But it's still worth giving a shout-out to you (and all the other cool, awesome moms out there that never stop trying to look after their kids). Even if you weren't my mother, I'd be proud of how much you've accomplished and how hard you work. Enjoy retirement, you've definitely earned it. —Proud kiddo

You are a strong, beautiful, resilient young woman. You've seen your fair share of BS recently and persevered. You will continue to do so and your friends will have your back. We will help you. We will protect you. We will nurture you when you need it. You only need let us do so. YOU ARE STRONG... —Your neighbor and friend...

Thanks to the girl in the red parka on Brunswick Street who yelled at the guys after they commented on my friend and I's outfits. You yelled, "You misogynist dicks, I can hear you from here." It meant a lot to us that you would even bother. The world needs more people like you. —The girl just trying to rock a romper downtown

Thanks for the daily reminder(s). —self-hating graffiti-lover

This year has been tough for many of us, but we've gotten through it together. To all of my amazing friends who have been there through thick and thin—through crying over Kraft Dinner, boys, moving and new beginnings—I love all of you and I am so grateful to have you in my life. Happy new year!! I hope 2015 is rad for all of us. —LBR

Last year I put forth the proposition to the Universe for Change. Big, life altering, new beginning change. Shortly after I discovered two leaks in my roof, had my house torn apart and was put up in a hotel for a month. As much of a pain in the ass as that was I kept my eye on the turning tide and put a plan in place to move forward. Having had the homestead packed up, from the renovation, and new paint on the walls i put it up on the market, bit the bullet and took a short loss on the sale for a long term gain on not having to pay the crazy mortgage cost every month. To that end I set my kids and I up in a nice place with a great view. The next step to the big, life altering, new beginning change was to find something to do to fill my time and someone to share that time with. I'm generally a happy person and love to dwell in the moments of the time to affect change in the most positive way. I believe that we all get out of the Universe what it is we put into it. It wasn't as if i was unhappy in my life but at the same time there was no external force generating happiness in my life. That is to say, a positive someone who shares my philosophy, who has their sh*t together enough to persue a life plan. I've always done well on my own and dwell in the happiness i bring about in my life but knew i needed to put myself 'out there, to continue bringing along the life change, to meet someone i could share my happiness with. You know, the Universe is a wonderful beautiful living breathing force which consistantly presents opportunities to us all. Which brings me to You..... the long awaited kindred spirit. Actually, you were already there. it was I who walked into your world. I was instantly drawn to you. A rarity for me to meet a woman of your caliber. A woman, untainted by heartloss or betrayal. A woman who has focus and a clear direction for the future. A woman who, through her own experience has awakened to the bigger truth of life... a much rarer quality considering the time you've achieved this truth. I know you think about spending time with me. And I know what holds you back. Social Convention. I feared it too and suggested 'if things were different' I would snatch you off the market in a heartbeat! When we went out the other night... i'm not sure what look i had on my face but, thinking back to that moment (as i often have since then), i'm still in utter shock at how unbelievably beautiful you were that night. Sitting in that darkened room with you i still have little memory of the show yet every time we drew close in wisper, every time we touched, every time you moved and sent a wisp of your scent to me is as clear in my minds eye as any real thing before me at present. As far as you and I are concerned I would like to put forth the proposition of putting whatever common fear of social convention behind us and move forward as one. Opportunities for true happiness, as we have the potential living, is rare enough that I can't just ignore because of something as silly as 'convention' because it's fringes on the taboo. I simply can not ignore my faith in the greater work of the Universe and the crossing of our paths. I know your 5yr (and beyond) plan. I know the direction you're moving. I know i want to be a part of that. I think you do too. Let's let 2015 be the promise of New Beginnings, together. —The heart will not be comprimised

My joy/appreciation goes out to the lady who kindly told her daughter that it’s okay for boys to dress like girls and girls to dress like boys, regardless of how complex it might really be to abandon ingrained social normatives...Made me smile :-) —Alfie Alfie Alfie

Wow, Wimzy, I can't believe you still love me even though I habitually submit cranky missives to Love the Way We Bitch. Well here's hoping they publish this testament to how much I adore you. It'll be the first time I've been on this side of the balance sheet. Maybe I'm starting to shine under the light of all your love? —Pegasus

I miss you and still love you. —Groupie

As I got into my vehicle after the Moosehead game Friday night, I let out a defeated *sigh* as I noticed a ticket in my front wiper... but it wasn't! It was $5! Thank you generous stranger! —pleasantly surprised