WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED BY:
 Nishi

This past week has marked two amazing anniversaries for me. The first, of course, being my first wedding anniversary in which I shared with my wife on October 5th. The second, though, is one those closest to me know as "10/2"

For the longest time, I was afraid to expand my works and interests beyond what seemed "safe". However, on October 2nd, 2010, Nishi did a very daring thing and drew the picture you see as this story's thumbnail.

Why daring? Well, this is an image that appeared on his famous Spank Bank. When I saw this, I had believed it could've been a reference to Yosh and, as such, I read the article he wrote about it and quickly found myself relating to the situation under discussion.

It was at this time I came to a grand realization. That Yosh may be a part of me, but he is not me. As such, why should I fear what happens to him so long as it is done with good, creative intention? I mean, Shigeru Miyamto created Yoshi and, let's face it, Yoshi is in everything from diapers to bondage. Is this neccessarily a bad thing? No. If anything, it is more of an honor to know that people value your character, or those you create, so much as to make them an intimate part of their lives.

Long story short, I clung to this image and began ascending from the creative plateau I had been long stuck at. Just as this fellow was not afraid to lose his diaper, I started to become braver in going out of my "comfort zone" and writing and drawing whatever inspired me at the time without holding back.

The story here was written by Nishi as a way of celebrating the power of being okay with who you are and how you choose to express yourself. For those of you who read it, I hope you find it as inspiring and empowering as I did.

Thanks Nishi, *Snugs*


Your Pal:
 Yosh-E-O
---Yosh E. O'Ducky ;)