It wasn’t a very good year for me. I’ve been suffering the kind of health problem where it feels like you’re going to die, but it doesn’t actually kill you, and things have not gone nearly as well after the move as I’ve hoped.

Furthermore, I found that, at a time when my life seemed very bleak indeed, Botaram became bleak in my mind as well, to the point where I was seizing upon excuses not to work on it. I’ve found myself putting my creative effort into more trivial and light-hearted things, by way of escaping. Of course, one can only run from one’s dreams so far, if one is to retain any self-respect at all.

I am still working on improving my lot, but one way or another, I mean to return. I may have to back the story up a few pages should I find that I’ve hit a blind alley. To those who have been inquiring, I thank you for thinking of me. I will try not to disappoint you.

The move is over, and I find myself hollowing pathways through a mass of cardboard boxes and trying to reassemble the positive parts of my former environment. I expect it to be a while longer before I have put a creative space back together, but when I do, Botaram will return.

To all who are still watching, thank you for not giving up.

I’m in the middle of moving to a new apartment. I hope in the process to leave a bunch of problems behind and acquire not as many in exchange. Once I’m settled in and some of the stress is reduced, I expect to return to Botaram.

To all of my readers, thanks for your patience as I work through some troublesome times.

JJA

I’ve been largely miserable for the past few months, but some things may be getting better now and not all was as bleak as I feared. Getting out into the fresh air helps a lot.

Since BiggerJ asked, I do have a Paypal account for donations, and there’s a yellow donate button at the bottom of each page. I’m not comfortable with the idea of asking for money at a time when I’m not producing any art, but if you’d like to show your support in this way, please feel free to do so. If you can’t stand Paypal, and many can’t, contact me via the email address in my profile (link also at page bottom) and we can work something else out.

I may not have to mention it, but kind words are always welcome. Thanks to all my readers for their encouraging comments, and to those who are still reading for sticking with me as I work some things out. Botaram will return.

[Also, some site functions (navigation button images and Archive script) are broken at the moment because one of my domains is down. This should be fixed soon.]

Still recovering and still feeling down because I can’t get anything done, Botaram included. I hope things get better soon.

Even if I don’t feel like it. %?)

Between my slow recovery and trying to keep my business going, I’m having a rough time right now. Thanks for bearing with me. I will persevere, and I hope to continue soon.

Health is still improving slowly. Next entry should go up on Tuesday evening.

Things have gotten much better (I was able to leave the house for a few hours today), but the extended bedrest means that I’ve fallen behind in a lot of work, Botaram included. I was way over-optimistic with my previous estimates, as usual. I will strive to straighten things out this weekend.