This time of year, for me, has always been a time of reflection and introspect, as I'm sure it is for so many. Thanksgiving is, I understand, primarily in the United States and Canada, but the definition and purpose for it transcends geography. Being Thankful is the reason for the day; honoring the people who have contributed positively to your life, and being grateful for the blessings that have found their way to you.

This year has been both challenging and profound in many ways. The concept of Meeroos was an idea I'd attempted to launch many times over the past couple of years, but something always to intercept or distract me. There were many times I believed it was not in the cards for me, as they say, and I considered just writing the story in book format. There were a few false starts followed by daunting stops.

I had known Chimeric, Meeroos artist extraordinaire, for a couple of years, and upon approaching her she was, at the time, committed to another project. It was only after she experienced her own false start with that project that we banded arms. I was introduced to Levio, our coder genius, formally, by Toxic Menges. With the base concept and a single crude picture, both expounded upon the Meeroos and breathed life into a vision I had thought beyond reach. I was thrilled beyond measure to finally be given the opportunity to share a story I was passionate about, via the Meeroos. The three of us worked tirelessly in Second Life for almost a year, and we'd become like giddy schoolchildren upon watching them slowly take shape. The first HUD, the first Meeroo sculpt, the first time it moved on it's own. It was a spectacular adventure.

I will admit to you readily that I didn't expect the success we achieved. I've done work in Second Life for many years for clients as a marketing person, and in event organization. My personal interest was in machinima, a form of storytelling using virtual worlds. But I knew the environment was unique and quite unpredictable. I wanted Meeroos to be met with open arms and worked very hard to raise awareness, but I was cautiously optimistic. Knowing how much we had each personally invested, I felt responsible to both Chimeric and Levio for whatever happened once we opened the gates. This was the first time I'd felt that weight on my shoulders, and it was a little frightening to say the least. Both of them had trusted me blindly, and I didn't want them to regret their decision to jump on board. Previously, I made films, comedies, to make people laugh - Meeroo lovers won't know it, but I'm a bit of a comedian. This was the first time I felt that others were reliant on me for the results and reception.

It's safe to say that it surpassed my every expectation - to the point of staggering disbelief. So many of you opened up your hearts and virtual homes to our collective vision, and your belief in Meeroos and in us has not been lost on us.

What followed since launch, as many of you know, made for quite a bumpy ride. I can tell you that in many instances, my best judgement was all I had. I was largely unequipped and unprepared to manage the consequences of such successful brand born in a virtual world like Second Life. I'd gone from being an independent funnylady filmmaker to a Businesswoman in what felt like an overnight transition. The shoe wasn't a perfect fit but I stuffed my foot into it anyway determined to learn and grow from the experiences that awaited me. Every day seemed to possess new surprises, unexpected turns of events that would shock me beyond measure or have me bowled over in laughter or completely horrified and uncertain. It was new territory for all of us, and we weren't equipped with the right answers all of the time. But even in times of uncertainty, our intentions were always good. There was never a moment where we didn't want to do the right thing, for everyone, 100% of the time. During times of substantial distress, we struggled, also, internally. We argued, and we debated as each of us tried to adapt to alien circumstances and manage each scenario thrown at us as best as we knew how. But each of us had one common thing at our core: Good intentions.

Over the last 6 months we've seen as many rifts as we have seen successes as we stumbled on our path trying to learn to walk on new ground. We had as much to learn about each other as we did about our community and at the end of the day, all we had was each other, and no choice but to lock arms and move forward united. Being in a partnership like we three are is a bit like marriage. There is always a first time someone farts in bed and you have to move past it and acknowledge they are human too.

We've also had some staff changes. Our core staff, Masquerade Ball, who many of you know and our new CSR Supervisor, has been with us since very early on, while CleverMeeroo who has been with us since the beginning have been invaluable to us. They've lent us something more precious than anything in the world, and that is their time. Along with JinxMeeroo, KenzieK, Darieth, Drae, MeeroosForest (Who is away), Allatu, Malichai, Nola and Yukio, these customer support staff represent the backbone of Meeroos. In the past, we've had help from several others including Mehgan, Eos, PaintedPuppet, Chandni, Lizzie and Ian, who have since moved on, but their giving nature and good intentions resonate with me still. Moxie Polano, who joined our art team a bit later has been responsible for some of our most fantastic experiences, along with her partner Elysian and Maxie. Also, the creator of the Primbie, a brilliant mind and kind hearted fellow by the name of Nexus who we were fortunate enough to have share with us his brilliance.

We have have been touched by many wonderful people who have shared this roller coaster adventure with us, and we are better for having had them with us, however brief their stay.

But as with any success of this extreme, you see the underbelly to the extreme too. It's been difficult to deal with, some become resentful of your success or feel entitled to it themselves so begrudge you of it. I've experienced many changes of perspective and developed a justifiably thicker skin. I won't lie, speaking personally, being here has required a lot of growing up as a result of Meeroos, but for that too, I am grateful.

And for moments like this, as I sit here with the privilege of writing to you, as I listen on skype to my dear friend and her young daughter sing their duet "Baby it's cold outside," I am reminded of how, where it matters most, I am blessed. I want nothing more than the same for you.

Moving on, I extend my gratitude to you for your unwavering support, even in trying times. In 2012, I have new challenges awaiting me, that of a brand new role I feel unequipped to deal with, parenthood. I'm terrified, and I expect I will mess up monumentally many times, but I believe if I approach this new role similarly to this one, with the best of intentions at heart, I will be okay.

In closing, thanks to all of you, once again. Without you, Meeroos would never have achieved the success they have. To Levio and Chimeric, who I've fought through trials and tribulations with, you two are forever a part of my life, and I am glad to have shared this journey with you.

May you all have a wonderful thanksgiving,
Catherine