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WinterSoul

@wintersoulart.bsky.social

199 followers 93 following 132 posts

Art of Crystal Carpenter, Colorado illustrator-sculptor who loves nature & myth. She/her. 🚫NO A/I or N/F/T.

www.wintersoulstudios.com/ | patreon.com/wintersoul | wintersoulstudios.bigcartel.com | ko-fi.com/wintersoulart

WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Quick reminder, this is still happening!

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Oh no, I'm so sorry your boy is going through ongoing UTIs too! My own kitty has had multiple over the last few months too, and we're still trying to pinpoint the cause, it's so stressful. Hope the prescription food helps your kitty boot the infection!

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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IBS flareups always worry me a lot, but it’ll likely get back to normal within a week or 2 with her diet & meds. Just wanted to give a shout out to the kind hearted people who have sent support! It means a lot ❤️ Going to let Shia rest, while I try to get some art related work done today! 🖌️

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Shia had to fast this morning, just in case we decided to do the ultrasound. So much drama, she was beating up her toys in protest. (Don’t worry, she finally got a meal). She’s having another IBS flareup due to the anesthesia from Tues. I’m so relieved they didn’t have to use more anesthesia today!

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Back from the vet! What's causing the UTIs is still unclear. We don't see any visible stones (plus, her urinalysis has consistently not shown any evidence of stones). Her most recent blood work seems fine. So we're just going to try the antibiotics for a longer period.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Again, signal boosts are appreciated! It’s difficult for me to talk about personal life and you all have shown such kindness over the years. All that said, she has an appointment on Fri. I’m worried sick, but hopefully this will give us answers on why this keeps happening.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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I do have a Ko-fi as well for a tip jar. While I appreciate tips, I prefer that you get something in return! At the end of the day, I’m sure you all came here to enjoy art and animals with me. My hope is to encourage the people who have been wanting a piece of art for a while, now is a good time!

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Another way to support Shia & the art is via Patreon. Even through all the crazy medical drama over the past year, I have been making an effort to make monthly posts. So much is offered there, I love writing for it, making process posts, and intend to continue posting! www.patreon.com/wintersoul

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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However, I do feel like I have the spoons to take on more shop sales, so this would be an excellent way to support right now! I’m offering 20% off all orders until July 19th (during the first Whisp auction this year), with the code STUDIOCATLOVE. Sharing this helps too!

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Currently I can’t take on time/energy consuming work (ie - more hours at work, commissions, etc.), because I need to be present for my sick kitty, plus need to balance time between doc appointments & finishing current art/meeting the deadlines for the auctions.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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The financial burden is starting to weigh, especially since the last several months I’ve also been having a ton of doctor’s appointments for my various illnesses, and the bills are starting to come in. I dread making “please help” posts so much, but it's needed.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Ugh, time for more Shia struggles. Yesterday, we found ourselves at the emergency vet due to Shia getting a third UTI in the last several months. The bill was insane, considering they didn’t examine her, (let’s save that rant for another day…)

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Not life threatening is very good news! <3 Hopefully the docs can pin point it, since agreed, still definitely not fun to deal with.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Totally! It can be a frustrating process, but some find it really fun (like solving a puzzle). The puzzle feel is a big reason I love mold making & casting so much, even though 3D printing is a big thing now. Never know until you try it though, hope you have fun!

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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That sounds hopeful, crossing my fingers that the toradol helps, and that you all can figure out what the mystery numbness is. Glad you all are on top of it, definitely don't want to mess around when it comes to scary stuff like this!

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Oh geez, agreed, he’s earned a break from medical scares! Hopefully it’s not something big or scary, sending you both some hugs.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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If nothing else, this sharing thread is a good reminder to make more awesome space art! <3

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Oof, I hear ya on the senior pet front. Shia cat just racked up a ton of bills with a stubborn UTI and arthritis flare up. Pricey, although totally worth it! Will re-share for ya <3

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Post your space art 🌌 An older cloud cat-themed commission, nebula cats, and surreal bird! I do enjoy painting the sky shinies.

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Cybercat's avatar Cybercat @cybercatart.bsky.social
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Ah the joys of senior pet ownership. $150 for the vet visit and another $150 for flea / heartworm control and a new kidney supplement. :P Want to help a starving artist and get cool art? I've got a kofi! ko-fi.com/ladycybercat...

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Hey all, I’m now on Cara! Not planning on leaving any of the sites I’m currently posting on, I just love the idea behind this site, the features, & hope that it takes off. Friends and mutuals, let me know if you have one too, I’ll add you! Hope to see some familiar faces there.

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Hika/Tam | HK★TMK's avatar Hika/Tam | HK★TMK @hikatamika.com
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If you have money and like Cara, it's looks like they could use the help rn!
I saw some people on Threads be like "haha they should have used venture capital" but that's how we end up in AI/NFT nonsense anyway

cara.app/post/b938cab...

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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But yeah, a denial doesn’t always equal a bill, as absolutely nerve racking as the whole ordeal is.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Of course you’ll still want to stay on top of it, be in communication with doc offices & insurance, study up on your rights, if you do get a bill talk with their financial dept to see if you qualify for lower payments & be ready to advocate for yourself.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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There were also several claims that had mistaken outcomes. Knowing my benefits/rights, and calling insurance immediately, I was able to reverse those outcomes.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Two of them were the weird back & forth game that doctor’s offices & insurance companies play until they come to how much insurance pays out. The other one, I’m not sure what happened, but the claim summary says I owe 0, and I never got a bill.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Indeed! It sucks that learning to navigate insurance BS has become one of the inevitables of life. It’s a ridiculous position that we’ve found ourselves in. Also, don’t know if this will help the anxiety, but so far I’ve had 3 denials post tests, so far (knocks on wood) none have resulted in a bill.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Oh no! I'm sorry you're having to deal with insurance yuck, I swear it's getting worse. That's good you'll be filing an appeal! Wish I could give you tips on your exact situation, but figuring out the reason for denial & reading over the membership handbook might give you solid ground for appealing.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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There’s a pattern I’ve noticed, where we look at someone else’s job set-up and think, “If only ___, then I would be happy!” Let’s be real, comparing one's life to another is an unfair thing to do to yourself. Yet, in part 2, I talk about how I’ve used that feeling as a guide to better my life.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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In the first part, it’s been about two years since becoming a professional dog bouncer at club doggo! (Ahem, Kennel Tech, I mean). Even though I’ve always done small jobs on the side, like pet-sitting, working for someone in a very official manner was a huge mental hurdle.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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On Patreon, I’ve made a free to the public post about artists getting non-art jobs to help ends meet! A lot of artists struggle with this (or at least, I have before), so I wanted to share my experience. Social media isn’t great for longer format, so quick summary here...

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Edition is limited to only 10, and the first one belongs to the commissioner! Patrons on the Creature Collector tier will be the first to be notified anytime I release a commission slot for one of these guys, then maybe a mailing list? After that the public will be notified.

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Dragon is coming along! Also have some news in how these will be released. These have proved to be beasts to put together and prep, even to this stage. In turn, each one is going to have a lot of unique elements. Tons of work has gone into this, can't wait to show you all the final painted version!

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Happy birthday! Relaxing bdays are some of the best, wishing you a good one <3

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key-lime pie's avatar key-lime pie @keymonster.bsky.social
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I still have 5 spots open for my June queue! If you are interested please reach out. Commissions are the majority of my monthly income and I rely on them to pay my bills. Thank you to everyone for your interest!
Please share & repost to help my reach! 💚

[ #art #commsopen #commissions #signalboost ]

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Aw, thank you, awesome to hear you're getting enjoyment out of them! <3 Oh, that reminds me, I have something for you related to this! Is there somewhere I can message you?

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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It's time to celebrate, the Altar Cat project has come to an official close! Here we have all 26 cats together. Thank you to all who commissioned a cat, to all who gave these kitties a home! You all made this project special. 💖🐈

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key-lime pie's avatar key-lime pie @keymonster.bsky.social
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I’m very thankful to everyone who has purchased a commission, bought something from my shop or signed up for my Patreon over the last month. You have all helped me cover my taxes & my increased estimated tax.
If you’d like to help here are links:
keymonstershop.etsy.com
www.patreon.com/keymonster

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Neal - Free Palestine 🇵🇸 's avatar Neal - Free Palestine 🇵🇸 @verdantsculpts.bsky.social
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I am officially a Colorado man. It's beautiful here and I know it will become a wonderful home for me. Not only am I out of work for now, things have been more expensive than anticipated. Donations and shares are greatly appreciated. www.gofundme.com/f/trans-arti...

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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A mini-Chihiro cat, our final hand painted Altar Cat! I’m so excited to bring this project to a close, because now we’ll get to see our little army of cats uniquely painted. ❤️

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WinterSoul's avatar WinterSoul @wintersoulart.bsky.social
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Still, it was so much fun! I thought I was going to be the only one excited about it, but coworkers were looking forward to it just as much. Managers got us the eclipse glasses & we had a blast shouting to each other about the eclipse while we worked. ❤️

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