This year, 2013, saw over 12,000,000 visits to the Treehouse community discussion.
Standing alone that statistic is pretty neat, but there’s another milestone we passed quietly which brought a big smile to all of us.
A few days ago we passed 500,000 comments.   THAT’s AWESOME.   Over half a million times people have found their voice and joined in the conversation, your conversation….
…. because in the final analysis that’s all this is, a conversation; an ongoing conversation.
A misfit place on the internet to join with misfit guests from multiple countries and share perspectives surrounding events.
It is by listening we learn and formulate our own considerations about what all of this *stuff* means.  It is by asking questions that we enlarge our own understanding.
You see, in reality the Treehouse is a great place to visit, or not quite as good, because of you.  It is your participation which we work diligently to deserve.
Sharon, Ad rem, WeeWeed, Tilda, YTz4Me, Stella, Menagerie, Patriot Dreamer and myself are humbled by your gifts of wisdom, insight, and brilliant humor.   You are all patriots, all amazing, and we are proud to be of your acquaintance.
Through you a new term was brought to the forefront of legal investigative research, “crowdsourcing”.    In no small part because of your efforts one man avoided malicious political persecution – but more importantly, the truth behind events was able to reach millions and millions more.   Heck, even a book was written – that’s pretty cool.
Speaking of books, we are VERY proud of Admin Sharon, who has authored years of wonderful Mailboxes and Old Barn stories in her Sunday posts; and now with good measure was able to put those amazing word pictures -pure gifts of wisdom- into a published book for all generations to share.
Sharon is kinda bashful, and always measured -we tease her about hiding behind the potted plant when things get sketchy- but her wisdom and grace deserves the full measure of recognition for her accomplishment being successfully published as a first time author.
Sharon is a cherished gift to our community and there is no Admin who would not grind the bones in our own hand to make her a rib if she needed.   Yeah, she’s a keeper.
Obviously y’all know our year ends with some trembles and many tears as Sharon’s husband was diagnosed with, and battles, a terminal cancer diagnosis.   While his days are known only to God, the journey shared by both is a blessing in so many ways.    We are all well reminded to look at the diamonds visible as we travel through the shadows and pay closer attention to every dawn…. and there is always a dawn.
The year has also seen some of our family return safely from deployment in hostile lands – we praise a loving God for watching over them and returning them home.    Salty tears of joy as we reunite, and yes, resolve to understand perhaps another departure will soon be needed.   However, Patriot Dreamer guards the gate with uncompromising certainty.
Ad rem continues to travel about hither and tither… dropping secret paw prints of humor into unsuspecting backyards.    Did anyone ever know that Puddy actually went to Sarah Palin’s house  {{D’oh…. secret out 😉 }}
Another year passed and WeeWeed has yet to actually smush Godzilla in real life – however metaphorically the nemesis has been nuked and blasted into outer space on an almost weekly basis.   Almost.
Ytz4Me and Stella have forged some serious wolverine battle armor – methinks the insufferable progs are no match for each of their joust points.    Lets just say that each individually makes Joan of Arc appear tentative – and combined, fughetaboudit.
Menagerie holds and protects the heart of the Treehouse community as carefully as a flickering candle flame in a hurricane.   Steadfast, solid and compassionate beyond most human capabilities.
Each of us laughed as we watch the epic split of Jean Claude Van Damme because we knew Tilda wouldn’t be looking at the Volvo’s.   Tilda helps keep it all in perspective – in a most wonderful way.  We heart her almost as much as we need her.

For you Treepers, and because of your Wolverine Spirit, we remain steadfast and loyal.  Always hoping to be deserving of your fellowship and vocal contributions.
This is a community forged with great resolve.   Our Republic was forged on a central tenet of honor.    Honor is one of those internal attributes which can never yield to force or pressure;  we honor you all because we cherish all of you deeply.
We wish a happy and joyous New Year for each and every one.
No matter what challenges are faced – we will face them boldly.   Together, we will share frustrations, we will find resolve when surrounded by adversity, we will deliberately stare down deception and deceit, and we will deconstruct falsehoods regardless of popular opinion.
We will stand when it is unpopular.  We will not yield when it is uncomfortable.  We will shine light when shadows seek refuge, and we will never relent.  For the truth has no agenda – it confronts all people equally and without regard for comfort or acceptance.
May you find comfort in your faith of a loving God – and join us in great purpose as we seek to hold up the principles of freedom without reservation.
Steadfast.