Here's to poisongirl.

She comes from tragedy and hardship, as so many of us do. Not too many interesting people are in your life who grew up as spoiled children of priviledge who never had to overcome anything, now are there? No, it is adversity that builds character, and forges individuals who are genuinely unique, self-reliant and capable in a crisis.

She's had a couple of years now. It's been hard for her. And through it all she's found her center, worked to maintain a balance and defeated personal demons, legal issues and done it without the benefit of a relationship- just her friends to lean on a little.

And that's why we should celebrate this day. Because through all of it, she has been sardonic. She has been snarky. She has been sarcastic. But she has never yielded to defeat nor depression nor doom. She has continued to pull herself along, an inch at a time if she must, ever moving forwards even when life drags her back and her claws become bloodied from losing their purchase on her progress.

And throughout it all, she hasn't lost the battle to be nice, to be good to others, to be a friend to those in need, to take care of those around her and brighten their lives even when hers it at it's darkest.

So here's to you, Anastacia. Today is your day, and I stand and recognize you for who you are, for what you have accomplished and the indefatiguable spirit that will keep driving you forward against all obstacles and adrversity. Be very proud of yourself, cuz I got a feeling this is your year.

Gotta make this one quiuck. But that's somehow appropriate.

Jilly-O, the spiritchaser, knows all about quick moments. She has spent so much of her life capturing them, after all. Snatching that moment out of time and holding it forever behind the shutter of her high-speed camera, looking for the right spot to be in so that the light will be right, waiting for that expression to come to full bloom before snapping a moment of immortality and marking history.

She's small and petite and pretty. She's sweet and patient and funny in a way that can only be borne of one who suffers... and if you read her "Tales of the Lieberry" then you know where that patience is honed. Yet despite all of these things, she is patient and kind and gracious and always has time for friends and acquaintances.

So here's to you, Jill. May your day bring you everything that you wish, and no disappointments. And hopefully it will have a few moments worth crystallizing forever through the lens of your talented eye.

Today's birthday wish is brought to you by the letter "J".

I met Julie and jps the same year... Dragon*Con 2004. I had no idea who these delightfully friendly and fun-loving people were, all I knew was that they were both amazingly pretty, and far nicer and friendly than anyone had a right to be. And they were folks who helped cement in my mind the idea that Atlanta was truly a wonderful place filled with great people.

I've spent more time with them over the intervening years, and that initial impression hasn't changed. She's still the prettiest woman I've ever met, inside and out. But we're here to talk about him today. The reason why she gets mentioned is that they are a package deal, and being that amazing woman that she is, he had to be worthy.

In all of my travels, I have met fewer men who carry themselves with such style, an air of calm and dignity while being so completely unafraid to laugh at himself. He is never petty nor superior, instead choosing to celebrate everyone in their own way and always willing to take a moment to let someone know just how he feels about them and what they mean to him. He works hard on his physique, but is neither boastful nor vain about it. And that devilishly handsome smile is quick to arrive and given freely and often to those around him. He is generous with his time and advice, never speaking too loudly nor appearing too wise. He does indeed walk with the common man and kings and never loses his touch with either.

So, today I'm taking a moment to wish him a happy birthday, because I love and respect this man. He's one of the best men I've ever known, and I think the world would benefit greatly from more such as him. He wears the mantle of a Spartan king from time to time, and he wears it as if born to him.

Hail to the King, baby.



Image by the immortal photognome, of course (hopefully used with permission). When you want a great photo of someone you know in Atlanta there's really only one place to go- go Gnome!