Life's changes are always such that you never expect them, and they take a minute or three to get used to when they occur.
My life is taking a turn now that is forcing me to give up writing Ramblings' Journal.
I've accepted a new position that will preclude me from continuing my writings here. So I'm pulling the plug on R/J in order to focus on the new opportunity that has been placed before me.
Contrary to the opinions of others, I'm not running for office (I don't have the patience), nor am I joining a monastary. But I am turning the page on this chapter of my life, and moving forward. I'm very thankful for the friendships I've developed as a result of the blog, and I'm still going to be around -- you never know when an e-mail from me or a note in your comments section will show up to jab you or give you a thumbs up.
I want to say a special thank you to my Conservative Brotherhood bretheren, and encourage you to take a look at their blogs -- they are each fantastic writers in their own right. Their views are varied and they are each outspoken in their own ways. Their work is beginning to show up elsewhere, which makes me both happy and proud to know them.
The other blogs I've participated in -- Blogcritics and The Dead Pool -- are both worth your time and your thoughts. (Laurence, I'm still in the pool, even though I don't have a bunch of points. And Eric, I'm sorry that I hadn't had the opportunity to do more critiques in the past.)
A huge thank you to the Mu.nu community -- they've been incredibly supportive and fantastic. Pixy, you're the best.
I know I'm forgetting folks, and I apologize to you in advance.
I've asked Pixy to pull the plug next weekend.
Life's changes happen all the time, and for reasons known and unknown. All I can do is to step out on the path that God has lain for me, and know that He is at my side during my journey. I'm also happy to have my wife and my kids with me - they help keep me grounded. After twenty years (it'll be twenty years in a week and a half) of wedded bliss, I'm certainly happy.
Thanks again to everyone. God bless you all, and I'm sure we'll see each other 'round the 'net.
'Bye.
Posted by mhking at September 14, 2005 12:43 PM | TrackBackYou will very much be missed. I do hope nothing is wrong and that you're moving towards ever-greater things. Your voice going silent in the 'sphere will leave a void.
Posted by: elgato at September 14, 2005 01:00 PMNo, all is good -- it's bittersweet, but it's all good. Thanks!
Posted by: Michael at September 14, 2005 01:12 PMBest of luck to your future endeavors.
Posted by: Chad Evans at September 14, 2005 01:13 PMWell, good luck.
I guess I should say, "Good luck, friend," because I visited here almost every day to see what you had to say about things.
You will be missed, by me, and a lot of others...
MC
Posted by: mostly cajun at September 14, 2005 01:31 PMIt was a fun ride. God bless the future you have ahead of you.
Posted by: King of Fools at September 14, 2005 01:38 PMGood luck, God bless, and Drive Safely.
I will have a cup of coffee in your honor tonight in what I believe will become my rare and valuable Unapologetically Conservative mug.
Posted by: Laurence Simon at September 14, 2005 02:13 PMMichael,
Even though I rarely agreed with your posts, I always read your site because it is still one of the more engaging blogs on the internet.
Keep in touch, take care, and God Bless.
-Stone
Posted by: Stone at September 14, 2005 02:22 PMI found your blog enjoyable. Just damn. :)
May the Lord bless you in your new endeavor.
Posted by: Dan at Necessary Roughness at September 14, 2005 02:50 PMCongratulations on the new opportunity, and also to your upcoming wedding anniversary.
This seems to be from out of the blue, I don't recall seeing any hints that this was coming. You'll be missed in the blogosphere.
Any chance you'll keep the blog up for occational updates, such as TV appearances?
Posted by: Echo Zoe at September 14, 2005 02:51 PMSorry to see you go, Michael. Good luck on your new endeavor and hope to see you around the blogosphere sometime.
While I'm sad that Rambling's Journal is going, I'm happy that the Lord has given you so many blessings. May He continue to bless you, and keep and strengthen you until He calls you home.
Don't be too much of a stranger.
Posted by: steveegg at September 14, 2005 03:17 PMThough I never commented, I love your site. It will be missed.
Good luck and God Bless you in your endeavors!
Stuart
Posted by: Stuart at September 14, 2005 05:13 PMI second Dan........Just damn.......
The 'sphere will miss you, as well as I. You have always been a refreshing burst of sanity..
Best of luck in your future endeavours!
Posted by: Tman at September 14, 2005 05:59 PMMay you find success in all your future endeavors.
Posted by: Me at September 14, 2005 06:44 PMShoot! I hate this. First Chrenkoff, now you, too? You're a good blogger. I hope you find a way to get back. Best of luck in your new position.
Posted by: Politickal Animal at September 14, 2005 07:40 PMSo long, Mr. King. Good luck on what comes next, hope to see you back blogging again some day.
Posted by: Rob at September 14, 2005 08:09 PMThis is certainly a sad day Mike. I don't want to believe it.
:(
Best of luck with whatever you decide to do, and I hope you reture to us one day.
I'm gonna miss you, you were a daily read.
Take care and good luck on this new path.
Posted by: Ted at September 14, 2005 08:54 PMI frequently stopped by for an interesting, entertaining, and educational read. Didn't always agree, but agreed more than I disagreed. Best wishes from another non-commenter.
Posted by: lottajota at September 14, 2005 09:59 PMGood luck, God Bless
Posted by: DarkStar at September 14, 2005 10:05 PMGood luck, you'll be missed by us, but those people you are going forward with are lucky to have you.
Posted by: Digger at September 14, 2005 10:27 PMGodspeed on the next leg of your journey. Your contributions to the blog community will be missed.
Stay in touch, and don't be a stranger.
Posted by: D.C. Thornton at September 14, 2005 10:35 PMMike, the best of luck to you. I will miss your column here and wisdom on FR. May God bless and keep you and may our paths cross again soon!
Posted by: Jim at September 14, 2005 10:44 PMI lurked here for while; I'll miss you. Good luck in the future. ;0)
Posted by: Lonevoice at September 14, 2005 11:36 PMThank you for your writing here, sorry to see you're going.
Best of luck in what you're about to do.
Posted by: steveH at September 15, 2005 01:30 AMDo what you have to do, Mike. But this party isn't over. I'm going to ride for you.
Until the wheels come off.
Believe that.
Posted by: rdb3 at September 15, 2005 04:09 AMSorry to see you go. I've enjoyed reading your posts. Good luck in all you do!
Posted by: Pious Agnostic at September 15, 2005 09:18 AMMike,
I hate it that you are going but wish you all the best. You have been a "must read" on my favorites bar since I first started reading blogs. Will you still be active with Project 21?
Hasta luego y vayo con Dios,
Posted by: W.NM. at September 15, 2005 09:23 AMSorry to hear you are hanging up your blogging spurs. Good luck!
Posted by: Kirk Larsen at September 15, 2005 09:32 AMGod bless you, Michael, and good luck in whatever you do! You will be missed.
Posted by: Sister Toldjah at September 15, 2005 09:44 AMThat stupid life thing getting in the way of things...
Sir, you were a regular read of mine as well. I'll miss you immensely.
Posted by: LCVRWC at September 15, 2005 10:23 AMSad to see you leave the blogosphere, Michael! Best wishes on your new position, and any other opportunities that may come your way. Don't forget us little folks! LOL
Posted by: shay at September 15, 2005 10:35 AMMichael, I rarely posted a comment, but have enjoyed your musings for a long, long time. I'll miss your perspective on current events. Godspeed!
Posted by: skh at September 15, 2005 10:45 AMGood luck guy. Keep working hard.
Posted by: Dell Gines at September 15, 2005 10:58 AMSo it is true...you are running for mayor for New Orleans!!
Hey man, congrats on you wedding aniversary (besides my parents, you have outdone most people I know in that department)and your upcoming opportunity. Take care!!
Posted by: Duane at September 15, 2005 11:24 AMJust damn FRiend!
Not many blogs worth reading, but your's was well worth it.
I know you'll succeed in whatever you do. God bless and keep your powder dry.
Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.
- Ronald Reagan
All best to you and your family, Michael. Always a little sad to see one of one's blogrollsters call it a day. You will be missed. :)
Posted by: Sissy Willis at September 15, 2005 02:41 PMJust Damn!
Michael, I will miss your insight from a -seemingly- unique viewpoint. Best of wishes!
wysiwyg
Posted by: wysiwyg at September 15, 2005 02:41 PMSorry to see you go. Glad to have the chance to cone here.
Be well.
Posted by: Stephen Macklin at September 15, 2005 08:37 PMBest wishes, sir -- although I will miss your incisive and accurate analysis of current events, I trust that you will return to the 'Sphere one day.
Cheers!
Posted by: david at September 15, 2005 08:39 PMAs a man that has given up blogging also, I say good luck and happiness to you. I've been reading you a long time and have always enjoyed your words.
Keep on, keepin' on...
Posted by: Solomon Mason at September 15, 2005 08:52 PMI've seen too many bloggers give up their cyber reigns for good reasons for me to try to change yer mind. It sounds like you're on a good track. So I'll just say: May the wind always be at your back.
Excelsior!
Oh, and: dang...
Seriously, though, it sounds like things are getting better and better for you. Woo Hoo! No appologies are needed for giving up on this little diversion and/or vice of a blog. No one will ever blame ya, man, no matter how much you insist on keepin' us in the dark.......
Posted by: Tuning Spork at September 15, 2005 11:05 PMDon't take the job!
Posted by: Smitty at September 15, 2005 11:20 PMI could tell you what it is, but then I'd have to kill you... ;)
Seriously, this is a good thing -- it puts me somewhere career-wise where I want to be, and provides me with untold opportunities that I'm exceptionally happy about finding.
Posted by: Michael at September 15, 2005 11:52 PMNot my idea of good news, man. If it must be so, I truly wish you well.
Posted by: George at September 16, 2005 01:12 AMMichael, your blog has been a daily stop, and a source of inspiration for me.
I wish you great success in you new venture, and congratulate your employer(s).
God bless,
Can the blogosphere survive without its Luke Cage? I'll say au revoir and not adieu, Michael because I'm sure we'll be hearing from you again.
Posted by: Brainster at September 16, 2005 10:55 AMI wish you well in the future; you will be missed!
Posted by: Steven J. Kelso Sr. at September 16, 2005 11:42 AMWait a minute! I just discovered your site! Anyway, if God says it's time to move on, then you're better off listening to Him rather than me. Best wishes!
Posted by: Woody at September 16, 2005 09:35 PMMike, I am going to miss your work here, but before you go, I want to let you know how much it meant to me when you blogrolled me all those years ago (well, in "blog years"). I was happy to reciprocate and I have never regretted making your house one of my usual stops. Thanks for being a respectable and respectful resource.
And, with your permission, I am going to steal your "Just damn" line, okay?
I look forward to seeing your work again in other forums.
Take care and Christ keep you and yours.
Posted by: Toby Petzold at September 16, 2005 11:06 PMMichael,
You have been an inspiration and a great source of reason to many of us. Congratulations on your new adventure. God bless and keep you.
You can show up in my comments anytime!
Joel Gaines
Posted by: Joel (No Pundit Intended) at September 17, 2005 10:38 AMIts been fun. Good luck and thanks for your insight and commentary.
Posted by: Odd Brian at September 17, 2005 04:55 PMYour going to be missed.
Posted by: jbrookins at September 17, 2005 05:43 PMSo long Michael. I've enjoyed reading your blog at every opportunity.
Posted by: joseph at September 18, 2005 03:04 AMI'm sorry to see you go Mike. You were one of the first to link to me and I thank you for that. I always enjoyed your writing and insight and I will miss your succinct comments. Just Damn! :-)
Posted by: BobG at September 19, 2005 01:20 PMUntil we read again, Michael -- you're too good a writer to put down the (virtual) pen forever.
Posted by: McGehee at September 19, 2005 02:08 PMThats a major bummer. God speed Mike. Because I live in denial for about 1 week on average, I'll keep your blog on my side bar for that long.
Posted by: Michael Gallaugher at September 19, 2005 03:43 PMGood luck on your new position, I probably didn't check in here often enough, but you were on my list of 20-30 blogs that I check up on from time to time. I hope you can find the time to still occaisionaly partitipate in an OTB caption contest or two.
:)
It has been a pleasure.
Posted by: Monika Brooks at September 20, 2005 01:45 PMWow!
Congratulations man. Sorry to see you go. You always did such a great job at foucsing the spotlight on interesting angles and people.
You will be greatly missed!
Posted by: Byron R. at September 20, 2005 08:53 PMBummer. It's been great to read your stuff, Michael - you'll be sorely missed.
Thrilled to hear about the positive turn, career-wise, though. May God bless you and yours as you move forward. Don't be a stranger.
Posted by: Jared at September 21, 2005 11:53 AMBest of luck to you, I knowo how hard it can be to step out on faith.
Jim
Posted by: Jim at September 21, 2005 02:15 PMi have enjoyed your blog. good luck in the future! take care!
Posted by: tinker at September 21, 2005 11:24 PMI will miss reading your insight in today's events.Good luck in your future endeavors.. I hope to continue what you helped to start
Posted by: conservblack at September 22, 2005 06:19 PMThanks for the memories, and best of luck. I'll be taking down the link to your blog in my blogroll, but do drop me an email if you get back on the blogging horse some time down the road.
Posted by: Crank at September 22, 2005 06:45 PM