Flying, for the Last Time (Goodbye)

Once, TAP asked us to submit reasons on how “Amanda has changed you.” That was last year, and this is what I said:

“Amanda has changed everything about me. She made me me. I’m not afraid to be open anymore. I’m not afraid to be different. She made me realize everyone in the world existed for a reason. And that everyone has talents, strengths, and weaknesses. While some people have a bad reputation, they too want to make a mark on the world. Everyone wants to fit in. But they also want to be different.”

There are many things I’ve still learned this past year. And this is one of them: I’m the WORST member EVER. Well, maybe not, since there was that member who for some reason REALLY hated… ANYWAYS, I know that it’s time for goodbyes. I will miss you guys so much, even the times when you continued “corrupting my wishes.” Pouts

The Amanda Project allowed me to meet many people and share new stories. I can truthfully say I met some wonderful people on here. And who says tech has no educational value!? Overall, I had a great time trying to track down the secrets of Amanda Valentino along with arguing for who won in the forums (And I SO won! I CREATED that game in the first place!). In the end, I never visited much. But I can really say I’m sad the site is ending.

Remember the good times we had? When we talked about a silly discussion? Or just joked around? It’s hard to believe I’ve only been on for a few months. I’ve made so many memories.

TAP wasn’t just a place to post. It wasn’t just a place to relieve me of boredom. I can’t just describe it as the place I went to when I was crying. It was the hearts of millions of writers, and of all the friends. But we weren’t just friends. With all the commenting, the criticism, and the support, I can honestly say that we all became family.

I’m sad that it’s going to fade away. I’m ashamed that it’s been forever since I visited. But I honestly don’t regret picking up that book in the library. I don’t regret hitting the “Enter” on my keyboard. I don’t regret clicking “Post.” What I do regret is that I never took the time to let you guys know how much I love you, with the impact on my life. If I hadn’t met you, who knows where I would be?

I can remember all the times I created moving speeches. But this is the hardest one yet, because I can’t take it back. TAP has made me realize what I want to do with my life. I now know I want to become a proffessional writer. But when I do, I’ll never forget my roots. I won’t forget how I used to just be a girl that dared to dream big. I’ll remember, and do my best to encourage others. That’s a promise.

I want to thank everyone here. You have all been supportive, and just amazing. Each of you have your own spirit, with your own personality. From the time I spent on here, I’ve ranted about how being different is the best thing you could be. But the thing is that it’s true. You each are wonderful in your own way.

I know this goodbye is a long one. But what did you expect? Just be glad this is the shortened version. Just ruined the moment, didn’t I?

I only have one chance to say something. And this is the chance. So make mistakes in life. Do your worst. Let go. Say goodbye to someone to follow your dreams. Do something you’ll want to take back later, but know it’s the right thing to do. Ruin a day. Create your own worst nightmare. We only have one life, and I’m glad I spent part of mine on TAP.

As I am just about to hit the “Publish” button and look it over, I notice there is something I forgot to mention. Life is like a book. You get to decide what happens on the next page. And when you turn back to the beginning, you reflect who you are. You see how you have changed past the years. These are the events leading up to who you realize that you will really be, or who you want to become.

We’re all flying, whether for the first or last time.

Forever a TAPper,
~Faith

.:Individual Notes:.

_{Missparkles (Starry)}
“I can hardly imagine how different my life would be if I hadn’t discovered TAP. Everything—the people, the book, and Amanda herself; it’s just indescribable how much it’s all changed me. If I hadn’t picked up that book in Barnes and Noble for the reason that I thought the cover was pretty, I wouldn’t have ended up here. And if I hadn’t, I probably would’ve never shared my writing with anyone. Everyone on here is so supportive, and I feel like I can really, like, put myself out there. And speaking of ‘everyone’, I have made sooo many amazing friends through TAP who I feel like I can relate to and trust more than most people. It’s like a whole different life separate from my real life, I guess. And Amanda herself has changed me who knows how many ways. She brought me here, and her mystery intrigues me. I think she’s really changed all of us, in some way. You know, I’m really lame at ending these things, so I guess I’ll just go with this: yeah, if you compare who I was before TAP and who I am now, you’d see a completely different person. But honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.” ~ Starry, her response to “How has Amanda changed you?”
You were one of the most supportive members here. I still remember how you practically commented on all my works (you still do that on WP), and for that I’m really grateful. In my opinion, you’re one of the best writers ever. So don’t lay down the pencil… EVER! Before, I had said that everyone on TAP was like family. You are no exception. I consider you to be an awesome older sister, one that I look up to. Someday, I hope to try to be more like you.

_{NotAHappiDuck}
“I really want you all to know how much I love and respect… even that complete idiot who hated my guts. They have their reasons, hey?” ~ Happi, her goodbye.
I know you had many name changes on your time during TAP, but to me, you’ll always be HappiSt.Cloud. In the debates, you’re a ray of sunshine. You make up a part of the TAP spirit; always trying to help others. What strikes me about you is how determined you are. Never give up, and you’ll get what you deserve. I imagine you to be a cousin; a troublemaking one, but one that is always around for others. Plus, you would have a wonderful younger sister of your own. You are, and always will be, a great role model.

_BlueMagic
“I hate reality.” ~ BlueMagic, on her WP profile.
Well, what can I say? There are so many words running through my head. You were one of the first to comment on my stories, along with being exceptionally nice. When I first joined, you were the Featured TAP member, and I was so awed. I want to thank you for reading my stories, even after you were banned. You are a very wonderful and dedicated person, so stay just that way. You have the TAP flame, always being able to light up a conversation. You would be another one of my encouraging cousins, with a mix of being my sister.

_EllaMarie
“Well, you should, because you know what? I win again! :D” ~ Ella, post 407 of the “Winning Wars.”
If I were to be honest, I really didn’t know you that well. I mean, I met you with the “Winning Wars.” XD I saw how much you posted there. Like many others, you are ambitious (in a good way, of course), and that will lead you to great accomplishments. You’re stubborn like me, and although that can lead you to trouble, you know where you truly belong. You’d probably be one of my friends in real life. I can imagine that we would compete like crazy though, that’s just who we are. Don’t even try to change yourself.

_AngelOfMusic
“Let me just say this… We’ve all created a beautiful thing here. A world of wise and wonderful words…” ~ AOM, on her goodbye.
The world needs more people like you, filled with optimism. You tend to see the bright side of things, and can always cheer someone up. On everyone’s Zines, you constantly commented offering support. I knew instantly that you would be a great person. You help keep the negatives sane. You’re like a best friend, one that is always there to give a lift.

_Mary-Dee
“I never expected to meet so many new friends here. To make so many memories together.

But looking back, it’s been so long. More than a year. I never thought that time would pass so quickly.” ~ Mary, her goodbye.
Oh my gods, I forgot you! I’m so sorry! Sniffle PLEASE please forgive me! I KNEW I forgot someone. So, where to begin… I have to say that you were one of the best members on the site. You had your hilarious moments, and the moments when we just… Talked. You were completely cheery, and I loved your language. Well, your language was English, but you added your own twist. I just have to say, I’ll miss you. In real life, you’d be… A cat. XD One that everyone loves and adores.

Everyone out on TAP deserves to be recognized. You’re all truly special and wonderful in your own way. I know it can hurt not to be mentioned, and I’m so sorry if I didn’t include you. Some of you I didn’t know that well, so I couldn’t describe you. I really love all you guys, so don’t let this bring you down.