I'm quite content with my virtual life.
The walls may creak when temperatures change,
the foundation may shift after years of settling,
and the faucet may drip in the wee hours.
But it's my piece of home and I claim it all.
Please don't swagger in with hard hat,
neon-swathed vest and jackhammer,
thinking that you're going to remodel.
It's extremely comfy just the way it is
and you're more than welcome to
luxuriate in it with me,
when I'm so inclined.

__________________________________________________

...Places In The Heart...

T - Thank you for being my first,
longest and bestest friend here when paths
crossed all those years ago.
You da' man.
Always.

E - Thank you for having a room that was
not only the landing base for my first SOI visit,
(gotta love serendipity) but the place that
became my home and refuge.
Love you much!

S - You were my first. In so many things.
Thank you for keeping my heart safe, for loving
me as deeply now as you did then, and for
the simple strength of an outstretched palm.
(The heart wants what the heart wants.)

A - You know I love you, with your flakey self!
You are a truly beautiful soul. Don't ever let
anything or anyone change
the magnificence that you are.

L - Time has taken us down different paths,
but you'll always have my love and friendship.
Thank you for all the moments we've both shared
and created over the years.
You will always be a treasured friend.
It's been magic!

J - Thank you for having a heart as big
as you are tall. We've shared so much over the years and
somehow managed to even go through marital changes
at the same time. Stay strong. Stay beautiful.
You'll always be in my heart.

R - Where do I start, woman? You've never failed
to have a positive word for me or to lend
an ear when it was most needed. Keep on creating
worlds and amazing chars here and don't let
anyone steal your joy. Ever!

D - You're known by another name here, but
you know that I never could get that to work right.
I've semi-jokingly called myself your padawan. And whether
or not you agree, you have been my mentor.
My darklight in the pitch.
My sadistic fiend. My tormentor.
My dear friend.
You are all that and more.
You always will be.
Thank you for the lessons you taught.
The strength you both inspired and lent.
The wisdom, as well as the much-needed swift kicks
in the ass, that you never failed to share.
For being the Daddy Dom I never knew I wanted
or needed until you were there.
I will miss you forever and a day and
carry your mark even longer.

TD and tp - Well, those initials should pretty much
give it away completely, yes? You guys are the greatest and
I consider myself so fortunate to have run across your path.
For all the talks and the time we shared, know
that I consider every minute a cherished gift.
Thank you for letting me share your lives.

R - Before I met you, I thought the height
of eroticism on a yacht was bare toes and mimosas.
Oh, but you've taught me so much more than that.
For every second shared, there's a memory that makes me blush
as well as smile. And your patience with me has no equal.
Like two ships in the night, our paths will forever cross.
So... see you soon.

And last, but certainly not least....

(... I call you guys my soul-saving six and even
get a little teary-eyed while saying it. Why? Because you all
are the most wonderful bunch of people anyone could hope to know.
You were there. Every day. Every hour. With laughter and friendship.
With serious talks that would suddenly verge into hilarity.
With a love of life and unequaled creativity that made me feel both
inadequate and honored to even be a part of it all.
I adore each of you. Forever and always.
For what you are and for what you will be.)

D - Have I told you how overjoyed I am at what
life's holding in store for you these days? My gawd,
sunshine, you deserve every bit of it and more.
Thank you for... well, for everything. For being the dearest
of friends and my perfect roleplay partner. For dragging me into
that first encounter with everybody and making me talk. For having such vast
amounts of creativity that you constantly leave me in awe.
And for simply being the beautiful, limitless soul that you are.

B1 - I wish we hadn't taken so long in getting to know one another.
All that time wasted and there you were, this wonderful,
ethical, loyal human being that I consider myself extremely
fortunate to call friend. I know we haven't spoken in
a while, but I love you and am excited for you taking life by the horns.

G - Congratulations again on starting your life with
the one you love! May you two have eons of
happiness and success. And, you were right, me doing that
unfriending thing on FB was an excellent first step!

B2 - Every time I see an artistic photo, I think of you.
Wait, does that sound weird? Yeah, maybe
a little, but you know how I mean it.
Wait, not like that either! Seriously though,
I think of you and beauty and strength goes
hand-in-hand. It's a good thought.

E - You were more quiet than me half the time, but
your presence was always felt and your laughter
always brought a smile.

J - Sometimes life gives us unexpected gifts. When those times
come, we can only hope that we're ready to accept the gift
graciously. If not, then we could miss out on
something that is truly.... spectacular.
You were that gift for me. A... warm, bright light...
like the sun, when I was cold and lost in darkness.
Thank you doesn't say enough. That you hold a
permanent place in my heart seems an
understatement. So I'll simply wish you all the
happiness, fulfillment and love
in the world.
Para siempre, Papi.

__________________________________________________

Chapter closed.
Legendary.
Me.