So here are my weekly features for 2012. This Journal will be updated weekly, just like the custom box on the front.

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Favourites of the Week 2012

Week 1 by ~sunnydesposition.
"Exactly how I've always felt. We all have one inside of us. My own demon is fully awake and whispering into my ear right now. It is always startling to see a piece of art that somehow responds to whatever I'm feeling. Seeing this was one of those moments. And I think that's the whole point of being an artist - to evoke emotions and memories and thoughts."

Week 2 by ~NoMadderThanYou.
"It was hard, hard, hard to pick up the favourite of week 2. Eventually I saw this striking image of a man who is peering into what looks like a street trash-can. I don't know what, but there is something in this picture that makes me just sit and stare in silence. I do not know the man's story, and may never know... and that is what makes this photograph a bit sad... Who is he? Where is he coming from? What is he looking, hoping for? How many more like him are out there, peeking down into trash-cans... Simply put, amazing capture."

Week 3 by ~SophieCalist.
"And again, it was really hard to pick up the favourite of the week, but! This photograph of warm colours caught my eye on the front page. It's winter here in Finland, everything is white and it's cold outside, and although I love winter, I can't wait for the spring to come! This image makes me feel the warmth of the sun again. But there's more to this than that: I love close-ups of flowers, and this is one of the most wonderful shots I've seen, bringing the flower so close I can almost smell it. Brilliant!"

Week 4 by ~Mitchthefoxcatwolf.
"A peculiar shot of a frozen leaf. Strange are the ways of the nature! I just keep staring at this photograph, wondering how on earth did this magnificence happen. Great finding, great shot!"

Week 5 by ~ojtamojtam.
"I just realised, it's already Tuesday, and I totally forgot to update my Favourite of the Week on Sunday! Well, here's my pick for this week, a bit late but better late than never, right?
Anyway. The moment I saw this photograph, I knew it was the one. So beautiful, so peaceful, touching... The colours are perfectly in harmony, too. Wonderful!"

Week 6 ThankfulI'm thankful for my memories,
And things that sing, and sated needs.
I'm thankful for the bonds of love,
Connecting me to what's above.
I'm thankful for what came before,
And every single open door.
I'm thankful that I've few regrets,
For siblings, friends, and all my pets.
I'm thankful that I need not strive
To stay alive; I will survive.
The things I want remain so few,
And truth be told, it's 'cause of you,
So thanks. by ~Nekhranokth.
"The moment I saw this poem's title, and the moment I read it... I knew this had to be featured! Gratitude is something we sometimes forget to show and express, even though gratitude is what brings more blessings into our lives. Remember to say 'Thanks' whenever you receive something, a gift or help in any form, and say it from the bottom of your heart. Remember to say 'Thanks' whenever you see something beautiful. Sounds easy? It's not. Trust me. And that's why it was so great to see this poem!"

Week 7 by ~ILostMyFaithToThis27.
"Something just drew me to this picture. Maybe the fact that I have, in fact, felt a bit lonely for a pretty long time now."

Week 8 by ~tcbflyr.
"This time, it was easier to choose. I've been watching this gentleman for some time now, and each time I see his works in my Message Center... well, I'm stunned. Beautiful, dream-like, warm colours. Just... amazing."

Week 9 by ~antonycollinsdesign.
"It was once again hard to pick up a favourite of the week, but then I saw this. It took my breath away. The sun, the waves, the footprints on the sand... Warmth, peace and longing fill my heart when I look at this. I long for the summer! Brilliant shot."

Week 10 :thumb288565411: by !Neoime.
"Intriguing. Mysterious. Sad in a way... Thought-provoking."

Week 11 by ~camc5479.
"When I saw this painting, I knew I had to take a closer look. The colours tell a story of their own, while the whole picture tells different stories - why is the heart by the side of a path (did it stray from its path?), why is it wrapped with yellow tape (did an accident happen? Should you treat this heart with caution?)... and so on. Intriguing, beautiful piece!"

Week 12 InfertilityInfertility

"When are you two going to start working on more kids?"

It was such a simple question.  The thought behind it was innocent in design. A simple inquiry on why a thirty-one year old woman had only one child was one of the most dreadful conversations that I have ever had the pleasure of being part of.  

While my daughter was the light in the darkness cast by my own body's failure, my happy little family was not the societal norm.  A man and a woman were supposed to have two children, a dog, and a white picket fence. This was a sign of success for a stay at home woman.

We were never normal. My husband by *NicolePrince.
"I don't usually choose DD's as my Fav of the Week, but this piece was so striking and emotional that I just had to."

Week 13 by ~CrazyLell.
"The moment I saw this image, I thought: YES. The message is well presented, and supported by the Artist's Comments. A very good message to us all, especially to persons like me who easily dwell too much in negative thoughts!"

Week 14 by ~CJM99.
"This cute little dragon brought a smile on my face."

Week 15 by ~Kamyria.
"Spring is here! For me, seeing dandelions grow is the sign that spring has indeed come, the winter is letting go, and the summer can roll in. Seeing this photograph of a dandelion made me jump with excitement! Woo."

Week 16 Critiques: The artist's worst nightmare....Or so it is often thought.  But it should never be.
(Please note, I'm not necessarily talking about deviantart's critique system, though this certainly applies to it.  I'm talking about all feedback, whether in comments or notes, in person, or on another site.  Deviantart simply has a good format for others to leave feedback to an artist.)
In art school, you tend two get two different types of young artists: people who are infatuated with their work, and people who have no confidence in it at all.  But really, it all boils down to the same thing: as artists, we are incredibly reliant on other people's judgement of our work for our self-esteem.  It sounds a bit stupid, but I don't know that I've talked to any serious business artists who say otherwise (though if you do, please tell me).  Artists often view their work as an extension of themselves, or their soul, poured out on paper.  We seek other people's approval, b by ~taintedsilence.
"Something we should all remember as artists and art-appreciators..."

Week 17 by ~liamthelionn.
"Cute! Also something that I dream about sometimes, too. Flying..."

Week 18 by ~chillfox23.
"How ironic that this guy was being ignored by everyone... Luckily one photographer saw him and took a picture! And yes, isn't it funny how everyone babbles about how we all should be equal and have equal rights... While in the western world women have reached a pretty good status, and although there are still discrimination against women, well, the men are not having it any easier! - A very thought-provoking image, I think.  (And don't forget to check the rest of ~chillfox23's Gallery, there are VERY good photos up there!)"

Week 19 by ~Lykorias.

"Colourful, playful."

Week 20 :thumb301814768: by =Kerrinox.

"I think we all have moments in life when we should (have) follow(ed) this advice."

Week 21 by ~AlleyCat91.

"Who wouldn't smile at this dog? Such a happy and sunny picture. And do not miss the rest of her Gallery! "

Week 22 by ~AnastasiaVPergakis.

"I remember meeting ~AnastasiaVPergakis in #devart. We talked about literature and publishing, and I ended up watching her - and I'm glad I did. She hasn't been on dA for long, and although I haven't been through all of her Gallery yet, she's managed to impress me already. And this short story, "My Nightmare"... Thrilling, absorbing, heart-breaking, and definitely worth a read. "

Week 23 :thumb306123303: by ~weird101.

"It looks like small feet are poking out of the tree trunk..! Wonderful finding."

Week 24 by ~IssaKodSyssa.
"I wasn't supposed to pick yet another photograph as Fav of the Week, but! Just look at it! It's so funny. Nice capture!"

Week 25 DaddyThere was a metal door
between his office and me
and sometimes I'd drive

cars into it. It was a garage,
before. Then, filled with
communion wafers,

hidden in desk drawers
like buried treasure,
sacraments for nosy girls.

When outside he finds
the holy departed, he
calls me for a plastic bag.

He picks up my cat,
wracked with rigor mortis
Daddy gives no eulogy.

But calmly he hands us an offering,
repeating the Psalm,
"Why don't we get some ice cream?" by *KarlyNoelleAbreu.
"I keep reading this over and over."

Week 26 by *ParisWriter.
"I haven't read any fan fiction in a while. Especially not good fan fiction. But this... I happened to see the latest chapter by chance few hours ago, and checked out the first chapter - and got hooked immediately. I haven't read much of the story yet, but so far the storyline runs smoothly, and the characters seem true to how they were in the game. Just woah! Need to read more, bbl!"

Week 27 by *KaynessArt.
"The colours are awesome, and so is the concept."

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More of my Favourites