The amazing thing about the web is that your friends come from everywhere. Some you don’t even get a chance to meet. And in the spirit of Thanksgiving and before we all get wrapped up in the hubub, I wanted to spend a moment and say thanks to a few people that have touched me this year via these crazy interwebs. So here we go, in no particular order:
Mack Collier: For reminding me that chivalry is not dead, and that nice guys can still finish first. You’re one of the good eggs, Mack. Never change who you are. Thank you for being my friend.
Beth Harte: For unabashedly sharing her passion, and for always encouraging me never to hide my own. Beth, you’re someone that I hope I know and share life with for years to come.
Tim Jackson: For teaching me yet again that perseverance triumphs, and for being gentle and kind of spirit. There are few people who embrace and appreciate subtle beauty in the world, and I feel truly blessed to occasionally share the world through your eyes.
Frank Martin: You’ve shown me what generosity, humor, and compassion look like all wrapped up in a handsome package. You encouraged me and believed in me from the beginning, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that.
Pamela Martin: For letting us all have a bit of Frank, and for giving me endless amounts of laughter. Your ability to connect viscerally with people is profound, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity we have to cause a little mayhem together.
Jason Falls: Every conversation with you is eye-opening, and few people on the planet can elicit the unadulterated laughter that you do. For all the friendship, understanding, hilarity, and all that’s to come, I thank you.
Chris Brogan: Talent, generosity, brilliance and a searing wit all balled up in a guy who not only is amazingly good at what he does, but has the humility and ability to connect with people like few others I know. Cheers to always having copious junk monkeys, and never forget Step 1.
Geoff Livingston: Your personal brand is really high on my list. You’ve always told me to stay true to myself, and somehow, I keep listening. Thanks for that. Personal brand or no, I’m proud to call you my friend.
Liz Strauss: If I were building barns, I’d want you with me. Not only do you bring light and happiness wherever you go, but your desire to lift up those around you is an example that everyone needs to see.
Connie Reece: Pink boa or not, you are beyond fabulous. Everyone needs a Connie. I can’t tell you how many times you’ve brought me perspective that I just wouldn’t have otherwise found. Thank you for giving so much of yourself for others, always.
Kellye Crane: Talk about an inspiration! Every moment I’ve been terrified of doing this solo gig, you’ve been proof positive that not only can it be done, it can be done with style and poise. I can’t wait for the chance to share a cocktail and toast your success.
Sonny Gill: You’ve given me a whole new appreciation for Armani. I blame you for sucking me back into fantasy football this year, but getting to know you as a friend and colleague has been worth it. Plus, you let me beat up on the boys. That’s been fun.
Deb Robison: Just when I think you’re this delicate flower, you make me spit wine on my computer screen with a joke that I thought only I could appreciate. And what a razor sharp mind you have. Thank you for the hijinx. Just wait until we get together in person. Heh.
Tara Whittle: I’ve missed you since I’ve been so absent from Plurk, but I blame you for the money I spent on purple eyeshadow. You are so crazy smart, and incredibly warm and giving. I’m so glad we’ve connected.
Donna Tocci: I’ve missed you on Plurk, too. But you have always had a nanner for me when I needed one, and I can’t imagine how to return that favor now that my karma doesn’t allow me any. 
I was so excited to meet you, but it was far too short. Let’s be sure that the next time is longer.
Ann Handley: Word snobs, unite. I’m so inspired by your writing and your sense of humor. You have a talent, Ann. Plus, you crack me the hell up. Thanks for not only the professional opportunities, but for adding color and humanity to my crazy world.
Gavin Heaton: I will always remember how totally floored I was the first time you left a comment on my piddly little blog. You too regularly stitch me up with laughter, and often you probably don’t even know it. One of these days, I’m going to make it down under and thank you in person.
Jennifer Laycock: You’ve been another person that constantly amazes me with your generosity of spirit and commitment to do well by the people in your world. Thank you, for your encouragement in my professional adventures, but also for being someone that exemplifies the good in people.
David Alston: How fortunate am I that I get to call you my client AND my friend? I hope the latter will long outlast the former. We’re gonna kick some tail together, you know. And maybe do some Johnny and June cash renditions if I have enough margaritas.
Christina Kerley: Click My Junk, lady. You are profoundly amazing and you inspire me. That is all.
Gennefer Snowfield: How can I not love someone who loves jelly? Aside from that, you make me work my brain, and you understand some of the crazy shit that results. It’s always gratifying to meet a kindred spirit across the web, and I’m super glad I met you.
There are so many of you, and I’m sure I’ve missed someone, somewhere. And there are many of you that I’m just getting to know: Shannon Paul, Dave Mullen, Miguel Cano, Amber Tardiff, Olivier Blanchard, CC Chapman, Justin Cresswell, Lucretia Pruitt, Scott Parks, Katie Morse, Valeria Maltoni, Steve Woodruff, Lisa Hoffmann, Ken Burbary, Leigh Duncan-Durst, Cara Kiethley. And the dozens of people who keep showing up in my crazy universe, day in and day out, taxing my brain and expanding my mind and restoring my faith in the fact that connections between people are real, and good.
For those of you I have yet to get to know, let 2009 be the year when I count you too among my friends, and give you something worthwhile in return.
It’s your impact on people’s lives, including mine, that makes a big, fat, outrageous difference. You’ve blessed me. Thank you.
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