More than a decade has flown by, and it's time to say farewell, my friends. Hungry Hill is soon to be a fond memory.
It has been SO much more than a happy time - it's been a period where I learned both skills and some important life lessons, too. I learned a great deal, all in all. I have learned that PSPLand can be a magical place, that gives selflessly of it's time and expertise. I value very highly the opportunities that I have been exposed to. I have learned more empathy for what it takes to be part of a large company, such as CDO - the strategic and financial planning that is required, and more knowledge of the industry, as a whole, for having been a part of such an amazing company. I was proud to do my part in supporting the honor and integrity of CDO's vision. It was significant experience for me, and one from which I undoubtedly learned a great deal. I have also been extremely proud and honored to be a designer for the Unsinkable Patty Beyer, who is, simply, The Best, and ever more shall be so.
The past few years have reinforced the value of having a positive and enthusiastic group of co-workers, but that pales in comparison to what I've learned about having a great support team--creative team, in this case--and I have had The BEST. Some few have come and gone, some few have been with me for the entire length of the haul...and all have earned their angel wings and places in my heart forever. I have been honored by them giving tirelessly of their time to enhance Hungry Hill. I have watched them support one another, and empower one another, and lift one another up. I have watched them grow along with me. I want to acknowledge that they have all played their parts in making my time in PSPLand happier and more productive, and taught me everything I'll ever need to know about the meaning of friendship.
Lynne Ferdinando, who corralled, cajoled, consoled and congratulated us all as needed, in her capacity as my CT Manager...no thanks can ever be enough, no praise quite loud enough, no admiration quite sincere enough, to express my never-ending gratitude to you, and love for you. All I can say is thank you, my friend...thank you.
Also deeply appreciated are all the hours and loving attention my SOAM (Sister of Another Mother) Michele Gibson Riggsbee has put into both her CT work for the Hill and her dedication as our Blog manager, and also to Annemarie Weir, in her capacity as creator and administrator of the Hungry Hill Fan group, and her faithful willingness to cheerfully turn a hand to whatever needed done, day or night.
I also need to acknowledge just how much I have been shaped by my colleagues and friends who have been with me from the beginning. This isn't the Oscars, so I'm not going to list everyone who has touched, taught, helped, and been my friend through this experience, or this would be unending...and goodbyes should be brief (yes, I already blew that, I know, lol!) What follows barely scratches on on the surface of all that I have learned over the years, but bear with me as I make mention of some things, please.
I have learned
-that it takes a group of very special people to commit to their jobs on a daily basis - even when the going gets tough - and believe me...we've all experienced that over the years.
-that beautiful things are created on a daily basis by an amazing group of skilled and talented individuals, who choose to be happy, and to make others happy with their talents.
-that if your computer is broken and you approach it mumbling under your breath with the odd uncensored word and a wet wipe, followed by a sharp kick to the hard drive, it will quite miraculously resume working.
-that peals of laughter are always the best part, of anything.
-that a cup of coffee in a private group with friends before the day starts, can make a huge difference - and can give you that much needed perspective.
-that I would have been absolutely useless at unraveling the mysteries of PSP, PS, or CS alone, yet somehow it all became clear when the community embraced me....and so I learned to appreciate community, for the first time in my life. Possibly the most valued and valuable lesson of all.
-that it is impossible to keep PSPLand drama free... BUT, incidentally, the computer-hard-drive-kick approach also works well here, too!
-and that I really do sincerely appreciate the respect that I was always treated with.
Finally, I have also learned that the only thing you should ever lie awake at night worrying about, is how you can best help others.
I am extremely grateful for the role that every single one in PSPLand has played in my life throughout the years - they have been happy, happy years.
Be good humans, okay?
With all my love,
