Fluffy Tails and Cindy Bowens

Is that strange enough for you?

You are probably wondering, "WHAT, in the name of the gods of gaming, has that got to do with anything??"

Well, let me explain, if I might:

I met Cindy about...7 years ago, actually, on the phone. My guild had a question about doing a public service that included the Everquest community, so I did the direct approach, and she actually answered her phone! Once I got my tongue back in my mouth, we started talking, and it was one of the nicest, most honest and sincere discussions I've ever had with anyone in the gaming world, on a corporate level! She also encouraged me to follow my dream and gave me the tools and courage to do just that!

Long story short, we weren't able to work out the logistics, but Cindy and I did speak a few times after that and I held the dream in my hand! And then, we met face to face at a FanFaire, and she actually introduced me to some people and we talked for a bit. In typical Abigale fashion, tho, she was summoned to distant areas and had to excuse herself, leaving me in the care of an unsuspecting soul.

Never a cross word, altho no sleep or too busy to remember who you are, would have given her the excuse, but she never did that. At least, not in front of players. She's the type that probably would go to her room and scream into a pillow, then come back out and start again!

She stayed with Varant/SoE for quite a while, and then, one by one, we saw people we'd "grown up with" in Norrath (or behind Norrath) leave, including her. Those were sad times.

A while later, I caught wind of Brad following his heart and starting a new company. I stayed on the fringe for a long time, but saw names familiar to me joining him! Jeff and Michelle Butler, Keith Parkinson, Cindy Bowens...I became a major lurker on the forums and, indeed, there was Abigale, or Esmeraldalia, speaking for the community! I felt like I'd come home, and in 2005, actually joined the boards and met other "old friends" who were watching the progress, as well.

One of those friends encouraged me to send Pirotess a note about joining this fan site. I felt totally incompetent, but I did, and here I am...another dream! The really great part of that, I found out, was that Cindy, being the Community Manager, was in direct contact with the Affiliates! On our trip to Carlsbad, we were suppose to spend time with her, and I was going to get my hug, but she had to take time off, so we were escorted by Nick Parkinson and Paul Luna (Glip and Vladmiir, repectively). I hugged Michelle, instead and asked Paul to hug Cindy for me. I knew I was home!

Now, back to the title of this writing.

Fluffy tails are things you associate with bunnies and things that give you a case of "warm fuzzies". This is what Cindy has always done. Everyone who speaks about her talks about what a warm and caring person she is, and I'm right there with them! So, when Ozuri posted that Cindy was leaving, my heart sank, but at the same time, I knew that this new community she had faithfully served was better for her being here, and it was time for her to care about herself now!

All the other notices of her leaving were just that. Pointers to Oz's post, which was a wonderful tribute to this lady, as well! But I'm someone who loves hugs and felt the need to talk from outside Sigil as someone who appreciated what she has done for us all, from the personal standpoint to the communities of Norrath and Telon!

This is my "hug" to Cindy, on behalf of myself and the Staff of Vanguard Spheres.

With love, respect and all the warm fuzzies you can handle!