I am new here and it is probably too soon to be writing this, but I want to say thanks. I wouldn’t say the Open Salon crowd saved my sanity. My sanity is long past it’s consume by date. But this crew has made my days a lot less desperate. The world I’m living in is mostly inarticulate and nearly illiterate, sort of the opposite of this group. I am in awe of some of the writing I see hear. My heart is touched by many of the stories told here.

Occasionally I read posts that refer to a Golden Age of Open Salon. I’m sympathetic. The world is always changing and falling in love with it doesn’t slow it down. There are mean people everywhere, even in our sanctuaries. The truth is that mean people seek sanctuary too. But if this is the brass age, I’ll take it. I will get my ass kicked from time to time. I always do and sometimes I deserve it. I will make mistakes. Some people will forgive me and some will not. But this is an intoxicating sea to swim in.

There is wit and heartbreak, sincerity, vulnerability and first rate bullshit in this little world. I know I wear my heart on my sleeve, but I don’t usually fall in love with entire communities. Be my valentine or kick my ass. Either way you make me happy.