I am between putting my kids to bed and heading off to put the finishing touches on Christmas 2010. So, while I am waiting for the golden moment, I thought I might share a few thoughts with Studio readers and friends. Reflecting back, as I often do at this time of year, I am always struck by how curious the events of the year seem in retrospect. There is often irony, much comedy, and, invariably, some tragedy to mull over. This is true for both my real and virtual experiences. The virtual world and the cutting edge of tech development are a bit of a microcosm mirroring the strangeness of real life. I believe it is this strangeness, this almost science fiction-like quality, that keeps me peeling my eyes for the newest developments, the latest triumphs and foolhardy foibles that are nearly certain to grace the headlines in my feed reader on a weekly, if not daily basis.

And, since Christmas is all about the giving, I must point out that writing this blog arises, in part, out of a compulsion to share what I uncover with others, in the hopes that they might find some usefulness in the discovery. I wouldn’t write this blog if I didn’t enjoy writing, but I think it is the sense that I might actually help someone else find a new, more efficient way of tackling an issue or thinking about a problem that really keeps me coming back. In truth, though, I’ll settle for a simple “Whoa, that’s cool!”

The past two years of blogging have been a great experience for me, in large part because of the positive feedback and conversation with you, the readers. While the virtual world should never overtake the tangible social context, blogging and on-line connecting has enriched, rather than hindered, my experience. I hope that Advocate’s Studio has been a beneficial part of your on-line experience as well.

Happy holidays to you. Here is to 2011 and lots more interesting stuff to write about. I can hardly wait!