End-of-year thoughts

[+Colibri]

Today I went on a hike... Wanted to make it a longer one, but since I had to be someplace soon, and the sun was already low on the horizon, I drove to a new spot that I found on Open Street Map which has all the little hills written on it. This was probably the shortest path that can still be called a "hike" since it's just 5 minutes from where I left the car. Great view of our town though.

I just took some time and let my mind wander at the sights. I was thinking all sorts of things, also about the shard. So if during the year you sent several tickets, or often participated in public chat, or were seen on the forums... or even if it was one interaction, but very significant, chances are that your nickname or topic of discussion was part of the stream of thought going thru my head. So many ideas, concerns, requests, points of view...

Thank you all for shaping and helping to progress the life of this non-corporal being that we call "the shard".

P.s.: So many pending tickets, unreplied emails, etc... so I can use this opportunity to say: I will eventually get to the issue or at least reply to that email that by now might no longer be an issue.


And just just meditation thoughts... I made this photo of the town with the transmission tower obstructing the view. Some might say, if I went hiking into nature, wouldn't it be better to go somewhere that no man-made stuff is corrupting the views. But these transmission towers are created by a species of animal, in a way it's like an ant hill. And when you get close, you hear a buzzing hum.

view of town.jpg (240.19 KiB) Viewed 5115 times

Also, #selfie

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[Praise]

What a wonderful way to end the year. Thank you for an enjoyable place to relax and make friends from around the globe. Looking forward to a fantastic new year, ahead.

[Johnny Warren]

And just just meditation thoughts... I made this photo of the town with the transmission tower obstructing the view. Some might say, if I went hiking into nature, wouldn't it be better to go somewhere that no man-made stuff is corrupting the views. But these transmission towers are created by a species of animal, in a way it's like an ant hill. And when you get close, you hear a buzzing hum.

Interesting concept. Always good to take a few moments. Thanks for keeping this place alive.

A common saying in my house is that ""John Warren" is my firstborn son". Or so my 2 real sons say when I am logging in, or tell them I'll be a moment to go kick the ball because this travesty has 25%HP left. The Shard has created this part of my story in real life. JW is 2 years older than my eldest IRL. I may not be the most interactive in game, but I am certainly vocal on the forums. It's been a great thing to be a part of.

Let's hope for more years to come. Here's to a peaceful 2024. Hopefully a bit of the hate can be replaced by some compassion, both in and out of the shard.

Thanks again, +C.

[Geriatric]

i met my wife playing this game
on the oceania server about 20 years ago
i was in australia and she was in america
eventually i moved over to the USA

the OSI servers changed too much and it didnt feel like ultima online anymore
i eventually found this server

although its a little oddball having one character with every skill
i always liked having multiple characters

the social side of this server is fantasic, pretty much everyone is friendly and helpful, its great
when i first started i had people give me LRC suits so i could train my skills, let me use their trainers
one of my favourite things was training skills and building characters with different templates
so a shout out to the people that have helped me out, bloodreaper, james crusader, zee qi, praise

because i met my wife playing this game it's always going to hold a special spot in my heart
its like every day is like that first date

so i will always do what i can to try and make this server great, i've signed up for the counselor position a few times
although +C doesnt seem to be recruiting right now
i try to help the newer players where i can cos i want them to have the great experience i do with this game
this post was alot longer than i intended it to be
cos all i really wanted to do was give a big thank you to +C for the hard work he puts into the server (( thats another reason why i sign up for a counselo job, to take some of the load off his shoulders )))
anyway here's to a great 2024
may your loot drops be fantastic and your recall runes never blocked