Just a quick thing on this 4th of July · 8:57pm Jul 4th, 2015
I was counting the other day, and realized that I've spent four Independence Days in either Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm back in the States this year, but I still found that interesting. So, a quick shout out to all our servicemembers, civilians, police, first responders, and foreign service personnel working away from their families today.
But there's another reason this day is important for me: it's the day I officially joined the fandom, with the publication of my first story on Equestria Daily:
You can still see the post here: Maiden Flight. The original comments are all gone, alas, a casualty of the blog's switch to IntenseDebate a few years back. But still, it's neat to see this post, and remember how far I've come, and how much this community has helped me grow.
So to everyone who's following me, or just reading this, or who has read one of my stories over the years, thank you.
Wow, that's awesome!
I had totally forgotten that was one of your stories. Didn't even know it was your first.
2011. How time flies when you are having ponies.
What? I'm fandom-older than CiG? Here I thought you'd been around since forever.
Anyway, happy pony and/or nation anniversary! By way of a gift, have
some explosivescopious amounts of alcoholsince neither of those transfer over the internet well, how about I just give you those comments back: https://web.archive.org/web/20130208052841/http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-maiden-flight.htmlHappy pony anniversary!
I haven't read Maiden Flight in ages - I don't even really remember it - but I upvoted it, so clearly it must be good.
Checking my now unused bookmark folder of stories, I see Maiden Flight in it. I apparently was enjoying your work before this site was the defacto hub of pony words and I started following authors.
I've been overseas for three of them now.
On this day some time ago, I went from recruit to Sailor. That was a big deal for my division to receive our Navy ball caps on the 4th of July.
Sadly it was another couple of years before I joined the fandom.
Have a great 4th in the States and thanks for the shout out. What we do isn't easy.
I know how you feel. I've spent may Independence Days ( which is also my birthday, by the way) away from family and friends in service to this great nation. Thank you for making note that there are those who are still willing to give those times up so that others may enjoy them in peace and freedom.
And thank you for being one of them. Really enjoy your works. Be safe and be well.
Well happy pony fandom anniversary then!
Also right back at you, thank you for doing all that you do, both here for the pony fandom, but more importantly out there in the world. You're one of the greatest examples of the good people we have in this community, hell I've sited you as an example in any argument against bronies I've been involved with. You are quite the amazing person sir, and we're lucky to have you. Have a good 4th at home this year.
Hmmm:
It occurs to me that I was finishing up Half the Day is Night that exact same weekend: the last chapter and epilogue were posted at EqD on July 5th, 2011. So happy birthday to us all!
Mike
You are quite welcome. And thank you for gracing us with such fine stories over the years.
Thank you for staying alive despite so many brave and wacky exploits in crazy places.
I hope it's not offensive for me to say that I wish our country did not use up soldiers so flippantly, but you guys are awesome for what you are willing to do. Please continue to not die, and less importantly, to hang around here because you make it a better place.
o7
I'm always proud to know you, Ciggy. Happy Fourth, brother.
Sometimes I feel like I'm on my way out of the MLP fandom, but then some awesome fanfic rolls by and really grabs me. That has a spillover effect and gets me all excited again.
I hope for many more anniversaries.