To: Prank

From: Woogie, Proud & Mighty Lion of the Prankster's Palace and Feline Lord of the Mountain, the Prairie & the Sea

RE: Your Annual Review

Well, my Prankster, it has been just over a year now since you started your blog and as your Supreme Ruler I think it is important to take stock in you now and again. To see what my favorite Human is up to and guide you towards the path that ensures the maximum happiness for me as is your purpose.

I noticed you have been traveling away for the Palace much of this year. I appreciate the efforts of your staff to keep me happy while you were away, why I almost forgot about you sometimes yet I am always happy to see you whenever you are around. To think there you were in Florida on a vacation of sorts just one year ago on a journey and got on this Blogstream and started writing. You had no idea what was going to happen, did you? Not a clue at all my fine Human friend. Yes...not a clue. And now you are about to move from our Mile High Palace to a Palace by the Sea.

As I review the permanent record I have maintained on you, I see your initial posts from a year ago were quite different and are no longer posted. You took them down did you? Yes, I remember there was a shift in how you viewed your blog in early October. Not a diary anymore, more like a rough journal of haikus and other pieces. Pieces that would change from time to time. As that happened some other things changed for you, didn't they? You started to meet certain people and some became friends. You weren't expecting that now were you? Oh sure, perhaps a few exchanges in the comments area once in awhile if you were lucky but something sparked and you liked it. Certain voices seemed quite familiar. Like long lost friends they were. Yes, then many voices inside of you emerged too, eh?

It appears there were times when you were ready to abandon this Blogstream, just up and leave as if it did not exist. But you found that you could not really do that, right? That deep down you would miss the place. Your Human emotions amuse me, Prank, but it is also part of your saving grace. Which is why I tolerate all you Humans and allow you to serve in trusted positions as I would the noble Otters and loyal Dragons. Sure, there are some very able Lions and Great Apes but you can trust an Otter with anything, Prank.

And this Miss Six you have had the opportunity to spend time with, why I can see that you are so very fond of her. The last thing you ever expected was to meet someone like her as you started this blog. You two seem to get along very well and I look forward to meeting her. Anyone who charms your heart as she has must be quite special indeed. In fact, it was her that helped you work through a few things in your mind when you were contemplating leaving the Blogstream. Her calm words and insight and friendship soothed your hurt and helped you focus on what you truly wanted out of life. I can see that you have come a long way, my Dear Human, and your joy is shared with me.

Now this tattoo business is very interesting to me. You Humans mark yourselves permanently and you certainly seem amenable to showing your ink, that's what you call it, to anyone who happens upon you. You were never very shy were you, Prank? Sure you can be in a quiet mood now and again but your nature is gregarious and you love a good conversation. This will serve me well, Prank, as you establish our new Palace home. Now Prank, as we face the coming year I will need more details from you about this Virginia you keep talking about. Pointing at the map and looking at me and laughing does not qualify as more details. I know that the Lovely Slash and Mighty Panther Tuffy live in this Virginia with your Miss Six and their reports to me are glowing. At least that is what your summaries tell me. Especially with all the geckos and such to capture and bat about, yes, I do enjoy a tasty lizard tail. You are also aware of my love of seafood so I find this Virginia to be quite acceptable and am willing to base my Dominion over all that I survey in this place.

You have come very far, Prank, don't stop now. I haven't seen you this happy in many a year.

Woogs