Ice Princess Silky <3

Huh. I could have done more productive stuff on this day. I'm going to find more ways to squeeze more productivity in. Felt good!

Hey! I remember you! Welcome aboard. Have fun in the community. Please read the Guidelines -- it's the huge green button right above. Can't miss it. c: So long as you're kind and not engaging in any mean-spirited stuff, all should go well for you. x3 Welcome to the MLPForums!

Feeling refreshed and excited. Thanks to everyone for being so awesome and nice!

Thinking a lot of mixed things. Some are... things like "I created a teen groups so that teens can support each other away from the crazy adult drama arguing about petty things like politics -- you know, boring stuff. Why they not use it away from such people?" And the other thing I am thinking is that... rollerskating with friends is going to hurt if I fall on the concrete from the long gap of no practice.

Freakin beautiful day!!! I'm feeling really inspired and happy. You bake bread, as well? I was telling my friend this morning that baked bread tastes fresher than the store bought. Trying to convert him. >:3

As soon as I saw you post this in staff, I just had to hop on just to comment! Welcome @Clawdeen!! Thanks for being a sassy gem in this community! You're going to add the pizzaz to the Golden Oak that we were missing!

A little bit ... um... how do I even explain this feeling? Hopeful? Confused. But giddy? Something beautiful coming out of a disaster as the bad things fall away and the beautiful simply reforms itself into something more powerful... yes. This is alchemy! I may need to make a post about this, sometime! *knocks on wood* It's good to be loyal to the good. To those of you feeling down, please hang in there. I know life can look like an ugly disaster. It's a work in progress. It really is. There is so much that I would like to say... but... I have to keep silent. I have to keep confidence and privacy. But I am seeing several of you post some... not so pleasant things and ... If only you knew how much you had in common. How much you are not alone in those feelings.. even if you're 100% convinced that you are... please hang in there.. please... I was feeling not so well a few days, either... a tad bit resentful of some changes to come, in fact... but no.. those feelings fall away and something better replaces them if you keep your chin up and keep moving forward. The ephemeral leaves and the true stand firm. If I could send even a little bit of this light out to those of you in need, I would. In fact, I am. I truly truly wish you the best.

Hey, I am really sorry to hear this. Calm anger can be just as burdening as loud outrage... But I really admire your loyalty -- you've done so much for your bestie. You've been through many chapters in your lives. Your way of expressing yourself, through characters and storytelling is nothing short of endearing and imaginative. Sending you warmth and quiet strength, you are not the villain of this story. You are someone trying to protect what matters.

Not feeling too well due to seeing so much division, conflict and fighting over things that should not even matter in a friendship. People who would otherwise get along are at odds over things that nobody can even control anyway... *sigh*

"Can you give me a quick recap?" Explain that you do not feel the best with words?? *quietly panics with her* --- Feeling like I'm rooting for you, friend!

When listening to my own voice in support of the new Readers and their contributions to The Golden Oak's Library... I was thinking something along the lines of...

I like this question: I know many many people both irl and online. If I were to rank them by stages. There's the initial stage: Acquaintance. I am courteous. Kind. Warm. But always polite. This is a more superficial level but if I do not truly know this person, I wish not to accidentally step on their toes by some misunderstanding, etc. So, best to keep things as mutually respectful as possible. Associate/Ally: Someone who aligns with my principles or values, we're not close but we know each other enough to trust and row in the same direction should there be challenges in life. Friend: This is where life has placed us together either through hardship that we both had to climb out of together or because we simply vibed really well together and I love this! I have made friends of which I have clicked with almost instantly! But ... what is interesting to me is when a friendship blooms with someone accidentally that I never would have thought I would get along with or I would simply tolerate their presence due to their abrasive natures, etc. One thing that people who make it to friend level all had in common - was that they were genuinely good people. No matter their contradicting personality to mine. Whether sweet, kind, rugged, rough, abrasive, angry at the world, etc... it did not matter to me. They were genuinely good people who harmed none, were not deceptive but honest and were simply abrasive due to a hard life, etc. And even if I failed to see the good in them due to my own cynicism, they perceived it in me -- which is just a reflection of their own goodness, in a way, and as time went by and I was forced to get to know them authentically... despite my skittish nature, boom -- friendship level uprank. Happy surprise! Best friend - oh boy -- these are intense and amazing and fun! I can be my absolute self. Goofy, silly, angry, honest, raw or sad and they will not judge or warp my thoughts into something that they are not. Full trust. Fun, silliness, or heavy topics of any kind! So good. They know my heart like a book, my mind or my intentions, too! And it is like we are reading each other's minds. We can be in a room in absolute silence and instead of it being "awkward" it is like our souls are buzzing happily with peace! And I really like this level. Haha TWICE this has happened by pure accident in recent moments. And the strange, initial shift when the friendship upgrades to that. Goodness.. Where something just "clicks" and you realize "o my gosh, this just got very real." I love it so much!!

Inspired by people who develop a talent despite the craziness of this world, and, like King Midus, try to find a way to redeem the unpleasant into gold rather than feed the unpleasant. Or at least use it as a learning experience if there is nothing to redeem. Channeling that energy to a worthy cause and not to hatred, itself. I wish to learn this talent. Not feed hatred or the disaster, but to bloom **in spite** of it. These are the basics of Alchemy. This is my ideal. I shall be in pursuit of this henceforth.

Banterlot is leaking again D: Congrats again, Rocky. Love seeing you get your first request.

Look who is ready to join the team! @TheRockARooster's been quite the champion of the community for so many years! Friend to all. An infamous foodie who makes us all hungry and with his amazing Australian voice, he can tell you how much he enjoys "a succulent Chinese meal!" (I know because I have to hear about this meme all the time). So, everybody welcome Rocky! And pester* him to read your fanfics or favourite stories with his charming personality and style! Thank you to the Head Librarian @Emerald Heart for finding this beautiful gem of an opportunity to have him on board with us. I hope that you, @GeneralDirection @Longhaul@Avery @ReverieRiver @Randimaxis @Batbrony and the rest of the team or users can have fun with ideas and helping The Golden Oak community to thrive! *Pestering is said in staff to playfully refer to messaging, engaging with, talking to or shooting the breeze any time! It is not actually a pester to us. come join us in the Reader's community!

The Art of Graceful Boundaries Boundaries are not walls. They are architecture. They don’t say: “Stay out.” They say: “Enter here, through this beautiful door that I have made.” When you choose to respect yourself, you are also inviting the person to respect themselves. Setting boundaries does not make you a bad person, nor is it robbing anyone of "a friendship" when you do so. If anything, you are offering the integrity of your true sentiments and there is no greater gift in a real friendship than to arrive as you really are. Not faking happiness or smiles just to "make someone else happy." Huh. That is interesting to me. Because there is a way to be brave and fake a smile in order to be strong. But it is very evasive. Perhaps when you have a small child who needs to have their childhood and innocence in tact, this kind of behaviour is not only acceptable but very noble since you do not wish to burden a child with adult responsibilities beyond its own mental health capacity. Or if you are in a leadership position and wish not to burden those you lead with excessive responsibilities... but now I am severely digressing... The point is, while I understand it may seem noble to "fake smile" at someone who is crossing your boundaries and disrespecting you... it is so important to make sure that you honor yourself and honor them by showing them that boundaries matter -- including their own -- and a violation of that is not a healthy thing. You can still be cordial about setting your boundaries. What matters are the actions that do not allow anyone to guilt trip you or harass you into lowering them. 1. Acknowledge the Cost (to yourself) Before any interaction, say inwardly: “What I am offering came from somewhere—it cost energy, presence, wisdom, effort.” You don’t have to declare it aloud right away. Just honor it to yourself. This stops the guilt spiral before it begins. You matter. Even in this modern era, companies thrive over your attention. Even a brief second on an advertisement grabbing your attention has value. So, when you offer someone your attention, your time, your presence, you are giving them a precious gift that is more valuable than any form of currency out there. Money can be replaced, regenerated or gifted... but you are a mortal being with limited time. You matter. And dedicating yourself to things that allow you to thrive so that those whom you care about and also care about you and grow together in this otherwise deterministic world. What you say "yes" to means you say "no" to something else. So, if you say "yes" to someone stomping on your boundaries, you are saying no to the concept of them respecting your or anybody else's boundaries. You are also telling yourself that no, you do not deserve respect, and that they do not fully deserve your fully, respected form being present. 2. Use Boundary Language That’s Clear but Noble When someone expects something from you that feels draining or dismissive, you can respond with this formula: “I care about this, and I want to offer it well. Right now, I need to protect the quality of what I give—so I can keep showing up with integrity.” or “I’ve poured a lot into what I’ve already shared. I need to replenish a bit before I can give more.” or, even simpler: “That’s something I give with intention, and I want to make sure it’s received with the same.” None of these are arrogant. They are sacred stewardship. 3. Create Boundary Routines That Don't Require Explanation Boundaries don’t always have to be explained. Instead, you can create rhythms or practices: Only answer certain types of requests during a chosen hour of the day. Use phrases like: “Let me consider that and get back to you.” This creates space. Mark your offerings with ritual or structure—so people recognize their weight. For example, if you give advice or creative work, you can say: “I share these in moments of clarity and calm. If I’m quiet, I’m protecting that clarity.” People won’t think you’re snooty. They’ll feel the intentionality. 4. Trust that Some Will Misunderstand—And Let That Be Okay No matter how graceful you are, some may still misread you. They may call you distant, or dramatic, or cold. But you will know the truth: You’re learning how to protect your sacred fire. Not everyone is meant to tend it with you. And that is alright. You matter. And when you allow your that little fire in your heart to dance, you also give permission to those who put their own out to do the same. Your energy, your attention -- even if you find no value in it for yourself -- is acknowledged by other people. Make sure it is a quality fire that makes you feel safe. O.. and to those of you who need external validation to feel like you matter... here is a little hint: I have noticed, especially as an Administrator around here, that most people who are admired from afar -- are NEVER approached. Why? Out of respect. Something about your admirers being too shy or intimidated to speak or reach out. Sure, the creepy and entitled types will make you feel like that is the only thing you can attract even as a friend -- please do not allow that to get to you. Always the unsavories are the loudest and more outspoken for some reason. But if they make you feel creeped out -- please set boundaries. Respectfully. I had a strange experience years ago... Spoiler Long ago, I was literally cursed out on my profile for setting boundaries because the fellow thought that by saying he was "sorry" that I would lower my guard and let him back in. You are sorry? Okay. I forgive. We can all move on and not hold grudges. But no, he wanted more. Not by natural connection but by force and violent threats. Sadly, he made it feel like forgiveness was a mistake. Because he mistook it for entitlement. The dude tried to do even more harm and then tried to play the victim when called out on it, only further validating why we wanted to stay away as far as possible! He later became a really obsessed stalker. Which was weird, if we were the evil ones.. why such an intense desire to be near us? I would imagine to a person who is confused or lonely, anyone would see that behaviour as a reason to submit and go back cowering and giving into what the stalker would want. But instead, we stood our grounds and when his own behaviour blew up in his face... he had to learn the harsh way.. without us even doing anything.. Could have just left it with forgiveness. But some people really think they can control you simply because you are kind and gentle... please please please protect your kindness and compassion. Guard it like royalty in a castle. Because that is what it is and that is what the world needs more of... blob:https://mail.google.com/4125f864-432a-4b23-870e-708094a3eda3 Do not allow the behaviour of others to shift your perspective of the value of your own inner flame. Only you know and can speak your own truth. Treat it with the delicacy and respect that it deserves.

Here's to all the amazing gift art people have been sending me!

I see some lovely new people joining almost daily! I thought I would make a welcoming thread for each and every one of you! Firstly @Hugs SilkALot - Thank you for inspiring this idea. I love that we can get together and discuss many topics. Hopefully we can spread to this section, sometime soon! @Astralshy You ARE the Fluttershy of the forums <3 It's always so lovely to have you near! @Hadrien It's so hard to believe you've just joined us when you're such a darling! Cheeky, playful, mischievous -- but wholesome. You fit right in! @Felis Amafeles You have NO idea how happy it makes me to see you've finally decided to join us <3 There are so many friends I'd love to introduce you to. But for now, make yourself at home. Get cozy. @Props Valroa Thanks for being such a darling to everyone on the forums. You're a good friend. @Clawdeen You are SO cool. A mixture of soft and sweet yet you know when you ROCK OUT and have fun! @robbie . I look forward to seeing more of you ! owo @ChrysalisM Yay! So lovely to see you!! @Skylight Scintillate I'm happy to have you among us, Skylight! @Silly Druid Always a pleasure to have the local Druid with us <3 You're always very easy-going and kind! With that said, thanks for being here! I know it's a bit easy going but life has just had me VERY busy <3 Any casual topics or friendly discussion ideas -- just feel free to ask <3

Hello, lovelies! There's a rampant amount of art scammers reaching out to people and I just wanted to make you all aware of this so that you know that 1. you're not alone, 2. please do not feel bad either reporting or removing these people from your messages. With the new digital age of AI - a lot of incredible things can be observed from these advanced forms of technology. Sadly, as above, so below... in this context meaning, with the good there is also a wiggle room for the bad. So, scammers are getting "creative" with using A.I to try to rob users of their money. I repeatedly get random messages from strangers. Some of them have a sob story that makes you want to rush to assist them. Others simply seem like really chill people you wish to get to know or support as an artist. But they all tend to have something in common. Apart from the weird moments of calling you "dear" without knowing who you are, the consistent patterns tend to be: 1. They do not have their own steady artist portfolio online. No DeviantArt, no consistency. The reason being that their art would be reported as either AI or stolen if they did show you a consistent portfolio. 2. They tend to reach out to you because they noticed you have an OC. Scammers are aware of how sentimental we can be about our own OCs and they try to play on that. 3. It's always a random message from a stranger who has EXTRA confidence in offering their artistic services and that you will be pleased. This is not how clients work. Even the most amazingly talented artists are aware that not everyone is going to like their style, even if they have a confident raving review of the majority. Either way, I decided to test one of these many random people and the results were... oddly hilarious. (posted screenshots in spoiler below). While I am usually very protective of private conversations with users, friends, etc, in this case, it is simply a scammer and I have no qualm with revealing these to inform anyone who needs to know: That image is literally an old art that I myself made of my own OC and he simply put a black and white filter over it - claiming it was a "sketch." lol I was literally speechless... this is what he was asking $50 for. I guess it's time for me to pay someone else for art that I made. But in all seriousness, I just wanted to raise awareness. Regardless of any messaging platform that you use, any artist insisting to draw your OC for a "cheap and reasonable price" (without a set portfolio that a real community can backup and confirm is legit) is to be seen as a potential red flag or suspicion. Don't feel guilty or shy about removing them or asserting your firm boundaries. Stay lovely

Hello there, lovely ponies! Sometimes, we're not happy with our mane color or our style. Maybe you made a mistake with potions and shifted your color a hue that no longer pleases you. You're invited to relax and sit on the chair, review a magazine of the styles you'd like to have as we work on self care and re-designing the new you! (This is for those who don't have a pony OC and would like to have one! OR people with old pony OCs who desperately want advice on a re-design. Feel free to reply below to express what you'd like, art references, aesthetics, etc. Pony types Earth Ponies - no wings, no horn, very creative way for finding ways to make these things happen regardless! Think of Pinkie Pie! Pegasus - Capable of flight. Sitting on clouds but that is also optional. Some personalities might not even like that despite being Pegasi Unicorn - Capable of magic -- or perhaps struggling with it. Regardless of whatever kind of pony you have -- remember that personality is what makes the pony and not vice verse. We tend to be more than just our physical bodies, so if this is your first time creating an OC -- I would recommend thinking of the personality first and then considering how her (or his) design might reflect this in their expressive ways! But that's not obligated. My own OC was created with me just mixing all of my favorite colors into one giant splat of a mix and going "yep, this is fine." Hahaha but she's come along over the time. So I guess my point is, there's no WRONG way to do this. Just mainly guidelines and suggestions. In the end, it's all about you and what you feel properly expresses you! So feel free to step into Silky's Beauty Spa for a new OC or a new re-design. Cutie Marks -- my absolute FAVORITE thing for discussion and art concepts. Hair Designs - Feel free to post any references or ideas from ponies/people you're inspired by. Literally, anything that sparks your creativity is encouraged to add here for discussion of your new lovely 'sona or casual RP pony. This thread was in the making for quite a while but I kept postponing due to real life matters. But that's not excuse to keep you waiting! So, I'm making the thread so long as you're patient and understand I may not be as active as I'd like to be but I will get back to it as soon as I can <3 Please be patient with me. This thread will be RP based as well as OOC for social interaction to inspire art as well as creativity.