the view from the other side.
April 5, 2008
Thank you for crossing over the bridge with me, my friends.
Because I may not get the bridge moved over here for a little while, I felt it only right to put my list of “thank yous” front and centre again.
All of you have visited my old blog at one time or another, and have been very supportive. I wanted to make sure that any new visitors would also have the chance to meet you!
The following people have helped to make this possible:
Men with Pens – James & Harry, for the blog design and lots of help & encouragement, and the liveliest comments section around. If I’m not here, I’m probably over there…
IttyBiz – Naomi, for introducing me to a lot of these great people, including the dynamic duo above, and for confusing Ron Paul and Ron Jeremy, just one example of your funny and honest writing style that I love. (Who loves ya, baby? The starf*cker, that’s who…)
The Writers Manifesto – Monika, for the inspiring story of how you followed your dreams, the virtual flat whites, and help with the thumbnails – Issue #1 of Fourex Girl is coming!
Write From Home – Amy, for the tireless late night chats and inspiration to think differently about my day job, and the opportunities it presents – the cook says “lady”.
Melissa Donovan – Melissa, for a great chat about freedom & life change, and a picture that is SFW, never mind what they said on Twitter.
Self Made Chick – Christine, for having the courage to quit your job, move into the desert, and follow your dreams – you make me want to do the same… if I follow everything in your book, I cannot fail. I don’t think I’ll quit my job today though, my wife might get mad at me…
Michael Martine – Michael, for the encouragement to start a test blog – this blog – and for countless other insights. You are the Remarkablogger.
Put Things Off – Nick, for the awesome Todoodlist book, inspiring words, and your love of paper, which I share.
The Writing Journey – Bob, for laughing at my tubular pigs joke, and for the very encouraging feedback about my writing. Oh, and for the Thai beef…
Joohliah – for the lovely slippers, and for creating the Zoohliah – awesome – I still have to buy one!
sushi day – Allison, for the Darth Sushi, the encouragement, and the cool t-shirt… 
it arrived today, and it rocks – I’ll be wearing it on Red Friday this week!
eVentureBiz – John Hoff, charter member of the Tyler Durden fan club and all-around good guy – “Never say NO to Fluffy!”
Maximum Customer Experience – Kelly, for the voodoo dolls – yes, and we know you know nothing about fetishes – say hello to Little Pen by the way.
Life’s Little Inspirations – Wendi, for all of the kind words – we are traveling down the same road, I’m glad to be sharing the journey with you.
Curious Apricot – RJ at Wild Apricot Blog, for the VW Magic Bus that will get all of us across the bridge, you can drive and pick the music!
Steve Pavlina – Steve, who probably doesn’t even know I’m out here yet, but I have to thank him for his words, especially his post on life purpose.
Eyeteaguy – Francis, my long-time friend, for the kick in the butt to start this blog, we need to have a beer. Soon.
The Deep Friar – Mike aka “The Friar”, for the DAF nights and “bitch ‘n stitch” lunches at work – keep up the painting.
My family – Cathryn my wife, and my children Cameron, Ian, Aimee, and Owen. Thank you for filling my days with joy.
There are also some other very important people – see, I said I’d add people to the list, and I will continue to do so:
Wilson’s Words and Pictures – Ellen, your pictures are amazing and your new blog is really all that too – thanks for your continuing support.
Cath Lawson – Cath, follow your dreams, you have it in you, and you inspire me to keep on doing the same. You’ll make it to Oz someday…
BigBrightBulb – Crystal, for the great chats on Twitter – you have *the* best small business site and I’m reading it furiously. You have what it takes, keep going, you’ll get there!
Believe it or not, I hadn’t forgotten about the three of you! That’s just what happens when Brett checks his list at 4:00 am. I wonder if that happens to Santa Claus?
To all of you, I say once again – thank you.
Now everybody, back in the bus – the road ahead looks like quite an adventure! I hope that you like the view from the other side.
You’re welcome, my friend. I sense good things ahead.
Bob Younce at the Writing Journey’s last blog post..Why the Internet is the Perfect Market for Writers
Well, I can certainly say you’ve chosen some excellent people to mention – I know them all. In fact, we frequent the same crowds. In fact… are we siblings or something? Sheesh!
You’re welcome, Brett! Congratulations again on the move and best wishes for the future — I’m sure it’ll all be smooth sailing from here on up.
I’m off to check out some of those links — a few names I’d not heard before…
Nick Cernis’s last blog post..Moleskine Notebooks: The Ultimate Guide (and how to rank your addiction)
James – I told you to keep that a secret. If everyone starts thinking we’re all related they’ll accuse us of trying to steal the Internet or something.
Thank you very much for mentioning me Brett. You inspire and motivate me too and I know you’ll get to New Zealand.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..When Keeping Up With The Jones’s Is Bad For Business
Thanks for the mention, Brett.
As a fellow “Three Percenter”, I think our DAF nights have not only helped us blow off steam about work, but they’ve started some synergy going, which has motivated both of us start writing more. I sense this will be a “Year of Change”.
(Now..if only we can publish a book that Oprah likes, then we’ll be set for life, and we won’t have to work at the Widget Plant anymore).
Friar’s last blog post..The Friar versus The Gray-Heads
@ Bob: thank you my friend, so do I – thanks for the support, and encouragement.
@ James: I probably wouldn’t know most of these folks if it wasn’t for you! Siblings – it does seem that way, doesn’t it, like long lost brothers and
@ Cath: (sorry, I had to spill the beans) yup, we’re all related – well, if you go back far enough in the human genome I guess! You are very welcome, thanks for stopping in today, perhaps when we get to New Zealand and you’re in Oz, if you go there, we can meet up with Monika
@ Nick: thanks again for the encouragement, and your great stories – I’m laughing as someone had commented on my Moleskine the other day, and I said “you just don’t get it” – so your latest post is awesome! I currently rank a Level 5 on the Moleskale (that’s killing me, I love it
)
And, last but not least
@ Friar: thanks for stopping in today, sorry I missed your phone call earlier (out with the kids) but I’ll see you again soon. Yes, 3 Inc. is going strong and this year is looking up. Once we put the Hypocrite Factory out of business, our work will be done. Keep up the painting and cartoons… Garpak Lives!
Brett, thanks again, Nice to see the bridge on the other side!
Brett, hope you get some rest and start feeling better!
Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..Getting To Know You…
Hi Wendi, I’m glad you could come along. The road ahead will be interesting (there is a method to the madness of my post titles, as you can see…
)
And thank you for your well wishes. Some warm comfy clothes, my family, a fire (a nice bottle of wine…) and I’ll be fine again soon!
Brett, thanks for your kind words. You’re a wonderful conversationalist and inspiring blogger
And thanks for sharing this list. I’m going to use it for this weekend’s blogosphere expedition! I’m always on the hunt for new blogs to add to my reader.
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..Jeff Buckley: Grace (Album)
Hi Melissa: you are welcome, and thank you in return for your kindness and inspiration. I like these kinds of posts myself (when I’m visiting other blogs) as they are good for finding new places to visit.
I think that’s how I found your site, actually
Hey there! That’s quite a list, and I’m too tickled to be on it. I recognized some folks, but not everyone, so that’s going to make for some fun reading this week. I’m looking forward to the trip, and being in y’all’s good company.
Thanks so much for your ever-present encouragement. I’ve bottled it, saving it for later…the inevitable long days ahead
Tweet ya later!
Crystal
Crystal | Big Bright Bulb’s last blog post..Do You Have What it Takes to Drive Growth?
Hey you! You are quite welcome! I’m going to have to populate my “recommended resources” soon… I think you’ll be on there.
These people (including you!) are on my growing list of “must reads” in Google Reader, and when they tweet they get first dibs. So much inspiration, encouragement, and wisdom in a tiny package.
I love that – yes, tweet ya later!
Brett
Brett,
Many happy returns at your new digs. I hope it inspires you to Maximum growth as a writer/ philosopher, yet still leaves plenty of time for the really important things, the lady and kids who love you. Looking forward to seeing you in my inbox frequently!
Unreally yours with a big
,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..2008 Interview Series
Brett – I see you as my alternate Canadian family guy. Great looking blog and I sense good things to come.
And please, remember do not say no to Fluffy! I mean, Rambo is his favorite movie and all!
John’s last blog post..The Best Rule To Follow: Keep It Simple
@ Kelly: thank you very, very much – as you know, I couldn’t have done this without you, and without the support of my lovely wife and beautiful kids. I’m sick as a dog today, but we went for a family walk and that lifted my spirits more than they know.
@ John: LOL if only there were a window into our house, I’m sure life is imitating art more than we’d like (the baby / babies don’t try to set fire to everything, though). Thanks again for your encouragement.
And thank you to *all* of you again, I have some neat things planned and I know that you will enjoy them and find them useful.
- Brett
If I had no windows, I’d need to get out, too.
This is very sad. Maybe we could take up a collection to get Brett et famille a window?
Kelly’s last blog post..2008 Interview Series
@ Kelly: you got me
guess I walked into that one.
Don’t worry though, one of the kids put a bucket on his head this afternoon, and knocked a hole in the wall… a little plastic wrap and *voila* a window!
Hey Brett! And you can count on my continued support. Hey, are you going to write on the Butterfly effect? I was going to, but you have first dibs because I heard you mention it. Should I even ask? Is it the polite thing to do? Ellen got a new camera, so Ellen has been extremely busy with that. That and taking my daughter to my moms for spring break. Take care. E
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..The Blog Renaissance
Hi Ellen: thanks for taking the time to stop in today and say hello. I really appreciate what you said!
Well, here’s what I’d suggest – go ahead and write about it, I actually already did back at my old blog but I’d not linked out to it – it is also here now (I’ll get all of my old links fixed in the next two days).
It is at http://6weeks.ca/?p=38 – please do go ahead and write about it, I’m sure you would have a different perspective and we would all enjoy your take on it
I hope to see some of the photos you took at your blog!
Thanks again for your support.
Talk with you soon – Brett
Ahhhh! That’s a beautiful post, Brett. I certainly can’t top that – but I can link to it!
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..Writing the Wild Within: Part 2 – Predator and Prey
Ellen – thank you! Well, please feel free to link to it and also write about it of course, as I’m sure you’d have a different angle on it.
Exciting times!
Mark Dykeman’s last blog post..Southwest Airlines – social media history in the making
Hi Brett !
Really busy these days, no time to read the other comments, but I’m glad everything’s going forward for you !
And thank you so much for the link
Can’t wait to read more…
@ Mark: thanks for stopping in to say hello! I haven’t stumbled across your blog before, and it certainly is interesting! I’ll be sure to check it out.
@ Joohliah: glad to hear that you are busy, that probably means you have lots of good stuff going on. Hey, you are welcome, you’ve been here for me – I’ll have lots more to say soon. Keep up the good work over at your place…
Hey Brett: thank you so much my friend. I’m really happy that you managed to do the thumbnails, looks great. Love the new design and Harry and James definitely done another great job here.
I’ve been stuck with my head nailed to the desk and right now I’m struggling to keep up with doing my comment rounds due to work overload. I’m loving it though, just miss all of you guys right now.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Freelance Writing Guide For New Freelancers
Hey Monika: you are quite welcome! I agree, the Men did a good thing here – my job now is to match it with great writing! I think I have a few ideas…
No worries – we miss you too, and we’ll be here when you have some free time. In the mean time, here’s a virtual flat white for you!
It’s a privilege and a pleasure to share the magic bus. (We’ll take turns picking the tunes.) And who doesn’t love being in at the start of a Grand Adventure? Brett, man, just look at that bridge ahead! You see any salt mines there? Why no, not a single salt mine as far as the eye can see, or the gifted writer imagine…
RJ – that sounds great, you can pick first! You are right, no salt mines ahead (and actually it’s a great day here today), or if there are any, we’ll just find a market to sell the salt
Thanks for stopping in today to say hello my friend, and for being a part of this Grand Adventure – Brett
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