It's amazing, really, how fast we grow and change.

Here lately, I've been contemplating a lot of things, re-evaluating situations, and making a lot of changes in my life.

I've realized that living in the here and now is really no different than making reckless decisions and never thinking about the consequences.

Not looking before I jump, that's a better way to put it.

I've also realized that sometimes, what we want, isn't always what's best for us. Sometimes, life has a funny way of making you realize that, too.

I wanted to stay the same, and I swore once upon a time that I'd never change. But, I've learned that in today's world, that's impossible. I've realized that the friends I thought I needed were people I shouldn't really associate myself with. They weren't good for me, aren't good for me, and like an addict in rehab, I need to wean myself from them and this addiction.

I'm not where I want to be, and I'm sure as hell not where I need to be.

So, I'm walking away. I've realized now what I want, realized my hopes and dreams and where my path lies, so to speak, and I'm packing my memories and moving on.

You can't help who you love, but you can realize when you need to just say, "I don't need this," and move on. It might take some time -- because we all know love is a blinding, vindictive monster that lurks in the heart -- but eventually, you realize and you heal and you hold your head up high and you move on.

I'm tired of pretending, I'm tired of wearing a mask to prove I'm someone I'm not. From now on, you get me, blunt and raw and real, and that's the best it's going to get.

I make no apologies for who I am, only for who I was.

If I let you down, I'm sorry. If I haven't yet, this is your warning I probably will.

This deviantart account status is closed as of now.

I'll keep it open to fav pictures, but as for posting things? No. Not anymore.

I just don't have neither the drive nor the inspiration.

Maybe some day, when I'm finally where I want to be, I'll take up writing and photography again.

But until then, this is my goodbye.

Ann