In the Fandom, I am Thankful for... · 4:30pm Nov 26th, 2015
Dear Loyal Watchers, Interested Visitors, and Confused Passersby,
Over the last two weeks, my daily work has been filled with watching students construct the traditional hand-traced turkey. This are often adorable, usually slightly lopsided, and more or less disposable. It is a yearly Thanksgiving tradition, and one that heralds many things.
There are, of course, always variations on the theme...
More complicated than that however is the usual short paragraph that is written on lined paper and which follows along beneath the bird itself. Here, the kids write that they are thankful for their friends, their family, their pets, and all of the usual answers. In many ways I'm jealous of how easily they are able to give their answers. It seems that as we age it becomes much easier to dwell on the negatives, and we seem to lose touch with the minor miracles that make up our day. I could be depressed by the fact that I'm having reheated chili for dinner tonight due to my family not being able to get together until the weekend, but I can't.
In reality, I know that I am amply blessed. Thanksgiving is a day to recall that...
... and that is no less true here in the fandom.
So, what am I thankful for here in the high-stakes, high-risk world of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fan fiction? Well, let's see...
1.) My Old Watchers
You guys have stuck by me for four years. Four. Years. Of course, everyone joined on at different points, but seeing the same people go with me as I make this bizarre little journey through my fever dreams has been something unique and special. I deeply appreciate it, and you have my thanks.
2.) My New Watchers
Despite a year-long writing dry spell, people still seem to be investing their time in me. I can't say how much I truly appreciate that, and I can only hope that I'll be able to provide you with new things to read and enjoy soon enough.
3.) A Chance to Collaborate
Working with other creative people has been a highlight of the fandom for me. This year it was especially true. My continued thanks go out to Jim Davis, who is working so very, very hard to make the audio play of The Youth in the Garden come to pass (you have until December 31st now, if you still would like to try out!) Most especially I am blessed to have been able to create new comics with dSana, who we know as Stainless Key. The ability to combine my writing and her amazing art has essentially saved this year for me, from a creative standpoint. I'm thankful that you have enjoyed those efforts.
4.) A Chance to Learn
I have been active in many fandoms over the years, but I have never grown so much as a writer as I have in this fandom. By looking at what authors that I respect were achieving, through the constructive criticism of people who have read my stories have provided, and most especially through the help of pre-readers and editors like Argon Matrix, Future, Kalsh93, LuminoZero, Icy Shake, Predhead, Inquisitor M, Fury of the Tempest, John Perry, Applejinx—and too many more to mention—I have grown substantially as an author. Thank you all so very much!
5.) Real Friends
Turning an "Internet Friend" into a "Real Friend" is one of the great achievements of the digital age. You know who you are, and I am deeply appreciative for you trust in me and for the friendship you provide.
So, that's that! I'm thankful for all of you who took the time to read this blog, and I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. And, as my longtime followers know, with the abomination of Black Friday rearing it's head tomorrow, an annual tradition and request on my part is soon to appear... as Advent is just around the corner!
Stay Awesome,
-Desc
I'm thankful for every day I wake up and every person I meet, because one day I won't wake up and I won't meet any new people. It's too easy to take things like that for granted.
Happy Turkey Day, Ravencorn. Now, ima get ready for some football.
:D
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Well said, Last. Enjoy your professional sports... I'm gonna spend the afternoon getting my Christmas lights ready to be put up.
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Indeed.
Hey, Descy. Happy holiday to you as well! So do we roll out Santa Hats on Black Friday?
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I usually post a blog about the Santa hats on Sunday, which is the first day of Advent. That's worked out best most years. I'm glad you're participating, Sky!
I'm certainly thankful for such sexy and creative authors like you, descendent.
In the world's current climate, I'm just thankful for being alive.
...I'd also be thankful for an update on Zenith
Thank you so much, Desc
I am also very thankful for a chance to collaborate with you. You wrote stories that inspired my art and gave me courage to share it in the first place - you get back what you give, after all 
Happy Thanksgiving!
That child needs a scholarship. Soon.
So glad to have you around, D. You make my days so much better.
I love hearing what you're thankful for, you're one the kindest people in the fandom, TD.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
I'm really concerned about whoever it is that has both a big toe and a thumb on their heel.
Happy Thanksgiving, TD!
I couldn't have said it better myself. Life's blessings are ample indeed.
Four years? Has it really been that long?
Bizarre? My friend, we are reenactors bizarre is part of the shtick
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Heckayah, I love the Santa hats.
Cute turkey picture, also hope you have a good Thanksgiving TD.
I'm thankful for great fanfictions, family and turkey!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm thankful for the people like you in our fandom, TD. If you weren't here, I would probably have moved on from this fandom.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Well said...( sniff )
...well said.
Stories have always meant a great deal to me, but it wasn't really until discovering the wonderful people of this fandom that I really began to think about them and why some affect me so much more than others. Chris, Bad Horse, TheJediMasterEd, our host, and Somber have—along with so many others—provided not only countless hours of entertainment, but an educational experience as well.
The world is overflowing with negativeness and sometimes we get lost in all the negativeness that we forget to see that even though life is rotten and human kind in general is not the always peacefull, there are still many things we can find to be thankfull for. One thing in partcular is that even in all the world, all the vilance, all the death and darkness there are people like you - and others that are caught up in the mess of life - that still find the light at the end and see fit that it be shown to the rest of us that have lost hope and tell us that even though we are few and small, we still have the courage and hearts to reach it and lead others towards the hope of a better tomorrow. Of a better future.
Of a kinder, more loving life.
Stay true forever Desc!
Thank you, T.D, for all the wonderful stories. You remain my favourite author here. I hope the coming year finds you happy and healthy. My best wishes, and good luck for the future.
I know I'm late, but I still wanted to say hi. "Hi"
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Thank you, Nast.
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Agreed on both accounts, Lucky.
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It worked out wonderfully for the both of us.
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I hope that "the feels" didn't get in the way of your Turkey Day, Sergeant.
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I do try to make myself useful, Georg. I'm happy to be able to do so.
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Thank you for saying so, Chin.
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I hope that you had a good one, DJ.
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Indeed (on both topics!)
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started in the fandom in January of 2011, and I joined this site on the first day of November 2011... so, yeah. Wow, where does the time go, eh?
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Well said, Pal.
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Having mine right now, Ly, due to family issues. Kinda hard to cook and hang Christmas lights, but I'm making a go of it.
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I hope you had a good one, Py.
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I'm glad to be that person then, Odd.
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Thanks, Sol.
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I'm glad that you have met so many people who have been able to provide such experiences for you, Icy.
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I shall endeavour to do just that, Scribe!
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I appreciate that very much, Brum!
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And a "Hello!" to you too!
Oh TD,
I wanted to write that you are one of the few people, I read about online, that I would love to meet in person just to treat you to a beer or meal, but that would be a lie.
Because when I think about it you are truly the only one where this thought entered my mind.
From the way you write your stories through your blog entries down to your comments you show that
you do your utmost to live by the book of being the best person you can be.
Some might see this as a weakness.
Some may even say it is foolish.
But I like to think that it is a strength.
And I hope that someday I can meet
and talk to you just to know if the beer would be justified.
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Thank you very much, Split. That made my night. I appreciate all of those sentiments. I appreciate the offer of the drink, too... but I don't abide alcohol.
*slaps self in the head* How the heck have I not responded to this yet?!
I know that this is a little late, but T.C., I really want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you and with other people in the fandom.
I'm not a man of speeches, but allow me to say that many people in this fandom have inspired me to do something that I am passionate of doing, and that is voice acting. You on the other hand, are the real reason why I've decided to go for it. Ever since reading 'The Youth in the Garden', you have not only inspired me to work on this audio book and give me the chance to do so, but you've also taught me something new when it comes to American History. When you think about it, I'm pretty much a history junkie at times, so it's always nice to learn something new.
With that, I thank you, T.C., for all you have done; for the stories that you've wrote and the people you've inspired. Thank you.
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Thank you, Jim. That means a great deal to me.
Umm, are you a teacher? Because I really want to be a teacher when I grow up. Also, I'm thankful for having my PFF, Lumina Spark.
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I am a teacher (of sorts). I encourage you to pursue the field, as it is immensely rewarding.