So Much To Say
I am an eternal optimist.
I am the guy who sees a volcano and appreciates the power behind its eruption and finds beauty in the lava flow.
Therefore, I am the Xangan who marvels at the energy expended on negativity regarding Xanga's imminent transition. The basic truth is that change is coming. We know this. We accept this. What we don't yet know is what shape the change will take. But it is now upon us. It's like graduating from high school. There is an interesting future ahead of us and it is completely up to us how we fashion it. But before we hug, cry and say our goodbyes at the commencement ceremony, let's have one last round of virtual applause for this amazing place we all somehow wound up making our home.
So in the time that I have before servers are shut down in order to make the transition, I want to put a few things out in Xangaverse that it might travel like a comet through space, returning to its point of origin some years from now with a new generation taking in the view...
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on Xanga thus far. There are so many people I've met and so many things I've learned about myself and the world around me. I am an information junky, so Xanga has been a gold mine for me.
I have laughed.
I have cried.
I have loved.
I have apologized.
I have been forgiven.
I've shared my love of music and writing.
I've shared my experiences as a single parent... becoming newly married... and eventually having six children.
I've chronicled my struggles and triumphs.
With all the many places my life is scattered about, Xanga has been the single place where it has all coalesced, and I don't regret one second of it.
@PrincessPowers: If I were to do one last TBO, you would be far and away my only choice. I cannot express just how enjoyable you've made this last year. I've expressed to you on more than one occasion the unique part of my life and heart that you occupy. So I'll just say... listen to the song. 
@KrisOlogy, @mellibella and @TheMarriedFreshman: My sisters in every sense of the word. I love you all dearly and I am looking forward to the day our families finally have the opportunity to greet each other face to face. 
@skylar_rose: You will always be a rock star in my eyes. A rock star who happens to be a close friend and someone with whom I can let down my guard and be completely open. That is rare and I'm so thankful to have you in my life.
@SUMRdaisy: You are such a beautiful person inside and out. Though I haven't commented often, I've always appreciated your posts and all that you chose to share.
@thegunslingergirl: I wish I could give you a hug that would make everything right in the world, and then laugh our butts off at inside jokes only you and I would understand.
@olwd: I think I've had more fun with you in the short time we've known each other, than I have with almost every other person I've met on Xanga.
@blunt_force_mama: Thank you for sharing your life and allowing me a glimpse into your world. I have so enjoyed it.
@edlives: You have my deepest respect, Joel. I look forward to working with you in the future.
@BohemianLotus: We get each other. I love that about us. 
@trunthepaige: You always fascinated me Paige... in a good way. I always found the contradiction between the depth of your posts and the flagrant typos to be hilarious.
@BrittMiles27: I miss our interactions. We must remedy that.
@CaKaLusa: You are probably at the top of my list of coolest people on Xanga. Legit Xangalebrity without the arrogance and vanity. Much respect.
@akarui_mitsukai: We WILL stay connected. You know how to reach me now, yes?
@baldmike2004: That drink is coming, my friend. This year. Hopefully, this summer.
@firetyger: You know, there is a radiant beauty to you that is absolutely captivating. I think it comes from within. Keep being yourself because it's a wonderful thing.
@xXrEMmUsXx: There is so much more to you than what people realize and I've so enjoyed learning about the exceptionally grounded woman you are.
@joyouswind: If there was ever a name that summed up how I felt about someone, yours would be it.
@Levanna: Such a dear friend, you are. I keep you close to my heart.
@mycontinuity: I anticipate your happy ending. And when it comes, I'll be the one smiling real big. 
@AncoraImparo: There are so many awesome things about you. Thank you for being my friend.
@saintvi: Next time you're in my neck of the woods, please allow my family the honor of hosting you for a home-cooked meal.
@Lady_Kelacy: I'm glad to have met you. Hard to believe it was 4 years ago. But I still brag about it.
@SecretNeverTold: Your life story is beautiful. It may have ups and downs, but in its entirety so far, it is glorious. I am proud to call you a dear friend.
@amateurprose: I never realized we had so many things in common. To be honest, you have often said things I want to say, but in a way I just never could.
@skittler335: My favorite.
@doahsdeer: Thank you for sharing your expertise with this community for so many years. It hasn't gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
@TheTheologiansCafe: What can I say Dan? You're good people. That may sound crazy to some, but I just don't think they really know you.
@aSeriesofFortunateEvents: You are a kindred spirit.
@Thatslifekid: No one else could make frisbee so sexy.
@happyworld_ofharibo: Your brain is awesome.
@SasGal: Our conversations of late have been incredibly fulfilling. Thank you for indulging my craziness and being so understanding.
@ShimmerBodyCream: I just want to hang out with you. At least once in my lifetime. Let's make it happen!
@Roadlesstaken: I still owe you a song! lol
@Jenny_Wren: You know, I listen to Watermark and Christy Nockels often and for some reason, I picture you every time one of those songs shows up on my playlist.
@acomfortingcolloquy: I miss your posts from Xangas heyday. Maybe you'll post more with Xanga 2.0?
@Foodhog: I'm so happy for you, my friend who's now a Mrs!
@vanedave: You are one of the few people I know would be down for some hilarity. I'm jealous of your comedic talent. There, I said it. LOL If I had to choose to be any other Xangan, you would be at the top of the list.
@lorelei: One word for you, my friend: genuine.
@seedsower: Love you Beth!
@one_eared_batman: Dude, you are like the poster child for taking control of your life! So proud of you!
@karos: I feel like I connect with you on such a competely different level than anyone else I've met on Xanga. I love that.
@Garistotle and @Persiankitty: One of the few husband/wife bloggers and two of the best people I know.
@mermaid_in_jeans: I think you've been on Xanga as nearly as long as I have, if not longer. It's been a pleasure watching you grow into such an exceptional and unique woman.
@SolidStateTheory: You know what I've always wondered? What is your REAL name? lol It's all good though. We had some good sparring.
@everlastte: Are you blogging anywhere else these days?
@avehnor: Sita! I miss you so much! You were one of the very first people whose path I was fortunate enough to cross on Xanga. I'm so glad we're FB friends. We've come a long way, you and I.
@hilaw: One of the most underrated bloggers I know. There is just something about you that always makes me smile. I hope we can stay connected.
@ItsWhatEyeKnow: I've always appreciated your no-nonsense approach to stating your opinion. Thank you for those many times you've left awesome comments on my posts.
@randomneuralfirings: Yeah, I know you're crushing on me. But I'm taken. LOL j/k Where are you blogging these days?
@VeryModern: You were an original Xangalebrity. But still found time to visit my tiny little blog every now and then. I so appreciated your feedback.
@StewieIsMyHero: KP! My favorite (and only) text date.
@sahel578: Another OG Xangan. Thank you for your trust and honesty.
@beautywithin2851: My adopted daughter. I love you.
@freebirdheart: Every photo you take is like a scene stolen from a movie. Your eye is so amazing, I fully expect you to be world renown in the next 10 years.
@manofcivility: Hey, am I supposed to rotate my tires soon? LOL j/k Hey, the invitation is always open if you're in L.A. brotha.
@Southeast_Beauty: You carry yourself with such grace. I am glad we are friends and that we've had occasions to trade thoughts over the years.
@ShamelesslyRed: My XC from back in the day. I'm so glad to see you've found such happiness.
@methodElevated: Under "awesome" in the dictionary, there is a picture of you.
@Foxxy: Don't know if you'll get this. But if you do, let me know where you're blogging these days.
@antisoccermom: You have always been a class act. I will never forget how you never turned me away when I had questions.
If I failed to mention someone, please blame it on my head and not my heart.
As the final grains of sand trickled down the hourglass, the one thing I hope that people take away from all of this is that it was evident that I loved this place. I want people to know that they (you) mattered to me. You made life so much more enjoyable and I'm thankful for the relationships we've cultivated. I would love to stay in touch, so please find me or tell me how to find you. Here are the places I frequent the most these days:
- WordPress: http://myxldove.wordpress.com/
- Tumblr: http://myxldove.tumblr.com/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyxlDove
- Instagram: http://ink361.com/#/users/8687886
- DeviantArt: http://myxldove.deviantart.com/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/myxldove
- Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/myxldove/
and you can always email me at: myxldove@gmail.com.
Or better yet, good thing I have a wife who trusts me. 
I would post the photo I sent her, but this is a family blog. 
