And So Goodbye To The War

[leigh.bess.toad]

"And so goodbye to the war. I know not how it may have been to others.

Future years will never know the seething hell of countless minor scenes.

The real war will never get in the books, perhaps must not, and should not be. "

 

So wrote Walt Whitman about the Civil War. And it seems to me a fitting quote as I say a temporary goodbye to posting daily galleries. But after 6 months of 15-20 hours a week, looking at probably 5-10k pictures a week, it is time I take a break from the daily war and the daily skirmishes to find pictures for the galleries. And so I leave the regular posting duties to the far more capable hands than mine. JAG -- I look forward to seeing what you come up with in the coming months.

 

As most of you know, since I started posting these galleries, I have fallen madly and hopelessly in love with the most wonderful man I could ever dream of. And now it is time that I spend even more time with him, taking our relationship from the boyfriend phase to becoming my partner in life. And who knows, maybe even husband in the future? I also desperately need to get back into the gym if I have any chance of not resembling the Pillsbury Doughboy or the Michelin Man's identical twin come Palm Springs weekend (although that ship may have already sailed).

 

This has been a labor of great joy for me. But after a while, you become jaded and what once may have caught your eye as a great picture now seems almost humdrum, ordinary. So I need to take a break so I can once again truly appreciate all the amazing pictures that are out on the internet. I was messaging with JAG a few months ago. I have noticed that when you mount this horse, you don't think about how to dismount. So I think the best way is to just jump off.

 

I am certainly not leaving the forum and will probably still post a few galleries here or there. But maybe only 1-2 a week as opposed to 2+ every day. I will return to posting regular daily galleries in a few months when it will be good and necessary for JAG to take a break.

 

And so as my parting gallery, I post a simple, one picture gallery. Of my all time favorite picture. EVER. It is a picture I keep on my phone and look at frequently. It is special for many reasons to me. I think I may have been the first person to ever see it, shortly after it is shot. It has appeared here several times to constant admiration. It was taken by my BFF, NYTomcat. And it is of one of the most special and amazing men that it has ever been my privilege to know. Dane Michaels. Yes, he is one of the best escorts out there. To me, the most perfect body I have ever been with. But he is far more than that. His life story is a constant source of amazement and inspiration to me. But as good of an escort as he is, he is far and away a much better person. His encouragement and support over the last year has been a big part of my growth and development as a proud and out gay man. And it is one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life that I call him my friend.

 

Thank you to all the forum members for all the support, encouragement, suggestions, and the occasional bitchslap when needed.

 

I hope you all have a safe and wonderful New Year. I hope to see you at the DC Luncheon or Palm Springs.

 

 

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5641646036_2a19f32e2a_b.jpg

[Samai139]

I'll be the first, but certainly not the last, to thank you for all the pleasure and entertainment you have given for the past six months. Enjoy the break and all that promises to go with it--lucky guy ) I look forward to your occasional threads and hope 2012 and all the years that follow are happy and healthy.

[adriano46]

Lee, beautiful sentiments for the New Year.

 

In this last year or so I have always enjoyed input from you, NYTomcat, Epigonos, JustAGuy, Charlie and so many others, and I have quietly smiled as you wrote of meeting a wonderful partner. That is terrific. Best wishes - and thanks again for all the care and time you put into the albums of models you posted here.

[+ WilliamM]

Wonderful news about the love that has come into your life. Your life comes first, take as long a period off as you need. This site will go on, just will not be as much fun.

[happyguy2]

Lee, I have never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I certainly admire you as I have gotten to see what a fine person you are through this site. Thank you for all you have done by contributing to the gallery in such a generous way and for contributing to all the discussions too. I really appreciate all that you have done here.

[+ Charlie]

I often wondered how much time it took to find and post all those photos. Think of how much you are going to be able to accomplish during your break! Thanks again for your contributions to the site.

[+ Axiom2001]

Your contributions and expertise are indeed immeasurably appreciated! I wish you the best in your relationship and do hope to meet you if I

manage to find myself at the impending Palm Springs event.

[OneFinger]

Lee, I've looked forward to your daily posts and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Thanks so much for providing such wonderful pictures.

 

I hope you do continue posting here but fully understand your need for a gallery break.

[+ purplekow]

i would usually browse through the galleries you posted and perhaps stop and ogle one or two of the pictures. Glad to see you are moving on to a more flesh and blood experience but I will miss those one or two special pics each day. Thanks for the efforts and food luck with the bf.

[JoeBlow]

Lee, Add my name to the many of others who I appreciate the hard work you put into the Gallery. Sounds like you need a break. You deserve it. Thanks so much!

[JT Brooklyn]

The Best to You LBT in the New Year!

[JackTwist]

Lee,

We appreciate all your "labor of love" with the Gallery. I know first-hand how fun, yet time-consuming, the process can be. Good for you for taking a break--you certainly deserve it.

[NYTomcat]

We all need a break at times. Thanks to jag for planning to pick up and thanks lee for all the work.

 

That is definately one of the best pics I ever took. And yes other than the photographer and subject..... you were the first to see it. I keep it on my phone too. Lol

[Bosguy]

Doesn't seem possible, but for a period of time, the GALLERY GUYS are changing from a 3-some to a 2-some. I can't express how I've enjoyed this collaboration, but Lee deservedly is taken a break to do other things that he LOVES. I'm sure JAG and DOIT will continue to put smiles on our faces and stirrings in our loins.

 

Lee, Thank you for all your efforts and dedication. I've felt like I woke up with you for months now!! Plus Daddy told me you had to take a break cause the "post o meter" was overheating

 

Spoil Him

 

Boston Bill

[Diverdan]

Lee,

While I knew you were going to take a well deserved break, now that it has come about, I must say that I am missing something every day. However, I so appreciate JAG stepping into the fold again, and doing what he and you do so well. The free time you have now will be well invested with your bf, and I look forward to meeting him with you one of these days before long. I join the other chorus of guys who have appreciated all the hours you have so carefully and cheerfully devoted to the gallery as well as all the other postings and commentary. Enjoy the DC luncheon and weekend, which I know you will do in so many ways !!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, that I can't make it since I start my new job that day, as you know. Best wishes for a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and give that bf of yours a big hug from me.

DD

[leigh.bess.toad]

Lee,

While I knew you were going to take a well deserved break, now that it has come about, I must say that I am missing something every day. However, I so appreciate JAG stepping into the fold again, and doing what he and you do so well. The free time you have now will be well invested with your bf, and I look forward to meeting him with you one of these days before long. I join the other chorus of guys who have appreciated all the hours you have so carefully and cheerfully devoted to the gallery as well as all the other postings and commentary. Enjoy the DC luncheon and weekend, which I know you will do in so many ways !!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, that I can't make it since I start my new job that day, as you know. Best wishes for a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and give that bf of yours a big hug from me.

DD

 

And let me also thank Irish69 (aka RikTigger) for jumping in too. As I've said elsewhere, Rik has one of the very best blogs out on Tumblr, so I'm sure he can provide a wealth of stunning pics.

 

And thank you to Unicorn for jumping in as well.

 

And DD -- I certainly look forward to the day soon that you can meet my wonderful bf. Hopefully very soon, my friend.