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Hey, Johnny -
Hugs from the Arctic circle. Look, I kind of get where you were coming from, when you changed your icon.
I signed up for both
Broke Straight Boys AND
College Dudes, just for
Jason Matthews. And ONLY for him. The boards, the conversations, the bonus sites - you name it - ALL that was secondary, to having the chance to appreciate Jason's poetry in motion. (Of course, I have since come to appreciate many beautiful friendships I have received here - including yours.)
Johnny, I spent a good long time, deciding what to make as my icon, here. You will NOT be surprised, that I seriously considered making a picture of Jason, my icon. (And that, too would have been a perfect, and fitting, decision. I am proud, to this day, to be, if not Jason's biggest fan - one of the MANY fans who loved and appreciated his performances here, above all others. No model - to my heart or mind - will ever exceed him.)
In the end, though, Johnny, I chose an icon which was more connected to me personally, and other aspects of my life (and idiosyncrasies). Because, while I love Jason, and admire Jason - I am not Jason. I am. . . myself. And, posting here, it is nice to share a little bit of myself, with others - in a broader and fuller way. So, I chose an icon which reflects other parts of my thinking, and feeling, and other parts of my life. Though I don't know, of course - I hardly imagine that this choice ever bothered Jason, when he was here. Because, while he was here, he always knew I was his devoted fan, and if that made him feel good about his work at
Broke Straight Boys - that's all that matters.
Johnny, same goes, for you and Paul. Paul is an absolute sweetheart. He knows how much you love him, and are inspired by him. Because he is a smart, and sweet, and lovely human being, I am sure he ALSO knows that he has a permanent, enduring, never-ending place in your heart. (XOXOXOXOXO)
But, Paul being as bright and thoughtful and caring as he is - I am sure he has no qualms, Johnny, about your venturing forth to the extent of adopting your own personal icon! I am sure that Paul, like all of us, simply wants to get to know YOU - the REAL, FULL, YOU - as best he can.
Johnny, your love and loyalty to Paul is extraordinary. YOU ARE Paul's number one fan. And - you are ALSO Johnny, a person we know and love IN HIS OWN RIGHT. (This is not an "either/or" proposition, Johnny - it is a "both/and" proposition
So it is just fine that you have adopted a new, personal, icon. Because it helps you to express who you are.
Johnny, I have no doubt that Paul will ALWAYS remember you and care about you, for your praise, and care, and love, for him. Likewise, all your friends here love you too, for JUST the person you are - with ALL your stories, all your history, and all your loves and cares. Johnny - this is the meaning of friendship. Which I am sure that Paul understands ~ because he is a very nice guy.
Love,
"A" XOXOXOXOXOXO
