Surreal [Canon EOS 20D w/28-135mm f3.5-5.5 IS Zoom] Haleakala, Maui

Thanks so much to everyone who has sent me notes asking how I am, since I've been so absent here at Playapixie. It's been a hard several months, and I guess I've been taking a break while I get my life sorted out and get moving back in the right direction.

Ever since I started keeping a blog, I've struggled with how much to write, how personal to get, and how much I want to share in such a public way. Some of this has to do with my somewhat private nature, and some of it has to do with my image, both my self-image and the one I project outwardly. I try to surround myself in peace and joy, to think and act positively, and to manifest that kind of light in my life (and hopefully spread some of that light around.) I don't like being a whiner or a downer. So when my life turns towards darkness for a while, it's easier for me to shut down and shut up than to share with anyone where my head and heart are. The word is full of enough darkness as it is, without me filling it up with any more of my own, and I've never been good at sharing my sorrows, anyhow. So it's been quiet around here.

But I think maybe it's time for me to come out of hiding. My life and mood are gradually moving in a positive direction. I've been staying busy, doing a lot of yoga, working some overtime, getting to know my awesome new house-mates Shura and Stacey, seeing friends, making new friends, going out. It's weird having so much autonomy; except when I'm at work, I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. I'm not sure if I have ever had this kind of freedom in my life before, as it's the first time I haven't either been in school or been in a long-term relationship. I'm getting to experience just being me, and being 100% true to myself. In a way I feel a little bit lost and maybe lacking direction, but I think I'm going to enjoy just wandering around in that and seeing where I end up.

I appreciate everyone's support the past few months. It's nice to know so many people care, both my real-world friends and those who I know only through this site. Thank you.