2011 was not the best of years, but one of the more fulfilling aspects for me was participating in the DailyKOS community, posting numerous diaries, and engaging in thought-provoking exchanges with my commenters. I've said it before, and it bears repeating: I've been blessed with the most insightful, witty, creative, and (no doubt) good looking commenters on the site, and matching wits with you fine folks has been a real honor.
Still, I've been troubled by the thought that writing for a politically like-minded audience, while rewarding, is not achieving the goal of electing more/better democrats. I've wondered what I could accomplish by logging off my computer and rolling up my sleeves to make 2012 the year of action, rather than another year of living in my head. I've been increasingly uneasy, looking for some sort of sign that would help me find my 2012 "mission". Despite contemplation and soul searching, no signs were forthcoming.
Okay, I told myself, you haven't found your sign. Tough. Lots of people never find a sign. Just pick yourself up and move on. Do something different. With this in mind, I resolved to cut back on my KOSaddiction. I'd still help publicize the work of newcomers to the site, and long-time lurkers who are beginning their diary journeys, but nobody would miss me if I spent less time writing, more time "away". There are hundreds, maybe thousands of brilliant thinkers, writers, and change agents here. I could just disconnect and walk away.
Then, yesterday evening, this appeared in my e-mail:
Dear cassandracarolina,
Congratulations! An anonymous benefactor has purchased you a lifetime gift subscription to Daily Kos.
To: cassandracarolina
From: An anonymous benefactor
I was astounded! Amazed! Who was this anonymous benefactor? Was it one of my followers? An occasional commenter? Someone who shares my second-childhood love of dinosaurs? A fellow limerick enthusiast? One of my long-suffering Lone Star State neighbors who's reveled in the unraveling of our Secessionist-in-Chief?
Please - if you're my benefactor - let me know!! You've provided a welcome "sign" that maybe my efforts here are meant to continue. I'd welcome your input on future content: what you liked, what I should work on, how I can improve. Of course, you'll also win a lifetime of custom cassandracarolina limericks on the topic(s) of your choice.
Thank you, my wonderful benefactor, and thanks to all of you who've taken the time to read, tip, recommend, comment, send messages, and engage in spirited discussions. Maybe it really is "meant to be".
Happy New Year!