Warm Fuzzies
When you need a boost, stop by here and your fellow MBers will remind you why you’re wonderful (which, in case you’re doubtful, you are).
We sense an overwhelming demand for this thread.
Date: October 17, 2011
Categories: Life
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Life, the universe, pies, hot-pink bunnies, world domination, and everything
When you need a boost, stop by here and your fellow MBers will remind you why you’re wonderful (which, in case you’re doubtful, you are).
We sense an overwhelming demand for this thread.
Date: October 17, 2011
Categories: Life
First post? I would like to start by saying that I admire Bibliophile’s analytical way of thinking, Kittymine’s dedicatedness to roleplaying games, and Kai’s love of science. I like the way the GAPAs made this thread, and I will post more about how awesome everyone here is but I have to go to bed now. (I admire Jade’s meme.)
Aww! Thank you for the compliment! I really needed that, especially after last night’s travel nightmare.
Hey, this looks awesome. You’re awesome, everyone! Have loads of warm fuzzy feeling!
Castle, you’re cool because you like all the same games I do.
Also, virtually everyone else here is awesome because they introduced me to Doctor Who, which I have now started watching.
Dr. Who is the bomb…
As are you! As is everybody on here!
Um … I admire Kai’s knowledge of space, Zinc’s awesome comics and her telling me about Death Note and Hetalia, Enceladus helping me with Portal, Piggy introducing me to MLP:FIM, Bibliophile spreading the love of tardigrades, POSOC inspiring me to read more Discworld books, Jadestone being the most awesome capslocked space squid ever, and probably more …
Going through all the MBers I can think of (will be adding more if you feel left out):
KaiYves: awesome because she knows everything one ever needs to know
Piggy: awesome because he can make you laugh and offer helpful advice at the same time
Axa: awesome because she seems to be able to sympathize with anyone
Agent Lightning: awesome because en is skilled in various fields
Choklit Orange: awesome because she’s nice in general
Rosebud2: awesome because she(?) has a comment for EVERYTHING
Bibliophile: awesome because if you love something, he(?) almost certainly does as well
And everyone else is awesome for simply being able to put up with me, which few people are in real life.
I just realized how little I’ve really gotten to know you all. I’ve kind of been off on the sideline this whole time. I’ve never felt unwanted, so I don’t need warm fuzzies, but I still want to hold an actual conversation with you guys about stuff we have in common and where you’re from and stuff.
The longest conversations I remember holding about personal things were WAY back with IBCF, who is now AWOL. And recently, Agent Lightning and I have been talking about Paperclip. She’ll be arriving soon, I think.
Am… am I allowed to leave warm fuzzies for Castle? That seems like should be against the rules or something…
GENERAL AWESOME LOVE AND HAPPINESS!!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3
There we go. I don't really know you guys yet buuuuttttt….. someday.
In advance. Agent Lighting, I’m just leaving this for you:
You seem awesome. Our Paperclip conversations were interesting and marked the first time I ever talked to you, but hopefully we’ll be doing more of that. I feel awful for encouraging you to ask him now, but at least the worst is over, right? He could’ve had prior commitments that you didn’t know about, or there could have been Daleks lurking around the corner, but it doesn’t matter.
We think you’re awesome. You seem awesome, and you have been from what I’ve gathered of you. You wrote the whole denial thing so beautifully I nearly cried. Don’t feel bad. Some people are meant to be together and some aren’t.
Squid and pies.
The GAPAs are excellent for, not only creating this thread, but being there for us a lot and running this place. They’re great friends to have as well and they’re always around.
Oh! I also want to thank everyone for putting up with me as an annoying Warriors-obsessed neophyte, having sympathy and squid for my occasional insignificant whiny rants, and not mutilating me too badly when I didn’t know who J. R. R. Tolkien was.
I remember ALL of these events. You were mostly just funny, although many (but not the recent ones, oddly) neophytes have been borderline/annoying/REALLY annoying at points. You fit into the former former category. Ask about LimeGreenElephant sometime.
I was just about to suggest this thread on the Suggestion Box!
On that note, I love Robert’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the ‘Blog and his wonderfully wacky imagination, Rebecca’s amazing art talent and constant ability to know exactly the right thing to say, Rosanne’s writing skill and intelligence, and Master Baker’s beautifully British quirkiness and inventiveness. I also appreciate all of your ability to mindread.
(So I started writing this, and then they turned into notes like we wrote to each other at the end of Health class last year, which were combinations of appreciation, advice, and general love. Uh. I alphabetized them by name so they’re easier to go through? And I have to write a lot more because they’re still not done argh why are you all so awesome it is really annoying)
Agent Lightning, I really enjoy following your adventures and misadventures on the R&R Thread. You are a band kid, which automatically makes you win, and you are a trombonist, which automatically makes you win even more. And hello, you like Doctor Who! Keep plugging along– you are a fairly beautiful writer, and I want to see more of you.
Axa, you are the lowercase lock queen of fun, fascinating, laughter-inducing flamablamability. You are one of those excellent nice paleos that is nothing but welcoming and relaxed awesomeness. I wish I knew you in real life– I feel like we would hang out and climb onto school roofs and go swimming in other people’s pools and things.
Bibliophile, you taught me what a tardigrade was. What else is there to say? XD A lot! You make me laugh nearly every time you post. Your imagination is off the beaten track enough that I wish I had your brain really, really badly. Actually, I wish the whole universe had your brain. We would end up having a lot more fun. (And tardigrades.)
bookgirl_me, hello from America! I love being able to tell my RL friends “my Austrian friend said” and see them raise their eyebrows. You have been through and are going through a lot, and you don’t deserve anything bad in your life. I just wish everyone could appreciate how strong and good you are. I hope you can.
Choklit Orange, my Bay Arean twin, you are one of my favorite people, like, ever. Your LGBT experiences have allowed me to go forward on my own LGBT journey. I really, really, really wish I could meet you in real life. We would wear silly T-shirts and hug each other a lot and scream about various bands. I loved hearing about your experiences in Singapore, and I love hearing about your experiences so close to me.
*Cskia, you are one of the kindest people I have ever met. You care about others so, so much, and though I never thank you enough, you have given me advice when I’m hurt or angry or lonely that sits in my heart like something warm. Keep following your heart, and never give up on those you love. The good ones won’t give up on you.
Dodecahedron, you have gone through so much, and you have no idea what you’ve done for me. Being able to read about your experiences isn’t just educational, it’s emotionally cathartic. You are patient and dedicated and loving and you work so hard to help others. I wish I could be as good as you.
JADESTONE, I LIKE YOU. If I were to properly explain my total appreciation for you I would have to put this post HALF IN ALL CAPS LOCK. and the other half would be lower case. Your squiddy goodness never fails to make me smile, and SLEEP, it is for the WEAK. Did you know I say that to all my friends now? You are so cool.
KaiYves, is it too obvious to mention space first off the bat? Eh, space. It’s bad of me, but I never actually cared about NASA before I met you. You are hardworking, dedicated, thoughtful, intelligent, and ambitious, and you are a shining beacon of a good example for anyone who wants to achieve their dream. Let’s be Avengers bros! And cross-country bros! And general bros! *bumps fists*
Piggy, oh, Piggy. You are probably the most intelligent person I’ve ever met, and that includes all the know-it-alls at school, and it also includes the fact that I disagree with you about a lot. I’ll be honest: if someone had told me four years ago that I’d consider a pro-life Nebraskan future priest one of my friends, I’d have laughed in their face. Thank you for forcing me to break my stereotypes and open my mind.
POSOC! I totally had a half-blog-crush on you for a while. (Don’t ask me what a half-blog-crush is. It’s not at all like an actual crush. I think it had something to do with the Igorpunk story you wrote.) You’re a paleo, but I forget that half the time, because you’re too busy bouncing around being generally creative and geeky like me and cool. All my love.
Rosebud2, hello, I was looking through the Random Thread and I realized that in a lot of ways we are basically the same person? *shrug* Due to the sheer curiosity inspired in me by your avatar, I am likely to start watching My Little Pony in the near future. You’re brilliant and you’re nice and you’re kind of a spaz, and I like you.
Zinc, oh, Zinc, I started saying this on the Rants & Plaints thread, but of course there’s more. You’ve terrified me so, so deeply sometimes, but you’ve made me so, so happy, too. You are a wonderful artist, a good marching band chick (WE DO APACHE AT OUR SCHOOL TOO), and you have a wonderfully nerdy personality. You’re another one of those great always-young paleos, and I really like you.
will probably do more later
this is surprisingly exhausting
love you all
…I really need to talk to Piggy more. He’s kind of just been there and I’ve talked with him about Minecraft and Puffin Puffs and stuff but I don’t really know him. I don’t really know any of you. Someone start talking to me, quick!
Cat’s Eye, I think we’ve talked all of once, but I’ve noticed your posts. They’re loooong, funny, and usually have a really good point to them. I came close to crying at one of them, but I forgot which one because there’s so many. You’re cool. Continue being cool.
Well hullo. What would you like to know about me?
This is far to heartwarming to read in the early morning.
But it will make getting out of the house at 7 AM for band slightly easier.
Cat’s Eye, I’m in danger of repeating what quite a few others have already mentioned, but I have to because it’s true. Not only are you kind, funny and nice but, like everyone already knows, you’re an amazingly talented writer with a gift for writing straight from the heart, and everything you post is extremely inspirational. I sometimes wish I could write like you can Do keep posting please, because we all love reading what you write.
You are so kind, this really made me smile. Thank you.
Everyone here is just so amazing and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without you guys. MuseBlog, by which I mean the wonderful people that make up MuseBlog, has probably changed my life. Every person who posts here is super, super fantastic and lovely and terrific and great and there aren’t enough words to even describe the sheer awesomeness of all of you. (I feel all sentimental now because this reminds me of when I’ve done things like this at the end of the school year for classmates who are leaving. I have to remind myself that no one’s going anywhere, because, of course, MuseBlog is forever.)
GAPAs, thank you so much for just…being GAPAs. The moderating, the creating of threads to satisfy MBers’ unrelenting begging, the amazing advice and help especially, and I have to mention the incredible, extremely enviable wit you all possess. (Who doesn’t want to be as funny as the GAPAs?) When I grow up, I want to be just like you. Thank you, for everything.
I don’t know what more I can say about you guys besides that you’re awesome, such fantastic people. I’ve been here since I was eleven years old, and now I’m seventeen. What a huge, monumental influence you’ve brought me in these past years. Surely you must know how fantastic you all are and have been to me, and how you’ve helped me grow and mature as a person. You all mean so much to me.
agrrrfishi, you’re a great person who has had to go through more angst than she deserves, but made it out in the end stronger and happier than before. I admire you for such strength. You are and have been so fantastic, thank you.
Agent Lightning: Okay, first of all. YOU ARE AWESOME. Your comments about Doctor Who amuse me! I’ve had a lot of fun on World Travel and other RPGs! (I wish everyone hadn’t deserted FKD…including me, I should really go post on there *headdesk*) I’ve really enjoyed your posts and getting to know you, something I hope I will continue to do. You’re a really flammy human being; please don’t forget that.
Cat’s Eye: I hope you know how much of an inspiration you are to everyone around you. Several of your posts have made me cry. A lot. You have an astounding gift for writing. (Also, if you run for president, I’m going to vote for you.) I admire you so much. ♥
Bibliophile: You have taught me a lot about tardigrades and science and everything and I love how you write your posts. You have a very distinct way of writing; it’s very precise. I wish I could write like that. Your posts are a joy to read. You came on the Blog, what, three days after me? I noticed you in particular because of that (otherwise it was like OH MY GOSH SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE HOW WILL I EVER KNOW THEM ALL.) and immediately liked you when you said that your favorite artistic medium was oil pastels. (You may have not said ‘artistic medium’ but the word I am looking for seems to be evading me.) You mean a lot to me and I am so glad you are on the Blog.
Everyone here is super super flamablamablous and squidtastic and I have things to say about each of you but I have to get off the computer now. Please know I appreciate everyone here, especially you, GAPAs! *LOVE*
To Be Continued…
I feel extremely selfish for even noticing that I’m not mentioned by name on this thread. At all.
…Is it any surprise I was wondering if I had a personality? Clearly nothing about me has been sticking into people’s heads. /ends warm fuzzy killing
Give it time! This thread was started only about 2 days ago, right? I haven’t been mentioned either…
However, I do admire the anime/manga stuff you have inspired me to read a bit.
Sigh… There goes my costume.
I just pressed enter accidentally while changing my name… That doesn’t usually cause it to post, does it?
I was also going to say I love your constant awesome posts that make me laugh.
GAHH! Why did I see a musing awaiting moderation that then disappeared? That was supposed to be a reply to another one of my posts that has apparently disappeared, in reply to 14.
In that post was me saying I loved the anime/manga books you’ve inspired me to look at.
I’m not either. Then again, I’m new. So it’s ‘kay.
I’m sure you’re probably very awesome. Everyone has personality, tell us about yours! The pun of your name-picture is pretty great, so I at least can tell you that I like your sense of humor!
You came back after a long time away and, even though MB’s layout and the regular faces had changed and it must’ve fet strange, you stuck around. You shared with us your thoughts on college choices, told us about your experience abroad, and even when there was sporadic internet or when you were tremendously busy you kept posting, always came back. That’s inspiring. You’re kind and interesting and have a unique perspective, and I am so glad you’re around.
Yeah, me too. I feel kind of bad.
But I stopped posting regularly like, two years ago so it’s all good.
Thank you. I guess I needed some warm fuzzies after all. *cuddles with them*
FantasyFan, you’re so wise and experienced and reasonable and mature and kind, and funny all at the same time. You’ve got a wonderful personality! The things you post make it sound like you’ve lived for far longer than your however-many-I-assume-late-teens-early-twenties?-years, which, despite how badly I’m phrasing it, is a good thing. Your knowledge and sophistication make for some enlightening conversations, and I look forward to many more discussions involving you here on the ‘Blog. (:
I also love hearing all your stories about Jordan – it’s so exotic (even coming from me :P) and fascinating, so keep posting!
Mika, I enjoy talking to you about just life in general. You are an excellent friend, friendly and outgoing. I love doing RPGs with you. We share an interest im Doctor Who.
Piggy, you make these little comments about life (all completely on topic and perfectly worded and timed) that make me laugh and cry and gasp.
Dodecahedron, I love how you keep up with the Coping posts. You are always concerned about everyone and their mental/emotional health and such. It is inspiring how you turned your past struggles into a positive oppurtunity to help others.
Castle, I barely know you yet, but when you were inactive your post on the HTML testing thread was the only reason I know how to go like this. Ever since that, I had found myself wishing you would return. Then you did! Also, I found you a great person to talk to about Paperclip and such.
Bookgirl- You are going through some hard times now. But you are handling it so much better than I ever could. Keep on going. You ARE going to come out on top. It takes great courage to not get bogged down by hard situations. You are an amazing person!
Axa, your lowercased way of posting and your approach to life are unique and flammy. Also, a while ago you mentioned a concern about ethical clothing manufacturing (did you read Candorville today? It’s a comic strip.) that I had thought only I was concerned about. Rock on!
Zinc, you amazing artist, you flammy band kid! Why do we like you? Becausd you are one of us! You are a Muser. Even if people in your life don’t realize that, it is something to be proud of.
You guys… are all way too awesome.
Seriously. I wish that all of you could live the perfect lives you deserve. <3
This thread is excellent. Here’s one for all of you, straight out of my “Unsent Letters” journal, actually.Â
Dear (oh how very dear you all are to me) MuseBlog,
First I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being a part of my life. I haven’t posted much lately, but be assured I am not one of those fools who speak out “outgrowing” MuseBlog or “moving on”. My life has been chaotic, wonderful, terrifying, scary, and extremely eventful these past few months, and though I have not had the time or energy to post, I am constantly stopping in my tracks to think “Bibliophile would love this. I have to tell Tesseract about this! This person is so Muserly! Axa and Jadestone and Ebeth MUST see this.”Â
And I really do apologize for my prolonged absence.Â
I’ve re-entered the public school system, you see. And it’s so strange to look around at my current “peers” and realize how childish and thoughtless they are, then suddenly think that could have been me. If I had never met any of you, I could easily have been one of them. Since  my first post on this wonderful blog in 2009, I have grown to be a completely different person. And I have all of you to thank you for that, all of my lovely, beautiful, wonderful friends here. Thank you for helping to shape me into the well-rounded intellectual that I am today. I am now able to defend myself logically in an argument against a senior, and it is you all who have empowered me to do this. Because I have been a part of this beautiful little world we have created within these threads, I can separate myself from this teenage drama and instead just sit back and be amused by how foolish these children are. Instead of obsessing over boys and clothes, I can sit down and have philosophical discussions about the evolution of society with my father over the dinner table. Instead of being ashamed and confused about my identity, I am proud to be an asexual panromantic genderqueer, and though I may not be open about it due to the closed-mind attitude of many of my peers, I certainly do not hide it in shame. And all of this, all these qualities that I am proud of and that make me different from the average sheep, these are all thanks to you. Each and every one of you.Â
Thank you, MuseBlog, for helping me become who I am.Â
Oh, I so very much cannot wait to get to know you all. I lead a CRAZY BUSY life, despite not going to actual school, but I will try to be here as much as I can. I’ve been here, poking at your conversations, sympathizing on R&R, reading funny things Castle sends me, and now reading this. I only hope that I can find my place in all of this lovely, intellectual, supportive, fantasmically nerdy love.
JLynn, there’s no need to hope that you can find your place in all this, because you’re already here!
My hand will explode if I actually sit here and type everything I love about you guys out all at once, so I think I’ll go a few at a time.
Selenium: It was such an honor to meet you in person. You’re funny, and amazingly kind and outgoing, and I wish I had your social skills. One of my few regrets about leaving Singapore was that we probably couldn’t have another Kokon for a while (violin. camp. please.).
Cat’s Eye: Someday, your name will be recognized all over the world as widely as JK Rowling’s. You’re an amazing writer, and a charming person, and an excellent friend.
Piggy: I lived in fear of you as a neophyte, but your profoundly philosophical posts and incredible arguing skills have made me a much better thinker, and debater. It’s so nice to know I can count on you to say something witty at every turn.
Everyone else, I’ll get to you when I can move my fingers again.
And it was an immense honour to meet you, Choklit Orange. I was extremely lucky to be able to do so. It seems like we’ve been through a lot together! My social skills…are really nothing extraordinary, but I’m always glad to help out if you need it (as before). You’re astoundingly intelligent and funny and talented (you’re going to end up wildly successful one day), and your posts make me laugh more often than not. I’m happy for you that you were able to leave Singapore because you hated it so much, and violin. camp. I. will. try. my. hardest!
First of all, to those of you who mentioned me specifically and those who talked about “everyone,” thank you very much for the compliments. I really appreciate them; I love warm fuzzies.
If you’re reading this, I can pretty much guarantee that you are awesome and deserve my compliments. The trouble is, I’m terrible at choosing… I’ll just tell you that while I can’t say you’ve changed my personality terribly much, you’ve made me much more open-minded, and to be honest, you’re the first people I’ve ever ‘met’ who I had enough in common with for a friendship based on that. I don’t know if they’re rarer in my area or I don’t notice them or what, because evidence suggests that while they’re not exactly common, there are usually more than one per grade per school (I mention grade because I don’t know people from other grades, not because I’m unwilling to be friends with them). Yes, I’ve had previous online friends that I did have many things in common with, but… not to the degree that we would have actually become friends IRL, I think. We’d certainly be friendly, but I don’t know about beyond that. Since then, I’ve met people online and in real life that I can relate to as much–although only a few people in real life, only 2 that I’d gotten to know well, and neither of them live in my area, so we couldn’t do much. This is getting rambly, but anyway, I just think it’s something everyone deserves to have, and I love it. With all the close friends I’ve had in real life since I was 8, we didn’t stay friends because there was just nothing we could do together. It was frustrating, since I rarely have more than one close friend at a time, and I never want to lose the ones I have. So it’s really nice to be able to come here.
What is there to say about MuseBlog? Or rather, what is there NOT to say? There are so many wonderful things about MuseBlog that if I spent the rest of my life writing them down, I’d never get even halfway done. MuseBlog is my favorite place on the internet; a haven for intellect, learning, knowledge, wit, fun, acceptance, support, and all that is good in life. I have an extremely cynical view of humanity, and I tend to think badly of people on the whole. But I believe that there is always a spark of hope, potential, and good at the core of nearly every human being. MuseBlog gathers those together whose sparks are brightest, and fans them into a flame. Perhaps this is a bit cliché , but I think it the perfect analogy.
Now, a few specific things about specific people (though I’m afraid I won’t be able to mention everyone I would like).
GAPAs- You are four of the most amazing people ever. You are brilliant, and witty, and fun. Without you, the world would not – could not – be the same. Each one of you is impossibly flamablamablous in a totally unique way. You’re the people I look up to most. Thank you so very much.
Cskia- Well, what can I say? You introduced me to MuseBlog in the first place, you’re one of the kindest and most patient people I know, you’re one of the best artists alive, and you’re just a great person.
Little Basement Kitten- You’re smart, you’re cool, and you’re flamablamablous. Anyone who ever even hints otherwise is lying.
Mago Berry- Haha, we have the craziest conversations, don’t we? You’re impossibly, mind-bogglingly amazing. And we’re blogclones. Enough said.
Bibliophile- You caking genius, you! I simply love your posts about tardigrades and biology and lesser-known facts. If everyone had even an ounce of your mind, the world would be a much more interesting place.
Bookgirl_me- You’re one of the strongest people I know. And you’re extremely smart, kind, and amazing. You’re the best, and please don’t forget it.
KaiYves- You hardly need an introduction, you scientific genius! I’ve learned so much from your posts, and your enthusiasm for space is positively infectious.
Piggy- When I first saw your posts, I thought you were much older than you actually are. That’s because you know so much and you’re so wonderfully helpful. I thought you were an extremely flammy benevolent educator or something. You rule!
Cat’s Eye- I know I’m repeating what’s already been said, but you are one of the most inspiring people ever. You’re an extremely powerful writer, and some of your posts have brought me near tears. Anyone who knows my well will tell you that that’s like making a rock scream. Keep writing. The world will read.
Rainbow*Storm- You’re flammy, and you also like Warriors. Also, this is entirely superficial, but I love your avatar.
FantasyFan- You’re one of the most amazing people ever. You’re squidtastic. And flamablamablous. And everything else.
Agent Lightening- Hmm… Smart, band geek, always amazing on the RPs, nice… Nope, I can’t think of anything anyone could possibly say about you that’s negative.
Pie Girl- You’re living proof that no matter how young you are, you can still be flammy/squidtastic/brilliant.
Mikazuki- You’re totally awesome and smart. And you seem to have the same opinion as me on some of the more… sanguine aspects of life.
agrrrfishi- Ever since I joined the blog I’ve loved reading your posts. You are smart, kind, wonderful, and amazing.
Selenium the Quafflebird- You are impossibly witty. On the Embi Family Thread you had me laughing hysterically with nearly every post.
fireandhemlock- You are one of the most flamablamablous people that ever lived, do you realize that? You. Are. AMAZING. And brilliant. And insanely talented. And funny. And a zillion more things that would take too long to type.
Castle- I haven’t seen many of your posts, but what I have seen seems to indicate that you are smart and flammy and someone I should probably make more of an effort to talk to.
Enceladus- The first time I read one of your posts, I decided you must be one of the most flamablamablous people in the universe. I have had no cause to revise my opinion since.
And I believe I have had the same reaction to all of your posts.
Enc, you’re the best fiance ever.
Piggy, you’re also the best fiance ever.
Randomosity101 – Thank you for that amazing compliment! I must return it to you, though: your posts on the Embi thread are always such a pleasure and joy to read. Which reminds me, we must revive it together!
Squidtastic?
Aww…
I think you’re squidtastic too.
You know I introduced my buddy to the blog a while back? He used to call himself Pie Man.
e _O
Weird…
Introducing you to MuseBlog can easily be one of the best things I’ve ever accomplished, because now you can spread your awesomeness around here, where everyone is amazing!
That’s the nicest thing anyone’s said to me in at least a week. Thank you!
SFTDP. Change “at least a week” to “a while” Sorry, I’m typing two things up at once.
Most welcome! That makes me very warm and fuzzy inside too!
Where to begin? I really can’t express the impact that everyone here has had on who I am. I say this because I myself honestly can’t estimate it. But I think it’s quite a lot. About five years ago I burst into MuseBlog as the most immature, rash, clueless person I’ve ever known. By sticking my nose in where it probably didn’t belong, I gradually became whipped into the shape of a very different person. My beliefs have changed. My tastes have changed. My perspective has changed. Looking back, I barely recognize that person. I’d like to think the person I am now is better, though I’m in no position to make that judgement. Though not universally, and certainly not without reluctance, the community here put up with even my most aggravating habits (and continues to do so); by allowing me to make mistakes, I’ve learned an indescribable amount about life. As I saw these changes taking place in myself, I realized I was more or less obligated to give back in some way, pay forward what everyone has done for me. I hope I’ve been able to do that in some slight regard, despite the controversies I always seem to stir up. I don’t deserve any of the praise that’s been given to me on this thread, because all of it is ultimately thanks to everyone else on MuseBlog making me a better person than I was in 2006.
If you really want a personalized response, go ahead and ask me–I can’t choose anyone over anyone else to thank, and I certainly can’t thank everyone that’s been on MuseBlog.
Piggy, I’ve always looked up to you. Sensible, mature, intelligent and practical–but funloving, witty, humorous and caring as well.
Thank you for helping so many of us change for the better, I know I was such an annoyance to deal with three years ago. You’re an inspiration, and I really can’t think of MuseBlog without thinking of the GAPAs and you.
I can’t possibly name everyone on here who’s dear to my heart, so let me just say, I consider all of you my friends. My friends to laugh with, to get support from, to debate with, to adventure with, to cheer with, to fangirl with… my friends for life.
Kai, I know everyone’s told you this, but you are the epitome of the perfect space and astronomy nerd (a compliment I’m sure you know). I realise epitome and perfect together in the same sentence would probably constitute a tautology, but I think if you were to find all the perfect astronomy nerds in the world and put them together, the most perfect of all of them would be you. And looking back I don’t think perfect was the most perfect word choice because of the nature of perfection.
So, before this post turns into a deliberation on the various levels of perfection can achieve:
KaiYves, for the two-ish years I’ve known you, you have never ceased to amaze me with your limitless knowledge on all things space (and many other things of course!) which is as infinite as the universe. You have inspired me beyond words with your devotion to astronomy, and I really appreciate our shared appreciation of the subject, though next to you I know absolutely nothing about anything. One day, we will see you as the administrator of NASA and the world (and space) will be so much better because of it. You are truly inspiring, Kai.
Kai, I admire you more than words can say. You are a true inspiration, and from the very beginning, when I emerged on the blog as the neophyte Crazy Titan Nerd (even if then I was this ridiculous and random and annoying persona) you have been so supportive and generous with your encouragement. You enlighten us with the many great things you know and the simply amazing things you do, and you are always so modest about it. Thank you for sharing your love of space, your wisdom and kindness, and all the meaningful things you have said.
I know I’m more of a lurker than a poster, but I am truly grateful that I have met all of you on MuseBlog. You all have taught me so much about the world that I would never have learned on my own. I wish I could meet all of you in person someday. Thank you for being such a good part of my life.
vanillabean, even if you don’t post much, I am grateful for the wisdom you are able to offer when you do. Thank you for being here and being part of the good part of all our lives.
I know I’m not on the blog much anymore, but don’t think I don’t love y’all! Mikazuki embarrasses me with her RPG skills, shadowfire and Clare and fireh are all better poets than I’ll ever be, Choklit and Selenium are just great people in general, and the rest of you rock too!
It’s hard to have a website that will introduce you to new things, help you through hard moments, encourage you, entertain you, and above all embrace you and accept you for who you are, but MuseBlog does.
I’ve struggled through a lot of cake these past few years, and MuseBlog has always helped me. Whether it was hard words I needed to hear or comforting thoughts, you guys always helped.
Thank you.
Also, MuseBlog is the only website where I can say “struggled through a lot of cake.” And be comforted.
You are a great person, R_D, you’ve been through so much cake but are still here to comfort others and offer sympathy and kindness. You are so strong, I know you’ll do well in life because you’ll be chasing your dreams. *huggles*
Thanks to you and Selenium, those words mean a lot to me.
Radiant_Darkness – squid for your cake! And pie for your successes. You are an extremely, extremely brave and determined individual, and you’re going to end up doing so well in life – thought it may be hard at times, I know you always manage and more.
((“Squid for your cake.” Now there’s a phrase that could lead to some misunderstandings elsewhere.))
Calamari cupcakes, get them while they’re angsty!
You probably can get them where you live.
I’ll keep an eye out, and MuseBlog will be the first to know. A quick Google search seems to indicate that most of the ‘Calamari Cupcakes’ out there are mere representations of squid in icing form. I’ll try to find you all a real squid cake (with a possible photo).
…Wait, I think I’ve seen squid cakes before! They weren’t actually cakes like the traditional cake, though, ‘cake’ referred more to its shape – these were highly processed patties of squid meat of some sort, I think. If I see a label I’ll try to take a picture.
Let’s not go there.
I just want to say that I need this thread a lot, and I feel like the rest of the blog probably feels similarly. So I’ll start this by thanking the GAPAs for being wonderfully patient, caring people. I don’t know why you continue to do this but I am so glad you do.
Secondly, all of you. Just… all of you. I didn’t realize how much a bunch of people on the Internet could help me so much with my social life, and I’m glad to say that all of you are my friends. I want to reach through my computer screen and hug you sometimes. Really.
A few specific ones, too.
One for Piggy: for always being open to a good-natured argument, for introducing me to FiM, and for being one of the most mature teenage boys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
One for Clare: for eternal rounds of comfortable awkwardness, and for being one of the best friends I’ve ever had. Also for occasionally slapping some sense into me.
And one for Spudman: I don’t know if you’ll ever read this, but if you do I want you to know how much I and all of this blog care about you, and I want to thank you for coming back on sometimes to let us know you’re okay.
Also for anyone who’s commented on my art at some point, I’d like you to know how much those little thumbs-up comments help me. Warm fuzzies are a necessary part of my life.
Of course, likewise, and any time. *bows*
Alice – You’ve always been like my older sister on the ‘blog. Working on the RRRs with you back in the day (Terraformed is the one I remember particularly) taught me so much about writing and story, and you continued to put up with me even when I disappeared for random months on end. I love how unique your personality is; nobody will ever be able to plug you into a little box of stereotype. I’ve had the pleasure to meet you in real life, and you are just as fantastic offline as on. I hope college is going well for you, and I look forward to hearing about all of your future adventures!
Midnight Fiddler – You do such interesting things in your life, and I love hearing about them. I really appreciate your posts about sea shanties, living history, big ships, long-distance relationships, and so on. You are smart, creative, and fun, and it’s awesome to know that there are cool things out there that cool people like you are doing. You’re a role model for me and I really do admire you.
POSOC – Ever since I was a ‘phyte first working with you on the RRRs, I’ve had nothing but the utmost respect for you. You have a way of wording your posts that’s so clear and wise that I always enjoy reading them. I really appreciate the nickname you gave me when you were in that “phase” – “Vocalization of Feline”. (I’ve actually used it as a username on other sites.) Thank you for the intelligence and kindness that you bring to MuseBlog.
There are so many other people that I want to thank, but I want to take the time to do it right. In general, all of you are fantastic in your own ways, and I really am a better person because of MuseBlog.
This isn’t my continuation of the Extremely Long List from above, as I’m on my phone at the moment, but I just want to say that it is so, so wonderful that we are even able to have this thread. The sheer amount of appreciation that has been shown here just since this thread has started is astounding. I feel like every time I refresh there’s a new comment.
And that does say something about all of us: it says we’re not just nerds, we’re not just clever, we’re not just awkward teens. We are good. We are kind. We are beautiful.
There’s no reward we get for posting here. It doesn’t make anyone else think we’re clever, or boost our reputation, or directly make other people give us positive comments. We post here not because we want something for ourselves, but because we want to give something good to others.
I’ve seen comments about how MuseBlog changed people’s lives. I’m tempted to quote Wicked and say I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are drawn to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return.
I wrote once for Terpsichore, when she was asking if she’d ever suffered, really suffered in her life, that had she suffered? had she felt pain in her head and her heart? had she cried? had she ever looked up at the ceiling of her own bedroom and whispered, “I want to go home”?
Have any of us not looked up at the ceiling of our own bedrooms and whispered that, so quietly that even we can’t hear it?
Home is a rare, rare thing. Most people never find it. We wander through our lives, missing something we can’t quite name. We try to put words to it: I’m an outsider everywhere, we say, or I just don’t fit in. We try to fit it into the real world: we say, I can’t wait until I go to college, we say, I just want to get out of my house, we say, my school just isn’t the right place for me. I saw one girl turn to her friend and say, quite frankly, “Do you think we’ll ever belong anywhere?” And the second girl leaned back, looked at the sky as if trying to find answers there, and said, “No.”
I have been lucky enough to find home twice: once at arts camp, where I lived with those I loved and who loved me, where I was where I was meant to be, doing what I was meant to be doing, where I felt happy, really, truly happy, for the first time in my life.
The second home I found took me a while to recognize. It’s the little things that are the easiest to miss. People who make me smile. Imaginations that make me catch my breath. The sudden, startling realization that I’m actually happy.
So of course it took me until I read through this kind, loving, giving thread for me to realize that for only the second time in my life, there’s somewhere that, for just a few minutes, I don’t have to feel so homesick any more.
And I think all of you feel that, too, in some way or another. Here, in the most unlikely place possible, we’ve found friends. We’ve found comfort. We’ve found people that we love, and we’ve discovered, to our surprise, that those people are ourselves. We’ve become brilliant, beautiful, kind human beings, people any parent would be proud of, people who are proud of each other. We’ve grown up here. We’re still growing.
And so wherever our paths take us, whether we stay here or move on, whether we ever see each other with physical eyes or reach out to each other with words and love through the Internet, I know we’ll be with each other in some way, forever.
People say “just friends”, but friends are never just. Friends are more than that. Friends take you apart and put you back together. Friends are what make life worth putting up with. Friends save your life in such unlikely ways. Friends remind you that you’re worthwhile when you’ve forgotten, and that you deserve love when you’ve forgotten that, too.
To call you all friend is the greatest honor I have ever been granted. To call this place home is something I will never deserve. We’ve each been granted something strange and precious by being here, and it’s each other.
And so all I can really say is, thank you. Thank you for being here when I needed you. Thank you for laughing with me when I needed that, too. Thank you for making me the person that I am right now. Thank you for giving me a home.
So strange, and so precious. I’m so glad I get to see what happens next.
Cat’s Eye, you’re probably the most inspirational writer I know. You’re so so soooo amazing. *huggles you*
Thanks to everyone who supported me during tough times lately. And everyone who’s kinder to me than 99% of the people at my school.
Axa: For being there and for talking to me when I’m upset. For all your CAPSLOCK and not capslock.
Jade: For being awesome and my space squid buddy and in my shanty band and reading my poems and CAPSLOCK
Lizzie: for great shanty band times! and talking about random things and for weird random connections
Midnight Fiddler: shanties again! Also for making me interested in tall ships in the first place and being a good friend to talk to.
Alice: For making me interested in tall ships and for appreciating the numinous and for reading my poems.
I’ll probably add more later. This is a start, not the end.
I love all y’all.
The GAPAs, as a group and individually are such wonderful people. They’re all so quirky, brilliant, unerringly caring, and understanding. I hope someday to be halfway as eloquent.
Axa is one of the sweetest people I know.
Jade is excitable and fun.
Eboo is delightfully snarky but kind.
Alice is my wonderful twin, who always sees the magic in everyday situations.
FantasyFan has a wonderful perspective on things.
Cyrulean Pyros isn’t on much, but she’s such a sweetheart, so creative and so much fun to talk to.
Clare’s honesty is inspiring.
Zinc and Dodecahedron’s strength is inspiring.
Penguini is amazingly creative, and I admire her skills with making and designing things.
Kai knows SO MUCH about astronomy. I’m incredibly impressed.
Agrrrfishi is a beautiful, seemingly incurably happy person, despite bumps in the road. She always makes me smile.
Grant O. is a hoot, and I love him to pieces. He’s polite, hilarious, and a wonderful person.
These are just some people who come to mind, I’m sure I’ll have more another time. Everyone who comes on here is wonderful and embodies all of these qualities.
Midnight Fiddler, you’re such a caring and kind person to everyone! Also my fellow CSer!
You’re wonderful and enthusiastic and sweet, and yay for CS buddies!
“The devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes the achievement possible.”
You are a sweetheart, and so very kind. Thank you for this, it made my day!
Dear Museblog: Thanks for being my home on the internet.
Okay, gonna try one of those enormungo (which is a word I have never said before and will hopefully never say again) posts describing everyone.
Agrrrfishi- You art (especially from this thread: https://musefanpage.com/blog/?p=5610 ) always makes me smile.
Agent Lightning- Your continued tales of band craziness are some of the best stories I read on MB
Alice- I don’t know how often you post anymore, but you are always an insightful and interesting person
Ambystoma Maculatum- I know you in real life, thanks for coming to the blog!
Armada- I love your art! I’ve been reading your posts on the R&R thread, and I want to let you know *huggle*
Selenium the Quafflebird- Having someone on the blog who knows everything about everything about England is awesome!
Bibliophile- WIth you here, I could probably take a test on tardigrades and pass at 100%
Bookgirl_me- You are one of the people I most admire- your parents have given you a tough situation, but to be honest, you’re dealing with it better than I ever would have. Don’t give up- please.
Clare de Lune- Your continued tales about your girfriend are the happiest parts of the R&R thread.
Princess Magnolia- It’s awesome to have someone so close in age and location on the blog.
Cerulean Pyros- Cerulean is my favorite color. After reading some of your posts, I got a picture in my head of you being awesome! and it’s never stopped.
Cskia- Thank you. Thank you for art, encouragement, everything.
Dodecahedron- You are so inspiring. I’ve never posted on the Coping thread, but I read your posts all the time.
Ducky- You’re crazy! And awesome! You’re crazy awesome! (I need to listen to Pink Floyd sometime soon)
Ebeth- I read so many of your old posts. You were amazing, and you’ve clearly never stopped (I loved your NaNoWriMo!)
Oxlin- You’re always intelligent and there at the forefront of gender and sexuality discussions. Keep being badass and elegant!
Enceladus- Who are you again? Oh, right. Like this post needed self referential humor.
Witchneko- You’re crazy, and funny. Your posts always make a crappy day less so.
F+H- How could I have nearly forgotten you? You’re a huge influence in my life! You compose, you play clarinet, and you are one of the most creative people I know!
Groundhog- You are keeping Bunny Apocalypse alive! Don’t let this tradition die. Thank you so much for living!
I-Man- I have no idea how much you frequent MB now, but you seem to know everything about video games.
Maths Lover- Woo! Maths! Bringing MB to Austrailia since 2008. (And it’s clear you’re not afraid to terrify the popular girls with it)
Beedle the Bard- It’s always great to see you around. It sounds like you’re really busy, good luck!
Jadestone- You have given me GIANT SPACE SQUID, and I have shared the cult with all my friends. Thank you for being an inspiration for when I go to college!
KayYves- It’s because of you that I know what I know about space and space travel. Thank you. it’s always incredible to read about.
Koko’s Apprentice- I need to meet you(s) sometime! Apparently my aunt knows your mom! Until then, keep being the apprentice to the trickster!
Luna The Lovely- It’s so cool to be able to hear about Alaska from an insider’s perspective. Can’t wait til Doctor Who starts up again! Until then, John Barrowman.
Muselover- 1984 is a great book. You also seem to know everything about computer games!
Keiffer- You haven’t been posting as much as sometimes, but you still rock! Good luck with everything, hope to meet you soon!
Piggy- You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for being on the blog and being the coolest person I know.
Bluh. I have to go to school, I’ll finish this later.
I know everything about everything about England? Wicked!
Enc, I always thought you were one of the awesomest people in existence because you named yourself after one of Saturn’s moons. I still think so, except now I know of so many many many more reasons and it’ll be impossible to list them all.
Er, apologies for taking up most of the RC bar with my posts.
Selenium, you are so kind and caring and sympathetic and squidtastic and nice and supportive and amazing and awesome and enthusiastic and positive and– *takes a deep breath*
But really, I appreciate you so very much. I still remember conversing in Chinese on Coy Woodnesse, and I love seeing you spread awesomeness all over the blog. Especially on this thread. Thanks for being here! (referring to MuseBlog.)
*Cskia, that wonderful list of adjectives applies to you too. (: You’re always there for everyone, you’re so understanding and caring, and having you around on the ‘Blog is just awesome. You’re also a great poet. I loved the one you wrote about the budget cuts in California a while back.
I also remember our Chinese conversations! è¬è¬ for your kind comments, by the way. We should do it again sometime! Thank you for being here on the ‘Blog. (:
Enceladus: You’re an incredibly honest person about your feelings, your life, and just about everything else.
oxlin: You know a lot. If I were to ask you about something, you’d likely give me some sort of answer.
Rainbow*Storm: You’re an incredibly friendly person.
GAPAs: You’re here to listen to us. You created this totally awesome place. You read EVERY SINGLE POST WE MAKE.
Jadestone: YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYONE
If you haven’t been mentioned yet, it’s because I would just be repeating myself.
I’m friendly?
Muselover: You introduced me to Portal! ^^ And because of you and Piggy I might try Minecraft.
I’m confused. What do I have to do with Minecraft?
But thanks.
XD
I’d like to write a post just for Tess.
I don’t think you give yourself enough credit. You’re an absolutely amazing person, and your dedication to music and band is amazing. You give awesome advice. You’re really smart. You’re awesome, just downright awesome. Less than three, wifey.
Thank you so much, this made my day. ♥ You are wonderful!
Oxlin is wonderful and I love her. She’s creative and brilliant and whimsical and badass and fun and sassy and great.
Awww.
Tess – As a non-band kid, I rely on posts from people like you to understand the wild and wacky world of marching band. Your posts help me get why band kids at my school are so darn enthusiastic! In general, you’re an extremely conscientious and intelligent person who never has a mean thing to say. I really appreciate your presence on MuseBlog. (And I’ve also had the pleasure of Kokonvening with you!)
Bibliophile – I love the way you see the world. You’re so earnest and passionate about tardigrades and all other kinds of life that I can’t help but be inspired. All of your posts express a lot of voice, so even though I’ve never met you, I can readily imagine what you’re like in person. That’s a good thing! I hope you never feel like you have to hold back all of those wonderful thoughts. Thank you for being around!
Clare de Lune – You have a rare talent for expressing all kinds of feelings in your poetry. It’s also wonderful to follow your relationship on the R&R thread as it blossoms; you and your girlfriend sound adorable. Honestly, it’s the first time I’ve really had a friend who’s dating another girl, and I think my horizons and understanding have been broadened a lot among all the “aww”ing. I appreciate that a lot, so thank you!
Thank you, thank you so much
I would write a long post and mention great fellow MuseBloggers individually, but I’m a bit too tired to do that right now.
But really, each and every one of you is so amazing, I have trouble describing exactly how I feel about MuseBlog.
It’s like home, but closer, and more easily accessible. It’s somewhere we don’t have to be, but will be welcomed back into whenever we return. It’s a place we can be remembered by people we never met in real life.
It makes me smile to see people on MuseBlog, especially here on this thread, reassuring each other and being so supportive and such great listeners. This is one of the homeliest places in existence, because the people who are here make it that way for each other.
I’m so grateful for all of you, thank you guys all so so much. You guys are the best.
Yesterday I was at school, and suddenly realized how many complete idiots I was surrounded by, and how I had far too much homework, and how my English teacher is psychotic, etc.
Then I checked the blog and realized that not everyone is like that.
D’awwww.
Also, *Cskia and I seem to have a very similar thought process, as seen on the Neophytes thread. We said the exact same thing within 5 minutes of each other. *C seems like a cool person I should get to know. Let’s do that some time.
I think that’s the first time “*Cskia” has been abbreviated (other than “Cskia,” which doesn’t really count.) (I still remember the time I was CTN because that’s how I was nicknamed when I first got to the blog)
But agreed. We should do that sometime.
You were CTN? I must have missed the name change.
It’s been a while. My my, I feel pretty old.
So do I. I’m coming up on four years on the blog, I think, And according to MBrs, Chronological (The MBC?) you’ve only been here for slightly less time.
I just looked back on my first posts. My, I was immature and just plain silly. How on earth did you people put up with me?
Isn’t it amazing how MuseBlog changes us for so much better? We just wouldn’t be the same had we not been here.
By the way, Castle, you’re awesome. You have a great sense of humor and fun; your posts can really make me laugh. You are kind and sympathetic and lovable, but of course you knew that already and so should everyone else! I should really get to know you better, but one thing I do know about you is that you are a simply great person and I appreciate you.
I’ve been feeling very loved lately, yes.
Anyhoo. Thank’ee kindly for the compliments :3 I’d compliment you back but it’s been a while since I last lurked on your posts, so I’m going to need a little while to re-evaluate you.
…..having gone back to a couple threads I can now say that you’re a sweet, caring extremely-in-love person that often tries to comfort others and does a very good job of it. Carry on.
That is great!
And thank you. I will. (and a smile at the “extremely-in-love” part; thanks for that cheer you brought.)
*lurks the cute*
*Cskia, your not-quite-a-relationship warms my heart every time you post about it. I am quite fond of all of your posts, really.
D’awww, JLynn, thank you. (And of course it’s not necessary for me to repeat how adorable you and Castle are. ^.^)
People should keep posting here! I like seeing notes left for everyone.
MontgomeryGurl: Thank you for being such a good friend and one of my earliest on MB. You’re a wonderful debater and I love having discussions with you.
KaiYves: Thank you for boosting my interest in space. You’re a wonderful, smart, and kind person.
More when I’m not sleepy.
KA- you were one of the first people on MB who I met. You’re friendly and delightfully Muserly (both of you). Keep on being awesome.
Thanks!
When one of you saw this, did you immediately show it to your other half?
We were both looking on when we saw it, so no, I guess.
28- That is beautiful. You have once again shown how amazingly, unbelievably inspiring your posts can be. And you’re absolutely right. Here, we are Home – which is not something I say lightly.
Sometimes I’ll refer to MuseBloggers as “my second family”, and then I’ll stop, think and say, “No. Better and closer than that.” I have never met most of you in person, but I feel like I’ve known you all all my life.
After I posted my previous post, I realized that in my typing frenzy/hurry, I’d forgotten one of the people I’d most wanted to post a warm fuzzy about.
Ducky- You are smart and funny and kind and friendly. You not only put up with my random non-sequiturs, but you quite frequently match them. I love talking to you because I never know what we’ll talk about next. I also trust you more than several people I know in real life. Keep being amazing, Sir Ducky.
asdfnmhjbnhjkljhgfdl;l awwwwww
I feel really stupid and vain and everything for this, but…could someone encourage me? I need that at the moment, as you can probably tell from my recent posts.
You’re a thoughtful and kind person. You contribute a lot to Museblog and are there for us. Thanks for being around!
muselover, you’ve been through a lot and survived, and I think you’re a kind and strong person who cares a lot for others. We’re so glad you’re around. *hugs*
Thsnks, everyone. I really needed that.
FantasyFan – I really appreciated all of your posts about Jordan. Thank you so much for sharing such an unusual and interesting experience with us. In general, you’re quite an intelligent and well-spoken person, and you add a lot to MuseBlog on the occasions when you post!
Thank you! I am filled with warm fuzzies right now. I think you are an amazing person too.
I have one specifically for Dodecahedron.
Dodec, you’re an absolutely astounding person. You are so kind, caring, honest, and brave. You’re accepting, you stand up for what you believe in, you’ve been through a lot and are here to help us through our troubles.
Thank you so much for the Coping thread; I don’t think I’ve ever really mentioned it in a comment, but it’s so very helpful. Your willingness to spend your time sharing your advice and experiences warm my heart; thank you for everything, and I’m so happy that you’re here.
I’ve had a really stressful few days. Thank you for being here; you helped.
Bibliophile, have I ever mentioned how much I admire how knowledgeable you are on many subjects, and how you are curious and ask lots of questions on those subjects you are unfamiliar with? I don’t think I have, sorry, I have underappreciated you.
Thanks to you we know what tardigrades are, and are so much more enlightened by that knowledge. You’re sympathetic and amazing. Thank you for being around.
Um..wow. I would love to write something for every single one of you, but I don’t have time right now (I have relatives coming over soon) So thank you everyone here for being so awesome.
Fireh, you are so smart, so random, and so hilariously unique. I love how you share your amusing tales with us and make us laugh, how I think of 42 whenever I think of you, and how you write such beautiful and thoughtful things. I love your positive energy; it never fails to make me smile. You’re awesome, don’t forget that!
Piggy, don’t you ever dare stop being awesome, okay?
Thanks to everyone else for putting up with me when I was but a poor little ‘phyte.
Hey guys.
I’m ridiculously exhausted right now, so I’ll make individual shout-outs later I’m probably not going to remember a quarter of the shout-outs I want to make.
Museblog: you are the first community of people that I have been completely myself in, and that is so valuable to me it escapes words. This place has changed a lot since I started posting, but despite the bloggers that have left or become infrequent and despite the hordes of amazing new people that have joined, this place will always be a home to me. Even if I leave for awhile, as I am prone to do, I know I will always feel safe just to be myself here, and I think I have the GAPAs to thank for that, as well as all of you. Thank you. I feel MB has had an enormous impact on my life–from being (at points) my only friends to being the first place I want to tell my happy news (especially with R&R)—and I hope I have had an impact here as well. This thread is showing me, through your posts, that perhaps I have, and that makes me incredibly happy. Again, my eternal gratitude,
Clare
Clare, you have definitely be making an impact here. As you mentioned, happy news on R&R; I am always thrilled to hear from you, because you always have something so wonderful and heartwarming to share, something so sweet, kind, simply amazing–it brightens up even my most horrible of days. Thank you so much for simply being you, the lovable, thoughtful, wonderful you we know and appreciate. You rock.
Rainbow, I want to tell yout that you rank among my veryclose IRL friends, you know that? I feel more freedom talking with you than with some of my friends at school. The way you honestly care about me is… just amazing to me, I guess. I feel that you always try to think on the bright side and what seems amazing is that you seem to succeed at that. I just want to hug you, every stupid sorry is just so endearing, dangit!
Also, I want to thank everyone for their nice words and apologize for scaring them. I’ll repay when I have the time.
Aww, thanks … *returns virtual hugs* I count you as one of my best friends too. You can draw much better than I can, and you share more interests with me than anyone else I know (HP, Doctor Who, Death Note, Hetalia, Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, xkcd, theater, school band/orchestra, and of course MuseBlog). And you have a TARDIS T-shirt. And can play “Still Alive” on the clarinet. (Currently trying to learn a better piano version. Failing.)
(Where do I get a TARDIS t-shirt?)
The NBC headquarters in NYC. They have two more.
ALL OVER THE INTERWEBS.
CO, I would really love to meet you someday. You are one of the most caring people I know, always so sympathetic and support and kind to others. You have some of the most amusing tales to offer, and those can really make me crack up even when I am in a negative mood. You stand up for what you believe in and are honest in offering your advice and opinion; you have such positive energy to share with others. You are appreciated <3
Right back at ya’. Plus, your drawing skills are just incredible, and you are amazingly patient. You wouldn’t imagine how many times your comments have stopped me from screaming/crying/throwing something out the window. Thank you for everything you do; I’m so glad to know you.
I can’t believe we live in the same area and haven’t Kokoned yet. MUST FIX THIS.
^^^
You too, missy.
Love you too, Chok!~
Yes. We should organize a Bay Area one sometime. (Soon, preferably; as soon as possible.)
*nods* I’ve told Demeter, my therapist, a little bit about you guys. With her help, it would definitely be easier to get my parents to agree to a Kokon without them doing an in-depth scouring of my blog activities. (Hello, awkward ways to come out as bisexual.) I really really want to hug you both at least once in my life! *sigh*
(Hey, speaking of awkward ways to come out as bisexual, I told my cousin today. Over email.)
Yes, yes, we must Kokon, we must! I’m free… pretty much anytime. Discounting school.
(Congratulations! I hope? How did it go?)
I’m… not, to put it lightly. xD Also this all depends on my parents not freaking out about the frightening stalker sixty-year-old men with criminal records that evidently run rampantly around the Internet as if they were unicorns and it was a field of sunshine and butterflies.
Oh, I see. I hope Demeter can help with them. Would it help if they came and met me to make sure I’m not a sixty-year-old man with a criminal record pretending to be a unicorn and running rampant around a field of butterflies?
She’s not, I can vouch for that, having met her once. She’s actually a sixty-year-old woman with a criminal record pretending to be a unicorn and running rampant around a field of butterflies.
And sometimes I dress up as a rodent, so be on your guard and trust no beavers.
Oh yes, that too. The teeth made for an interesting eating style at the food court, didn’t it?
You try sharpening your teeth on your chopsticks when everyone’s staring at you.
(Selenium, you make me really happy.)
Coming and meeting you is pretty much a given for them, if I can even get them to reach that part. Just to be safe, perhaps you shouldn’t dress up as a unicorn and run rampantly around a field of sunshine and butterflies. (I’m sorry, I know you wanted to.)
Ooh, that’s going be difficult for her to do! You should have seen her in Singapore.
No unicorn costume? Aw, man….
Yeah, actually, in all honesty your parents should probably meet Cskia first. She’s a lot more sensible than I am, and I tend to come off as slightly loopy.
I’m coming too, no matter what.
Oh yeah! We’ll come pick you up at the airport, ‘k?
Yes! I can’t wait!
First off, I shall echo the cry and give a huge warm fuzzy thanks to the GAPAs for all of the work that they do to keep this blog going.
Secondly, I want to thank all fellow Musebloggers, phytes and oldtimers, for being on this blog. Everyone has some much creativity and originality that make this blog so special.
I wrote this out a few weeks ago, but I lost it before it could be posted.
There are all sorts of indefinable ways MB has touched my life, and all sorts of definable ways. Right now, I want to mention just one.
I came to the ‘blog three years ago. At the time, as far as I can remember, my exposure to to homosexuality consisted of a few vague, uncomfortable explanations from my parents. I don’t think they ever actually said whether homosexuality was wrong or right in their opinion, but they certainly left me with the impression that it was wrong, weird, etc.
I wouldn’t have changed that opinion if it hadn’t been for you guys.
I now have a real-life friend who’s openly lesbian. I don’t care in the slightest.
Thank you so much. I’m so glad I’m not that prejudiced person anymore. Thank you Clare for being the first openly non-straight person I ever interacted with. Thank you for convincing me that people could be gay and still normal, fun people. Thank you Beavo, for posting a list once with arguments that helped convince me.
Without all of you guys I don’t think I would have started watching Doctor Who. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have wached Firefly. I don’t think I would have watched Avatar and I definately wouldn’t have found Dianna Wynne Jones. All of these are things I love and cherish.
I would never have done NaNoWriMo. That’s one of the things I look forwards to most of the entire year.
Thanks everybody.
MuseBlog seems like it’s been a part of my life forever. I don’t know how to judge the impact. I just know it’s been so very positive.
Thank you.
Burn the servers and boil the C:, you can’t take the blog from me.
Just clarifying: Avatar refers to Avatar: The Last Airbender. Haven’t seen the movie about blue people.
Don’t see it. It’s not worth it.
Or do. It’s a lot of fun, and the visual effects are as good as you’ve heard.
Or don’t, if you’re looking for a well-written film.
Or do, if you’re looking for a well-directed one.
Or––oh, never mind.
I kind of want to add to this that without Clare and the others, I would probably never have been comfortable enough with non-heterosexuality to admit to myself that I was bisexual. So thank you all for that.
I came here the same month I came out to myself. I was never told non-heterosexuality was immoral, but I did believe it was abnormal. People like Cat’s Meow and Clare made me realise I could be bi and have a normal relationship with someone, and my lifestyle wouldn’t be dictated by who I loved/liked/wanted to HND with.
I think you mean Cat’s Eye. I identify as straight.
Sorry! Yes, I definitely did. *facepalm*
53.1.2 and following comments- I might be able to go to the Bay Area over Christmas Break again this year… Might there be a chance I could Kokon with you lovely personages if I can?
55.3.1- I would disagree. I’ve seen it four times in 3D, and I loved it. It’s mostly a matter of whether or not you can watch a movie for its message and artistic perspective. If you watch movies for their plots, or you disagree with the mesage, you won’t get much out of the movie.
Please please please do. Ah, it will be so so soooo great! I can’t wait! Can’t! Wait! Now we just really need to get that planned!
Cake-ake-ake-ake! I just found out that there’s a good chance I might not make it after all.
And now it seems I was wrong, and probably can make it after all! That’s a warm fuzzy if there ever was one! (Sorry about the back and forth. And it’s still not a sure thing.)
PROBABLY
PROBABLY IS GOOD
BETTER THAN PROBABLY NOT AT LEAST
SO YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS
*JOYSPLOSION*
(Forgive me, I have been extraordinarily happy for the past two or three days.)
And as of today, change that “probably” to a “definitely”! PIES FOR ALL!
YES YES YES YES YES
*PIE FEST*
(Wait… how am I celebrating? I think I exploded from joy already. Forgive me.)
My dad is probably going to San Diego over Veterans Day weekend. I told him I was tagging along to Kokonvene with you all. /wishful thinking
I love the way you guys think! I’ve had so many moments when I’ve read a comment and its replies here, and I realise I’m not the only person who’s thought that. That gives me such a feeling of belonging.
You recognise you have different views on things, and can have a rational discussion about various topics, and leaving respecting each other and enjoying talking with each other about unrelated things. Even when things do get heated, you don’t resort to calling each other stupid and immoral and cakeheads. You actually calm down.
You have the confidence to try and figure out your sexual orientations and accept whatever they are, or the fact that you’re not yet sure.
You can talk about your interests here even if people offline would consider them uncool or boring or pointless.
You can talk about your different cultures, nationalities, backgrounds, families etc. without being judged.
You can just talk to each other and not only intereact with the opposite sex for flirting purposes.
You have weird, nerdy, senses of humour.
You can talk about philosophical stuff on the same thread as you can make weird nerd jokes.
You’re accepting and helpful when others talk about their problems, whether you’re depressed, have friendship problems, are stressed about school and schoolwork, are sick, or anything else. And you know you’re not alone in whatever’s happened.
You made me embrace nerdiness.
You introduced me to Firefly, Coldplay, and Portal.
I have people to talk to about my other fandoms.
Choklit Orange- Live long and prosper! You have good taste in pairings! Your… fascinating… descriptions of Singapore and now US high school make me shudder and/or laugh.
Claire: Your writing is great! I love the emotion in your posts on the R&R thread. This applies to the other gay MBers, but since I don’t know anyone queer offline it’s great being able to talk to someone who’s a regular awesome nerd who happens to prefer R&R with those of the same gender.
Cat’s Eye: Your writing is so creative and descriptive- no wonder half your posts are pinked!
Enceladus: I like your weird sense of humour and your random observations. And you like Star Trek! I used to have a crush on you, about a year and a half ago. I’ve since moved on, but it was one of the crushes where my brain actually agreed with my hormones.
KaiYves: You’re brilliant! As are your posts about space!
Piggy: Your sarcastic comments! Even if I totally disagree with you I like reading them.
Dear Everyone,
Since I can’t thank all of you enough, I’m going to try to thank you all at once. When I started middle school, I began to feel this feeling of invisibility. Like no one could see me. I had a group of friends, sure, but everyone looked at me rather disdainfully. Maybe they didn’t like me because I was taller/smarter than them, but anyway, I felt like I wasn’t liked.
I came to MuseBlog, and that changed. I could have fun here, and people tolerated me, no matter how obnoxious I was. And I was really obnoxious back then. Then I left for a while, came back, and you all still accepted me, even though I’d forgotten about MB for almost a year. And now I’m crying.
I look up to all of you. You sound so smart and sophisticated and self-confident and I wish I was as awesome as you. I wish I was a bigger part of the blog, but I’ve always been more of a watcher that a talker.
You encourage me, made me laugh, introduce me to new things and ideas, it’s endless. I can talk about my views, the things I dislike, the things I find funny. You’ve been a part of my life and I wouldn’t replace my experiences here with anything.
There’s a quote I like, from I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak: “Some people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not In what they say. Just in what they are.” And if you were to only remember one thing from this post, remember this: You are more beautiful than you will ever know.
I don’t know about the rest of MuseBlog, but I know that I look up to you about many things. And that last sentence in your post applies to you just as much as anyone else here!
I definitely think you’re pretty cool! Thank you for hanging around!
Fireh, I’d like to write a Warm Fuzzy for you.
You’re one of the most wonderful people I know. You are extremely intelligent, beautiful, creative, funny, talented, and so kind to everyone. I’m so lucky to know you, you’re such a great friend! You can make me laugh at any time with your wackiness/zaniness/craziness (which, believe me, is a wonderful thing to have). Life might not always be 100% perfect for you, but life isn’t perfect for anyone, and I hope you know that we’re all here for you, and always willing to help. You are tremendously strong, even and especially in the face of hardship, and I know that you will succeed in life in whatever you choose to do; keep going! I love you, Fireh, you’re amazing! ♥
“It is important to fight, and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then can evil be kept at bay.” and “We must try not to sink beneath our anguish, but battle on.” -Albus Dumbledore
Somehow, this post is the hardest I’ve yet to write. Mainly because I’m running out of words for “awesome” and flamabuluous even when I try to think of writing about just one person. All I can say is thank you! Especially the GAPAs, who make this place possible and enrich it all the time; with comments, new threads, amazing pictures, the whole chess ladder, the H&H, all the extra gizmos and improvements and technical tweaks and all the time they spend moderating.
And another thing: while everyone seems to say that I’m strong, I know I never could have managed to get through half of this without your support, advice, squids and choklit and pies. You guys have been here for me all the time, through ups and downs and general insanity and that means the world to me. I don’t mean that lightly.
SilverLeopard- Hey, you’re one of the smart, funny people you describe, don’t forget that. I just want to mention one thing that impressed me about you: your gumption. Even though you’re somewhat timid, you speak out for what you believe is right. You’re an integral part of the blog, watcher or otherwise. Remember when you first posted as PPTBR? There was the whole setting the record straight thing, and you had the courage to tell the truth even though you might have thought we’d reject you. Of course we didn’t; never think you can get rid of us that easily. I just wanted to say that you impressed me with your courage and spirit that day (and still do, that was just an example).
Selenium- You’re incredibly smart, talented and still down-to-earth. You vanquish any obstacle in your way and you’re always there for your friends, even with different time zones. You’re always optimistic, positive and supportive and I look forwards to reading your posts.
Fireh- Hey there, daughter dear. You seem to be in a not-that-great place in your life right now, but I promise you that things will clear up. Sometimes when you’re in a rough spot, it seems like life will always be a sort of grey, dull mass of boringness with occasional brief moments of happiness. That’s the curse of memory (and everything else): it’s always colored with whatever mood we’re in. I just want to ask you not to make one common mistake: don’t blame yourself for the situation you’re in and don’t think you are a worse person, i.e. less amazing than we say you are, because you’re in it. You never credit yourself for being artistic, or having a way with words, or for being much stronger than you can realize right now, just to name a few examples. Just know that we appreciate you even when you don’t and that we promise to support you whatever decisions you make (unless it involves drugs and/or the russian mafia (jk)).
Maths Lover- I like to read your fun and zany posts, especially the SSS you (used to?) write. It’s nice to have someone who’s also a crazy fan of certain series. I appreciate your tolerance and honesty and the way you can be somewhat crazy (in a good way!) and still be sincere when you choose. And the way that you don’t judge people- I don’t really know the right word- accepting? Open? Something like all of the above and a bit more.
More to come…
I’m sorry it took so long for me to write this, but I take forever to say thank you because I want to say it exactly right. Whenever I’m feeling sad and useless and idiotic, this post is what I remember. It always makes me feel better. Thank you so much, bookgirl. You’re a brilliant person, and I feel honored that I know you, and that I’m accepted in this beautiful place.
*Cskia, I appreciate your spirit and kindness. On a blog full of wonderful people, your posts stand out to me because there’s so much voice and emotion expressed in them. I enjoy talking to you, getting to know you, and hearing about your experiences. Thank you for being a part of MuseBlog!
D’awww. Thank you, Meow! You’re so kind and sweet and wonderful; I feel very warm and fuzzy right now. Love you
Fireh: Have I ever mentioned you’re awesome? Your writing is so sad, especially when it’s about something that’s happened to you.
Every single MBer makes the blog a better place. You’re no exception.
Thank you, everyone.
I LOVE YOU ALL
I’m also rewriting The Ballad of Serenity in blog-reference form. I’ll post it on the music thread when it’s finished, because my post way up there got enough pies so that I know people will find the humor in it. Prepare to maybe laugh a little and please to be giving me criticism so I can make it rhyme better because I suck at witty rhyming. On that note,
I LOVE YOU ALL.
Please continue being awesome and cool people. Reading the stuff on Coping and R&P and R&R makes me sad/happy/angry, especially posts by:
Cat’s Eye
Errata
Fireh
Seriously, you guys. All of your posts are just….gah. Errata, the whole thing with the books…GAH. It kind of connected me to you in a way most posts don’t. Cat’s Eye, your posts are SO INSPIRING. Fireh, you’re just…I don’t know how to describe your posts. They make me want to huggle you.
Blarg.
Dear MuseBlog,
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m just dropping by the Warm Fuzzies thread to remind everyone that I love all of you and that you are all wonderful, amazing, insert more good adjectives here people.
MuseBlog, you’ve been such a home… I can tell you guys basically anything without having to fear being judged. Each and every member of MuseBlog adds a lot of something great to this community and each and every one of you means something amazing to me. You guys have been supportive, willing to listen to anything and everything without complaining, and it really moves me to see how people who are essentially internet strangers can interact and grow to treat each other like family.
We’ve had moments of laughter, moments of tears. What happens in each of our lives affects those of others, and we can smile and cry together through anything and everything. I wish I was better with words, so that I could express my feelings for you guys more fully. Just know that all of you inspire me and that you all give me a reason to get up in the morning and live through the day and not give up. Each day. Every day.
What’s more, we’re all more-or-less normal people. Just a collection of all sorts of individuals living in this one world. It’s amazing what can happen when people come together, isn’t it? And we’re young people, too, led by four gracious and utterly stunning adults who we really respect and love and who really care for us despite not having met most of us in the real world.
Let me begin by giving thanks to our wonderful GAPAs. Thanks so much to them for administrating this wonderful place in addition to attending to their regular jobs and living a normal, healthy life off the blog. It’s inspirational, what they do for us, and they’re these amazing role models we can look up to AND talk to as well.
Robert, you’re so practical and intelligent and your advice is so helpful. You share your knowledge with us and enlighten us on so many subjects. That said, you’re also SO. MUCH. FUN. Your humor is charming and you’re just flamablamablous.
Rebecca, Lady B., I can’t really say how much I appreciate your compassion and caring and advice. You teach us from experience, share your own anecdotes, and make us better people. You’re also an astounding artist with a brilliant perspective on things. I especially look up to you.
Paul, you aren’t here as frequently as Robert and Rebecca, but when you do come around you always bring us some interesting posts and that makes me very happy and amused and all those good positive feelings.
Rosanne, I admire you for caring so much about us and offering your sympathy and kindness and just listening to us and making us feel better. You’re amazing and I really appreciate you. You’re not such a frequent poster either but I love it when you do say something warm.
And now, here’s a list of everyone I’ve seen on the blog lately. (I really hope I haven’t missed anymore, but knowing my memory, I probably did… if I missed you, please chide me and shame me into writing you the one you deserve. I’m so sorry if I did that.)
Anyways, the basic story here is that I think all of you are so awesome and I’m writing about two Microsoft Word Times New Roman size 12 font lines for each and every one of you so no one is left out and I still have some time left to do some homework too! Don’t forget that I think and feel much more about each of you than I can write down in a few hours. I would write everyone an essay, but that is physically impossible at this point. Sigh. If only I was superhuman.
So here I go. This is going to be so very long. /nervousness
Agent Lightning – You’re such a bright and optimistic person, and now you’re off on NaNo. You care about others and I love seeing you around the blog. Thanks for being here!
Agrrrifishi – Aggie, I love your compassion. The way you care for others and write poetry and tell us about your experiences… it really touches my heart.
Alice – You’ve been here a long time, and although you seem to come and go, no one can ever forget you. You’re kind, caring, wonderful and intelligent.
Ambystoma Maculatum –You add a little touch of something to everything you comment on. Thanks for being around!
Armada – ‘mada, I know life isn’t very fair to you often. But you’re this compassionate, determined and amazing person and I know you can pull through. I wish you only the very best.
Axa – AXA, QUEEN OF ALL CAPS and of lowercase, so kind, caring, friendly, wonderful person to know anywhere so anyways I think you’re wonderful
Beedle the Bard – Beedle, you have many great stories to share, and I love reading your posts. You’re a very wonderful person and I admire how you’ve been through so much.
Beetles – You dropped by to say hi, and I’m glad you’re doing well. I hope you continue to succeed in and enjoy life, because you’re just a great person.
Bibliophile – Bibli, you’re so intelligent (especially about tardigrades) and you have so much optimism. Your posts often make my day. Keep up your positive energy!
Bookgirl_me – Bookgirl, you’ve been through a lot more than anyone should take in a short time, and made it through stronger than before. I really admire you for it and wish you the best.
Bookworm – It doesn’t seem like you’ve been around much lately, but really, I always remembered you as being an amazing person and I know you still are.
Castle – You’re outright hilarious. Your posts make me laugh, and to remember what you’ve written can make me smile again and again. You’re awesome.
Cat’s Eye – You are truly the most heart-touching and inspiration writer I’ve ever seen. You write about things you truly care about, and that can even make me cry. I love you so much.
Cello-Playing Mathematician – I love when you share your personal anecdotes, especially about college. You’re so knowledgeable and nice.
Cerulean Pyros – From the first moment you appeared on the blog, I could sense your awesomeness. I still do. I always will.
Choklit Orange – Chok, where do I even begin? Awesome, compassionate, humorous, unique… you make me laugh and feel better and dance around happily and we MUST MEET SOON.
Cinnamoon – I don’t see you around that much, but know that from what I have read from you, you are kind, wonderful, and full of emotion. Thanks for being here!
Clare de Lune – Clare, your posts about your boyfriend always happify me. You two are so adorable, and that is the truthiest truth. You have so much heart; thanks for sharing with us!
Cskia – Here’s me. Just adding my name in here so I remember I exist! Well, except I technically have this asterisk in front of my name…
Dodecahedron – I can’t express how much I appreciate your time and care to keep up the Coping thread and offer consolation and advice to those who need it. You’ve a beautiful soul.
Ducky – Ducky, you’re so sweet and energetic and fluffy. I love your posts, they are so warm and fuzzy and they make me happy.
Ebeth – You’re such an intelligent and kind person. You’ve been around for a while and I don’t know how often you’re around now, but please drop by!
Enceladus – Enc, you’re serious awesomeness. Always thought so, always will. You’re so HILARIOUS and amusing and nice too and you’re just so energetic and cheery. Pies!
Errata – So you’re off on NaNo now! When you come back I hope you see this and remember that I always thought you were awesome, from the moment you came, and still think the same.
FantasyFan?!?! – Seriously, thanks for being around. You’re awesome, whether you know it or not. Just plain wonderful. Don’t forget that.
Fireandhemlock1996 – Fireh, you’re so talented, so smart and nerdy geeky sweet 42, so awesome, so touching. I really hope things work out for you; you deserve a life so much better.
Groundhog – I love it when you pop up! (see what I did there?) You have great energy and you make me grin.
Jadestone – JADE, YOU ROCK. SQUIDS. YOU DRAW AWESOME. AND you’re also so kind and funny and really make me laugh and make my day and you know we all love you so much
JLynn- You’re mostly around the R&R thread, but you have great advice to offer there and you and Castle are so caking adorable. Thanks for being here!
KaiYves – Kai, I absolutely admire you. You’re so compassionate, so intelligent, so inspirational. You have the best stories, you make us smile, you cheer us up. I love you so much.
Kittymine – I always think of you when I think of RPGs. You have such energy and passion for them, and I admire your adventurousness and kindness both.
Kiwimuncher – You’re an amazing artist. You’re also optimistic and nice, and I love it when you come by. You just rock.
Koko’s Apprentice – You (both of you) offer us really interesting stories to read, from childhood stories to more current experiences. It’s great hearing from you!
Koppar – You seem to come by from time to time, and it makes me happy to see you. I hope you’re doing well, because you’re a great person and deserve the best.
Lizzie – It’s great when you share your experiences with us, so that we can learn new things and hear your stories. You’re appreciated!
Luna the Lovely – It’s great that you drop by from time to time and share your stories with us, because I greatly enjoy reading posts by you. Also, you’re so sympathetic and caring.
Mago Berry – You have so much energy. I enjoy your humor, and I love your love of Pokemon because Pokemon is just awesome.
Maths Lover – You’re just so kind. I can’t really find the words to express it. It just makes me smile every time you tell us how much you care or offer your sympathies. You have a great heart.
Meow – Meow, you’re so sweet and kind. You’ve a beautiful personality and you really make me smile. You’re so loving and friendly and wonderful and a lot of other great adjectives!
Midnight Fiddler – Your posts are a joy to read. Your real life experiences teach me many new things about the world and I’m grateful for that. Plus, you’re compassionate and plain great.
Mikazuki – You finished your NaNo, and I bet you’ve written something wonderful too! So many congratulatory pies. You’re sweet and kind and you make me smile.
Muselover – Whatever you write, it’s always something I want to read. From humorous updates to emotional posts, you’re always just wonderfully YOU. You are loved.
No Name, Please – It seems like you’re going through some tough times these days, but no matter what happens and who you are, remember that we love you. Your posts touch my heart.
Oobatooba – Ooba, your posts are touching and you put emotion into them. And then you’re so intelligent and thoughtful, too. How do you manage to be so astounding?
Oxlin – I enjoy your posts so much; they’re either full of real-life-ness or cheery humor. You’re amazing, and also intelligent. You stand up for what you believe and think. Keep being awesome.
Pie Girl – You make me smile with your enthusiasm and humor, especially your posts about Bacon. You’re young and energetic, and I hope you always, always keep that exuberance.
Piggy – Honestly, Piggy, I look up to you so much. Kind and caring, practical and intelligent, hilarious and cheery, serious and inspirational… you have my utmost respect.
POSOC – I remember seeing you around the blog ever since I was first here as a neophyte. You have my complete respect, and your humorous posts also greatly amuse me. You rock.
Princess_Magnolia – P_M, you used to be around so much more! I love your enthusiastic humor and you never fail to make me laugh. Plus, you’re caring, kind, and just plain great.
Pseudonym – So maybe you haven’t be around as much lately. You’re still awesome. Always have been, always will be. You make me smile.
Purple Panda – I love it when you come by the Random Thread with a detailed post about your life, with replies to posts by other people. It’s a joy to read. Thanks for being here!
Radiant_Darkness – You haven’t been around as frequently these days, but I know you’re always going to be wonderful. I hope you’re doing well and wish you the best.
Rainbow*Storm – You are such a friendly, caring and kind person. I love your great ideas and liveliness. You brighten up the world!
Randomosity 101 – R101, you absolutely awesome and fun person to be around. I still think introducing you to MuseBlog was one of my best ideas ever. You’re amazing. Pie.
Rosebud2 – Rosebud, Pokemon for the win! I absolutely love your positive energy, you’re such a wonderful person and your posts can really cheer me up.
SamRamHam – You sound awesome. Post more frequently now, hmmm? You bring a lot of life to the blog with your exuberance.
Selenium the Quafflebird – Sel, what can I say? You’re so friendly, so optimistic, you really care about others, make people smile, and honestly bring me happiness. Come by California soon!
Shadowfire – You’re so caring. Even though you don’t post a lot a lot a lot it is quite easy to tell that you are wonderful.
SilverLeopard – I haven’t seen you around that much, but I know you’re a wonderfully kind person. You make me smile when you do come by, and your art is awesome!
Small but fierce – SBF, I can’t say how happy I am to see you back. You have a flamablamablous sense of humor and really make me smile. Squids to the awesome!
Spudman – Spuddy, we all care very much about you and we’re glad you’re so honest with us. I wish you the very best in life; please visit us often.
Starr – You aren’t always around these days, but I enjoy it when you do come by to tell us about what’s going on in your life. You have great positive energy, hope you’re doing great!
Taiwan Hippo Fan – It’s great when you drop by once in a while. Hopefully you’re doing great; visit us soon!
Tesseract – Tess, you’re such a kind soul. You care about everyone and are so intelligent as well. Your sympathy and helpfulness always make me smile.
Thief – Thief, I really hope you’re doing fine right now. You’re such an intelligent girl; I miss the days when you were so energetic and always happy. Please come by again soon.
Treebird – From what I’ve seen of you, you’re a wonderful person with a sweet sense of humor. Thanks for being around!
Trojan Tiger – I love hearing from you, and your postss make me smile when you talk about your life. Thanks for dropping by once in a while!
Vanillabean3.141 – You might not post all that much, but when you do, you really add something to the blog. I love it when you pop in; you’re such a kind person and deserve the best.
Zinc – Zinc, Zinc, you’re such a great, friendly person. You’re caring and lovable, young and with a lot in life to look forward to. You’re also an amazing artist. I really like you.
ZNZ – I was so sad when you left us, and then really happy when you returned. I think you’re an awesome person and I’m so glad you’re with us. Stay with us!
And to the people I remember seeing within a few months but haven’t seen around recently (like MissSwann, gradster1, LitlleBasementKitten, trust kokopelli, Silver Lining, Keiffer, Sudo, etc.) I miss all of you and hope you drop by to see us.
I’m so grateful for all of you. And I’ll never be able to express that fully, because I don’t think I’ll ever be able to find the right words for it. Me and my lack of words. Argle.
But by the time I write this I’m about to cry. Just… so much emotion. Not enough words to say it. Gosh, I can probably write a novel about this. Or maybe two. There’s just so much to be said… Now I should probably finish up before my family starts wondering why I’m sitting here beaming at the computer screen with tear-filled eyes.
(Where’s the tissue box? Where. Is. The. Tissue. Box?)
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. You guys are the best.
With a lot of love, Cskia
You’re making me cry. Stop it. *sobs*
On the bright side, I found my tissue box! You can share it with me. *big huggle*
I don’t show it enough– I think there is no way to show it enough– but I am, as well, so, so thankful for you. The world would be worse without your caring, your kindness, and your goodness, and so would my life. Have a great holiday. *hugs*
The fact that you took out the time to write this post says so much about you, Cskia. This made me smile, and will continue to do so, and I’m sure it did for many others as well. Thank you for the post, your presence here on MB, and for being you. ♥
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
*borrows tissues* Thank you, Cskia. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you! You’re such a wonderful friend/MBer, and a wonderful person in general. You care so much about us.
Aw! What a lovely post. I shall make a resolution to drop in more often and supply you with disturbing snippets of eclectica.
Thanks, Paul, you’re just so funny. Please do. (Now I can cry from laughing too hard!)
*tears* You are everything you list here and more.
I can’t beleive you remebered me, even though I’ve posted so little. Thank you!
You are everything you said here and so much more. And you don’t have some problem with words. There are no words to adequately express it. But you came caking close. I am eternally grateful to you for introducing me to this blog – or, as I like to think of it, showing me the way home. Happy (belated) Thanksgiving.
I LOVE YOU CSKIA
BUT NOT IN THAT WAY..
I am literally about to cry… Cskia, you are one of the most amazing people I know.
Cskia…thank you so much!
You’re amazing too, and you’re an amazingly kind person for making all of us feel like I do.
She’s at 24 pies! Stop pie-ing right now!
The following post takes place between Robert and ZNZ.
Events occur in real time.
Wait a moment. What?
I…I’m tearing up, and I almost never cry. Thank you. Thank you. You’re such a lovely person, *Cskia.
I didn’t see this post until just now, but gosh. I really can’t convey how much this means to me within a single comment.
What I mean by that previous comment is, “I love you so much. All of you.”
Just clarifying.
<3
The same goes for you, Cskia.
Should we all just copypasta Cskia’s thingy and use it as a template?
Just going to quickly rattle off influential and inspiring figures to me on the blog:
Robert: Man, you are awesome and funny and such a complete total insanely amazing guy. You get everything we say. You just DO. You connect so well with all of us and make SENSE. As you were.
POSOC: I don’t know you. At all. But you’ve kind of always been around, making sensible and often funny posts about things. I rarely (if ever) see a comment of yours that I disagree with or that doesn’t make me nod or think “Man, we’d get along well in real life. Too bad he’s probably in Saskatchewan or somewhere.”
IBCF: Er, yeah. You tolerated me back in my adorable, pathetic annoying days of OMGNOOB, and I really appreciate that you stuck around and didn’t put me down for being such an annoying child. You arrived a day before I did, but you were my age now and you made the most intelligent posts. You were also very funny and a fun person to be around. Again, thank you so much for enduring me, in my days as eragon, and being friendly and nice and just an overall good friend. Please show up so I can thank you and apologize for being so age-appropriate.
Piggy: Where do I even
You’ve achieved respect status close to, if not dead even with, the GAPAs, at least in my eyes. The whole blog looks up to you. Thank you for being here all these years. You’re great, and even when I disagree with your post I STILL nod to myself at the sense it makes.
Cat’s Eye: You are always emotional and funny and occasionally I want to grab your shoulders and tell you to stop thinking those thoughts. I love how inspirational you are. Your posts ALWAYS have meaning. Thank you for being a good, kind person.
Rainbow*Storm: You are AWESOME. You’re very funny and sweet and wonderfully dorky and you seem like a person I’d get along very, very well with. For the record, this list is not only a list of people I look up to/respect/want to know, but people I feel like should be added to my inner ring of friends. Even though I don’t know them IRL.
*Cskia: You are fantastically cool. Just…I don’t really know where to begin. All of the stuff you say is either funny or comforting or smart and derp I’m out of descriptive words. Point is thank you for being around.
JLynn: You already know. I’ve told you. But just as a reference point if you want to come back here and remember someday, they are as follows (note: not a complete list. A full list would likely encompass several volumes.):
You’re cute and pretty and really adorable when you’re asleep. And just consistently attractive. Except for that one derp face. The duck face. Yeah, that one. And I even love that.
You’re smart. Oh, god. I can’t match your intellect and fantastic dorkiness for CAKE. I mean, REALLY. And you’re even more adorable when you act like Hermione. You’re especially funny when you make a mistake. It’s pretty fricking funny to watch :3
And the noise you make when I or someone else say something ridiculous or funny is awesome. It’s a sort of laugh-pause-laugh-pause while what I just said sinks in and then you just start laughing. You have an awesome laugh, and and awesomer smile. <3
I am done. Enjoy, people whom I mentioned. People who I didn't, I may or may not list you next. If you want to know what my opinion of you is, please ask me so I can tell you. Don't be shy and awkward. I don't consider it weird when someone walks up and says "What do you think of me? Be honest," because I often feel like doing it myself.
And as for the people I didn't mention yet or ever so far, you should know that you are ALL incredible people. MuseBlog is a place for everybody, although the people more suited to being here have stayed and the people not-so-much have slowly sifted out, leaving us with a tightly-knit community of awesome smart funny people that appreciate it when I do this:
AND ST. ATTILA RAISED THE HAND GRENADE UP ON HIGH
SAYING "OH, LORD, BLESS THIS THINE HAND GRENADE, SO THAT WITH IT THY MIGHT BLOW THINE ENEMIES TO TINY BITS, IN THY MERCY.
AND THE LORD DID GRIN. AND THE PEOPLE DID FEAST, UPON THE LAMBS, AND THE SLOTHS, AND THE CARP, AND THE ANCHOVIES, AND THE ORANGUTANS, AND THE BREAKFAST CEREALS, AND THE FRUIT BATS, AND LARGE CHU –
<3 <3 <3
Just putting some hearts here since I ran out of words already.
That works fine.
I’m following your advice…
What do you think of me? Be honest.
(Phewf.)
Arglebargleargle.
I don’t know that much about you, really. We tend to hang out on separate threads. But I remember when you first showed up, and I’ve seen quite a few of your recent posts. You appear to be intelligent, kind, and spirited. I appreciate you being here, and I’d like to get to know you better.
And you made a funny sound effect that reminds me of an old Muser, Agagabagabag. So yeah.
‘Kay, I’m going to try one of these. Although I’m rather sleep-deprived, so it may be horribly incoherent and emotional.
POSOC: You inspired me to read Discworld and Good Omens! And I’ll always remember you as one of the first people to welcome me to the blog, whether you’re actually Grant O. or not.
KaiYves: Spaaace! You’re so knowledgable about space and science in general. Because of you I spend hours reading about the NASA missions on Wikipedia, and I regret nothing.
JLynn; My first impression of you was that you were the most mature neophyte I had ever seen. I have not been wrong. Also you like Doctor Who and HP. You and Castle being an MB couple is adorable, and this is coming from someone who hates it when her IRL friends are dating each other.
Castle: I barely remember you as eragon, but I’m GLaD you came back to the blog and brought JLynn here. Your posts are always funny and informative, and you were able to explain my friends’ weirdness to me through Internet memes. Therefore, aliens.
Zinc: I’ve met you in real life so this is kind of cheating, but I love your drawings and comics as well as your posts. You manage to be into fanart/fanfiction without being the typical annoying fangirl. And you have tons of awesome buttons and T-shirts. And you’re also a band person, and told me about Death Note and Hetalia, and write comforting replies to my pathetic rants. I count you as my best friend, actually.
That’s funny. If I could have picked one person on this blog for you to be friends with in real life it would have been Zinc.
I was eragon back in the day. I changed it…er….I don’t remember when I changed it. I’ve been Castle for at least two years now. Yeah, back in the day. Back when No, THIS is Pie War was the place to be and the Great Ballistic Spike Pies reigned supreme.
What team was I…ah, yes. Zemtee.
Also, the GLaD made me very happy. I’m glad I’m back too. I never really left and forgot about you guys. It was mostly just a long period of absence during which I repeatedly told myself that I should really start posting again. So I never really left :3
I was about to make a snarky comment about how “back in the day” was long before your “back in the day,” but then I remembered that a bunch of people here remember the Gaboomba.
We have different “back in our days”.
I’m thankful for MuseBlog. You all have really helped me in so many ways. You put up with my ranting and crying and my mood swings and everything. You guys are so generous and amazing, better than I could ever be.
And thank you to the GAPAs for putting up with us, moderating us, and devoting so much time to us. You all are my role models, and the role models of all of us.
Hey, you’re more than just generous and amazing yourself. (What’s a word that means “amazing beyond amazing”? Oh, I got it, AL you’re just so FLAMABLAMABLOUS. :D)
And I love how you summed up everything in simple, lovely words. You’re awesome. *huggles*
You are too, Cskia! *huggles back*
I love all y’all.
I’m sure we all love you too.
I love you too! I don’t believe I’ve done a post for you, so here goes:
You’re very talented and flammy, and your posts always brighten my day. When you’re down, we’re all with you and we hope you feel better soon. I always look forward to your posts about college and music. You’re going to do great in life: in fact, you already have by just being here. MB just wouldn’t be the same without you.
I love all y’all fall crawl maul squall.
D’awww.
Or is it “d’awwwl?”
RHYMES.
Awww, does it really need that extra “l” to rhyme?
Indubitably.
Awwwl, okay then. Correction to 70.1: D’awwwl.
Thank you.
I am (belatedly) thankful for all of you. My life would be significantly worse without each and every one of you. Always, always remember that you are loving, you are lovable, you are loved. *hugs*
That is a beautiful last sentence. I’m sure we all are thankful for you, too. *more hugs back*
*cackle cackle* >:B
That is very warm and fuzzy indeed.
Yes, how thoughtful and comforting.
I’m feeling the love.
When I was eight years old, I received my first issue of Muse. I felt like I was special, because it was a magazine for ages 9-13. The issue in question was the November/December 2006 one with the cover story about mirror neurons, and I was utterly enraptured by it. It’s still one of my favorite issues of all time.
In said issue, the letters page contained a note from emogrl. She mentioned a place called the MuseBlog, something which I knew nothing about. Subsequent issues contained repeated mentions of such a blog, and I finally decided to investigate for myself exactly what this MuseBlog was in early 2007.
What I found was something that I never knew could exist: a community of people who shared my interests, were friendly, and didn’t mind having a naïve 9-year-old in their midst. That was when I met Alice, Kokonilly, bookgirl_me, Prarilius Canix, and the GAPAs. Simply put, it changed my life. I barely understood the concept of an Internet forum (aside from “those things that Dad looks at that I’m not allowed to”), and yet I knew that I had stumbled upon the best one ever.
There were a few bumps in the road. My parents were initially opposed to my coming on here, and it took me a lot of posting as well as a long hiatus to realize what was expected of me on here. Still, within a year or two, I found myself to be an established member of this place called MuseBlog.
I remember the blog overhaul due to spam. I remember when some of our most beloved members first joined. I remember squids, I remember pies, I remember bunnies, I remember fanfiction. I remember the dark times in my life that you helped me through. I remember you.
Thank you all.
*whips out a guitar*
THEY MADE THE BLOG BETTER THAN IT WAS BEFORE
STOOD UP TO THE HACKERS AND GAVE THEM WHAT FOR
THIS SITE THAT THEY MADE ALWAYS BRIGHTENS OUR DAYS
THEY’RE OUR FLAMABLAMABLOUS GAPAAAAAS
I really have made far too many Firefly references on this thread, but … extended version!
They made the blog better than it was before
Stood up to the hackers and gave them what for
This site that they made always brightens our days
They’re the heroes of MuseBlog, our GAPAs
Now Coontz, Spector, Lasley, and Baker
Made a site, and as they watched it grow
We wrote RRRs and played Paker
Fought bunnies and dissed Mr. Joe
But suddenly, hackers! Thousands of them!
What will GAPAs do?
It’s the reason that now we all love them
They programmed a new MuseBlog 2
They made the blog better than it was before
Stood up to the hackers and gave them what for
This site that they made always brightens our days
They’re the heroes of MuseBlog, our GAPAs
Now here is what separates Musers
From a large portion of everyone
Though some caketoppings might call us losers
It’s nerds that have the most fun
We’re still flammy seven years later
Since Gaboomba in 2005
So thanks to our Administrators
From the bloggers who are Still Alive
They made the blog better than it was before
Stood up to the hackers and gave them what for
This site that they made always brightens our days
They’re the heroes of MuseBlog, our GAPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS!
Some googling found me a video of the original song, and I have now decided that I need to watch that show. As soon as possible.
Sorry, are we allowed to use this thread for non-MB warm fuzzies? Cute stories, etc.
Sounds like it’d be ok. Do you have a cute story to share? :3
Cute story time!
Remember the button in the Firefly episode “Out of Gas”? (Not going to say what it was, for people who haven’t seen the episode.) Well, after the cancellation of the show, Alan Tudyk (Wash) stole the button and mailed it to Joss Whedon with a note saying “When your miracle gets here, call us.”
… I don’t know, I found it heartwarming-ish.
Awww! That’s so cute and Wash-like!
“I am a ‘phyte on the blog. Watch how I post.”
“Once, I was on a blog where the only form of entertainment was throwing baby squid. Squid. They were thrown.”
“Oh my god. What can it be? We’re all doomed! Who’s moderating this thing!?”
“Can I make a suggestion that doesn’t involve world domination? Or is this the wrong crowd?”
Dear MuseBloggers:
I want to hug each and every one of you. Even though I don’t post much anymore, you all mean so much to me.
I’ve been silently hurting, silently feeling worthless. But then I look at what you’ve said to others who’ve felt the same way and then I remember that a MuseBlogger is never truly alone, even one who hasn’t been on the ‘blog in a while. Once a MBer, always a MBer. You’ve always got the ‘blog to remend you that yes, there are good people in the world and yes, they do care about you.
You are all amazing.
Love,
Ducky.
We love you, Ducky.
Ducky, you’re amazing, intelligent, and funny. You’re a valuable contribution to this blog. Whenever you feel alone, always remember you have us. We’ll always be here, even if some leave and some return and some enter, we’ll always be here for you. You’re right in saying that: we are never truly alone because the Internet has brought us together.
We love you, Ducky!
Exactly what everyone else said. *love and choklit and fuzzy duckies*
76- Ducky, you are an amazing and completely flamablamablous person. Never forget that. I am sorry to learn you’ve been hurting, and I swear that you are the very opposite of worthless. *huggles*
My entire day today was one big warm fuzzy. So I’d like to briefly shout-out to Cskia and CO. Thanks, girls!
Cskia drew me a squid.
She drew me a squid and it is the prettiest, most awesome squid in the history of art.
Randomosity made me laugh.Pretty much nonstop for eight hours.
Big giant hug to both of you.
Chok, I love you. *returns big giant hug*
Adelaie: You write wonderful posts and you’re amazingly empathetic. I’d have never guessed you were so new. You fit right in here. Thank you for being here on the blog. I hope to continue seeing you here. Please stick around.
Also, Cat’s Eye: You’re amazingly talented at comforting me when I’m down. You write so many posts. I can only hope that we help you as much as you have helped us. You’re also a firm believer in what you stand for and you don’t let anyone get in your way. That’s amazing and sometimes rare and hard to come by these days. Keep at it.
NNP: You’re awesome! Thanks for being here also. You might be going through some ups and downs right now as I see from your posts, but eventually that will change, I promise. Hang in there and remember we all love you- and just again, thank you for being here.
Spuddy: I know you can’t find the time to post much, but I hope you’re on here more often than you are. You’re a wondeful person who has just been put through a whole lot of cake. I promise you will come out stronger for it and you will succeed in life. Please come on more often. Remember we’re always here for you, even if life goes a bit awry. You yourself are a valuable contribution.
SFTDP: One more before I get off-
Enc: You’re an amazingly talented horn player and your posts make me laugh. I love your unique personality and your sense of humor. Perhaps you will continue that webcomic, when you have time? You’re amazing. Can I say that enough? You really are. Thank you for existing in my life.
Tess- You’re a fellow band kid like me and even if we never get around to Kokoning- I really hope we can- you’ve always been there to support and congratulate and comfort me. You share many of my interests. Thank you for being here: you’re an all-around great person.
JLynn- I’m going to be really obvious and say that you and Castle are an adorable couple. But you yourself are a valuable contribution to the blog- you’re always there to comfort people and we in turn will always do the same for you. I remember when you first started posting. You turned out melding into the blog really well. Also, you’re a Whovian!
Castle- Did I mention how I read your old posts and wished you would come back? You’re awesome. You taught me HTML. You are always there to comfort me in my insane R+R, (or rather lack of such) and I look forward to your posts.
Okay, so that turned out more like four. Anyway, going to practice now. Just remember you’re flamablamulous, all of you, and joining MB was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Without you all, I would not even be half the person I am today.
Um. Slightly embarrassing story time.
The other night, I was having a panic attack. Only it wasn’t a panic attack. It was an attack from my brain, on my emotions, my confidence, my hopes, my happiness. There was a part of my brain that was very firmly telling the rest of me that I was worthless, that no one cared about me, that if they did I didn’t deserve it.
I was lying on my bed, crying and trying to breathe, when I thought, of all things, of Harry Potter. Specifically, I thought of dementors. Dementors feed on your happiness, as you guys probably know. They make you relive your worst memories, make you sure that you’ll never be happy again.
So, feeling very silly as I did so, I raised an imaginary wand, thought about MuseBlog, and whispered, “Expecto Patronum.”
And it worked.
Now that’s REAL magic! Good for you, Cat’s Eye!
My Patronus is a HPB.
Also, choklit. Eat it.
The really awesome thing about having a tardigrade Patronus is that you can easily convince everyone else that you can drive away a Dementor without one. They don’t think to get a microscope out, and even if they do, they never get it in quite the right place.
At least, I like to think that’s why I’ve never managed to produce anything visible.
The really really awesome thing about having a humanoid Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality style patronus is that it KILLS DEMENTORS and everyone else is truly terrified of you.
Oh my god I love that fanfic. It’s one of the 2 fanfics I’ve read/am reading I guess. It’s not really my thing but it’s just SO GOOD.
What is the other one?
Dumbledore’s Army and the Year of Darkness. It’s from Neville’s point of view, about what happens in year 7 for those who remain at Hogwarts. They do a surprisingly good job of keeping it consistent with what we know happens in Deathly Hallows.
I dunno, I liked the first five or so chapters of it, but as it continues Harry becomes more and more Sue-ish and it gets pretty annoying and un-relatable.
Except JKR said they were actually metaphors for depression, not death, which means doing what Methods!Harry did wouldn’t actually work, and besides, I’ve been thinking about dementors, and I don’t think it’d be right to kill them–they can’t help that they have to do such terrible things to us in order to survive, can they? I’d get away from them, sure, because they’re doing just fine without people voluntarily becoming depressed just to help them, and I’m not selfless, but killing them…
Completely wrong thread for this, obviously, but would extending that logic mean that it’s wrong to kill HIV?
Are they even sentient? They’ve had their souls devoured, and they don’t seem to have much of a thought process other than seeking out life and happiness to extinguish.
(What would happen if you made a Dementor into a Horcrux?)
For making the Horcruxes (Horcruxi?) famous objects, Voldemort is actually really stupid. He should have done something like make one of them a part of a space probe; something that would cause the structural collapse of something important if destroyed; something too big to destroy (Say the planet Mars- I wonder what the range of Apparation is?)…
Horcruces.
That’s Voldemort’s fatal weakness; he’s so utterly convinced of his own superiority to everyone else that he can’t imagine anyone outsmarting him.
Or the Pioneer plaque.
The Children of the Lamp series showed that can still go wrong if the object is discovered before launch.
It would become some sort of half human, Voldy-ish thing is my guess.
Cat’s Eye: It would if there was a way to prevent the damage caused by HIV without killing it.
POSOC: What do you mean, had their souls devoured? Dementors are magical beasts form from who-knows-what when lots of people get sad. Or were you thinking that when you’re Kissed, you’re turned into a Dementor? You’re not. You become a soulless human with no emotions.
I think Lupin or someone said at one point that they’re soulless, but A) How would he know? In the Potterverse, it’s been proven that humans have souls because they can make Horcruxes and be Kissed by Dementors. I can’t think of any way a magizoologist could have forced a Dementor to make a Horcrux, and I can think of a whole host of reasons why they wouldn’t Kiss each other besides their lacking souls. All that leads me to believe that Lupin was probably just repeating what he’d been told, which were unfounded accusations.
Personally, I don’t think sentience is something you either have or don’t have. I think it’s a spectrum. Of course some creatures are more sentient than others, but no organism we know of is quite 100% sentient, in my opinion, and I don’t know of any animal that’s definitely 0% sentience, although some invertebrates may be closer to 0% than 1%. As far as I can tell, Dementors seem to be more closely related to humans than to any other non-magical organisms (Its closest relative of all is bound to be the Lethifold, but that’s not the point). They’re beasts rather than beings, if that’s what you mean, but you shouldn’t kill an animal without good reason, either.
We have never read anything from their point of view. We’ve only seen them around humans, and since they’re our parasites, of course that’s what they focus on when we’re around. We can’t know what goes on in their minds when we’re not, since we don’t know about the research conducted by Animagi.
I’m not Cat’s Meow…
…Oops. Sorry.
It’s quite all right, it’s not like we’re not used to it.
Pretty much!
I think that was kind of the point of Cat’s Meow’s new avatar, but I find myself looking at the shape and colors more than the words to determine who it is.
I’m not sure what my Patronus would be … Something cute, awesome, and deadly. *goes into full Rainbow Dash mode in search of a Patronus*
?
It does sound like either that or a cuttlefish.
Ohh, yes! Cuttlefish! Intelligent, ocean-y, ninja hiding skills, and cephalopods. Perfect. Thanks, Bibliophile!
You’re welcome! By the way, they also have venomous saliva. Pfeffer’s flamboyant cuttlefish has toxins in its muscles, too.
I want a Komodo Dragon patronus.
My patronus is a time lord.
You’d be a brilliant witch, clearly.
This thread is like a compliments circle and it is adorable. ♥
I have been working on a post like ALL DAY and it is still not done but just wanted to let everyone know one is coming and you’re all the best.
I’m kind of late to the party here but I had been having a kind of rough week a few weeks ago and came here and read everythign again and you guys are the best. So here’s my own monsterpost, copied *Cskia’s format but didn’t have time to do one for everyone so there’ll be a sequel post to this eventually.
Agent Lightning: You are such a caring person and while I don’t think I’ve ever really gotten to talk to you personally you’ve had several posts that make me giggle. You’ve been around about a year now if I remember correctly, and I hope you stay around for many more! The kokonspiracy needs all its members. You’re always there whith hugs and squid when people need them. Keep up with trombone
Agrrrifishi: You’re such a bubbly person, and I really love your writing. I’m not as active on Poems & Songs as I used to be, but I still read almost everything there and your poems still stand out to me. It’s been fun to see how your writing’s evolved since you first joined, and you should always continue to do it.
Alice: You’re one of the sweetest people I know. You love Doctor Who and you’re the reason I read Johnathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. You’re quirky and more stylish than I’ll ever manage to be and I know you’re making waves at college. Thanks for keeping us updated on things despite your busy schedule!
Armada: You’re very carring, and very brave. I know you’ve had troubles with your mom recently, but you will get through it. You are a wonderful person and you shouldn’t believe people if they try to convince you otherwise, though I know how hard that can be. Don’t let anyone stop you from feeling happy/proud of your accomplishments. You’re also a wonderful artist, and I envy your people-drawing skills.
Axa: MY SQUID-SISTER OF STARS AND CAPITAL LETTERS! I love you so much. Seriously. I’ve known you for ages and sometimes during the day I remember some of our conversations/imagine what you would say about something and start giggling. You always make me laugh. Also, JOOOOHHHN SNOOOOOOOOOOOW ♥
Bibliophile: You’re the reason I looked more into tardigrades (which I’d learned a lot about but sort of forgot about how cool they were). They’re just so ADORABLE. You share my love for science (especially biology, also my field of choice!) and learning (and books!). You’re super nice and remember that we’re all here as friends for you whenever you need us.
Bookgirl_me: I know you were freaking out about college apps not too long ago and with that I can sympathize greatly. Applying for colleges was one of the most stressful experiences of my life. But you will get through it, and I’m confidant you will get into a great school. You’ve already gotten past a lot of obstacles, and at this point in the year, things start to get easier. And once you’re at college, everything will have been worth it.
Castle: It’s obvious how much you really care about everyone (not just JLynn ). I haven’t talked to you much but you’re always enthusiastic and happy to talk to anyone if you see they have a similar interest, and you’re always up for giving advice and hugs when needed. You also are a firefly fan and play magic so that scores you extra points in my book
Cat’s Eye: My fellow Homestuck and Doctor Who fan! Your posts are always lively and you have such a wonderful sense of humor. You make me laugh and as others have said, you’re a very powerful writer. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and small epiphanies on the random threads and elsewhere, and for trusting us with your innermost thoughts, which I know you don’t share with everyone.
Cello-Playing Mathematician: I haven’t gotten to talk to you lately really, but I hope your nuzloke run of Diamond is going well! You’re one of my fellow college-aged MBers so I don’t see you around that often but I remember your posts on Stupid Senseless Smiley Stories back when you had a different name and they made me laugh.
Cerulean Pyros: Your name contains my absolute favourite color! I don’t see you posting as much as you used to (or maybe just not on the 5 or 6 threads I keep up with) but you’re a great person and I hope things are going well for you. You’re awesome!
Choklit Orange: First of all whenever I see your name I get this warm nostalgia remembering the old days when “chocolate†was always “choklit.†You’re super supportive of everyone and always ready to spring in with advice or a hug. It’s been really interesting to hear about Singapore, and you’re remarkably brave and not afraid to be who you are regardless of what others think/do.
Clare de Lune: You’re a great part of the community here. Thanks for coming to us when you need help and for helping others in kind. Don’t hesitate to post if you ever need us. Don’t let your mother get you down, and remember that if you ever need to escape for a while we’re all here for you. Reading your posts on R&R makes me smile, and I’m glad that you and your boyfriend are working out so splendidly.
Cskia: You care a lot about people and you do whatever you can to help them. You are also FABULOUS at art. I really mean that. As someone trying to improve at it, it’s really inspiring to see how well you draw/color. You deserve to be helping to teach that class you’ve mentioned a few times (if that’s still going on), and I’m sure everyone you help appreciates it. I hope we can meet someday so I can give you a proper Giant Space Squid Hug (there is some flailing involved in this but don’t be alarmed).
Dodecahedron: You are strong and brave and talented and a really admire you. You’ve been through worse times than I can probably imagine but instead of letting it get you down you reach out to others to try to help them. I don’t really post much but I’ve read almost everything you’ve written on the coping thread, and I (and many others) really appreciate it.
Ducky: Flutes unite! I haven’t seen you around much lately, but you’ve always been so sweet and kind. You have such a good heart, and you should never feel worthless or alone. We’re all here for you, and as you get older you’ll have more opportunities to meet people similar to you and who will care about you. Thanks for stopping by now and then.
Ebeth: LONG LIVE TEAM DREAMBATMAN! What can I say? You’re flamablamablous and love all the same things I do and you’re one of my wives. We should go to another concert soon. I need me some more metal music. Also I’m building an EDH deck and it’s going to beat you so hard. And remember, although you have Tim Minchin, Dream and Batman are MINE. Eat your wheatabix.
FantasyFan?!?!: I really enjoy reading all of your posts about Jordan and comparing it to here/college. It’s really interesting and I appreciate the viewpoint a lot. You’re intelligent and have this “wise†aspect to you (or at least that I imagine in your posts) that I really enjoy hearing[reading]. Your perspectives on things make me think, and you’re kind and funny to boot
Fireandhemlock1996: It’s been great to see you grow and share since you joined the blog. You’re almost always positive and upbeat and I love reading your poetry. You’re kind and funny and awesome. I know you went through a rough time recently and I hope things are looking up for you, and know that we’re here whenever you need us.
Groundhog: You have so many talents—from animation to stop motion to painting to digital painting to programming to stained glass and more. You’re mostly on Bunny Apocalypse, which I’m not really a part of, but it’s nice to see that you’re still active since you joined about the same time I did, since there’s not a lot of that group left.
JLynn: You haven’t been around for very long, but you’re clearly a muserly person. You’re into all the best things (Doctor Who! Firefly! Etc) and very bubbly and sweet. I’m glad I’ve gotten to know you over the past several weeks. And hey, us Magic-playing girls have to stick together
KaiYves: Your knowledge of space is truly inspiring. I love thinking about what’s out there and learning more, but you just know so much and it’s evident how much you care. I appreciate when you post little tidbits or remind us of anniversaries of events, and half my knowledge about shuttle takeoffs came from reading your posts. See you in the Hare & the Hedgepig for SPACE meetings!
Lizzie: You are an amazing musician and an incredible person. I’m really sad my ride was sick the day of your junior recital, but if you have one next year I will make him drive me anyway. You introduced me to Tim Minchin and were one of the 4 or 5 people who got me into Doctor Who, so it’s pretty fair to say you have great taste You’re fun to hang out with and I hope we can again sometime!
Midnight Fiddler: HELLO MY DARLING WIFE! Well, one of them But one of the ORIGINALS. Meeting you and Allegra was my first Kokonvention and I had an absolute blast, and getting to hang out with you over the summer was even better since it lasted like 8 times as long. You have such an obvious love for the sea and ships and music and history that I’m sure they’ll all work themselves into your life, no matter where you end up or what you’re doing, camera-buddy.
Muselover: You’ve been around for ages and I am glad for it! You like Sherlock and xkcd and are just as excited about The Hobbit as I am. You’re friendly and always have interesting things to say. You’ve grown a lot since you’ve been on here and it’s been a pleasure to see it.
Oxlin: You rock. So much. I love being able to talk to you about life and whatever happens across my mind, even though I’ve been super busy this past semester. Your writing is an inspiration, when I first was getting into it on the blog ages ago and still when you send it to me. You’re already published and I just know it’s only going to get better for you. I had such a great time when I came to visit you. We must polka and skip again sometime soon! ♥
POSOC: Captain Canix! Who led us on the Black-Footed Ferret, who rivaled me spectacularly in the Third Great Pie War, and who was the first to join me on my quest to becoming a Giant Space Squid. You’re witty and funny and I love reading everything you post and it almost always makes me smile. You like practically all the same things that I do (I think you may have been the one who got me into Discworld/Terry Pratchett, though I’m not 100% certain) and I wish we could hang out in the outside world because I know we’d get along so well. I have so many fond blog-memories of you. You are awesome.
Purple Panda: You are flamablamablous. You’re one of the first couple people I really got to know on Museblog, and I’m so glad we’ve been able to stay in touch since. Getting to hang out with you this summer was such a blast. I’m super happy that you got into poi and am excited to see what you produce with your DSLR, camera-buddy Thanks for keeping us updated on what all you’re doing. I admire your outdoorsyness and am happy to see how many opportunities you’re getting with it. I know times have been tough for you in the past but you’re always so positive, it’s really inspiring.
Rainbow*Storm: I remember when you first came to the blog mostly because you were very into warriors at the time, and I’d sort of just started growing out of being very into warriors. It makes me smile when you post, and smile even bigger when I see you’ve posted/embraced my “sleep is for the weak!†motto. You’re a wonderfully kind person.
Randomosity 101: Your posts are often funny and random, true to your name. You always have something good to say about people’s art/writing and are very upbeat and positive. You brighten everyone’s days with your posts. You’re friendly and supportive of people and it’s great to have you here.
Selenium the Quafflebird: I’m so glad you got into your first choice school. Applying for places is hard and stressful and I’m so happy it’s worked out so well for you. You’re always ready to help others and step in with a kind word. I hope you’ve had a fun/relaxing time in Vietnam this past week!
Small but fierce: You are an incredible person. You’re brave, and not afraid to stand up for yourself or others and I really admire that. I remember that you joined on my birthday and I just looked up what year it was and I can’t believe it was only ’09 because I feel like you’ve been around so much longer than that. Though I guess it is almost 2012 now. But you’re an amazing part of the blog and I hope you stick around for a long, long time.
Spudman: I know times are often hard for you, but they will get better. You’re strong for having gotten through what you have already, and I know you’ll be able to get through whatever life throws at you. Thank you for sticking around, and know that we all care about you a lot. We’re here if you ever need us.
Taiwan Hippo Fan: I’m so glad I got to meet you this summer. We have so much in common, and I loved being able to talk to you more. You’re not on the blog as often now, but when you do post it makes me happy, although half the time it also makes me drool since it’s often about whatever wonderful thing you’ve baked/cooked up. You’re so fun to hang around, and I hope that the ukulele is treating you well! You share my love for Vampyroteuthis Infernalis and care a lot about the world/environment politics, and I admire your knowledge of them.
Tesseract: You coined the term “fleet†for Giant Space Squids and were among the first people to be as enthusiastic about it as I was. You’re a caring person and you’re always ready to reply to posts with hugs and squids and whatever people need. Your posts are often really thoughtful and when they’re not they’re usually either funny or about various fandoms that I also support. Thanks for being around.
Vendaval: VENDY MY DARLING. You are one of the most wonderful people I know. You know SO MANY THINGS and so many of your posts have me laughing till my sides hurt. PINTLES AN GUDGEONS! You love language and boats and every time you post/we talk I feel like I learn something. You’re also wonderfully caring and compassionate, and I’m really glad to have you as a friend these last almost 5 years (mannn has it really been that long?).
Okay that is a lot, I’m going to stop there and finish later.
Jadestone, you are awesome and seem to have a gift for starting memes/blogwide obsessions. (Giant space squid, CAPSLOCK, and “sleep is for the weak”. All from the same person! How do you do it?) Also, I love your squid comics.
This made me really happy (and I can’t believe you remember the “fleet” thing!). Thanks, Jade. I’d write you a warm-fuzzy reply, but I’m planning on trying to do one of these monsterposts myself soon, so I’ll save it for that. Let’s leave it at you are awesome and thank you for being such a great part of MB!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!
You were kind of the first person I knew on the blog… not on a tangible level at first, but I’d read through old threads and think “I KNOW THAT PERSON.” (I think it was from the first Pie War?) And then I actually got into some conversations with you and realized “Hey, this person is genuinely pretty awesome and likes the things I like!” It makes me wish I was around in the legendary Olden Days of the blog.
Jade! You’re amazing! You are quite the trendsetter around the blog. Rock on!
Jade: <3 <3 <3 <3 I love you so much.
(Oh dear I appear to have written the same thing as AXA)
LOVE LOVE LOVE
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE
<3
SQUID
Jadestone, I love you love you love you love you and you are so so sooo inspiring and I’m already flailing and I want to hug something or someone (which would probably end up being the plushie on my bed) and squids squids squids oh gosh I love you so much
and yes, a Kokon would be awesome… if not a Kokon, then hey, we’ll meet amongst the stars
A day or so ago, I learned that my pupils are slightly different sizes. Not so different you could see it in a hello! or a glance in a mirror, but different enough that a nurse at Boulder County’s Community Hospital became concerned. Then, I failed the doctor’s “squeeze my fingers in your fists” test.
“Nothing concentrates the mind more than reading about oneself in the past tense.”
Christopher Hitchens
Luckily, my distal interphalangeal joints are non-functioning, and my baseline pupil sizes are abnormal – not indicative of any neurological damage. I was brought into the ER after experiencing the worst physical pain of my life; a sudden and completely debilitating pinprick stinging sensation so vivid it burned into my skull from under my skin, then crushed my head in spasms of pressure. My brain was mercifully either unable or unwilling to record the worst of the pain as memories so all I have to go on are the harrowing accounts later given by my family. (As an aside, it may perhaps be worse to see someone in torment than to actually experience it- the mind has the wonderful ability to decide when enough is enough.) The rest of the night is a blur of IVs being inserted and CAT scans whirring with pain ebbing and flowing, but nothing going truly wrong. It seems that I experienced an atypical migraine perhaps triggered by altitude changes and dehydration. Nothing life-threatening, but still very unusual; the brain scan came back totally fine, but also without explanation. As you can imagine, I’ve lived the past few days in an especially ponderous mood.
“On every world, wherever people are, in the deepest part of the winter, at the exact mid-point, everybody stops and turns and hugs. As if to say, “Well done. Well done, everyone! We’re halfway out of the dark.”
Kazran Sardick, Doctor Who
I love all of you.
For the past 5 years (a quarter of my life!), I have been so very lucky to know The Blog. Yes, that means you: the RRR writer, creator of worlds, and you, the conversationalist whose comments brighten my day, and those who no longer post but are still remembered, and even you, young lurker who hasn’t yet joined. The Blog is a haven, a home, a habitat; a patronus and patron, parent and protégé. We’re stronger than the sum of our parts, our whole is a blinding sight to behold. I draw on you daily for courage and wisdom, and swell to know that I can contribute, to buoy others along.
But I’m as susceptible to swings in emotion and paralyzing doubts as any of you. (Less so now, thanks to things like Dodecahedron’s advice in Coping.) So if you only take one thing away from this rather long reflection, please let it be that I am better because you exist. And while I normally feel presumptuous speaking for others, I can assure you without a doubt that I’m far from the only one improved by your presence.
I love you, well done! Let’s continue out of the dark.
i am never going to stop telling you how happy/relieved/grateful i am that you are okay, because i am and you are the best. this is a wonderful post and i agree with everything in it. i wish i could be more eloquent about this but i’m not so i will just say i am so incredibly and inexpressibly (this is redundant) happy to know you (and everyone for that matter!!!)
i think what neil degrasse tyson recently said is very apt here:
“As 2011 draws to a close, I remind us all that in life and in the universe, it is always best to keep looking up.”
0.o
You are okay. This makes me very happy. I was quite worried for a minute there. I’ve never really spoken to you or got to know you, but I can change that.
How are you right now? Are you feeling ok? Drink water, please. Lots. What’s your favorite color? Most inspirational Museblogger? What color are your eyes?
Again, I’m really glad you’re alright. Please continue to be.
Oh wow I’m really glad you’re okay. Migraines are the worst thing ever. You should consider getting some sort of rescue meds to keep on hand in case this ever happens again… when I get migraines ibuprofen/etc doesn’t do anything to help, but the prescription I have now (zomig) is a lifesaver for me. It sounds like migraines aren’t a regular thing for you but having something on hand that you know could help if it happens again is always a relief.
I’m really glad you’re okay and that it looks like nothing’s wrong. You’re wonderful and I’m so glad I know you.
Castle- Thanks for your concern! I’ve been drinking more water than feels healthy, on doctor’s orders, and am finally back at sea level now where the air is thick and damp. I’m feeling much better, my favorite color of the moment is tea green, axa is so inspirational I’m not entirely convinced she’s a real person but maybe some sort of super computer’s a.i. that got bored with Turing tests and is now trying to make the NYT best sellers list, and my eyes are hazel! I look forward to getting to know you more, I’m sure I’ll see you around.
Jade- I hope this never does happen again! The doctor mentioned medication, but said that if they’re not chronic then meds aren’t prescribed; it would be better to figure out what the triggers are and avoid those at all costs. (Dehydration and sudden altitude changes are the only applicable triggers I could figure out.) Ibuprofen helped me, but it was a large dose given intravenously. (The nurse said “straight to the brain!”) My father got them chronically and medication didn’t help but then he stopped taking multivitamins and they’re rare, sooooo… I guess I should stop taking multivitamins?
Also, ZOMIG is possibly the best pharmaceutical name ever.
Oh my. I’m so glad you’re okay.
Thank you so much for being okay, and thank you so much for posting this, and thank you so much for being here.
I haven’t posted nearly enough in this thread.
Why?
Because you probably don’t know how much you’ve done for me. The best way, I think, to understand this, is to look at where I would be without you.
Before I came to the blog, I disliked most of my IRL friends. I wanted to leave them, to find a new group of friends. I wanted, essentially, to be “cool”. I know- it sounds weird saying it, even now. But I really wanted that. And I knew, that if I left my IRL friends, they’d fall apart. There were between 3-4 of us at our lunch table, and I only vaguely enjoyed the company of one of them. I found the others hyperactive, childish, or annoying.
And then the blog arrived in my life, over two years ago now. And by interacting with people on the blog, I learned that being crazy, embracing your inner child, and having an odd sense of humor are the most important things in life. I made friends here, wrote stories, shared problems, hopes, loves, fears, and secrets. I became a different person, no longer a know-it-all. I learned the secrets of how to interact with interesting people, and now I fully intend to spend the rest of my days with interesting people. I found out who I was, and who my real friends were, the 3-4 of us at our small lunch table. And with them, I’ve found other people to love and know in High School, people I can understand and who understand me. After nearly abandoning the people who are now my best friends, I can go out in public with them and not feel ashamed, even when we’re pretending to be time travelers. I can explain math to people without thinking they’re stupid. Through MuseBlog, I’ve learned people. I understand myself, the feelings I started having 4 years ago about other guys, and that I am who I am and nothing can ever, or should ever, change that.
Without you guys, this would not be possible. If I had not followed that link on the Muse homepage, and stayed within the safety of that site, I would have left my friends entirely, and then realized I didn’t fit in with the group I was trying to join. I would have been friendless, unwilling to go back, but unaccepted. I would probably be depressed now- I battled with something almost like it, sustained periods of “NOBODY LOVES ME” and breaking down crying in the cafeteria when there was nobody I liked who had my lunch. I might even be dead. I would certainly be lying to myself about how I feel, romancewise. I would never have read Terry Prachett, Diana Wynne Jones, xkcd, Homestuck and many more. I would never have watched Doctor Who, Sherlock, or grown into my obsession with British culture. I would not have become the fencer I am today, or the artist, or the musician. I would never have experienced the wonder of astronomy, or the comfort in the knowledge that truth exists. I would not understand the amazingness that is real happiness.
And most importantly, I wouldn’t know you. I wouldn’t have anybody that wouldn’t judge me, that would encourage me when my world breaks down, because many times, it has been so close to breaking past that dark boundary, out of the light, and into the dark.
But I still feel that I’m in the dark- I still get the urges to strive socially, the occaisional bias or prejudice, the same dislike for people. But I am so much farther than I would be without you.
So thank you. Every post that I have read, every reply I’ve made, every comment in an RRR or moderation by GAPAs, every blog breakdown, every image embeded in the Visual Arts thread, every neophyte, everything. I thank you for my happiness now.
Even though I know that I will be sad later.
Especially because I know that I will be sad later. Because then you can pull me out the of pit of despair I’ve come close to visiting far too often.
Thank you, everyone, for being here.
Thank you, GAPAs for allowing it to continue.
Thank you, Robert and Roseanne, for creating it.
Thank you, Rebecca, for your brilliant art.
Thank you, Paul, for you spontaneity.
Thank you, MuseBloggers for never letting us die.
Thank you, Cat’s Eye, for your inspiration.
Thank you, F+H, for your continued understanding and contact.
Thank you, everyone I haven’t listed, for your special skill or trait- be it oboe, saxophone, sea shanties, marker drawings, SSSSs, acting, writing, humor, image manipulation, painting, sculpture, or compassion.
Thank you, goodwill to all, and to all GOOD NIGHT!
((and a happy new year! this post let a lot of weight of my back. Apparently people see me as cheerful? This is a very strange phenomenon for me. It must be studied further.
Cookies and milk (or whatever you prefer if you’re lactose intolerant like me) if you read all of that!))
Enc, it is I who should thank you. For putting up with my random ramblings and being my twin and helping me to understand myself, for being there to make me laugh when I thought I would cry, for introducing me to Doctor Who and Chameleon Circuit and Phil Ochs, for being yourself. I’m a better person today because I’ve grown up with MuseBlog, but even more so because I’ve known you. You are the one person in the universe who is so much like me that it’s scary, and it seems as through each time we talk about anything we end up finding another scary similarity. ((For example… you’re lactose intolerant? O.O))
So thank you, for putting up with me this long.
=^-^=
*huggle* Thank you for existing.
*takes some cookies and some milk gratefully*
I love you, Enc, love you so much. You’re just awesome. Period.
Enc, I’m just glad I’m here to hang out with you, you’re a wonderful and intelligent individual!
<3 to MB All the <3!
Ahhh, all these lovely, heartfelt posts…
Excuse me, I just read like three of them and my eyes are actually tearing up. Oh, the emotion.
I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AND EXCUSE MY SCREAMING BUT REALLY
I would not be me if not for you. All of you.
So, today’s my third blogiversary. I’m crying. I love you guys so much. There are so many things I could say right now, but it really just boils down to I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH Y’ALL ARE MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN THE UNIVERSE AHH WATER IS BEING RELEASED FROM MY EYES
…that’s all.
I think that the reason that I haven’t posted here enough is I’m scared that words just can’t express what I want to tell you all, and I don’t know how I can tell all of you individually how grateful I am to each and every one of you, which is, I guess, in a pathetic and not very expressive way: I love you all so much. Thank you so much for MuseBlog, all of you.
David Tennant’s last video diary from Doctor Who. With him saying goodbye to the cast and crew.
Merp. I need some warm fuzzies right now but I feel self-conscious asking for them.
*gives many warm fuzzy squids* I hope that helps.
I really like your username for one thing. I love to hear from you! You are so supportive of other musebloggers, too. You are a very friendly but very fierce person. You are defensive of your friends, an admirable thing.
<3 and squids,
Oxlin
I know this is just one small thing (out of many), but that story of yours from last year is absolutely incredible. I don’t think you understand how much I love it or how many times I’ve read it. You are immensely, incredibly gifted with words and I admire you for it very much. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. Thank you for being part of the blog, for always returning, for your advice and your wit and your presence.
So I guess I’ll ask for some warm fuzzies. #sociallyawkwardsquid
MORE? You terrible, terrible – *SPLAT*
Warm fuzzies you need? WARM FUZZIES GET.
You are a generally lovely person. You’re intelligent, funny, silly and fantastically dorky. Your posts make me smile, almost always. You’re great to be around and you contribute awesomely to the community here, your posts in addition to being funny are usually adorable and make me squee, and you’re always willing to talk about anything at all. I can’t believe you’ve been here three whole years already.
“Seems like only yesterday you walked through these doors…”
THREE *YEARS*. Maybe it was the 8-month hiatus I went on, but it doesn’t feel like three years. I’m glad it is, though, because you’re a great person who will hopefully be here for a very long time.
Fall maul squall d’awwwl.
Oops – I asked for the warm fuzzies before anybody posted on my other warm fuzzies post (because my other warm fuzzies post wasn’t directly asking for warm fuzzies.)
…did I mention I love you?
You also have THE BEST AND MOSTE FITTING avatar EVER.
YOU HAVE THE BEST SPELLING OF MOSTE IN THE UNIVERSE
WELL THAT’S BECAUSE MOSTE OF THE UNIVERSE AIN’T ME
SBF, fiancee dear, you’re honestly one of the funniest people I know. You’re just so smart and flammy and awesome and you make me laugh and so fantastic and I am so honored to know you and when will the wedding be? and squid. You’re also admirable and brave and you’re small and fierce and creative and lovable and witty and oh no I’m being overwhelmed by an avalanche of adjectives save me
Can we have a double wedding? I’m still engaged to JLynn, remember.
That would open up a tangled and polygamous web…to quote The Addams Family, “it’s a deep dark hole and you don’t want to go there.”
…in other words, I’m all for it.
“Open up”? So the current ‘Bloggian series of marriages and engagements isn’t tangled and polygamous?
What my fiancee said.
SBF, you’re amazing. It’s been said before, but your name suits you. You stand up and face terrors that would make me hide under my bed in fright. You never ignore a problem: you get up and solve it. You’re probably one of the bravest people I know.
And you’re awesome! You’re funny and Muserly and you threw the first squid!
*giant hug* Thank you so much for being here on MuseBlog.
The International Space Station. Over a dozen countries, several of which have been at war with each other at some point, collaborating For Science IN SPACE.
Hear, hear!
I’m curious to know what you all think of me, but I don’t want to come across as attention seeking and stuff. But then again, you’re reading this, and therefore I am.
Well, you’re hilarious. And sweet. And awesome. And awesome. And awesome. Did I mention awesome yet?
Seriously, your posts are so filled with vigor and humor and wit and gosh you’re so smart and good-natured and did I mention awesome?
…that felt REALLY good.
*loads anti-ego inflation pie launcher, just in case*
Also, you know so many internet memes, and you like Portal and Firefly, and you’re funny and awesome.
Um… awesome? Helpful? Hilarious? Sweet? Witty?
All of the above, and then some.
I love *all* your faces. Seriously.
You haven’t seen *any* of our faces–as far as I know, anyway. You certainly haven’t seen all of them.
…I use the term “face” casually.
Eternal thank you’s and warm fuzzies to whoever recommended Homestuck and “Dumbledore’s Army and the Year of Darkness”. (I think Cat’s Eye and Jadestone were two who did.) The former is hilarious in all its convoluted twists and turns (I am nowhere near done), and the latter has given me an entirely new appreciation for Neville and all of the incredible “secondary” characters in the Harry Potter series. I’ve now recommended it to all of my HP-crazed friends, so thank you for infecting a new population with knowledge of this amazing story. I can always trust MuseBloggers for good recommendations!
I’ve been reading the latter on my phone. Is very entertaining.
I now cannot stop reading Dumbledore’s Army and the Year of Darkness and I’ve got exams next week. I don’t know whether to thank you or be annoyed! In all seriousness, though, thanks for the recommendation! (I would have found other ways to procrastinate anyway. :P)
Noodles! Guys! Guess what today is! It’s my blogiversary!
A year ago today, I, having finally figured out how blogforumthingies work, ventured onto the mysterious, wonderful, flamablamulous MuseBlog to see what adventures might await me there.
I had often before visited the ‘blog, but having no knowledge of how blog-forum-things were supposed to function and not knowing where the comment section was, I was a bit scared. Scrolling down, all I could see were different ‘threads’, the H+H (how did that even function? my young mind wondered) and chess games. I tried to sign in or create an account, hoping that it would make slightly more sense to someone logged in, but when it brought me to a new page with the cryptic phrase “WordPress”, I had quickly shied away and clicked my way back to the safety of the homepage of Muse, my favorite magazine in the universe.
A few years and a bit more Internet knowledge later, I remembered the MuseBlog and thought I’d try it out: see if it made any more sense. And it did. I posted a comment on “Who’s Here”, hoping to be added to the list. The first word I ever posted on MB was “Noodles”, the word for “Hello” in a language my friends and I had developed. POSOC welcomed me and redirected me to the “Welcome, Neophytes!” thread, although I never actually posted there.
Gradually, I began to assimilate into MB society. I joined an RPG and after a rocky start (I roleplayed someone else’s character, not realizing I had to make my own) began to enjoy them. I made friends with all of you. When sad things happened, I learned to comfort people. I saw the rise of squids. You all were a new community, a place for me to safely confide in my Paperclip troubles. If not for MB, I never would have discovered Doctor Who. I never would have started reading Discworld. In short, I am a better person because of all of you.
It’s been one heck of a year, MuseBlog. I hope for many more.
Happy happy happy blogiversary, Agent Lightning! I’ve loved having you here on the ‘Blog and here’s to many more years of that flamminess in the future! :]
Also, to commemorate your blogiversary, you are at position number FORTY-TWO on the Who’s Posted How Much list! Congratulations!
Thank you! Now I’m afraid to post anything, but that is very serendipitous!
Not quite sure if this belongs in Warm Fuzzies, but I feel like it does.
I was just baking a cake for my Dad’s birthday, and it occurred to me how absolutely wonderful it would be to bake a cake at my house with MuseBloggers.
We would eat about half the cake batter, of course, and it would be delicious. And Kai or Choklit or somebody would know some secret ingredient to add, like chocolate chips or banana pudding or something, that would make it absolutely delicious.
And I’m sure somebody would try to make us follow the recipe but it wouldn’t exactly work; it would be more like, “Hey, have we added two eggs already or just one?†“I thought we added three!†“We weren’t supposed to add eggs yet, we haven’t put in the vanilla!†“There is no vanilla in this recipe!â€
And ZNZ would put on the Les Mis soundtrack because of course how can you possibly bake a cake if you’re not simultaneously listening to Les Miserables? Perish the thought. And Castle would play us a song on his guitar, and everyone would be running around screaming at how cute he and JLynn were, and we would make Agent Lightning write us a story or something, and everyone with talent would do absolutely everything?
And the sheer number of “oh, cake†puns that would be made when we spilled the cake batter all over the floor would be ridiculous. And Enc and Robert would probably end up being the ones to clean it up, because the rest of us would be in the living room watching Doctor Who already, and Master Paul would just be hanging out in my kitchen, sipping tea and being really amused at all of us silly Americans.
Speaking of which, we would most likely all pile Piggy with one-dollar bills and send him out to the café around the corner to buy us tea and coffee and hot chocolate and lemonade and scones and cinnamon rolls. And he would come back all laden down with goodies, and we would be crying too hard at the ending of Season Two to eat them.
So then there would be frosting. And of course *Cskia and Jadestone and probably Rebecca would draw a squid on, like, everything, and then so would everybody else, so ultimately with all the decorations there would probably be more frosting than actual cake, so we would have to pile on strawberries and bananas and gummy bears and gummy worms and candies to balance out the flavors, right? Right!
And then we would eat it right away, and obviously we would be too hyped up on sugar and mouth-burning to go home from there, so we would all sleep over and watch Disney movies late into the night.
So. You are all invited to my house to bake a cake and watch Doctor Who and Disney movies.
Yeah.
We should do this, and I am not even joking. Like, at a Kokonvention. For real.
Except Randomosity doesn’t like Disney…
Surely no one can resist the urge to sing along to “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.”
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
TO DEFEAT
THE HUNS
DID THEY SEND ME DAUGHTERS
WHEN I ASKED FOR SONS?
YOU’RE A SPINELESS, PALE, PATHETIC LOT
Oops, wrong verse. DISREGARD.
AND YOU’RE FULL OF FLUFFY MARMOSOT
Wait. No. Yes?
YOU’RE THE SADDEST BUNCH I’VE EVER MET
BUT YOU CAN BET BEFORE WE’RE THROUGH
MISTER I”LL MAKE A MAN OUT OF YOU
MUST BE AS SWIFT AS THE COURSING RIVER
AND I’LL SEE YOU ON THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
We’re doing this.
What Chok said. oh I love you guys us so much
^This comment is awkward when it is preceded in the Recent Comments bar by “YOU’RE A SPINELESS, PALE, PATHETIC LOT.”
RECENT COMMENTS GAME THREAD
Reading this made me realize how much you guys mean to me. I feel closer to most of you than almost all of my off-blog friends.
Let’s have this party.
Thank you. That is an awesome idea.
I can tell you, I’ve baked muser cakes, once with Nym and once with Adelie, and there is nothing quite like it.
That cake was….interesting…..
And you missed the terror of the bright pink Dalek with red vines, which Adelie can tell you ALL about…
There’s a picture of us all covered in blue frosting in our photo album from the TARDIS one, actually.
A couple weeks later I tried to make a TARDIS cake that was vertical (well, standing up like the real TARDIS) but it fell down when I tried to frost it.
I made a TARDIS gingerbread house from scratch.
…I remember that.
It was… a melted dalek.
It was beautiful.
But dribbly.
Wait. When did you Kokon? You haven’t been here all that long, right? I am missing something critical.
This was a non-Muse related event. D:
Meeting at a non-Muse related event is still a Kokon if it takes place between two MuseBloggers.
I’d just eat the batter
In all seriousness, please, please can we do this?
People will ask me what I did with my teen years. I will tell them: “I made cake. With people I met off the Internet.”
All of us silly Americans? What about me, then?
This is seriously amazing, though. We absolutely NEED to do this! Wonderful idea, Cat’s Eye!
DRAW SQUID EVERYWHERE
FROSTING FACE TATTOOS FOR EVERYONE
WE MUST DO THIS.
I am so glad I found this place. Too glad to express with words.
My mom just found a bunch of old Muse issues! I used to have a complete three-year archive, but I’m happy that we at least have some left. Some of the most important ones to me are November/December 2006 (first ever), February 2007 (first mention of MuseBlog; incorrectly stated as the previous issue earlier on this thread), April 2007 (the much-maligned origami issue, which I loved because origami was my passion for several years), and November/December 2009 (first and last time I’ve gotten a letter published).
Such memories.
I’ve got 63 sitting here in my room, plus probably about 15 floating around in my house. If I recall correctly, my favorites were Sep. ’07 (plants?) and the food styling one, and that other one that I’m forgetting.
Much-maligned?! I loved that issue!
I saw the dragon on a library shelf and thought it looked interesting. I checked out the issue. I found it pleasing and began to read through the library’s Muse archives. I… I shudder to think what would have happened without that origami dragon.
I feel bad for asking, but I could really use some warm fuzzies right now.
You’re gorgeous, if I remember correctly from the pictures from the Kokon way back when. (AND I HAVE A GOOD MEMORY.)
I didn’t see this post earlier, but I hope you’re still prepared to accept sincere praise.
I literally love you, and I don’t say that lightly. You’re compassionate, intelligent, honest, and thoughtful. When we Kokonvened (after that brief little awkwardness at the start!) we couldn’t stop talking and enjoying ourselves, and I at least was having the time of my life. I think you’re a kindred spirit who has, for some reason, been far away in North Carolina all my life. Also, Starr’s right – you’re beautiful. Let me know if you ever need to be reminded that you’re one of the people in the world that I would most like to spend more time with. Where’s our MuseBlog summer camp, anyways??
You’re awesome and a great musician. You’re very intelligent and you are a great member of the MB community. You’ve always been there for everyone and I’m glad you’re here and thank you for being here. Never, ever, ever think badly of yourself because you are awesome. We really, really, really need to Kokon.
101 (Tess)~ You’re brilliant, caring, interesting, funny, personable, clever and lovely. It was an absolute joy to meet you in person (way too long ago), and at some point we should Kokonvene again. I think you’re absolutely spiffy.
Okay, here we go.
Hello, it’s me, LBK. I haven’t posted in awhile as LBK. I’ve been posting as NNP because I’m a spineless chicken who can’t own up to her mistakes. Don’t bother denying it, I am. But that’s okay. Moving on.
I am really, really, really, really, really and truly sorry for what I said on 9/11. It was thoughtless and racist and I should have not pressed the post button. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve posted stupid cake like that. If I had a time machine, I would go back and delete that post forever. But I can’t. So I have to own it.
I would trust any and all of you with my life (which probably goes to show how naive and stupid I am). And, I’m just really sorry. You guys are my best online friends I have, and I wouldn’t be able to stand myself if I knew one of you was upset because of me. So just know that I didn’t mean it. Any of it. I’m just a paranoid gutless coward that happens to be on the best blog in the Universe.
I’m going to press post now, before I chicken out.
*braces self for non-forgiveness* *hugs pillowpet*
I had no memory of you saying that, but I think I found what you were referencing. Was what you said racist? Well, technically, maybe so. But it was something you felt very conflicted about, and you were trying to be honest about it, and that in itself is admirable. What is MuseBlog supposed to do, if not help you grow and become a better person?
Oh, no… It’s alright; it really is! You aren’t a coward. Please, I’m not denying anything; I really genuinely do not think that you are a “spineless chicken.” I don’t know if my opinion on the subject will matter much to you, but just please keep in mind that that’s what I think.
What you said… well, yes, it was rather inconsiderate. But that was months ago. We all say things we don’t mean sometimes. Of course, we all need to be careful about what we say and try not to, but when we do make those mistakes… that doesn’t mean we’re awful. You definitely are not. You are a wonderful, kind, intelligent person who deserves to be “on the best blog in the Universe” as much as anyone else here. I will accept you and care about you no matter what and am confident that everyone else here will do the same. We’re here for you.
It was, in fact, quite brave of you to tell us all this even though you clearly didn’t expect to be warmly received. That isn’t easy, and I admire that you were willing to let us know. You’re a really amazing, wonderful person, as I’ve said, and I’m sorry you don’t seem to realize that at the moment, but it’s really true. I’m sure many other people will soon come and confirm this. I’m… not very good at writing posts like this, but I hope it comes out alright… Just know that we still love you as we always did, and you can always count on our support.
Hey. Hey. Calm down.
What you said was honest. It showed your feeling on the subject and although you’ve taken that feeling back, it’s still yours. I think pressing that post button was a tremendous act of courage on your part, and that however you felt about it, no one even responded to it. That’s comforting, right?
We’re really glad to have you back, LBK. *huggles*
(And incidentally, I had no idea you were NNP. I think you fooled all of us there.)
LBK, we’ve missed you! (okay, well, you’ve been here. But we didn’t know you were you, if you see what I mean.)
Anyway. I don’t recall what you said on 9/11 in the slightest, and I’m not going to go searching for it. For the record, though, I think I would have remembered if you’d said something to terribly awful. You’re not a coward. You faced up to yourself very bravely. And I would trust you with my life too, in a heartbeat. Please stay.
“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.” -Albus Dumbledore, font of all knowledge.
You said stuff about 9/11?
Missed it. Anyway, hi! I wondered who NNP was.
Hey, LBK! I’ve missed seeing your name around here. Like CO, I have absolutely no memory of you saying anything racist. But regardless of that, the fact that you’re apologizing and owning up to it so many months later shows that you grew a lot for it (which, after all, is one of the wonderful things that MB helps us to do). Of course we forgive you, and still think you’re brave, and still trust you.
(By the way, I didn’t remember it, either; I had to look up what you were talking about).
*breaks down sobbing* *pulls self together*
Thanks everyone.
Hi, please never worry about this sort of silliness again because we’re nice people and we don’t judge others based on what pops out of their mouths because we do it often enough too so yeah I’m out of breath.
Case in point. We could all be berating Castle for that run-on sentence, but we’re all nice enough to not even care.
Stay with us, LBK! We love having you around.
Fiddler, Starr, Meow – Thanks so much. I love you guys. ♥
Seeing how many Tweets are tagged with #HailColumbia today… :’-)
It’s sad to think about. Good thing I have a lot of work to distract me.
You might want to explain the reference to other MBers.
Surely most MBers would remember it, wouldn’t they? No one here is that young, are they? I remember just staring at the sky that weekend. There weren’t any clouds, so the pale blue just seemed empty, void.
It was nine years ago. That’s a long time for some MBers.
On the bright side, February 20 will mark 50 years since John Glenn’s first flight — which I remember.
Yeah, nine years ago I was four.
Me, too, and a few people here are younger than we are. I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Space Shuttle Columbia broke broke up on re-entry on February 1st, 2003. All of the crew members were killed.
en . wikipedia . org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Columbia_disaster — The shuttle disaster. Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas and Louisiana when it re-entered the atmosphere.
The link is to the Wikipedia article. If that gets zapped it’s fairly easy to Google.
There are plenty of adults who don’t remember. It was a busy news year.
Yeah, I remember being super shocked, because I was pretty interested in space stuff back then. I mean, more than I am now, so I actually followed a couple of the missions. I was in fourth grade.
I didn’t think that kind of thing happened anymore. The Monday after, my fourth grade teacher gathered us around and told us about the Challenger disaster. She had actually personally known Crista McAuliffe, one of the astronauts. Those were sad times.
Actuall, Crista McAuliffe wasn’t even an astronaut, she was a civilian, a teacher. See, I don’t know much about the space program now. But my fourth grade teacher knew her from teacher-y things. I think.
This is complicated. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “astronaut” as “a person who travels beyond the Earth’s atmosphere; also, a trainee for spaceflight”. However, to officially receive astronaut wings, a person has to have flown higher than 62 miles/100 km, the most widely-accepted definition of the boundary of space.
Individuals who have been selected by a space agency to fly in space but have not yet done so are called astronauts as a job title, because the agency has to call them something and it’s expected that they will become astronauts by the first definition relatively soon.
This is sort of like how some sources referred to Barack Obama as “President Obama” after he was elected but before he was inaugurated, even though he wasn’t president until he took the oath of office. The correct term in that case was “president-elect”, but there sadly isn’t a corresponding term with astronauts.
So we have three definitions here, in order from most to least stringent:
1) Someone who has flown past the boundary of space.
2) Someone who has been trained for spaceflight and is employed by a space agency with the job title “astronaut”.
3) Someone who has been trained for spaceflight.
Christa McAuliffe was an astronaut by definition 3), but not 1) or 2), so I consider her to be one. To please everyone, though, the first teacher to become an astronaut by all three definitions is Barbara Morgan.
Also, I’ve seen the term “pre-astronaut” to describe near-space balloonists pre-Gagarin, which I rather I like.
Yeah. Listening to NPR and tearing up.
Listening to Lost in the Blue in memory.
I remember Columbia clearly. My family was on our way back from a vacation and we got really curious why all the flags were at half mast. I remember being rather horrified and sad when I found out why.
I just want to say how amazing MuseBlog is. Here I know that nobody will judge me, and even if you do I will probably never meet you so there. Here is where I write my thoughts at 4:30 am. Here is where I first learned about Doctor Who, and David Tennant is definitely my first Doctor, just because I saw Luna and everyone else squeeing over him while he was still on air.
Although, I must admit, I am a bit sad that I missed all the RRRs. Just by a hair, too… MuseBlog goes through so many phases!
As my fouth ‘Blogeversary approaches, I would like to thank you all for being there during high school, and look forward to many happy years in college.
Thank you to all of you who sent me birthday wishes on the monthly thread. Seeing them made me very happy indeed.
Jadestone, I feel like I should tell you that the first few lines of your poem about the queen of broken things (It didn’t have a name, but it’s post 176 of this thread: https://musefanpage.com/blog/?p=8338) have been haunting me for the past few months, causing me to compulsively search through any threads I thought you might have posted it on. You are a wonderful poet.
Ahh that made my day I’m so glad you like them! I should really post more of the things I write on here.
I’ve just finished reading through this whole thread and crying.
I love all of you so much.
We love you too. *hugs*
So this last Wednesday I was talking to my therapist about compassion. As y’all probably can tell, I’m a pretty emotional person, and all of that’s tied up with how much I care about other people. When the earthquake in Japan happened, I had to go to the bathroom in the middle of class and cry for half an hour, even though I didn’t know anyone affected by it. The thing is, though, I don’t show that to people. Not ever. There’s a part of me, I guess, that knows that if people know you care about something, it’s easier for them to hurt you.
So, Choklit and Cskia. Today with you two, somewhere between Pier 39 and the time traveling in Coldstone Creamery, it struck me that I didn’t have to be afraid around you. I didn’t have to watch what I said, worry about if I looked stupid, doublecheck my actions to make sure I was fitting in. I didn’t have to laugh off things that bothered me. I didn’t have to pretend I didn’t care to protect myself. I could show on the outside what I was feeling on the inside. I could care about things. I could care about people. I could care about you.
I can be myself around you guys. Do you know how rarely that happens? That there are people in the world who are so kind, so accepting, so full of joy and love for life that it’s possible to be yourself around them? That’s not something you find on any street corner. It’s something rare, and beautiful. You are rare, and beautiful.
Let’s do it again, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, and whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friends.
Love. So much love. *ginormous squid huggle*
Oh, Cat’s Eye. ♥
Dear Cat’s Eye, I know how you feel. An epiphany like that changed the course of my life. Realizing that there are people out there – MuseBloggers, and others too – who accept and love you for being you in exactly the way you describe. It can be hard to find those people, but just knowing that they’re out there was like a sunrise in my life. Afterwards, it became easier to see the light in humankind in general.
Of course, for people like MuseBloggers, the light was there all along.
I’m lounging around in my room doing anything but homework, and I realize something.
I can’t imagine life without you guys. It just doesn’t work for me.
I can’t remember life without MuseBlog.
I mean, well, okay, I can recall certain events from before I’ve been here. I can remember playing with blocks as a little kid in preschool, going to school in Beijing, playing tag with the boys in fifth grade. But it’s not quite a full memory. I can’t remember how I got through the years without knowing about the world out there, online, offline, communities, people, humanity.
Without you guys, I can’t think what I might be like right now. Would I have found people with more or less similar values as I do, with great ideas they are not afraid to share, with amazing compassion towards just about everyone? I might be texting chatspeak all day long, might be fussing over trivial things that aren’t philosophical or truly meaningful.
I look back and realize that a lot of who I am today is because some beautiful twist of fate brought me here, to the glorious MuseBlog, although I was merely a random middle schooler who had never seen Muse or read any magazine until introduced to the magazine section of a school library. If it was luck, well, that has got to be the best accident so far for me and I love you guys. If it’s more than luck, I am a fortunate person and I love you guys.
This Blog makes us us, but that is because we make this Blog this Blog. We’ve done well with it as it has done well with us all.
One thing I really like about MB is the way it’s set up. I don’t know why, but whenever I go on any other websites it overwhelms me, with the sheer amount of postings and people and the speed of the blog. One reason I keep coming back to MuseBlog is the slowness, and most importantly the interconnectedness. With other sites, you can join a group and it’s like a whole other community, and there are so many people you can’t know them all. Here, we have one big group and it’s so small I feel like I’ve gotten to know each and every one of you personally. And I feel like that’s something you can’t find anywhere else on the Internet.
I know just what you mean. I almost never visit forums that aren’t like that–which of course doesn’t leave me with many options, but I don’t regret it.
Maybe we should shorten our tag line to “Not for everybody.”
I keep getting email from search-engine-optimization services who think I want to make MuseBlog easy to find and irresistibly attractive to millions of people. Au contraire.
We’re not just non-mainstream, we’re anti-mainstream. We were elitist on the internet before it was cool to be elitist on the internet. Only instead of wealth we value spelling and grammar.
“We are the 1%”?
No, it’s like TerraTopia- “Only the dreams of a few can open the door, but many shall gain from their passage.”
More like the 0.000001429%.
…because, you know, 7 billion people, maybe a hundred Musebloggers…
We’re the REALLY privileged.
I really know what you mean. I go on another forum and no one is known except for the very, very old people who have more posts than Alice does on here. It’s very impersonal. That can be good because it is sure to have changed every time you visit, but I prefer the pace and familiarity of MB. By the way, Robert, just out of curiosity, what search engines have contacted you?
Not search engines, but we regularly get email from “consultants” offering to “optimize” our site. I just delete it.
I believe it was Mimi who said something like how a pair of “”s can make something seem so “!”
I totally agree with you AL(that’s your nickname, right?): most of the other sites I go on, I only know two or three people and not very well. Here, I know pretty much everyone and not a lot of people leave. It’s nice.
Speaking of Mimi, we haven’t had a Muse sighting in a while. I believe the last one was Feather; which thread was that again?
It was “Just for the Record,” announcing… was it National Donut Day? A thread about a day commemorating donuts, I know that.
(LBK: Yes, that is my nickname. And I’m glad somebody else shares that feeling!)
It’s a little ironic how I’m saying how close we all are, and I don’t know your nickname.
Ah well, I still like all of you.
I feel like there’s a cloud of sorrow looming over MuseBlog. I’m going to type up major parts of the presentation I’m going to make tomorrow, because you guys are so important to me.
*stands up*
*takes a deep breath*
My favorite quote of all time is this one by the Cheshire cat: “We are all mad here.”
So consider me mad when I say, I am a giant squid. Because, this is my creed.
*unveils 8-meter-long poster of a squid*
Why I am a squid is a story I am honored to be able to tell. It is a story of how many influences have come together to create an individual: me.
Before I begin telling that story, I would like to ask Swalot to come here and help me handle the squid.
*straightens out squid with Swalot*
Thank you. All right. As you can see, there are certain planets and their satellites entangled in the tentacles of this squid. So, this is not a model of a giant sea squid but a miniscule image of a giant space squid.
A giant space squid is what I am.
I stand for the power of the mind and heart, merged to become one whole, able to be called one individual. I stand for this unity of imagination and dreaming, this oneness of thought and feeling, because for me, they’ve really been a single thing all along.
A squid is a beautiful creature. It is graceful, rather exotic, free-flowing and liberal in its habitat. As a typical squid is comfortable in its underwater domain, so do giant space squids wander curiously through the cosmos. A friend of mine, Jade, first dreamed up a fleet of interstellar cephalopods in a reverie a year or two ago.
It is the loveliest thought, to drift freely through the universe, watching the births and deaths of stars and lives of galaxies, seeing things with an innocent eye rather than through a filter of assumptions and prejudices, gathering stories and then sharing them with others doing the same, always giving, always learning, always living. All these things, I believe in.
The tale of the giant space squid is a wish for appreciation, for tolerance, for humanity. I have faith in those dreams. I stand for dreams and wishes. I stand for those dreams and wishes.
It began for me with this orange satellite: Titan, greatest moon of Saturn. My fondness for science landed me there in my middle school years, because Titan is a mysterious world that, due to its many unique characteristics, may be able to support life. The notion of possible alien life from reading much as a child drove me on from there. Even as a child, I was obsessed with stories.
So there I was, one little point in the great vastness of space, help in elliptical orbit by something larger. It took me a long time to realize that what kept me from wildly flying off into who-knows-what are my friends.
One of my positive influences has had much more impact on me than I can truly understand, and that is a certain internet community which I have been a member of for over three years.
I was fortunate enough to have been directed there by a school friend. Upon that site I have met so many wonderful and inspiring people, peers from all over the world who have given me countless new things to consider and have opened my eyes to things I’ve never noticed, thought about, or even knew existed. They are strangers, yet friends; peers, and teachers. They rekindle my faith in humanity.
They are staggeringly intelligent, and from them I’ve learned a great many things about pop culture, politics, science, and simple, plain life. They have taught me to be tolerant and appreciative, to think and dream in novel ways. They have honed my abilities of self-expression. The fact that a great group of internet strangers have become family gives me hope.
The planet Saturn here represents my friends. The names of some are written in the rings. The vast majority I have never met before.
Of my friends, my best friend has influenced me in too many ways to count. This guy helping me with this squid is such a wonderful, supportive, awesome best friend, I don’t know what I would do without him.
My friends, online and offline, tell me to be myself. I love them for accepting me for who I am.
There’s a song that goes, “whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend.” I first heard of that song from Cat’s Eye. I can honestly sing it to the people of this Saturn.
In ten years I hope to still have this hope for humanity and faith in the strength of the heart and mind. Hidden here amongst the tentacles is the planet Earth, so preciously protected by this squid. Upon it are people: people I hope to serving well.
I want to reach out to those people, talk to them, understand them, collect their stories and share the tales I have gathered. Where speaking fails, I hope to channel the powers of my mind and heart to platforms of self-expression and connect to others through art and literature and music.
I wish to appreciate beauty of all forms, promote tolerance of all, and expand faith in humanity. I want to make peace with my thoughts and help others do the same. After all, I’ve found that my imagination works with reality if only I open up to others; online, offline, strangers, friends.
I want to use that imagination to show others it’s okay to be themselves, as I have gradually learned.
So, those of you sitting here listening to my rehearsed ramble: hail from a giant space squid.
After these years, I’ve found it’s okay to be mad.
*bows*
I hope to see you among the stars.
*WILD APPLAUSE*
♥
^_^ That sounds even better than I thought your idea would be.
all the emotions holy cake that was awesome I can’t believe you actually have to present on your giant space squid to people who have no idea what that is oh my gosh
*Warning: emotion core shutdown from overexposure to pure AWESOMENESS*
*Cskia, you are an incredible writer. Your speech brought tears to my eyes, and I know I’m going to treasure it forever. I’m looking at the squid you gave me during our Kokon, and to me it seems even more extraordinary now that I can understand some more of the meaning behind the planets in its tentacles.
You are already using your incredible imagination, tolerance, faith, and compassion to make the world a better place. You’ve made this small Internet world infinitely better just by being here. I think I speak for more than a few people when I say we are honored to have you as our friend, and our lives would be far, far worse without you.
*applauds and brushes away tears*
You thanked me for giving you a virtual copy of my MLK textbook on the Rants and Complaints thread. This is where I thank you.
Beautiful, Cskia. Thank you.
You are incredible. Really, you are. This is so beautiful, thank you so much.
Thank you. Each and every one of you.
I wouldn’t be Cskia if not for you guys.
MuseBlog is forever.
I’m happy to say I did well in presenting, although I may have relied a bit too much on the notecards. Either way, the teacher enjoyed it, my classmates applauded, a guy came up and gave me a great hug and Swalot didn’t fall off the stool he was standing on.
Love. All the love. For always.
You speak the truth. Infinite ♥
Reading this sure helps make a bad day much better.
*applause*
Yes. Just… yes.
A follow-up about this presentation:
Yesterday, my English teacher asked if I wanted to present again sometime so that he could film it and show to future students, display at conferences, and put up on his planned website. He thought my speech sounded quite poetic, flowed quite well.
I said I would think about it.
Today Swalot presented and the teacher took a copy of his powerpoint for future reference.
The teacher asked again and I said yes.
He smiled and said it was a great thing, to have Swalot’s powerpoint (which has a photo of me eating a Rice Krispie) and to be able to obtain a film of me presenting with the giant space squid (in which Swalot is helping me hold the giant squid.) Two best friends, same assigned project.
I felt warm, fuzzy, and like a giant space squid.
Yep! That was awesomeness. Woohoo! He only took a limited amount of students projects from what I saw, sooo…. We is special! Your squid was too big and and I couldn’t hold it all up >.< although it would look perfect while being posted on the classroom walls!
The only thing I hate is how my project was cut into bits cause nobody had microsoft powerpoint 2010, so the teacher still hasn't seen all the work I put into my powerpoint :/
Ohhhh my word that was so fantastic and wonderful and the language did magnificent synesthetic things reminiscent of the vague musicsounds I associate with space squids anyway. You are truly a lovely person, and this whole thing made me so happy I don’t even.
The times I am reminded of how beautiful every single person in the world is tend to coincide with the times I come here. You’re all splendid and the closest thing to family I feel like I have, really, and although that seems kind of sad when you think about it, you guys shouldn’t feel sad because you’re amazing people and I know I’ve only been on here a month and a half, but you never fail to make me happy and I love all of you, and that’s not a phrase I just throw around. I suddenly don’t feel this sort of strange, intensely deep loneliness anymore, that has been constantly following me since before I can remember… and that’s… honestly never happened to me before. Thank you all, for giving me faith in humanity.
Cake what is this wet on my face
<3
I’d like to emphasize how incredibly significant it is for Selky to say that.
:3 <3
It makes me happy that you guys make each other, and especially Castle and Selky happy.
:3 <3
That was so lovely. I… just so lovely.
I’m laaaate, but- beautiful. Just beautiful.
Six years ago today, I posted on MuseBlog for the first time. My username was different, and I couldn’t even tell you what thread I posted on – nor how many months or years it was before I posted again. Honestly, I was on and off so frequently for the first few years that I’m not sure what other date I would call my blog anniversary. So, this one suffices.
I just want to say how much you all have influenced my life for the better. Simply knowing that so many intelligent, thoughtful, kind people inhabit this world gives me hope for humanity. But beyond that, I am so happy to consider so many of you among my dearest friends. It’s been a pleasure knowing you all over the past six years (more than 1/3 of my life!), and here’s hoping for six or sixty more!
Happy Blogiversary! Your first post (as WizGirl): https://musefanpage.com/blog/?p=267#comment-29282
You made several more that day, then disappeared until August 30.
Aw, yay! I’ve always hoped this would turn up. Thank you!
…that’s a pretty excellent first post. Mine was nowhere near as good.
Happy 6th blogyear!Thank you for being here! We’re happy to be able to call you our friend too, as you are, in fact, the cat’s meow.
My cat is currently snuggled up on the lowest shelf of my closet, making my jeans a little more orange.
It’s a little disconcerting to see Robert referred to as “Bobby”.
More than disconcerting; it created a disturbance in the spacetime continuum from which we have never fully recovered.
Oh man yeah I never really got why my sister was so insistent on the nicknames
Sheer cheekiness, but we’re used to that.
Were you ever called Bobby as a kid? You just don’t seem like a Bobby to me.
Actually, I was. But I felt the same way and put a stop to it when I turned 12.
Come to think of it, in fifth and sixth grades most of the boys called one another by their last names, so I was “Coontz” at school. I never had any nicknames that stuck.
Neither did I. Till I came here.
P. S. I’d have to say that you’re the LEAST Bobby-like Robert I know.
“Bobby” sounds like an adjective, doesn’t it? It could mean the way you feel when you’re oscillating quickly. Some days you feel steady; other days you feel bobby.
I don’t feel very bobby at the moment, or nowadays in general, for that matter.
I think London policemen were once called “bobbies.”
I believe they are still referred to by that name.
It’s not a coincidence. They were named after Sir Robert Peel, who established the Metropolitan Police Force in 1829.
Oh, my. How we’ve grown…
Indeed…
Dear Rosanne,
To be able to meet you was an honor. You are utterly wondrous; you probably hear that a lot, being as awesome as you are, but it’s the truth.
Also, you’re quite inspiring. I came home and tasted petals from each rose plant I have growing in front of my house; the yellow one, although quite lovely in appearance, taste even worse than your white roses. One of the two magenta ones is incredibly sweet, although not quite as savory as your purple rose, and the other seems quite similar to your red ones in flavor.
Thank you so much for meeting us, and once again, so many thanks for being one of our Great And Powerful Administrators. You are flammy (though neither clammy nor flammable, I think…?)!
Love,
Cskia
P.S. It would be awesome to have a real life pie war at Stanford. Bring out the catapults!
I agree with all of the above. It turns out our roses taste kind of like pepper, which is interesting, but most of them are probably covered in squirrel saliva anyway.
Anyway, yes, Rosanne, and of course, thank you for being willing to meet us! And for being clammy and flammable only in the best possible sense. You are an inspiration.
Yes on the pie war. We could pie all those depressing sculptures!
CO: Do you mean the Rodin sculptures near the biology building? (Assuming they’re still there and it’s still the biology building.)
Yep. Particularly the one of people being tortured in hell- I think that’s what it was. They could do with some pie.
That is quite an odd post to see in the RC bar on the Warm Fuzzies thread.
Well, I would assume Hell is warm. Although I’m not very sure about the fuzziness.
Bring a kitten. That should work.
(I love you all, by the way.)
At least they don’t have to watch “The Sound Of Music” for all eternity.
I am still buzzing from the excitement of meeting you all. Thank you for the kind words. I don’t usually feel like I’m especially awesome but you are starting to convince me!
In other Kokonvention news: Choklit Orange’s mom got some good photos but we can’t post until we get OKs from the parents of anyone who’s recognizable. So stay tuned.
In other other Kokonvention news: *Cskia made a magnificent drawing full of every wonderful MuseBlog thing imaginable. She presented it to me rolled up in a scroll and tied up with a shimmery red ribbon. Thank you!!!!!
Agent Lightning, you are the best. You’re very bright and sweet, and it seems like any time someone has a rant on the R&P thread (that’s my abbreviation for it), you’re always there even if you’re not quite sure what to say. Thank you.
You’re welcome. *hugs*
This is a message for Areohawk. I realize that I could just send it to him offblog and hope it doesn’t get lost somewhere among the thousands of emails and millions of lines that have passed between us, but instead I thought, why not post this as a Warm Fuzzy, where anyone and everyone can read and perhaps understand what I have to say?
So, here comes a post.
Swalot.
I don’t think you understand what a wonderful person you are. I am so, so unspeakably lucky to have met you, incredibly fortunate to be your friend, and overwhelmingly honored to have your trust and caring. Somehow it doesn’t seem to register in your mind no matter how much I repeat it, but I can’t ever emphasize what a kind, understanding, fun, intelligent, awesome and sweet person you are.
“Things are black, creatures are opaque. To love a being is to render her transparent.” No one else I know would, when the class is reading Marius’ love letter to Cosette in Les Mis out loud, tap me on the shoulder at the end of that sentence, grin, point at me and say, “her!”
You regularly bring smiles to my face and happiness to my life. You’re my best friend who I can trust with anything, my rock to lean on, my Swalot to cuddle and generally be cute with. There’s no one who knows me as well as you do.
We’ve gone through ups and downs, survived all the rocky roads, and emerged stronger. You’re a good person; beyond that, you’re a great, great person. You’re not a failure, and I know you will succeed in your life. Please don’t doubt yourself; I’m not the only one who thinks you have much potential. I’m also not alone to cherish your personality, pressence, and entire existence.
I don’t think I’ve been very convincing about it, but really, you’re very, very special to me. Also, you and your welfare are dear to me, so please, please, keep yourself out of harm and treat my best friend well.
Okay? Okay.
Love, lots of love.
I apologize for this entirely selfish Warm Fuzzy, but I thought it would be best to post here. My life is great right now thanks to lots of things (including the fact that the SAT I took today was surprisingly easy and I’m working on a new story idea), but especially thanks to three very special people. I will list them and the reason they are currently making my day/weekend/week/life.
– Ducky. We used to talk on this and other sites all the time, and I felt like we were about as close as internet friends could be. Then we weren’t online at the same time for a while. Now we’ve been talking again and I can’t tell you how great it is to talk with the amazing Sir Ducky.
-Cskia. Aside from being utterly amazing, as always, I just found out that despite what I’d thought we actually will get to Kokon this summer. How awesome is that?!
-fireandhemlock. I hadn’t spoken to her or heard from her in a while and I was wondering what she’d been up to, until yesterday we started talking of-Blog (but on the internet). I missed her, but thankfully she’s well, and even says she plans on reappearing here at some point.
Hey peoples and fellow Musebloggers,
Its been quite some time since my last post which was the one about feeling like cutting myself.
Well, I am very greatful that so many of you came to my side and supported me and i can say that I have not given myself a singlle scratch on purpose although i did slip during a 50M dash but I shall talk more about that some other time.
I seriously cannot put in words how grateful i am to you guys for cheering me up and giving alternative methods to helping my problem.
You peoples are awesome~~~
Also to Cskia, I can say all the same for you (except the thingy about Les Miz) that you have written in your message. I’m sorry i can’t say much more, but i am a person with little words to say when it comes to anything.
One more thing though, I would think it would serve us both better if you were to stop feeling bad about yourself and your abilites and other things like that. I am more than content with all your flaws and successes
Whenever I post on the Rants and Plaints thread, or any complaint on any thread really, I’m always immediately reminded of how truly wonderful everyone here is. Thank you everyone, you’re the best internet friends anyone could ever have.
Over the past year or so (as well as on this thread) I’ve had a couple people say that I’ve inspired them, and I’ve been thinking that’s probably one of the best compliments it’s possible to give or receive. The word comes from the Latin inspirare, “to breathe into”, in the sense of imparting wisdom or life into someone. Just now I realized that I’ve neglected to express a lot of things I’ve always taken for granted, so:
All of you on MuseBlog, you constantly inspire me. And I mean everyone–I’ve been looking around the threads and I can’t find anyone who hasn’t been inspirational to me in some way. As I said in October, I owe my personality, my identity, more to the people here than to any other distinct source. It’s something I can never come close to repaying, and so the only thing I can do is try to express my gratitude.
But really. Each of you is an extremely wonderful person, much more than you realize. Thank you for inspiring me.
I was reading through Cskia’s and Chok’s recap posts from the Kokon, and I noticed that we’d all described the same moment in pretty similar ways: standing on the pier, watching the lights of the city through the fog and the ocean crash against the shore. We’d all caught a glimpse of how magical that moment was.
And that’s never happened to me in my life before. I mean never.
I am so grateful for you.
We love you too, Cat.
To say the truth, although I’m usually not very talkative in person and don’t say much, I have no words to describe how much I enjoyed being around you and all the other people at the Kokon. I don’t think I was able to show that much, me being really quiet (and generally tongue-tied), but I love you guys’ energy and warm fuzziness and all.
I noticed that, too. All of you made me feel like I was there watching with you.
I’ve been drafting a Warm Fuzzy for R101 in my head for a long time, but because I tend to have more emotional thoughts right before I fall asleep, I always dozed off before actually typing. As usual I’m lying on my bed with a kindle, but hopefully I post this before I drift off to sleep.
So, R101. I don’t think I say this enough (or say enough in general), but I really enjoy having you as my friend. Your wit, your humor, your anecdotes and ideas and randomness all make me smile. I love your facial expressions and your hair (which is brown! it’s brown! why is that still so surprising to me everytime I see you…) and your uniqueness and truly, I admire your bluntness.
Actually one thing I don’t remember ever thanking you for is art. You’re one my first and most generous supporters as far as drawing goes, and because of meeting you in Art and getting to you in Crafts I am changed forever with a broader vision and greater sense of inspiration. You encouraged me in drawing when I was stilll a sort of budding beginner, and because of your kind words I was able to develop my styles and techniques and my colors could burst into bloom and I can do what I can today. You deserve more credit than I’ve given you.
Also, you’re the first example of friendship over great distances for me. The first friend that I can truly recognize as a permanent friend. Because I’ve been moving around so much, I used to basically lose all my friends every time I went to a new school; but with you, although you’re constantly in a state across the nation, I can see you perhaps once a year and when we converse I can feel that we’re still friends and that it can stay that way. Because of you I realized friends can be friends no matter what the distance, and that is part of why I can feel so close with the wonderful individuals on MuseBlog without doubting that those feelings are real.
Lastly and most importantly of all, you showed me how wonderful it is to be unique. You have no idea how much I admire that in you, O Queen of Weird. I used to be a sort of chameleon that blended in with people so I wouldn’t be a loner sitting in a corner or something, but now I can go be as ridiculous as I want and enjoy it, or stay as silent as I want without feeling awkward… do what I like, what makes me who I am, and know that I can be accepted for being me and not being pretentious or anything.
Thanks, my friend.
This sounds like a complete opposite( but sibling of) Rants and Plaints, but I like it
I think the difference (besides content) is that this isn’t necessarily about getting something off your chest as sharing with others the feeling you have. (On the Rants and Plaints thread, that may be an effect, but it certainly isn’t intentional).
I’m not generally a very emotional person. I don’t cry often or hard, and I certainly don’t tell people I love them at the drop of a hat like my other friends. But I am going to attempt a Warm Fuzzy that everyone can enjoy.
As I write this on my iPad, we are packing up to leave the little summer cottage we’ve been staying in for the past week. Before we came here, we were at Yosemite (NOT Yellowstone…), and before that we were at San Fransisco, where I met up with 4 wonderful people. In case you guys were wondering, I’m usually not that talkative around other people, even ones I’ve know for years.
But you guys are special. You made me feel, from my Portal shirt to my (soon-to-be-bought) Rainbow Dash hoodie and Jake the Dog backpack, like a unique and irreplaceable person. Even you guy’s friends are great; I got excellent help for my problems with bullies. And you were all super obliging when I had to leave early to get back to my family.
Everyone else, have I told you lately how wonderful you all are? I feel like I don’t say that enough, so I’ll say it now. You have all helped me, in some way, be it your unrivaled enthusiasm or your calm advice or your crazy projects that make me smile. Even after certain events which will haunt me probably forever, you welcomed me back with open arms.
I don’t know how to end this, so I suppose I’ll just say this: I love you, MuseBlog. You’ve changed my life.
I’m having a bad day. Could I have some warm fuzzies, please?
I haven’t interacted with you much recently, since I haven’t been around, but I remember, years and years ago when we were both still new, reading your posts and deciding that you were cool. Don’t remember what it was, but when the Blogsibling craze came, I remember thinking I’d like to choose you.
You’re a great person and you bring much enjoyment to MB.
You’re my lovely blogsister and awesome both on and offline.
You’re also a great writer and so much fun, we love you very much. *hugs*
You are so awesome, LBK! I always enjoy seeing your posts on the blog! I’m sorry that you’re having a bad day; it makes me sad to see you in distress. You’re unique and amazing. *gives squids*
… could I please have some warm fuzzies? I also find myself having an awful day and could use some reassurance before I choke on my own obnoxygen. (I become obnoxious when I’m down on myself. And mean. And then I get more down on myself…)
AL!!! You are an awesome person and if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have known about Muse or the blog. You are really sweet (even if you deny it) and are one of my greatest friends. I can’t wait for our word war!
A word war? That sounds almost as much fun as a pie fight.
Of course you can! You’re far and away a star Agent of the Kokonspiracy, and a great MBer!
AL, you’re my blogtwin and you’re kind and caring and fun and awesome. *HUGGGGGGGGG*
Thanks, everyone.
ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARILARISM!
It’s been a long week and I’m exhausted and today I was painfully and humiliatingly reminded of some very stupid things I said when I was younger by some new friends I really admire (who didn’t know it was me who’d said them) and, long story short, I wouldn’t mind some fuzzies right now. Would you? *hides head, slinks off*
Cat, I love you so much. You are seriously the deepest-thinking, most philosophically cool person I know. Your writing is amazing, you are an exceptionally kind person, and you’re also extremely cute.
Meeting you was a hugely awesome event for me. I really hope you know how much I, and other MuseBloggers, and just, y’know, the world in general, value you.
(I thought it was just me who got frequently embarrassed by things she’d said years ago; it’s kind of comforting to know other people feel that way too sometimes. And I’m sorry these new friends brought it up, even unintentionally.)
It seems like the best people have the most problems sometimes, but I hope yours fade away as soon as possible.
Cat, you are one of the most inspirational person that I have ever met in my age group. Because of you and the others here I have learnt so much more about the world than I had ever dreamed even existed.
I will always be proud to be your friend. And everyone makes mistakes when they’re young. I know that I am so ashamed of my younger self, but you know what? I’m not even the same person anymore. People change, and the me that I am right now may not be the me that I will be in three years.
I love you as if you were my own sister, and don’t you dare ever forget that. You and I and all of this online international community are a family. A ragtag, crazy family sometimes, but still.
And the family that you choose for yourself is always the best one.
<3
Dear Cat’s Meow,
Thanks. Thank you for taking the time to read people’s confused and confusing posts and responding with a practical outlook. It is very helpful to type out explanations for rambling posts to someone who always seems to ask just the right questions. I know that some of your responses have helped me understand my own posts better.
Sincerely,
Randomosity101
Aww, thank you! I’m glad that I was helpful to you!
I hate to ask, but I’m feeling very inept/incompetent/generally a bit useless at the moment. MB, would you kindly please help?
Off I go to immerse myself in a requiem marathon..
Aww. I’m so sorry you feel that way, Sel. You’re amazing! I love having you on the ‘blog, it’s obvious you’re a wonderful person, and it makes me sad to see you down like this. *gives warm fuzzies*
Thanks so much, AL, you’re very kind, and I am moderately better now. You yourself are a wonderful person.
Oh my, I have a saved email full of warm fuzzies that I’ve been meaning to post. Sel, you are one of my favorite people, ever. Your incredibly calm demeanor and your sense of fun are wonderful, and I love hearing your updates from whichever cool place you happent to be visiting.
It’s kind of inspiring to know someone so kind and intelligent! You’ve been a really, really good friend to me for years, with all your upbeat comments and advice. I hope we get to meet again soon.
♥
Choklit, you are also without a doubt one of my favourite people. Thank you so much for this, you’re so understanding and lovely and I hope we get to meet again soon also.
I’m sorry you feel bad. You’re amazing, Sel. You’re a kind and caring person, quirky and fun, bold, and thoughtful. I seriously love talking to you. *huggles*
Maths Lover – *huggles*. Thank you for being so encouraging, it means a lot.
Sel, you are awesome and amazing and someday we are going to hang out and talk science and it will be the best thing ever.
Kai, you are more awesome and although I know very little about science, it would be an honour to hang out and talk to you someday.
*huggles*
Don’t worry, you’re flammablamm flamamblamabluos flamablamablous!
You’re one of the brightest people I’ve met; you’re kind and level-headed and witty and it’s going to be okay *squids*
I’m sorry that life is being mean to you; but that doesn’t change you being our stunning Sel. I can attest to you being awesome both in-person and in virtuality. And no amount of R&R bleh and frenchies qui ne comprennent pas ce qu’on leur dit (or anything else) can change that ♥
Bookgirl, you are so caring. *hugs* I’m very grateful to know you, you’re a great friend.
SFTDP:
I was going to include a threat about England being just a short hike and a brief swim away (well, compared to Nebraska) but I figured you had enough worries without undue threats. But, y’know, someday, when you least expect it, we will all kidnap you and watch Sherlock and the Big Bang Theory and talk about science and history and eat cake* and throw pies and then go to Disneyland
((*Assuming I am part of this expedition, we will have forgotten to buy bread before the supermarkets close and will have to eat cake instead.))
You’re all wonderful. Thank you so much. Bookgirl, I very much look forward to this expedition and my expectations have been fully raised.
Sel, you’re one of the most ept people I’ve ever met, I mean you’re crazy ept, way off the eptness charts. If being ept were an Olympic event you’d be disqualified for being too good at it. Not to mention you’re all the other things people have said, and a great many more besides. Have you tried making some baked goods or something of the sort? I find that often makes me feel more on top of things. Or less hungry, anyway, and there’s something to be said for that.
bookgirl_me- Thinking about visiting me, eh?
Drat, I was trying to lure you into a false sense of security…
Piggy, you flatter me; I’m sure you exaggerate my ept-ness (which is a great-sounding word, by the way.) Thank you, though. I’d say Swiss chocolate is an acceptable substitute for baked goods, comfort-food-wise?
My gosh, guys, reading your Warm Fuzzies to other people make *me* feel happy. Thanks for being such caring, hilarious, genuine friends.
Would it be too selfish of me too request some fuzzies? I know I’ve been gone a while, and such…
Of course not. Fireh, you brighten my day whenever I see a post from you. It’s so nice to see you sounding happy. I’m amazed by your musical abilities (and overall intelligence, of course).
I know that life has been kind of rough for you lately, but I am absolutely sure that, given your courage and compassion, you are going to have a really excellent time. *hugs and cookies*
Not at all. I still care about you! You’re intelligent for one thing, and your musical accomplishments are impressive to me. And of course you’re compassionate; your posts and writing are thoughtful, sometimes fun, sometimes so sad in an important-to-remember (gah word choice) way; and you have a lot of strength. It saddens me to see your life is pretty hard right now, so I hope our words help. *more hugs, and baked goods*
You’ve been gone for a while, but even when you aren’t around I wonder how you’re doing. That’s because I care about you. You’re a brilliant person, interesting and caring and talented. I know you’ll go far in life with your music, but I hope you’ll always keep in touch.
Why would your absence make such a request selfish? As far as I’m concerned, just seeing a post from you qualifies as a warm fuzzy. You are one of the most amazing people I know – Sorry, other Musebloggers, you’re all awesome too. But fireh is among the best.
Fireh, I remember you from my early days on the ‘blog. You’re a wonderful person and a super talented musician, and I love hearing from you. *warm fuzzies*
Fireh, you’re beautiful, bright, and talented. You’re always part of the community no matter how long you may be gone for. I always enjoy hearing from you and reading your posts, and I’m so glad to know you.
Jadestone, I want to thank you for being here. Your craziness is always uplifting. Whenever I’ve had a cake-y day, I always read some of your posts and I’m instantly cheered up. So I just wanted to say thanks for everything.
♥
♥ ♥ ♥
thank you :3
If it’s not too much to ask, can you please send me some fuzzies?
It is not too much to ask at all!!
You are a wonderful person! And I don’t know you very well but despite your username I don’t think I’ve seen you screw up posting even once ♥
Oops, I thought I’d replied to this!
I don’t know you very well yet, but you seem zany and intelligent- very Musebloggerly. Please do stick around? I would like to get to know you better!
&, you’re an awesome Muser! I don’t know you as well as some people..yet. But so far I know you’re often random in a way I like, intelligent, a good person, and interesting and fun to be around. *sending fuzzies…*
Like some others have said, I don’t know you very well yet but I hope I get to soon; you never seem to have any shortage of interesting things to post.
You are an amazing Muser! In fact, you remind me of an earlier version of myself… except more awesome. Keep on rocking. Stay on the ‘blog: I want to see where you go in life because I know wherever it is, it will be fantastic.
If you are reading this, know that I love you beyond your wildest dreams. I owe so much to you people. You’ve helped me through some of the hardest times I’ve ever had simply by listening.
Castle, thank you for being a pretty cool guy who will talk with me about music. Thanks for providing an objective voice that I can quote when I’m debating things online. (Hope you won’t sue me for it.)
Piggy, although you’re on hiatus at the moment, thank you for staying strong. You’ve inspired me to do so when I didn’t have the drive to before.
In fact, ALL of you, thank you for staying strong. Thank you for standing up for what you believe in, no matter what that may be. “I don’t care what you believe in, just believe it…*dies*” (That may have been an unnecessary quote, but I couldn’t help but take the opportunity.)
I’ve only named two people so far. I’m sure I’ll come up with more in the future.
And because I can’t resist doing another Serenity quote…
“You’ve always been there for me. My turn.”
I’ll always be around to talk about music or anything else you want to talk to. Thank you for enjoying my talkings.
The day I sue someone for [accurately and fairly] quoting me in an argument will be the day that I stop enjoying music.
Which will not be a day. Like, if you were waiting for that to happen, don’t.
Because it’s not going to.
So there.
*hmmph*
This is the true story of how all of you saved my life.
Middle school sucked. It was literally the worst three years of my life, and I came out of it depressed and suicidal. I spent my freshman year of high school still depressed, until it eventually turned into apathy. Then, at the end of sophomore year, I started getting slowly better. At this point, I have occasional short relapses of apathy, but my depression is long gone.
I’ve been trying to figure out what it is that allowed me to endure the emotional cake I went through. Believe me, more than anything I just wanted to give up, and yes, I did actually attempt suicide once. But even I could tell I only put half-effort into the attempt, though I wasn’t sure why. I think I’ve finally figured it out.
It started with the worst year of all: eighth grade. Just when my faith in myself had finally dropped to the level of my faith in humanity at the time (that is to say, negative one hundred), I met a new friend. Cskia. I must confess, I treated her the way I treated all the rest of my friends. That is to say that I put on a happy-mask and interacted more through habit than genuine emotion. But she was so kind, and patient, and brilliant, and funny, that eventually I realized that I was reacting genuinely after all.
Then she introduced me to Museblog. On Museblog, I wasn’t alone, sure. But genuine emotion and not being alone only take one so far. On Museblog, I could be myself, even the negative aspects of myself, without fear of repercussions. It’s odd to say, but people on this site seemed to care about me more sincerely than a lot of the people I knew in real life. Somehow, I’m still not totally sure how, you all got me to have faith in humanity again and, though it took longer, faith in myself again. I’m still not sure which one of those is more incredible.
I didn’t die because you all made me realize that maybe there were still some things worth living for after all. You saved my life. I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude.
I’m very glad you found us! And the bonus is, your presence here has undoubtedly given heart to others who were in a similar situation.
Thank you, I really hope that is the case. What a marvelous thought.
I feel a bit dumb about this, but I’ve spent the past I’m-not-sure-how-long feeling terrible about basically everything and I could really use some fuzzies right now.
((Sorry about that, it was meant to be a squid.))
*huggles* You’re smart and creative and a great part of the MB community! I’m sorry that things aren’t going so well, but know that we support you and care about you <3
You are wonderful! *warm fuzzies* I don’t know you closely as well as I know a lot of the other people on the blog, but I know you’re an awesome person.
Shadowfire, you are amazing and witty and brilliant. I haven’t read all that many of your posts, but I never failed to be impressed by those I have.
*throws armful of fuzzies at shadowfire*
We’ve very glad to have you here on MuseBlog!
Shadowfire, you’re neither dumb nor terrible. We love you very much and are grateful to have you on the blog.
All you guys are amazing, hilarious, and/or plain insane, thanks for making my life so much more entertaining.
66 (Castle)- You’re most welcome! I liked you because you were nice, funny, and unpretentious. And I was certainly immature for my age back then. And now.
I am full of warm fuzzies now, and I want all of you to know how much I love you. This site and each and every one of you lovely people have made my life fun and happy and interesting, and I think you’ve made me a better and more thoughtful person.
I have lots of specific fuzzies, but I can’t type them all out now. I’d like to leave one for Catwings, though. Catwings- I was definitely less welcoming to you than I should have been, and I’m sorry! I don’t want you to feel ignored or discouraged by MuseBlog. This has been a source of moral support for me as well as a place to goof off, and I hope it can be for you too. You seem to be a charming individual, and I’m interested in what you have to say. Please do stick around.
I’m going to second this!
Catwings you honestly pretty much embody the typical muser back when I joined the blog, and it’s really great to see someone with so much energy who loves Muse so much around here
keep on postin’ you lil’ tiger
There are no words for how much I love MuseBlog. And since this site is definitely no better than the people who post on it, what that really means is I love all of you. (Platonically.)
I’m sorry to ask, but may I have some warm fuzzies? I’m kinda having a rough day.
Certainly, you are an incredibly intelligent and dedicated woman.
You’re a strong and brilliant and funny and generally amazing person.
“MuseBlog: Where a Cold, Slimy Cephalopod Symbolizes Warm Fuzzies.”
Bookgirl, I know that sometimes you go through some rough times but you’re a survivor. You always triumph and you always will. You’re strong, brave, smart, beautiful and amazing all round. Don’t forget that.
You’re one of my favorite people in the world, and I hope whatever’s making you feel down soon turns into something that brightens your day.
You guys are all the best and I love you forever.
Also, can we warn-fuzzy ourselves? Because the other day one of my friends said she felt like she was listenig to a TED talk when I was rant-advising about relationships, and I thought that was the sweetest compliment and made me feel a lot better about the semi-unsolicited advice and rants I go on sometimes.
You’ve always talked like a TED talk.
Aw shucks. Thanks.
(Even “little green emoticon, listen to your wise friend.”? )
That line might not have been TED-like, but it was definitely inspired.
What do you mean we’re the best? You’re the best!
Guess who’s going to CA for Winter Break this year? And guess whose Winter Break lasts a little over three weeks this year? KOKONS FOR ALL (in California) PLEASE!
A warm fuzzy for Thanksgiving.
This time last year I was pretty deeply entrenched in some awful mental processes. I’d been turning to self-harm because I thought it helped me focus and stay calm, and while my friends cared a lot about me it didn’t feel like there was anything I could do.
Until I told one of them, and her care for me only increased.
Now I’m seeing a therapist. I have friends who love me and a girlfriend who loves me even more. I’m scared and stressed out about applying to college, but it’s making me do lots of art again and I’m beginning to actually like some of what I do. And the compliments I get from people only make that better.
This year, I am genuinely happy in a way I couldn’t imagine a year ago. And part of that’s come from you guys, who have always been so sweet to me and incredibly caring both about me and about everyone else.
I love every single one of you, and I have a lot to be thankful for.
Happy January 3rd. I’ve spent the past few minutes reading recent threads and have remembered how much I admire/respect you all. I’ve been away for a long time, and I don’t anticipate being able to post regularly, but it’s wonderful being able to stop in and see the insights and fun thoughts you guys have.
Many things (formative, I think) have happened in my life since I stopped posting on MB a while back. I feel like I’ve lost touch with you guys and I’m not sure how easy it’d be to get back in the swing of things, but I always feel welcome showing up here.
I first came to the blog in 2009. I was really ineloquent and irritating. It’s 2014 and I’m still pretty irritating and inarticulate sometimes. That wasn’t very inspiring. But you guys are hilarious and astute and thoughtful and welcoming and have certainly helped me grow into the DANG FINE HUMAN I AM TODAY. (I’m working on this self-love thing. All caps seems to help.)
I love all of you. Each one of you is insightful and talented and I want to maintain relationships with all of you and that is a hard thing to do but I am always here to talk.
Also, I think it was Fiddlefern who (a long time ago) replied to my anonymous “help me with my ambiguous sexuality” post (or some such) very wisely. It was long, and it was filled with good thoughts, but the gist was that it is okay to not have a label, and it is okay to be fluid, and it is okay to not know things about yourself and be comfortable with your existence anyhow even if you can’t handily slap a name on your feelings . That is still one of the most helpful and inspiring things I’ve ever read and I am very thankful.
You are indeed a dang fine human being, and we are very happy to have you around!
oh hey I don’t know if this thread is still a thing but? I’d really really like a warm fuzzy, if anyone could spare one? you guys are great.
I think you’re brilliant and an excellent writer and SO CUTE. ♥ Please don’t let the haters get you down, especially if the haters are sometimes yourself. You’ve got so much to be proud of.
Certainly, you’re super smart and one of my best MB friends!
Hey, ZNZ. You’re a really cool MBer. Even if you’re down on yourself right now, remember we’re all here for you! <3
I’ve considered you a really awesome person, and an amazing friend ever since I came here! A lot of people respect you, even if you find it hard for yourself. We’re here for you!
Can we just for a moment talk about how absolutely fantastic the GAPAs are? Can we mention how fantastically funny and caring and wonderful and brilliant and talented and generally flamablamablous they are? Can we talk about how grateful we are that Robert started this whole madness that put us in touch with some of our very best friends? Can we talk about about Lady B’s beautiful art and kindness? Can we talk about Roseanne’s spunkiness? Can we talk about Paul’s crazy ventures and generosity hosting musers who make it across the pond? Because those are all things that I think about pretty frequently.
*preens*
Awwww. We couldn’t ask for a better set of Muses! (And I’m not talking about the ones in the magazine.)
We can talk about that. I’ve been thinking lately how the GAPAs have been hugely inspiring for me. They are the kind of adults I want to be. (I say this having been an “adult” technically for two years now…) I think MB has made me a better person, and they’re a significant part of that.
I can’t imagine life without MuseBlog. I am so glad that it has existed to help me through dark times and celebrate with me good times.
Thank you.
It is entirely mutual. Amazing Musers make GAPAs’ lives interesting. You are all wonderful.
I couldn’t agree more! Thank you, GAPAs.
Thank you. All of you.
I agree with everything! I just had my some-high-number (8th?) blogiversary, which is hard to believe, and this place has been so many things to me over the years. Right now one great source of value is all of the world domination advice, and definitely the advice, support, wisdom, and overall approach to life of the GAPAs is something I look up to. You guys are awesome.
I’m feeling extremely warm and fuzzy. Thank you! Eeeep! Warm fuzzies back at you, MuseBlog.
P.S. I’m not logging in through my usual administrator account for reasons too boring to explain but it really is me!
Feeling a bit grey right now so I thought I’d stop by and remind myself–and all of you– of how much I love all of you, of the fact that despite how I feel right now, there are reasons here that I still have hope for the future. I’ve been here for nearly… five years, now? Six? I’m not even quite sure. And you guys have all become so important. A family more real to me than the people who live in my house. This is probably going to be a monsterpost, because there are so many people whom I love so very dearly.
First I would like to say to all of you as a whole, thank you. Thank you for having been here for me for the past half decade, for having tolerated me when I first came here as a bubbly preteen overcompensating for confidence issues and emotional instability; thank you for having supported me through times of emotional turmoil, and also for having been beside me to share times of triumph and times of happiness. Thank you for being my lighthouse in the storm, a reminder that even when things are rough I am never alone and I am never truly lost.
And now I will leave some specific warm fuzzies, although I know I will probably leave people out; feel free to request warm fuzzies from me if I did not write you one, because I have so many feelings about all of you of love and pride and joy.
To the GAPAs, thank you so much for enabling us all to have this. Thank you for your patience and unwavering commitment to this community, for moderating posts almost constantly in order to keep this site running and to ensure our safety. The four of you have been mentors, guardians, and role models to so many young people, and I am honored to count myself among them. I have learned so much from the four of you, and I hope that I will learn even more in the future.
Piggy, thank you for all the wise advice and genuine comfort that you have provided to me. You always know exactly what to say, and the best possible way to say it. Thank you for being my “PiggyDad”, and for your unending tolerance of my rants and rambles. There are certain people in this world to whom I owe my life, for without them I would have lost all hope; you are among those ranks. You have given me peace of mind when I thought I would never feel anything but numbness again. You have given me hope when I felt that everything was gone. You have been here for me whenever I needed support, even when you were busy, or when your own life has been chaotic; you even forbore with my struggles in Latin last year, helping me with difficult translations and cultural contexts. You are one of my favorite people in this world; certainly one of the most inspirational people in my life. And for all of this, I can never thank you enough.
MidnightFiddler, thank you for being fabulous and creative and loving. Your stories of adventure, both on the high seas and in college-land, always bring a smile to my face. You have dealt with adversity and emotional struggles with strength, and have been a huge inspiration for me to follow my dreams and do what makes me happy.
Cat’s Eye, your writing is so beautiful that it makes me laugh and cry at the same time. Whenever I feel sad, reading your poetry on the Poetry thread your posts on this thread never fails to make me feel warmer inside. You have such a wonderful way with words and I know that someday you will go far; you would make an amazing inspirational speaker or published writer. Without a doubt I know that someday you will be famous, and I will be proud, as I am proud even today, to be able to say that I know you and are friends with you.
Randomosity101, you are without a doubt one of my favorite people ever. Your random anecdotes of mischief and hilarity never fail to cheer me up, and your miscellaneous moments of wisdom never cease to surprise me, in the fact that you have such depths of emotion and intelligence that every single time I think I have a grasp on the sum of your parts, something new shines through that I never could have imagined. Talking to you always brightens my day, and the thought of my school’s principal as Principal Nero makes the ridiculous rules and school uniform so much more tolerable.
*Cskia, you are so purple and 42 and my fellow Jenny and my fellow Asian and I just can’t even express how much I love you. I have your space squid presentation written down on a piece of paper and taped to the wall by my bed, where I can reread it whenever I feel sad, to remember that I am not alone because I am a member of this beautiful squad of space creatures. We haven’t talked as much recently, but I think back on past conversations with inexpressible fondness and hope that in the future we will have many such more.
Selenium the Quafflebird, my fellow half-Asian musician ballet-dancer poet! You are beautiful in every single way and the best older sister I never had. Your talents and creativity never stop being amazing and I look to you as one of the main inspirations for all that I want to be in the next few years.
Dodecahedron, thank you so much for your input on the Coping threads, and for all the support and advice that you have given me personally. You are an amazing, kind, loving person; and I am so grateful for your presence in my life.
Tesseract!! My band buddy, my fellow woodwind player, my flamabulous friend! I can’t believe that we live so [relatively] close and still have never met. (By the way, I may be in North Carolina sometime this summer. We should try to kokon.) We bonded over music, band, and related shenanigans, and though we haven’t talked as much recently I still count you among my nearest and dearest friends.
Enceladus, you will forever be my twin brother and I will always envy your art, musicality, musical compositions, poetry, and general writing skills. I will always treasure our conversations, both random and meaningful, and hope that someday soon I will be able to return to Boston in order to meet you in person; we simply HAVE to play a clarinet-french horn duo together at least once. You introduced me to so many of my favorite things and some of the things that have made me who I am today! Doctor Who, Sondheim, Phil Ochs, The True Meaning of Smekday, Chameleon Circuit… I will always harbor a lingering suspicion that we are, in fact, twins who were separated at birth; I mean, our birthdays are a mere six days apart, and we share so many similarities and oddities alike. When you go off to college in the fall I will be watching with pride as you start your journey to greatness, whether it be in musical endeavors or in intellectual pursuits. And someday when you are famous, whether for some great new discovery or invention, or for being the next Stephen Sondheim and John Williams combined, I will be among the first to congratulate you and say that I knew you would end up there sooner or later.
Bookgirl_me, mother dearest, first of all I wish you a belated Happy Mother’s Day. Your presence in my life has been amazing. From cheering me up by threatening to push my tormentors down the stairs, to your unwavering support of all things I do (excepting participation in mafia activities), while Piggy is the father who always gives wise advice, you are the mother who reminds me that I am worth it, who comforts me while making me laugh hysterically at the same time. Even if we never meet in the physical world, your presence in my life is invaluable.
Choklit Orange, you rascal you. My companion in the Land of AP, my fellow orchestra member, O Fellow Conspirator, fellow nerd supreme. Words cannot even express my undying fondness for you. Just don’t forget to stay away from young monks.
And to all of those I have not mentioned here, again, feel free to request a personalized fuzzy but do not forget that you all are my family and I love you all beyond what human language may express.
Your loving sister, daughter, friend, and fellow kokonspirator,
fireh.
Young Lady, don’t you ever dare forget how wonderful you are!
I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter: I’m always amazed at the way you overcome all the obstacles set in your way with strength and grace. ((I’m also very proud you don’t have an assault charge yet, and I encourage you to err towards your father’s genetics in that respect)).
I can’t begin to tell you how much better the future will be: perhaps it sounds outlandish, but your surroundings (friends, school/college/work, roomies…) are supposed to help and support you, not wear you down. And that’s perfectly achievable (except for the lone jerbitca*. there’s always one). Heck, just getting rid of the negative will make things a lot better. That day will come, I promise.
Not to mention the perspective- I realize you’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but the more emotionally independent you get, the more horizons open for you. Two years ago, I couldn’t living in a country where I don’t speak the language, don’t know anyone at all and have never been before, which is what I’m going to do as soon as I finish college (and it’s going to be flama-).
And another thing- the grey haze tends to tempt you to beat yourself down for not being perfect at every possible moment. I realize that this isn’t the popular opinion, but sometimes life really sucks for reasons and factors out of your control and you literally can’t do everything (or barely anything). That’s the time to batten down the hatches and try to just get through the time without permanently injuring yourself. And try to love yourself, which probably sounds like “so buy a pair of fluffy duck wings and fly across the country” but is slightly more practical (and infinitely less tacky).
On a sombre note, I must confess- I’ve renounced my stair-pushing ways and shall instead only beam rays of joy at those who insist on aggravating me**. For instance, my ex-boyfriend has a rather fundie ex-roommate who apparently hate me/somehow thinks I’m affiliated with Satan. (I know what I did to deserve that and it was really fun!) But anyway, I’d kind of like to see her again.
We haven’t been formally introduced, but I could greet her with a big smile and tell her I’ve heard so much about her†, and that I’m so excited to finally meet her††, and I will find some way to hug her and ask her about college (going badly, I hear) and her new flatshare (kicked her out*†) and just be nauseatingly friendly at her until I find out if steam can really come out of someone’s ears.
((Did I mention she’s perfect face-punching height if she takes a swing at me?Did I just say that out loud? I think I’m starting to understand the lengths my ex went to prevent us from meeting face to face.))
To clarify, I’m not mad at her, I just think the whole situation is hysterically funny. But I haven’t had a kickboxing class in sooo long… unfortunately, I’m sure she won’t even try to slap me so I’ll just have to kill her with fire, erm, kindness
…
Thank you for your wonderful post, and thank you for wishing me a Happy Mother’s day. I love you, I love the person you are and the person you’re becoming, and I wish you the good fortune (and convenient alibis) you deserve on the way. Post more, dang it!
*A cross between a jerk and a bitca. Tend to bounce down stairs, or at least tumble without a satisfying thunk.
**No, not that kind. I haven’t been able to find a lighter anywhere around here lately.
†Unconventionally true: none of it was good.
††Technically true.
*†She doesn’t know that I know any of this so I can say it with perfect innocence.
We did a pretty fantastic job at raising children, didn’t we? Kind of makes me disappointed I won’t be doing it IRL. Although after we lucked out with a daughter as incomparably awesome as Fireh, it would really be tempting fate to try it again….
Agreed. They’re both so amazing, we couldn’t have done better.
I’m giggling right now. Like, full out giggling. I love you guys so much.
I really enjoyed reading this post! I like hearing what MBers appreciate about one another.
Oh gosh Fireh, this was so beautiful to read, thank you! I’m so touched by your lovely comments, especially to be called an inspiration when I don’t consider myself to have achieved much of note (yet!) at this stage in my life. You inspire me too; you are absolutely gorgeous and talented and intelligent and I adore your personality! Thank you for being such a flammy part of the ‘Blog.
I feel the need for one of these. But, of course, there would always be the doubt whether you all mean the compliments you show me, because… well… we’re supposed to on this thread….
Aw, Catwings, I know the feeling of wondering whether compliments were real or fake. It’s a tricky situation, but especially on this thread I really do mean what I say. It’s hard not to honestly sing the praises of such a fantastic group of people, and you are one of those fantastic people, and such I feel I am long overdue in expressing my appreciation of you.
But I can say in absolute sincerity that I really do appreciate your presence here on the blog. I remember when you were just a neophyte, and you’ve matured so much since then, and I’ve gotten to see your art and writing, and hear about your life, and I’ve grown to really care for you just as I’m sure all the others here do. I really hope you continue posting here on the blog!
Yes, this thread was set up for such a purpose, but that doesn’t at all make what we say any less sincere! And the fact that this thread was even created in the first place, well that just reveals the overwhelming desire among us to recognise each others’ great attributes! MBers have so many amazing qualities that I’m certain every post here represents someone’s genuine opinion of someone – there’s no need to pretend anything, there are so many great things to say!
I am sorry if you are feeling down at the moment, but just remember everyone goes through times when we might be feeling less than 100% confident, and this doesn’t at all make you any less amazing! Catwings, you are such an intelligent, Muserly, quirky, spunky and fun person. I really admire/envy your creativity, and I think you show such great potential in your writing! Because you are younger than a lot of us, I feel like you have such a head start in already showing so much promise, certainly more than I might have at your age – keep at it! I think you have really grown so much since joining MB and I really look forward to getting to know you even better in the near future.
Catwings– where to start? Watching you grow up on the ‘Blog has been like watching my younger self through a mirror. You’ve matured so much in the, what, two years? that you’ve been here, and I feel honored that I will be able to watch you grow even more in the coming years. Hopefully you will stay here with us, I’ve grown to be quite fond of your exuberant personality and bright perspective. If at times it seems that we older children may be annoyed with you, go back to the 2009 threads and read some of my original posts. We too were young once, but sometimes we forget. Don’t take it personally. When I was your age Piggy referred to me as the “most un-Muserly person [he] had ever known,” and look at me now.
I would like to clarify that my last statement is intended to be ironic due to the fact that Piggy is one of my nearest and dearest friends and has unfailingly been here for me during the past three years through all of my emotional turmoils, through times of crisis, and has never failed to make me smile even when I thought I wasn’t even able to smile anymore. He gives excellent advice when asked, and refuses to let me forget that I am strong and resilient and extraordinary, no matter how worthless and hopeless I feel.
All of this, despite the fact that as a ‘phyte I posted in chatspeak; depsite the fact that I brought with me onto the blog other immature twelve-year-who’d never even heard of Muse; despite the fact that for half a year I was convinced he was female and incessantly called him “Miss Piggy”.
I did not refer to the past to accuse, to reflect badly upon anyone, or to create drama. I brought up my own past specifically to appreciate how much I have grown in the past five years thanks to all of you, thanks to Piggy, the GAPAs, Midnight Fiddler, Jadestone, gradster1, and all the others who forbore my middle school days and mentored me gently, guiding me to be the person I am today–someone I can be proud of–the person I never would have become had they not had patience with me when I arrived here in May 2009, to acknowledge who I was once was and admit with humorous honesty that I too was once an unbearably irritating ‘phyte and have no right to be annoyed by anyone else, through the use of a personal anecdote I felt would reasonably interpreted the way I meant it due to my current friendship and “familial ties” to Piggy. And to emphasize my self-deprecatory humor and teasing tone I employed the ” ” emoticon, one that most people interpret as having a joking/mischievous connotation.
That quote of mine you shared has come up a few times in our conversations since then, but I’ve never really addressed it properly, and I want to do that. Really, I want to write a full, formal, detailed apology to all of MuseBlog, but that will take time and so I’ll start with this.
It goes without saying that when you were a ‘phyte and I was talking about you elsewhere, the only person being un-Muserly was me. That doesn’t begin to describe it–I was hateful, intolerant, selfish, impatient, rude, passive-aggressive, patently inconsiderate, and immature in every imaginable way. Who is more “un-Muserly”: a person, full of enthusiasm, jumping headfirst into a new situation, happy to take risks, seeking to connect with people and create deep friendships out of nothing but words on a screen? Or a person, cynical and rejecting anything new, who hides out of sight sneering at and deriding the first person he decides is “easy prey”? I firmly believe that there is no one who has made so much progress during their time on MuseBlog as myself, and there is no one who has as much progress left to make. Likewise, there is no one who has so much to be grateful for and no one who has so much to apologize for. If arrogance were an Olympic sport, the world would be a pretty awful place–but I’d have a gold medal around my neck.
I’m not sure exactly when I realized how much of a cakehead I was. But at some point it hit me that I had said a great deal of very hurtful things, to people I knew and to people I didn’t, that I would never be able to take back. I hope that the people to whom I said these things were able to ignore them or shrug them off on account of my age or obliviousness or whatever, but I can only take full responsibility for them. When I realized what kind of person I was, I knew my only option was to become someone new, and since then that’s what I’ve been trying to do. When I look back at the person I was in my early days on MB, it’s like I’m in the Twlight Zone–that horrible gremlin has the same name as me. Half of me doesn’t recognize that person. The other half does–and that’s what drives me to keep going. “I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.” If there’s any good I can do, it’s that others can learn from my mistakes. And I make a lot of mistakes, so maybe that means I can do a lot of good. That’s my goal.
Catwings, I love your creativity and enthusiasm. You have an endless supply of ideas and you make the Blog more interesting. <3
Catwings, if Selenium is the twin sister I never had, you are the little sister I always wondered what it would be like to have. And now I know– I love helping you along, hearing your ideas, sharing jokes with you, and learning from you.
Aww
Thank all of your for your kind words. I really appreciate them. I do. And I love all of you as family, too!
Hey Catwings, my fellow feline! I’m another one who really appreciates your presence on the blog. One thing that I admire about you is that you really took to heart the advice you got in your early days on the blog, and you’ve grown up so much. Because you can learn from people around you while still keeping your imagination, spirit, and kindness, I believe in your ability to adapt to all kinds of changes and new situations in your life. Cats always land on their feet however they’re taken by surprise, after all.
*pokes head around corner shyly* I wouldn’t mind hearing some warm fuzzies. I have gone to this thread when sad in the past and I like having stuff to read when I cntrl+f my name.
Oxlin! I’ve never talked much to you personally, but it always makes me happy to see you post. You’re brilliant and loving and wise in the most Muserly of ways, and a prominent member of the MuseBlog family. We should talk more often. I feel like we would have excellent conversations.
Thanks! I’ve always loved your username. Fire and Hemlock is a wonderful book.
It is such a amazing, mind-bending book ohmygosh. I’ve read it at least thirty times since the first time I read it in third grade and I swear I find some new detail or figure something else out every single time. It’s so complicated. I’ve also read DWJ’s essay about the book, and it’s amazing how much research she put into it and how many different things she tied together seamlessly.
On a similar note, have you read Tam Lin by Pamela Dean? It’s an amazing book with similar levels of complexity, based on the same set of ballads and tales but in a 1970sish liberal arts college setting. Thanks to those two books the Ballad of Tam Lin will always be one of my favorites; it’s certainly one that I know like the back of my hand.
Oh man, yes. I definitely haven’t noticed everything about it and hope to discover more for years. I love that essay too, it outlines so many things I hadn’t noticed. Have you read her essay book Reflections?
Tam Lin is good too, yes! I prefer Fire and Hemlock, but it is definitely the book that painted a picture of what college might be like. Blackstock is also not so secretly Carleton College, where my parents went so that was fun too!
I read Reflections for the first time a few months ago!!! I need to buy myself a copy so I don’t have to keep checking it out.
Fire and Hemlock certainly has more depth and character development than Tam Lin, but I really enjoy the literary banter found in Tam Lin.
Have you ever read Juniper, Gentian, and Rosemary by Pamela Dean? It is mostly out of print but sometimes libraries have it. I like it better than Tam Lin as I like the characters who banter better. They’re all 13 and there are five of them and they are the Giant Ants and they have this lovely nerdy five person friends group that I love the dynamics of. boookss. Man I haven’t talked about books in ages.
No I have not but I will definitely be looking for it!!!
I haven’t talked about books in a long while either. This is nice.
Indeed! Hmm. I will try to think of other recommendations. Perhaps it is time for a new Books and Reading thread?
Ooh. GAPAs?
Or MBers. Remember we can make posts now? I just hadn’t made it yet.
Oxlin, I always think of you as an awesome older sibling to a lot of us on the ‘Blog, whether we are a little younger or a lot younger! You are kind and understanding and mature and wise and simply flammy all-round. I always love reading your posts. I think you often have really thoughtful things to say, and I’ve seen you give such great and helpful advice. I hope we get to have many more conversations!
Aww, thanks! I definitely appreciate seeing you around the blog. I don’t know if I post as much as I used to, so I don’t get into tons of conversations with people, but I like hearing from you!
To the GAPAs and all of the older MBers: Thank you so much for all the advice you give to everyone on the ‘Blog when we need it. It’s always nice to get advice from someone older and more experienced, especially when it’s someone whose judgement you don’t have to fear.
Hey. I just got to the blog, and I can’t think of any good adjectives to describe you guys. But I just wanted to say that after reading many of your posts (and even receiving a couple- thank you!) I can surely say that you people are flambabulous. There is probably a substantial age gap between many of you and me, but I have found that many of us share interests and quirks. Doctor Who? Awesome!
In the past couple of days, I have been extremely excited about this blog. None of my friends really share my interests. They don’t care about my random facts. I asked them before, and no one even knows about Rosetta and Philae! But you guys! You people love that kind of thing, just like me! Anyway, I guess what I’m trying to say here is thank you in advance, because I love this place and I love you guys already.
Awww, thanks! You seem pretty flammy yourself. (Also. Doctor Who. ♥ ) And while the average age of the ‘blog trends higher each year, we’ve got a huge range of ages. I think we’ve got a couple as young as 11 or 12, and I think our oldest is 24 (or maybe 25).
I hope you stick around the ‘blog awhile.
(I don’t know if this includes me or not, but…)
Thanks! From what I’ve read in your posts so far, I’ve gathered that you are a really friendly and eager to learn things. Those are really good qualities! I really hope I get to know you better on the ‘blog, you sound like a really amazing guy/gal/person.
Why, thank you! I hope to get get to know everyone better (although you, Catwings are now high on my list). Also, I’m a guy, just so you know. A very small, young, and naive guy, but a guy nonetheless.
Doctor Who’s great!
I hope you stick around, too. We don’t really get a lot of new blood around here.
Noah, let me tell you something. I don’t know what year of school you’re in right now, but in Middle and High School, I was exactly where you are now. I would follow all of the missions online and in newspapers and magazines, but I never really had anyone to talk about them with. I would tell my parents and they would politely listen because they were my parents, and a lot of my friends were the same way, but I couldn’t really talk with other fans who were keeping up with everything outside of the Internet.
In High School, it was a little better because there was an astronomy teacher and a tech/shop teacher who was a big space fan and very big on women in science in general, but High School being what it is, I didn’t get to see them very often except the semesters I had their classes. I remember working on something in the computer lab on the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik and feeling happy that Google had a special doodle for it, and then sad that there was nobody I could celebrate it with. I heard about Yuri’s Night (April 12th, the anniversary of the first human in space) and how people had parties then in celebration, but there wasn’t really anything I could do to celebrate except dress up on the day and play space music in my room at home and watch the live webstream of parties from around the world when I got home.
But, if I can borrow a phrase that’s become popular in a somewhat different context, it gets better. When you start your college search, look up the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space organization and see if any of the schools you’re applying to have chapters. One of the reasons I chose Boston University was that it did, and I don’t think I’ve missed a meeting in all four of my years here, because it is what I’d been searching for all throughout High School– a group of people I can geek out about space with in real life. Just two weeks ago, I was able to go to the national SpaceVision conference that SEDS hosts and our chapter got an award! We’re building a telescope and we want to do a public event in conjunction with the Cambridge Science Festival in the spring.
In the meantime, you can try finding local astronomy clubs or just observatories that have nights that are open to the public– most colleges and science museums have one. There are also a lot of NASA internships and student programs you can look up– I think some might even be for pre-High-School. And if you look up Yuri’s Night, the official website will have a list of parties for 2015, so you can see if there might be one near where you live. And even though some TV shows might have given you the impression that it’s just for younger kids, Space Camp has programs for young people up to age 18.
My point is, in regards to being a space fan with nobody to share your enthusiasm with, it does get better and there are more opportunities than you think, especially as you get older. And MuseBlog’s SPACE club is always here for you.
Yeah, I will. Definitely.
That was to comment 155.1, by the way
And now 155.3, as well!
yehhhhhhhhhhhh it’s been a rough couple days, could I put in a request for some fuzzies? blargl
*squids because you are a squid and squids (and you) are awesome* Hi Jade! I <3 you. You are a fantastic friend, artist, creator, mermaid, giant space squid. You have such creativity and neat ideas. I really enjoy chatting with you online and cherish the one time you came and visited me at school. You can build box forts with me any day. You’re awesome and caring and have been with me through some of my rough times. I hope this helps with yours <3 <3.
*squids and fuzzies*
Jade, you are a fantastic and outstanding member of this blog. You’ve introduced me (and the rest of us) to lots of cool things, and I really admire your continued creative efforts. Also you’re a mermaid, and how cool is that??
I know whatever you’re feeling right now, or however tough life is being, you’ll get through it. I believe in you!
Jade, hang in there, you are an amazing person and one of my favorite friends on External Blogging Site. You are so funny and smart and you have such good aesthetic taste.
you have done so much for me when I needed a sympathetic ear or a reminder that things were going to be okay. I want to remind you that you are very much loved by us, that you regularly brighten my days, and that if you ever need to escape I am only 19 hours away by train
JADEY! You’re an excellent human being giant squid and an amazing poet and beautiful mermaid and basically I wish I could be half as flamabulous as you! You’ve always had a huge inspirational presence in my life since I joined MB and I’m glad that we’ve been able to talk to each other more these days. (Remember the moshpit of fish screaming “SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK” that I tagged for you a while ago? Go look at that. It will make you smile. Probably.)
*fuzzies* Jade, you are an awesome, flammy, squidtastic person mermaid, and I always love reading your posts. You’re always so supportive and caring about everyone here on the ‘Blog, and your creative talents are really inspirational! I hope you feel better soon!
jade, like everyone else is saying, you’re one of my favorite people. You are incredibly creative, smart, and beautiful, you have an extremely strong sense of who you are and you’re not afraid of expressing it, and you can handle two-year-olds capably. You’re empathetic and caring and willing to be vulnerable and you create such amazing opportunities and experiences for yourself.
Jaaaade. I am in Essay Hell and so can’t words good. I cannot express how important you are to me or how glad I am that you exist. Keep being awesome.
Jade! you’re so creative and bright and loving. I think regularly about things you’ve said to me — there’ve been times you said things that were exactly the thing I needed to hear at that moment. You’ve always been so thoughtful and insightful and clever, and it’s meant so much both that you care so much and that you know just how to put things to make me hear and understand. You’re a star.
♥ thanks a bunch, you guys.
also, I just saw that I posted this in the version of the thread that’s like… 3 years old instead of the 2014 one. that’s what I get for trusting the “recently popular” tab & only using the comment viewer to read things anymore.
Could I have some internet hugs, especially the “Christmas Cheer” variety? Break’s been… pretty rough, and I’m finding it hard to muster any kind of holiday spirit.
I am sending you all of my Christmas love and joy, RQ. I hope that you may find peace and happiness at this time of year.
I’m sorry to hear it, RQ, but hope our warm, pie-ous thoughts help a little.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say pious… I’m not religious but still celebrate the bulk of Christmas.
But pie-ous is an entirely different thing!
I had a nervous breakdown yesterday because I was losing, badly, at Economics Jeopardy in a unit I thought I knew pretty well to some bleep-hole who was shoving it my face because he had a faster reaction time and better improvisation skills. So I was already pretty fragile when my new glass water bottle got smashed (accidentally) the class right after. I started sobbing in the middle of class and I had to run down to the nurse to lie down…
I need a hug. And more than a weekend off from school.
*hugs and squids*