Artwork Update... Finally! (Patreon)

Individual Low-Res Drawings Attached:
I've attached the individual thumbnail images to this post, instead of having each be it's own post, like I usually do. 

Back Injury Update:
Heya everyone! I've been hard at work getting caught up with February's work since Monday, after recovering enough from the horrendous back injury I mentioned, last post. For those who didn't read the post, I was struck bedridden for about 3 weeks with crippling back pain. I had a crushed disc push on a nerve and it seized up all my muscles in my back and legs. I couldn't walk or sit at all, and had to use crutches just to get to the bathroom, for a few weeks. No fun!

I ended up going to the hospital, because it actually got worse after the first week of bed rest. They gave me an x-ray of my back, found a disc was flatter than usual, and referred me to physical therapy. They gave me a shot in the ass, some muscle relaxer prescription, and sent me on my way. 

Well, long story short, the Physical Therapy did not except my very expensive insurance, so I took my physical therapy into my own hands. I usually exercise a lot, so I just spent time googling proper exercises for a pinched nerve in the back, and did my best. Well, it worked! So far at least. I'm still a bit rough, but much better than I was just a week ago! I was able to start working on February's art, this last week. 

The Art:
It's Sassy elf! I wanted to draw something sunny and fun, so I put Sassy in a summer dress. This is the progress, so far! I'll be coloring it up this next week, which honestly won't take long. and don't worry, it'll have a background too, as usual. I am thinking a wooded walking-park in the city, or something like that. :)

Anyways, thank you all so much for the patience! I am so sorry about how late this is. The whole time I was laying on my back, recovering, I was grinding my teeth, itching to draw something for you guys. 

I'll be sending these out to all February's Patrons as soon as they are finished, and I'll get right to work on March's work. Looking forward to it!

Recovery/Injury Cycle:
So, I am sure some of you notice that this whole back-injury thing has been recurring since mid last year. It's like a nasty cycle: I hurt my back, which required rest and recovery. I fall behind on work while resting, and then overwork myself to catch up again, which ends up hurting my back again. Rinse repeat. 

Well, after going to the doctor and getting an x-ray, I have a much clearer idea of what I've been doing wrong. I just can't sit for long periods, anymore. My workstation is still not ergonomic for me, since I am very tall. Low monitors, bad arm position, chair that encourages slouching... So, this is what I'm doing to adjust, because I simply have to get back to drawing:

• I'm getting an adjustable elevation desk. Been looking at this one:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8zgK20fdWo
  Being able to quickly switch between standing and sitting will help me maintain the work hours I am used to.
  
• I'm getting a laptop that I can do art on, from bed. this is so that, on the days I am hurting too much to stand or sit at the desk, I can work from bed, or a recliner. No more missed work! 

I think these steps forward will help pull me out of this funk, and help prevent further injury. The doc said that I'm still very healthy and strong, I just need to make some changes to what I put my back through. I'm listening. 

So, hopefully this is the beginning of the end of this painful chapter of my life. :D
See you all next post!
~Ray