HAPPY HOLIDAYS: 2013

[Mark Arbour]

No matter what holiday you celebrate, I hope it's wonderful!

 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank two groups of people who are undoubtedly more important to me than they realize.  If I were to visualize my efforts here at GA as a vehicle, I would obviously see myself as the driver, because I'm a vain control freak.     But to carry that analogy on, those of you who read my stories and post reviews or comments in the forum are like the fuel.  You keep me going.  Without your interest and support, I'd be a lot less productive, a lot less motivated, and a lot less satisfied with my writing.  And furthering the analogy, my team is like my mechanic, making sure everything works right, seems right, and looks right.  They are an invaluable group to me, and I cherish them. 

 

From time to time, a snarky person - usually someone who wants to write and be appreciated, but isn't - will whine about the number of forum posts I have, the reputation points I've gathered, the Reader's Choice Awards I've won, etc.  I generally roll my eyes in a contemptuous way, because those aren't things I generate, those are things my readers generate.  They are a sign of the incredibly loyalty of my readers, and the incredibly hard work my team puts in.  I appreciate all of you.

 

As for me, I've escaped from the miserable St. Louis winter for a few weeks, and am enjoying sunny and (relatively) warm Arizona.  Some good family time, then I'm trekking to the Cotton Bowl, to watch our Missouri Tigers stomp the living shit (hopefully) out of Oklahoma State. 

 

It's been a trying year for me, with a lot of ups and downs, but I'm heading into the new year with a pretty optimistic feeling.  I hope all of you can do the same. 

[Kitt]

Thank you - for being the wonderful writer you are, for sharing that writing with us, and for thinking of us during the holiday season.  

 

Have a wonderful and safe holiday.

[rjo]

At this time of year one looks back and sees the important things. The older one get the more this happens. I can say truthfully that Mark, his stories, and my follow readers have made this first years of retirement easier to bare It is almost like having a second family, gathered from all over the country, even all over the world. Like real families we don't always agree, but in the long run that makes it even more interesting. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, or if it fits better Happy Holidays!!

Edited December 25, 2013 by rjo

[Kookie]

Mark, I'm sure I am joined by all your fans of your stories in wishing you a very joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year.

[Toast]

Merry Christmas Mark.

[Daddydavek]

Arizona  for the holidays and then going to the Cotton Bowl--you must have done something right.  It was 5 degrees in West County this morning and right now (10:30 pm CST) it's 21 and it feels like 11 degrees F.   

 

Your writing brought me to GA and I am indebted to you for that and your continued output.  

 

Happy holidays to you and your family and friends.  Enjoy!

 

P.S.  It's late Christmas morning and it occurred to me that I failed to thank your incredible team for the support and help they provide so that we get to enjoy the polished product you produce.  

So here's a big shoutout to Sharon, Jeremy, Westie, George, Foster, Tiger, JCashell and Daisy139 too!

Edited December 25, 2013 by Daddydavek

[Suvitar]

Merry Christmas, Mark! And thank you for your stories, I´ve enjoyed reading them   

[GLH]

Happy Holidays to you and yours, Mark and Season's Greetings to your team as well!