her was GRAND. I needed it. I needed some time away from all the turmoil that I've been drowning in lately. I needed her to get me over my bitter sadness. And now I can finally sleep again at night.
And I am now officially a Freelance Graphic Designer! Hee! Damn....I have A LOT of work to do. *laughs*
Thanks so much to all of you who have stood by my side. Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!