What a ride it’s been.

A privilege I have as webmaster, particularly for a blog like this, is the advantage of what strategists call the “mile high view.” In a nutshell: I was present at the creation.

I remember when Tonya—boisterously, emphatically—first stepped on the mat. I also remember, less fondly but with gratitude, those exhausting weeks Tonya and I trained, prepping me for an even more exhausting black belt test. And I’ve marveled at the progress she’s made in New York, and the glimpses I’ve received into her life outside the dojo—her engagement to Luke, her budding medical career.

But, as they say, all good things must come to an end.

And so, as webmaster, I find myself on the other end of that “mile high view.” I get to tidy up, put things in order, and, sadly, turn off the lights.

But before I do, a few quick points. (Longtime readers of this blog are, I’m sure, cringing right about now.)

Although this blog was most definitely about Tonya, and her adventures in the big city, its spirit, its driving force if you will, was the contributions of our many readers.

I only hesitate to mention the epic Watchmen thread, and The Incident On Buck’s Street, because I fear the emotions are still too raw. Give it time.

And what about the future? Well, if I know Sensei, (and I hope I do—our anniversary is a few short weeks away), I’m sure a new idea for a blog is percolating somewhere in the ether, near the kamiza, next to the bokken. Whatever she has planned, you can be sure I’ll sound the trumpets.

But that’s later. For now, Tonya, on behalf of the dojo, thank you.

*click*