Anyone active with in this TG blogasphere has probably heard the news already. But For those that haven't, a few prominent Members of the community are now stepping away.
Caitlyn Masked,
Smitty, and
Alectra.
Smitty is definitely leaving and Caitlyn Masked and Alectra are unsure of what the future may hold. But in any case, I do wish them all the best. It's bitter sweet, but I completely understand their reasons.
For Caityn, she's achieving a long term goal of becoming a nurse and I can't be happier for her. I will miss being able to chat with her almost daily and checking in on her wonderful work. She might return some day, but you can't deny that things are changing and It doesn't mean that it's a bad thing.
Alectra is also a Maybe, and it Might not be as permanent. But she's not exactly feeling 100% and I think all of us can relate. She's had a busy, stressful few months on her shoulders and I will miss seeing her around the haven if She decides to step away from it. I understand her reasons and I do wish her the best.
Smitty is leaving his blog and will be removing it at the end of august. He's not done with Captions or creating, but his focus is moving away from the TG themed stories.
I think you would be hard pressed to find an artist who has been as prolific and as active as he was, so even if you didn't enjoy his works, I'm sure his absence will be felt by all. If you would like to still follow Smitty and see what new work he's up too, then check out his tumblr
here
If you enjoyed any of these artists work, Please stop by and leave a few words of encouragement, some heart felt goodbyes and let them know what the hours of entertainment and just thoughtful posts they have left, meant to you. I'm sure they would love to hear from you and it will help put a smile, or in some cases, keep a smile on their faces as they move forward in their lives.
I've been a member of this community for a looong time and I've seen a lot of people come and go. I was a member of the Haven's beta site and I'm still a member to this day. I've been a member of various TG sites over the years and I've created my own blog to showcase my work, so I've seen a lot over the years with in this small gathering of like minded folks.
I've Seen many members come and go, and It never get's any easier. I believe there is barely a handful of the members from the old beta version of the haven and there's even fewer from the older days of the official opening of the forum.
Though I do have some of the newer members from the haven that joined a few years after me I still call friends, Like
Dee,
Simone and
Angel. I've also met a few newer members like SG11 who are still around or just getting started. I will always have a special place in my heart for those I used to stay up hours chatting with.
I miss those old friends, but I'm thankful to know that Smitty, alectra and Caitlyn have all gotten to say something before they stepped away. It's also easier knowing that they are doing so for the right reasons, not because of some tragic emergency popping up.
I'm always here if any of you deiced to come back or just stop by, and I would always love to hear from you. My E-Mail, my haven account, and just my Yim is always open. ^_^