Post #67214 by Monkeyman on Wed, Dec 31, 2003 9:39 PM

Happy New Year to all of you here at Tiki Central. This is my first Year on Tiki Central and it was the most rewarding fun I have had in a long time.

It all started with my first event (the Tiki Oasis in Palm Springs) in May. I was overwhelmed to say the least. Never have I ever received such a great vibe from a group of complete strangers.

After the Oasis my wife and I began our summer of parties. Showing up to someones home whom you have never met is a unique experience and one that many people would not choose.

No matter what function I attended I never even once was concerned that I would fit in or find interesting people to talk to.

I have entertained overnight visitors from other states whom I did not know. I received the same treatment from other TC members on cross country business trips. I loved to see the expression on the faces of family and freinds when they would ask "Do you know these people?" "Are you sure its a good idea to have these strangers in your home?"

I have finally found a community of creative and artistic friends whose opinions and approval are very important to me. You have all been very kind with your compliments on my rookie work.

No matter what our day jobs might be, I see you all as Musicians, Painters, Computer Animators, Disc Jockeys, Carpenters, Wood Carvers, Landscapers and so on. The amount of talent we have here on Tiki Central is really impressive.

I have a strong feeling that even if Tiki was not our common thread that many of us would still be great friends and enjoy eachothers company. I find it incredibly coincidental how many other commonalites many of us share. I eagerly read the lists of favorite music and movies and find it amazing how many of us enjoy the same obscure films and bands that most mainstream people have no knowledge of.

I am rambling as usual but wanted to simply say thank you for a memorable 2003. I look forward to more great times with all of you in 2004.

Monkeyman
aka- Derek Weaver