Sunday, December 20, 2009

In closing...

So I wish I had some sort of terrific way to wind things up. Maybe some "Ocean's 11" ending (the remake, not the original) where you guys realize that this has been a 6+ year scam, and that I've secretly been using League of Melbotis to clean out your bank accounts, and just as you look at this final post are you able to put all the pieces together. That would be awesome. And I could certainly use the money.

Alas, I'm not that clever, and robbing my readership blind via a blog seems to be challenging at best. But if you wake up tomorrow to find yourself destitute and me driving a BMW around with a stack of Jimmy Olsen comics and smoking a cigar, well, we'll both know what happened.

I've already done my fair share of "wasn't it great when" and "aren't you people all great?" posts. So, you know, refer to those if you'd like. I suspected I'd have more to say for a final post, but I don't, and that's sort of the thing.

Two months was probably too long, but, heck, its over now, so we can turn the chairs over and shut off the lights. We'll worry about sweeping up some other time.

I literally have no idea what my life is going to look like now, which is part of the fun. I have many good things going on which I don't wish to screw up. I've not got too much a self-destructive streak in me, but like anyone else, I get uneasy when things are going a little too steady-state. Add in misguided visions of what I c/should be doing with myself and my time, and its sort of now or never. I'm too old to say I'll try new things when I'm older, and don't wish to look back and wonder where the time went.

I expect you guys to hold me to being productive one way or another.

In an odd bit of synchronicity, just after I announced the conclusion of LoM, I learned that Leaguers Steven and Lauren were moving back to the Bay Area. Perhaps not forever, but I'll be shocked if they ever return to Texas for more than a visit. Steven waxed a bit rhapsodic and brought the eloquence to the conclusion of chapters in a way fitting and with that flair of which I've always been envious. Read here.

It's also JimD's birthday (and I started this blog awfully close to my own 28th birthday). It was JimD who instigated the thing.

This evening we raised a glass with Steven and Lauren to join with friends and bid them adieu. Juan and Letty were there, as were Julia and Alfredo. And I won't share the conversation, but I had a few minutes to speak with Alfredo, and he remarked upon the impending closing of this blog, to which I gave the same smile and a shrug I've given most who've asked. As you do with these things, I laughed it off. Alfredo begged to differ, and I was reminded that from time-to-time, it wasn't all just Superman pictures and talking about awful movies.

Anyway, thanks, Alfredo. I am, and always shall be, grateful. You have no idea.

I don't know why, but I am also reminded of a moment from a year or so back, when I was at a comic shop here in town (now closed), and was looking at discounted paperbacks, when a person I didn't know looked at me across the table and said "You're that League Guy".

And that's the sort of thing I think I'll miss most of all. The never-knowing of being connected to people in such odd and different ways, whether its the random person in the comic shop, or wishing once-were-strangers-and-now-they're-friends the best of luck while they embark on their own next chapter.

But that's kind of how it works, isn't it?

A special thank you to Jamie, who has been an often silent partner, but one who has been remarkably supportive, and who is a remarkable person in every way. She has enjoyed being partners in The League since its inception, and has often been a writing partner in the ways that count. I love you, sweetie.

Let it never be forgotten that this started because of friends. And it was dreamed up and cared for in the name of the best pal on four legs you could ever have. The four-color adventures of a dog and his boy, indeed.

Be well. Be safe. We wish you the best, always.

I'll see you in the funny pages.

Up, up and away.

16 comments:

Wings1295 said...

Take care, good luck, Happy Holidays & A Great 2010!

JMD said...

Godspeed, League Guy.

It was a marvelous run.

Nathan said...

So long, Superman! (said in the voice of Barney from the Simpsons episode about Sherry Bobbins).

By the way, will Troubles McSteans continue?

The League said...

Only jamie can answer that question!

mcsteans said...

You can look forward to more Troubles in the new year. I am currently taking a little break.

JAL said...

To quote Mr. Bob Hope: "Thanks for the memories."

J.S. said...

But you're going to leave this blog up, right? Cause I'm thinking about starting a new blog of my own in the comments section of this last post.

DLoyd76 said...

I will miss it.

Adieu!

Anonymous said...

"Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are".

TA

Paul Toohey said...

It's going to be sad as the first couple of days go by with League of Melbotis never being bolded with a number in parenthesis next to it in Google Reader...

Thanks for it all though.

The League said...

On Facebook Marshall pointed out that the past two months has seemed like the longest death scene ever, so I want to thank everyone for putting up with my shenanigans as we closed up shop.

Appreciate all the readership! You guys are the best.

NTT said...

"So long farewell, auf weidersehen good-bye,
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight"

Sad to see it go. I have hope though. One day the League shall rise again. Hopefully more like the 2nd Generation X-men than the Detroit Justice League. :-D

J.S. said...

Are you meaning to tell me this thing isn't back up yet?

Michael Corley said...

Fare you well. I hope to see you more on my infrequent trips to Austin. (one of which starts... tomorrow... you know, if ya'll haven't seen Sherlock Holmes or something).

Simon MacDonald said...

Take care Ryan, can't wait to hear what you are up to in 2010. Sorry I did not chime in during the last week of the blog. I caught a flu which put me out of commission for 4 days and I've been playing catch up ever since.

Anonymous said...

I guess this means I will actually have to contact you in person if I want to keep tabs on you. Dammit.

I think that's all this is. I clever scheme to get to spend more time with your old pal Jeff.

Anyways, it was a fine blog, you entertained well, and it was well attended. Much like a fine party, everybody had to go home eventually, but we all had a good time.

Now let's go grab a beer.
Peabo