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hotrats51

Jesse
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Checkin' In

2 min read
Hey all,

Whew, what a year it's been and things aren't improving much. My strength continues to be tested almost on a monthly basis. Tragedy seems to surround and I am trying my hardest to be strong and to come out from all of this okay. It's a very long story but my art has definitely taken a back seat to family and close friends. I am stretched very thin and trying to keep my head above water while juggling a new business on top of everything else. I miss you all here on DeviantARt. Please feel free to find me on facebook. I spend a little time there.

I hope you are all doing well and feeling productive. I haven't been creating much lately but I am working on a tattoo for my sister-in-law's rib cage. I love it so much that I'm considering another piece for my own ribs.

Please keep your loved ones close. I can't stress how fragile and fleeting life is. I asked my sister the other day why this is all happening now. I  hadn't experienced true loss until the age of 35 and once it started, it hasn't stopped. Her answer rang very true. She said I wasn't strong enough then and she's right. I can't believe the emotional havoc that a human can endure and I'm proud of the fact that it hasn't gotten the better of me yet. I've been dealing in many ways... mostly by spending every waking moment trying to be a better friend, a better grand daughter, a better sister. Also, by purging all of the things I've been hanging onto for the last twenty years. I want to de-clutter and simplify. Minimize my life's possessions and get back to basics.

Love to all of you.
Jesse
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A brief update

1 min read
Dear neglected friends of the deviant art community,

I regret not being more diligent about keeping in touch with
many of you and hope that you are all doing well.
I have just been too busy to keep up and certain things
were bound to lack. I hope you'll forgive me. Currently, I'm most
passionate about the rug line I'm starting and trying to figure out
the best way to market them.

As you know, I lost a very close friend in May and since then, there
have been more friends who have passed. It's been a very difficult
year for me and for so many that I love. Perhaps this winter
I will find time to get back into the swing of things here at DA
and make good on some promises. I would very much like to collaborate with those
of you who are still interested.

Much love and good fortune to you,
Jesse

ps, thank you to everyone who has spent time in my gallery, marking various works as some of their favorites!
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Senseless loss

1 min read
Dear friends,

Upon returning from Denver, while in their airport, I learned the about the tragic death of a lifelong close friend. Nothing makes sense right now and the emotions I'm feeling are hard to describe but I'm tryiing
not to crawl in a hole. I will proceed with my art show on the 30th, still giving 20% of the proceeds to the high school art program. The remaining 80% will be placed in a trust fund that has been set up for her four children.

Please hold your friends and loved ones very close. Tell them how much you love them as often as you can and never take tomorrow for granted. Life throws mean curve balls when you're least expecting it.
Much love to all of you,
Jesse
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On a roll!

2 min read
Hello my friends,

I realize I've been somewhat distant and I expect things won't change soon. I can only hope that no one out there takes my absence and lack of communication personally. There are many great things going on  right now and I can't believe I have so much on my plate.
While helping to remodel our second story, I am creating an area rug line, producing an art show for local high school students (in which my work will also hang in the hopes of bringing them more exposure), organizing a large picnic for my high school's alumni at my mom's place, arranging a family reunion, making an online store to sell organic graphite shoes, skateboards and clothing, organizing a gallery crawl, preparing for the Race for the Cure and planning a trip to Denver in May. I am happiest when I can't rest. I love remaining super busy and this is how I thrive. I just had the internet installed at home so I can create and upload OG products more readily without coming into work hours early every day. That should save me a little time for something else, hopefully, more collabs. I sincerely hope this finds everyone to be well.
I'm always thinking of you.
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My dear DA friends,

Months ago, I discussed collaborations with so many of you
and now I don't know where it all stands. If you are someone that
is interested in working with me, please get in touch.
I'm ready to create with all of you! Hesterkin and PhoenSims
just completed a brilliant piece together - check it: hesterkin.deviantart.com/art/w…
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Featured

Checkin' In by hotrats51, journal

A brief update by hotrats51, journal

Senseless loss by hotrats51, journal

On a roll! by hotrats51, journal

Collab confusion by hotrats51, journal