Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

Next Friday, I am out of here. So it’s time I said goodbye and got on with it. For years, I would write letters telling loved ones all the ways I’d come to care about them. For one reason or another, that tradition slipped away. For one reason and another actually. Two six year-old reasons that need water and conversation in the middle of the night despite the fact that Mommy has needs of her own.  
 

Where was I?
 

Oh, yes, I was caring for people. Last month, I started up again, sending perfumed note cards to my nearest and dearest, gushing about how I’ll miss them after leaving Tampa. These were well-written and properly punctuated. I thought for sure at least one asshole would respond with a similar “I love you too because…” but no. Discouraged and hurt, I thought about sending kiss-off-after-the-kisses cards, but thought better of it.
 

“Kate,” I said, “it’s better to give than receive. So f*ck ‘em.”
 

I am now ready to give Sticks of Fire my electronic love letter and show some appreciation to those who tolerate me and my rants. Here we go:
 

Tommy – When I walked into Blue Shark that night and you drooled over my pizza, I knew I had a friend for life. Thank you for allowing me to advance a liberal agenda and stress the importance of love toys at the same time. I enjoyed reaching out; connecting with my community in a way I never could have done without you. Plus you took me to lunch once and didn’t make fun of my hair. You also provided an endless supply of beer at Skipper’s, which is why I gave my number to anyone who looked at my legs, but I can’t blame you for that. My legs shine more than the moon and are therefore hard to ignore. This site is a template for how Internet use can bring people together legally and empower citizens to get involved with local issues. It’s a tough act to follow. So are you.
 

To my fellow SOF contributors, especially those who’ve been seen with me in public – ahem – Brett (twice!), Wendy and Joel: I enjoyed our time together. Your extraordinary kindness when validating an opinion, supporting a position or providing a well-reasoned argument is deeply appreciated by someone who longs to contribute an appreciated verse. That also goes for those who comment here and encourage a dialogue not available anywhere else. Tampa is a better place to live because you care enough to voice your concerns. I am proud and humbled to have been associated with you.
 

To special readers like Gax, Port Tampa, Addison…I can’t name all of you or the many ways I’d like to personally thank you for encouraging me. You’ll have to check my own site later for that. However, a special shout-out needs to go to Jeff Houck because he uses “babe” in casual conversation and put me on the front page of The Tampa Tribune. Beat that.
 

If any of you are ever in Colorado Springs, please look me up. If you see me this weekend, stumbling around town performing my own Farewell Tour, say hello and goodbye at the same time. I will miss this wacky area and its residents more than you know.
Hugs and kisses,  
Katie