Next week Sunny will be sending the message out to remove ASL from existence. I feel very strange about this. On the one hand, I feel sad, because ASL is where I made some very special friends, found my long-lost "twin" sister, and first came out to the world. On the other hand, I'm happy because we now have ASLM, spam-free, filled with messages and new people to meet. But it does bother/annoy/[fill in the adjective of your choice] me that ASL was forced out of existence because people simply can't respect our place. It's a sad commentary on the world. I have been checking ASL regularly since ASLM came in to being, to find wayward shoes, and it saddened me to see how it has become overrun with spam. At first, under the leadership of the Illustrious Sarah(tm), we tried to combat it by sending complaints to service providers, but it just became too much... I was never one to just lurk, I simply jumped in, sorels [with bright pink laces] on my feet and a smile on my face. At first, I went simply by my nickname "Sam", because no one in my family knew that I was a lesbian, and I thought it would be best for me to tell them first... just in case someone who knew me was lurking. After I came out to my parents, I realized that I no longer had a reason to hide. "Penguin Gal" was born. Anyone who knows me personally, and many who know me virtually, know about my penguin collection. Sunny gave my daughter the nickname "Penguin Chyck" and the rest is history! Through ASL, I became comfortable as a lesbian, discovered I could be whoever I wanted to be, and has helped me to become comfortable with my sexuality. I have laughed, cried, worried about people, and laughed some more. I found a new hobby as the Superheroine Sidekick to the Emergency Lesbian(tm) and have had a wonderful time cycling around and helping shoes in need. If things go the way we've planned, I will be meeting Sunny, Siri, and Sarah in two weeks... which is something I never dreamed would happen. Now we have ASLM, spam-free, busy with hugs, pounces, tickles, laughter, joy, and more and more new shoes popping in every day! Life is good! Becoming a mod has enabled me to become close with a group of women who are absolutely incredible! The kindness they have shown me is more than I have ever experienced. So, goodbye old friend. I owe a huge personal debt of gratitude to the guys who started ASL in the first place. Thanks! To anyone looking for all of their favourite shoes, check out our website: http://www.bareco.com which will give you all the info you need to find us! Sandra Proud mom to Penguin Chyck!