But thanks to you all it was a short one.

2013 was an amazing year and quite honestly was made better because of a community like you. I started 2013 off overseas and somewhat down on the fact that another year will slowly drip by like molasses in the winter. I figured I would pick up an issue here or there, maybe do a little searching for odds and ends, and then eventually read some of the Journals on here.

All of this was turned upside down though because of you all. Because of you a collector's spirit was passed onto me to do what I could and however I could do it and jump for goals many times out of reach. Because of you I wrote more than I have since my days taking online college courses, and because of you all I was able to feel the thrill of the hunt, and the joy of finding those little diamonds in the rough. I acquired blank covers of art by amazing artists, back issue treasurers that required signatures galore, and even Original Art that I never could have seen myself jump for in years past. I went from page 26 with little over a measly 600 points in 2012 to page 6 and over 13,000 points in the span of a year without ever having to collect for solely for points and staying with what I loved.

I was able to build some amazing Sets in my opinion and most of it with help from this community. I was able to find comfort in competition with a few of my pride and joy Sets: Avengers vs X-Men, X-Force, and Uncanny X-Men (2011), and have begun to enjoy starting up a few new Sets with the All New X-Men and Cable and X-Force. I even took a leap off the deep end and picked up a few Neal Adams issues to gain his signature on.

To Tnerb first -- Thank you. Your daily, weekly, journal's both on here and in your blog made my year shorter by simply giving me an outlet to absorb. Your kind words through journals, and in reading your Sets and descriptions throughout the year has truly motivated me to build not only some prized Sets but also to add to them so others can see my enjoyment as they see yours. Your reminder to collect what I enjoy and or love has been a standard that has kept me while at times jumping around... primarily focused on my core goals.

To his little brother -- Your competitive side and continuance to strive for better ignited a sense of never resting on my laurels. You and your brother's interactions showed me this was truly a community and not simply a place to vent frustrations. Your Sets have made me continue to look at my own in whether to improve or hold fast and for that I thank you. I cannot wait until the day when I can possibly rival both you and your brother in at least the New Mutant Liefeld Set but until then will continue to stand by and drool.

Ronnylama -- As many have stated on here your kindness truly knows no bounds. My Christmas present was quickly scooped up by a three year old and following picking up a raw copy has assisted in passing off of a passion from father to son. While added to my Registry Set it prominently sets on my Sons shelf where it is now shown as if it were a trophy. I cannot wait to attempt to return the favor and hopefully shake your hand in person at ECCC as long as the wife doesn't kill me before then for this past months CGC fees from Austin... short story but for another time.

SW3D -- I have to say honestly your journals continue to make me smile throughout the year and your passion for cornering the market knows no bounds and has slightly started to spill over onto me as well. While I never knew much about your preferred character in the beginning I certainly know an amazing amount of her now and every journal you have posted on her has made me want to hear more. Its passion and drive for OAKs such as these that have pressed me into making some OAKs for myself.

Surfer99 -- My wife wants to kill you. I just want to put that out there. first My Man Cave, which at one point was fung shuiied out or however you put it is now becoming a shrine to Comic Art galore with the pick-up of Original Art. Had you not turned me on to comicartfans my wife would still have her God Awful looking room along with at the least 20 different pairs of shoes. Once I get everything back from Hobby Lobby and nailed up I'll have to post some photos. But just know, even the mentioning of surfing and the year 99 makes my wife scowl... and I enjoy every minute of it.

Senor Shepherd, Shivabali, Meshuggah -- Its been amazing reading each of your journals throughout the year and viewing your personal touches to there Sets. I may even have to jump over from time to time and pick up a few titles I normally may not look for because of each of you and look forward to the chance of meeting each of you.

SRoszkowski, Kuddy, Alphaprimeian, Edward3, Blarfingar, and what looks to be my newest competition Oceanavekid - Thank you. Each of you in your own ways have made me continue to want to improve upon my sets on a constant basis and have kept me focused throughout this year. I know I may lose a title to each of you, or may attempt to take one from you, but either way the competition in the Sets have made me go through the gambit of feelings and I look forward to it even more in this coming year.

Finally dscott -- You have been amazing for me this year and have attended Con's, facilitated blank sketch opps, and assisted with more things acquired this year than I should have ever had. You were my voice to artists and creators, and had it not been for you, like Surfer99, my wife would have had an even more packed closet of shoes, but I wouldn't have had the unbelievable amounts of art that I have been able to acquire in my absence. Thank you sir.

To anyone I missed I do apologize but know that every member that has been on here has helped in some way this year in making a bad situation better and more easily able to be tolerated. Thank you and I cannot wait to see what 2014 brings to us all.

Oh and probably my best blank cover of the year, showed it in the Signature Series Forum by Danny Cruz

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