This morning, @HaiRai had a huge grin on her face. At first, I thought that she might have purchased some new skeins of yarn or completed some new architectural genius in Pokopia. To my surprise, she picked up a package for me. And strangely enough, I immediately recognized the sender as @niece!
A few weeks back, I casually mentioned to some folks on e4 that I’m nearing a major milestone: my 10,000th post. As many of you know, e4 has been my home for nearly 4 years as an active user, though I spent several years as a ghost reader to absorb everything there is to know about Pokemon. I am not a big fan of social media - I don’t have accounts on Instagram, Reddit, Twitter, etc. and I generally feel happy because of that decision. When I joined e4, I did not intend to become so engrossed in the community or to spend so much of my life here, but that happened almost too easily. So in some ways, this upcoming 10,000th post is as much a celebration of the community that I found without looking for one, as it is about my post count.
I’ve made several posts about my love for birds, and my interest in starting an Aviary Binder to celebrate the many different birds of Pokemon. Many of you know that Rowlet is one of my favorite Pokemon (see my annual goofy Rowlet art here, here, and here), and that I am the resident Dark Dragonite to @mrbubbles (Light Dragonite).
The most thoughtful human on Earth (@niece) reached out to @HaiRai to illustrate a commemorative piece to celebrate my 10,000th post on e4, titled, “The Aviary.” Opening the package and seeing this illustration made me tear up. 
It is difficult to comprehend the immense kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness of this gift, and I am so incredibly grateful.
@niece is an incredible artist and an even better member of this forum. If you have been around for one day or ten years, you might know that community, creativity, and kindness are synonymous with @niece. Words can’t describe how thankful I am to be a small part of this community.
Thank you!! 
Dated 3/30/26
Dyl, I am a little early. I didn’t want to miss the big milestone. 10,000 E4 posts! Holy crap you’ve got a lot to say! Nah. Just kidding. I appreciate your comments and insights; those I agree with and those I disagree with. A forum is only as good as its members. It takes active, thoughtful members to make it great. You, my friend, are part of what makes E4 great.
I hope you enjoy this small token of my appreciation for your contributions to the E4 community.
“The Aviary”
In exploring ideas for this piece, HaiRai reminded me you had another favorite Pokemon, Rowlet. The creative vision was realized when you commented in chat on how much you loved the Aviary. Throughout the painting process, I imagined you as Dragonite having a great conversation with Rowlet.
TRAINPOST ON. Niece
A watercolor illustration titled, “The Aviary.” A happy Dragonite surrounded by various flowers and plants sits beneath a tree, looking up at a curious Rowlet. Alongside Rowlet sit a pair of Taillow, directly above a solitary Murkrow on a pedestal. Three energetic Pidgey roam the grounds, perhaps looking for a bite to eat. The open-air aviary contains a trellis to let light in, held up by stone columns.
PS: I am so looking forward to framing this and setting it next to my plushes of Dragonite and Rowlet. 