Personal Message, Please Read.

[Dave2112]

Greetings fellow TMFers.

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their support of my work and prescence in general, and to explain something if you have a few moments.

I am going to be taking a short but much-needed rest break for a while. I'm not disappearing from the TMF altogether (at least I don't think so as of this writing), as I'll show up in the chatroom and respond to posts and such from time to time.

However, things have been a tad hard on the Ol' Jedi Master of late. I've been battling a severe and serious bout of depression that, to be quite frank, has come close to causing some real and permanent damage. In addition, I have a physical concern that has become symptomatic recently, and this is something I need to focus on. Nothing too terribly catastrophic, but a concern nonetheless.

I wouldn't go as far as to say that my creativity has dried up. I'd lean more toward a temporary "parchness." It's not really writer's block or artistic emptiness...just more of a "lack of drive" if that makes any sense. I have tons of ideas in my head, as I always have, but they are sharing space with some evil little things that I need to purge.

I am considering a Sabbatical, although I'm not sure what that is going to entail at this juncture. Perhaps a trip to my native Scotland if I can swing it, maybe a simple camping trip around here, or maybe even just some time off work to sit around the house, play video games and read...who knows.

I have placed a lot of pressure on myself to keep creating, keep pounding out material and stay fresh. This is no one's fault but my own. I have this sort of "perfection complex", and I've become my own worst critic, throwing away many works before they reach their creation. I have taken a long hard look in the mirror, and realized that I was not being fair to the TMF in general. In my own convoluted sense of perception, the thought had crossed my mind that I had to keep creating in order to be accepted, and I know that this is very misguided, and doesn't give my friends the credit they deserve. Again, this is MY shortcoming, no one else's. In recent threads, I have seen myself get a tad "snippier" than I like, and some emotions that I don't like have been at the forefront of my personality.

These things are no doubt due to my troubles lately, which I won't bore you with.

As I said, I'll still be around, but probably in a much lesser capacity for a little while. I'm not leaving or giving up creating or anything like that. I just need to get my Mynocks in a row, so to speak.

Thank you all for being such good friends, and for all of the support you have given me. My relationship with you has evolved into much more than simply the sharing of a fetish. I have made many good friends, both online here, and in real life. Those of you who have a more "inside track" on what I'm saying (and you know who you are), thank you especially for helping out. It can never be repaid.

So, in closing, keep a seat warm for me. I'll be back with more devious stories and expressive artwork, and perhaps before you know it, Sara's home will become a reality.

Peace, Love, Patience and May The Force Be With You. 😎

 

[venray]

Take whatever time you need.....

.....my brother.....I know just how you feel and sometimes it just takes a little time to step back and rest a bit to get refreshed.

You know where we are if you need us.

Tracy and I will stay in touch.....

Ray

Live long and prosper.........

(found this on a tickle Yoda page)

 

[TicklingDuo]

*HUGGGGGGS*

Hang in there Dave. I can relate to what you're going through...on both levels. We'll be thinking of/praying for you. You are your first priority right now. There's nothing wrong with that. Take care and hurry back....but not until you're ready.

May the force be with you!
Ann

 

[qjakal]

Wandering...

If your path brings you to Long Island, be sure to post up and lemme know....always wanted to see a wandering Jedi! Also, don't be too quick to dismiss that "evil" you perceive within yourself recently...it oftens foreshadows a coming change and can be a necessary thing. Just some life experience from an old guy... 😉 Q

 

[Knightshade]

I've been there..

Try some Siberian Ginseng for stress, it helps.

 

[Prime]

i know i don't know you other than what i read here. but i wish you well. as for you saying you were getting a little snippyer here.. that could be just a form of burnout.. i think you have the right idea...take a few days off from everything..camping sounds great if you enjoy it. take a radio and go fishing🙂 . When you feel better agian just make a promise to yourself not to be such a perfectionist..you cant top everything. its easier to appreciate the great stuff if you throw some clunkers in there to...lol..and from what i've read people would accept you here either way you have a core group of friends. as for the more personal stuff you have on your plate to sort thru like i said good luck. 🙂

 

[TickledToDeath]

Take it slow take it easy take your time.

I know what you are going through in a non specific manner.
I had to battle certain personal problems as well over the last decade or so that had me on the edge of a total breakdown.

I have battled and I have defeated those demons as I know you will do as well.

You are a fine upstanding and decent man and human being my friend.
IF there is anything I can do...please do not hesitate to contact me.
You can e-mail me or even call and I will be more than happy to talk.

I am here for ya brother!


TTD

 

[QBWeaver]

I'm glad to see you putting your priorities in order Dave. You have to put yourself as number 1 - ALWAYS! Yet I know it's often hard to do especially for someone like you.

You're an incredibly caring person. It takes a big man to realize when things aren't exactly right, to take the steps to correct it and to share those especially with a community this size. The best part is because of who you are you receive total acceptance in return.

Be good to yourself. Get out and smell the roses. Be with Mother Nature. Refresh your spirit and enjoy living life. Each day is far to precious to let it get by without thoroughly enjoying it.

Be well my brother. If you head out here to California come by. I'll take you up to our family cabin in the redwoods for some rest and relaxation. It's quiet and peaceful. For me there's nothing better than lying below the redwoods and listening to the birds singing.

Drop me a note anytime Babe!

 

[MadKalnod]

{MadKalnod raises his bat'leth in salute}
Qapla', Dave!

I've wrestled with depression for years as well, and the best thing I found to deal with it (short of medication) is a breathing exercise my counselor taught me. As some psychological chap whose name escapes me said, "An anxious mind cannot exist in a relaxed body." Details of the technique are available upon request.

By all means, take a break. As marvelous as your work is, you should never feel that you're forced to create it. Those who matter will be here when you're ready to return, and those who matter even more will be here when you need us.

Until you return from your refit at Spacedock,
May the Force be with you,
Entil'Zha veni

 

[Dr|zzt]

ill be sorry to see you leave, even for a temporary period...

enjoy it if you can mate, see ya soon!

Dr

 

[Krokus]

No Problem

Take all the time you need Dave. If you need someone to talk to, I am always open. [email protected] -Be Well 😎

 

[red indian]

Blimey Deppression!

Try being a Derby County season ticket holder, its not so much a deppression more a black hole!

All the best to you dave and thanks for the great stuff you have done I am sure you will be back very soon because you are the main man, and having seen what you can do its clear to me you adore this delicious fetish far too much to leave it or us alone for very long.

 

[Myriads]

Be well. I'm about if needed.

Myriads

 

[tummyticklish01]

Yeah don't worry Dave buddy, take a break.


PS
Between us, i think Sara convinced dave to take a break😀😀😀

 

[thefeatheroom95]

Good luck dave and hang in there! Hope you feel better.

 

[GuitarPeteTklr]

Don't Come To The "General Forum" Much...Glad I Did Tonight!

Hey, Dave!

Not knowing all the specifics, of course, I sense that I have been in your current straits a few times in My life.

Glad to hear you have your priorities in order. That, of course, means putting yourself first! You got some big shoes to fill here in the forum, but I think there are a few here in the community that can "step it up" a bit to help buffer your much needed and well-deserved departure from your regular charge here.😀 😕 Take some pressure off the darn Jedi already! LOL!!!

I hope you are able to resolve those matters of personal health with Godspeed. If there is anything I can do, dude, you have My cellphone number, My band business card, and My e-mail address is also in the forum. Don't be a stranger, if you think a call or visit would infuse some momentum in your convalescence! 😉

I am here for you!

May the force be with you!

*GuitarPeteTklr shreds his way back into tickling oblivion*

 

[Strelnikov]

By recognizing that you have a problem, you've taken the first step toward solving it. Good luck and take care...

Strelnikov

 

[njjen3953]

I just now saw this

Dave,
I actually went looking for this post after having a conversation with 2 of our other friends. It seems that the flu is not the only thing going around since SBG. I just got home from a brief trip to Denny's. I don't usually go out in the middle of the night, but needed to get out of the house. Depression has hit here as well and I had been in bed for 2 days and not eaten a thing.

Do for yourself, whatever it is that will put you back in the game. It takes a lot of insight to realize the problem and even more strength to do something about it.

Please know that I understand and am here for you if you want to talk. Just e-mail me or give a call.

Take Care,
Jen

 

[Mimi]

Dave, you know you have a huge fan, and hopefully, a good true friend here. I have always, and WILL always support you and your decisions, no matter where they may lead. Your health and happiness are of top priority. We will all be here waiting for you whenever you feel you are ready to return.

Please hon, feel free to email me ANYTIME you want or need someone to talk to. I am here for you, and will continue to be here for you as long as you permit me to be. You're in my thoughts and prayers, Sir Dave.....


Mimi

 

[mysterytic]

Dave

You will get by the depression just fine and return when you feel up to it. In the meantime drop in and check out some of the posts. Everybody is here for you if needed. Keep with the force my friend.

 

[dvnc]

Gonna miss seein' ya as much as has been usual, but I can dig where y'need time. That you're dealin' wit' it says you're already doin' better, and knowin' how bright y'are, I've no worries that you'll do well.

If y'take a sabbatical, and get out t'California, drop a line. It'd be good t'see ya again!

dvnc

 

[lite]

A friend in Virginia...

Hello, Dave,

Sometimes I'm slow to read posts. I wish you well, and I want you to know you can call me or e-mail me anytime. You're a wonderful man, and it was truly a pleasure meeting you. Take care of yourself; we're all here for you.

"A single word even may be a spark of inextinguishable thought."
--Percy Bysshe Shelley, from A Defence of Poetry

 

[JoBelle]

Solitude is the school of genius, Dave.

If the rest of your world is like the one we see in this forum, you're always giving from yourself. Sometimes you have to step out to refill. Find something worthy of your energies and fill'er up. Good to know you're listening to you spirit.

Jo

 

[CitY of MicA]

I wish I'd arrived at this post sooner. While I don't really travel to some parts of the forum to which you contribute greatly, our paths have crossed many times on the forum elsewhere. You're humor has made my visits to the forum all the more enjoyable. You contribute to this forum in countless ways outside of your artwork and stories, and your prescence here is always a positive one.

However, I know the nature of depression, and, if you will excuse the joke, it's no fun. We all have our different ways of dealing with it, and it is certainly bold of you to share what you're going through with us. I can only wish you the necessary strength to manage these feelings and send you my e-mail if any point you wish to talk about it. I fully understand your decision to take some time off and look forward to your return. All the best 🙂 .

City

 

[hawkikim]

Better late than never....

All I can do is echo the sentiments previously stated so eloquently by so many!

Add me to the list of folk you can contact ANYTIME...and if the Pacific Northwest looms on your horizon, well, you've but to put up a hand & wave & there's a friend here too.

Take care, Jedi!

Kim