2-minute read time.
I’m back after what has somehow turned into a year and a half away. It doesn’t feel that long, and I’m still a little surprised every time I look at the dates. It seems like I updated this space far more recently than I actually did.
So, what have I been up to?
For me, 2020 became the year of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. When I couldn’t spend time with friends in person, my little virtual island became a place to unwind and feel connected. I spent more hours there than I ever expected; over 700 in that year alone.
I even turned part of my island into an outdoor theatre as a stand‑in for the community theatre I was missing. At one point, I created an Instagram account dedicated to the island (it’s no longer active, but it was fun while it lasted). Looking back on New Year’s Eve, it was a moment of realizing just how much time I’d poured into that world, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed at the time.
But you know what? I don’t regret it one bit. I mean, let’s be honest, who could resist the allure of a virtual getaway during such a challenging and uncertain time? ACNH provided a much-needed escape and a way to unwind. And considering I’ve never taken a proper vacation and rarely ever play video games from start to finish, I gave myself permission to embrace this bit of happiness.
However, as the year turned and 2021 dawned upon us, I made a reasonable resolution – to channel my time and energy into something that would nurture my creativity. Enter the Procreate app! In January, I embarked on a journey of artistic exploration, and I’m proud to say that it’s been an exhilarating journey of growth. The exciting worlds of vis dev (visual development) and storyboarding await me, and I can’t wait to dive into them headfirst.
This period of quiet reflection and solitude has allowed me to gain perspective on what truly matters to me. Animation has always held a special place in my heart, and now it’s time for me to reignite that passion and dive back into the game. The possibilities are endless, and I’m filled with boundless excitement for what the future holds.
As always, I want to express my gratitude to everyone for joining me on this journey. Remember to take care of yourselves, stay healthy, wear a mask, and if you have the opportunity, get vaccinated! Together, we can navigate these challenging times and emerge stronger than ever.
Thank you for being here with me,
Kristy
