Thursday, December 29, 2011

I Get A Gold Watch, Right? HNT

Wouldn't you know it? I've been anticipating this day for months, and now that it's here, I'm totally unprepared about how to send this thing off into the sunset... Granted, I've spent most every window of opportunity recently working on a final HNT project. You can find it here. Check it out--I think you'll like it.

But still, I could have been running things through my mind over the last few weeks as to what my final HNT words would be. It's currently early afternoon on Wednesday, and I still don't have a clue as to what my picture's going to be!

I could re-hash the history and concept, but you can find those in my archives, or check the "HNT GUIDELINES" button at the top of this page. I could write about all the things that are wrong with HNT, but I'm going to save that for a future post. I'm sure to offend certain people with that one!

I could do a post where I list all my favorite HNTs of the past six and a half years, but I've never envisioned HNT as a competition. There are many who made it a competition in their own mind, trying to outdo someone else's shots, then get frustrated when they couldn't. Sort of defeated the concept, I thought. Do I have favorites? Of course I do. There is one in particular that I've felt was far superior to any others. Beyond that, though, there's no list. I treated myself to listing 20 of them for my 5th anniversary post (actually turned out to be 22). But I won't do that now. Nor will I simply list my own HNTs that were my favorites. You can see all of mine here. Well, all except the last 10, maybe--I've been slacking...

I suppose that the best thing that has come out of all of this is the community. And that's different than 'friendship'. From the very earliest days, that community has been evident. Everyone was welcome to join. No dues, no site to join, no personal info to share. As with any community, there's various neighborhoods, and that has shown up here, as well. Without the gang warfare. Someone once said they felt it was more like a zoo. Where we were on display, and 'outsiders' could come and see us. Some would look and point, others would come back over and over, yet never become one of the displays. An interesting viewpoint. Regardless, the community has thrived. It's policed itself pretty well over the years, and we should all be happy we were a part of it.

And since this post is far longer than necessary, let me make it longer. An example of the community. Follow the timeline (approx. times--not terribly important), and the players:
  • May,2005 - HNT started by me. By end of summer, also joining in were Bloggers A, B, C D, E & J.
  • Late Summer, 2005 - Blogger B lets Blogger A and me know about Blogger F, who was having some very rough times with her life. Blogger F becomes part of the community. I do think we might have saved her life. Blogger F's boyfriend is Blogger G, a soldier.
  • Oct., 2005 - I pop in unannounced on Blogger A.
  • Nov., 2005 - Blogger B visits Bloggers H and A (H was A's daughter)
  • Dec., 2005 - I go to Nashville and meet Blogger C (and others).
  • Winter, 2007 - Bloggers F & G get married (and have a couple of kids)
  • 2007-2009 - Blogger C joins military. Bloggers F & G visit Blogger E. I meet Blogger D. Blogger C gets stationed in Germany at US Hospital.
  • 2010 - I meet up with Blogger D again. Bloggers F & G visit Blogger E some more. Blogger G gets deployed to Afghanistan.
  • Spring, 2011 - Blogger G suffers serious injuries in Afghanistan on Blogger F's bday. Blogger D reads this and contacts Blogger C in Germany, knowing she might run into Blogger G while he was evacuated there. She did, and she quickly becomes friends with Blogger F in the brief time G's there. The amazing part is that neither Blogger C nor F had a clue that the other used to HNT! Summer of 2011 - Blogger J spends a week with Bloggers F & G, to give them a hand in the midst of a chaotic time. Blogger J had never met Bloggers F & G before, other than online.
As you can see--it's quite complex the way this community works! And I would imagine that there's some other stories out there similar to this one.

As for friendships...geez, where do I start? I won't list names. The list would be too long, and inevitably I'd forget to include someone. The people I consider close friends should know who they are already. I've made many friends here that I would someday like to meet. I've made many friendships that I anticipate will last a long time. I know they will, because they've already lasted a long time after they walked away from HNT. This community knows far more about me than anyone offline does (including the family). I'll miss that to a degree, but then again, the friendships will continue on. OsTours will continue, and be blogged about. There might even be some half-nekkidness!

And you people have made similar friendships apparently! I am often amazed while surfing through the statuses on Facebook. Facebook is infinitely more "real" than blogging was ever was. Sort of tears down the precarious walls of online anonymity. But what often catches my eye is recognizing someone unexpected who comments on another's wall. It dawns on me then that these two people originally met through HNT. Even though neither of them has participated in years. It's seeing that sort of thing that I take the most...what, pride?...in. Maybe not so much pride, as a warm fuzzy feeling. And I'm generally all about the warm fuzzies!

Where do we go from here? I'm not sure. I anticipate that a good number of blogs will go belly up. There's many bloggers that only come back on Thursdays to do HNT. Others will look for other outlets for their nekkidness. But I suspect that we've seen the last half-nekkidness from many participants. To that end, though, "...the Other HNT" will be continuing on for awhile. Quitting things cold turkey is never an easy thing, so if you need to post a few more HNTs, then send them over there! And by all means--if you're comfortable being nekkid on your own sites, then don't wait for Thursdays to do it!

My final thoughts today... Thank you for daring to share yourselves with the rest of us. Thank you for making HNT something that was important in some way to your own lives. Thank you for putting up with me. I suppose that when I arrive at the pearly gates of Heaven, and a list of my life's accomplishments is read, HNT will be somewhere in the top five. And you know what? That's not such a bad thing. But if I end up at the fiery gates of Hell, I have an inkling that HNT will be on that top five list as well!

Michelle and I wish you the very best!

"My Dear,
I am writing this to remind you of your 'essence beauty.' This is the part of you that has nothing to do with age, occupation, weight, history, or pain. This is the soft, untouched, indelible you. You can love yourself in this moment, no matter what you have, or haven't done or been.
See past any masks, devices, or inventions that obscure your essence.
Remember your true purpose, WHICH is only Love.
If you cannot see or feel love, lie down now and cry; it will cleanse your vision and free your heart.
I love you; I am you.”
― SARK

Stop by Thursday afternoon to find out who this final Mystery Guest is!
Of course, this last MG for HNT is the lovely Shizzle! There's really no one else who I'd have wanted to be in this spot. Thank you to EVERYONE who was the MG at one time or another! There have been probably between 250-275 of you (computer issues--can't tell exactly at this moment) who have held the postition, with many of you appearing multiple times. And a special thank you for those of you whom I could contact at the drop of a hat when someone else flaked out for some reason or another. I've only had one person flat out refuse my invitation to be MG--it was like she was miffed about not having been asked before--like being the last one picked for dodgeball or something (interestingly, she dropped out of HNT very soon after that). Oh, well--her loss! Thanks to all of you, once again!

As mentioned above, "...the Other HNT" will continue on for awhile. Stop by and see who's joined in for the final one of 2011 though! Leave some year-end comments for your fellow HNTers, too! NSFW, of course...
What an end to 2011! May all of you have a very safe and very Happy New Year! Don't drink & drive, and don't make too much of a big deal about those pesky resolutions! Love ya all!

64 comments:

the late phoenix said...

wow, end of an era, huh?

i'm up...with heart

Osbasso said...

Cheeky Minx is looking at the beginning...

http://lovehatesexcake.blogspot.com/

Semi-Celibate Man said...

Hi Os. It has been a community, absolutely. Glad to have been a part of it. Thank you for that.

I'm up, and letting it all hang out in a final HNT series. Forget click thrus, it's all out there.

Happy HNT, for the last time, everyone.

Osbasso said...

A year in review, and the last hoorah, over at Autumn's!

http://autumnmistspeaks.blogspot.com/

V said...

We’re up! Thank you, Os, for all the HNT fun – we’ve really enjoyed participating!

Lady Grinning Soul said...

The final HNT! Well well well… thank you so much Os. This will be much missed.

I'm up and feeling Afraid, not Scared.

Much love,
LGS xx

Osbasso said...

M makes an appearance to say farewell...

http://rumblingsandbumblings.blogspot.com/

Chapter Two said...

MG is dazzling- what a way to go out!

I am up and smiling through the tears of good-bye

Diva said...

I'm up dahling. Actually two click throughs and one final pic. It's Facade and Pain. But take heed of the warning in the post. After all, I had to let my demons be seen.

I love you and I don't think I thanked you for your post last week. Yes, I like my bad assed biker babe side ;)

You're awesome!

Emmy said...

Gorgeous MG.

Fabulous commentary on the final HNT.
I will miss it.
Mine is up!
xoxo
~Emmy

Margaret said...

You know what's awesome? Reading your comments on the last few years and knowing who most of the players are. :)

MrM said...

I'm going to miss playing when I could. It was a great time trying to come up with ideas, and seeing what others created. Thanks for creating a movement!

I'm up at my new blog :) My last HNT

Queenie said...

I know it's been a while but...for the last time...I am up at my place.
Queenie's Place

JM said...

Os, its been a blast. Thanks for the memories, or should that be perhaps mamories given the image in your last post?

I'm up, and even managed to convince Jas to join me for the last hurrah.

JM

Anonymous said...

We are up with our finale celebrating the end of an era at Married In Ohio. It's a retrospective look at our HNT posts since 2005. And, for the final time, we would like to wish everyone Happy HNT!

P.S. You definitely get a gold watch. Thanks for the memories.

Hyacinth said...

I've been a longtime observer of HNT and only just got a place where I felt safe to post. So, this is the last HNT and only my second post. I hope that something else comes along with the same vibe and sense of community as this had...

My HNT post.

Pocket RockettZ said...

I will be sending you a gold watch very soon.

I have loved my time here, and thank you for your welcome. I will always remember HNT.

My final HNT is up.

:)

Cheeky Minx said...

Oh... My last upping... *sigh*

I shall miss it more than words can say. Much like the entire HNT experience, which has brought me into contact with many a beautiful, sexy soul.

On that note, your final MG is just that - beautiful, sexy and true.

Thank you for... everything, Os.

~Minx x

(PS You can pretty much count on my exhibitionist streak!)

Inferno said...

It has been fun. Up and out.
Happy HNT.

Osbasso said...

Elle is up with a plethora of shots to look at!

http://elleunrestricted.wordpress.com/

Jack and Jill said...

Our final official HNT is up at

http://frisky916cpl.blogspot.com/2011/12/hnt-how-we-spent-our-christmas-eve.html

We have only been participating since early 2009, but we have enjoyed participating, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity.

Thanks Os!

Cougar in Training said...

Thank you for creating this community of blogger friends! It's sad that it's ending, but it was one helluva ride!

Molly said...

Seems like an end of an era to me but then I guess the saying is that all good things but come to end.

Happy New Year to you and yours Osbasso.

I am up with 'Special Sauce'

http://mollysdailykiss.com/2011/12/28/special-sauce/

Mollyxxx

Faile said...

I'm up with a bit of a sparkle.

KaziG said...

I had hoped to go out with a bang, but timing and Fate did not work out in my favour.
For those who are familiar with my Scavenger series, I'm up a tree this week a la Stephen Sondheim ;)
And I certainly will not stop being half-nekkid on my blog!

Thank you, Os, for the community you created here...! I have met some great people through HNT and hopefully our associations will continue. My Facebook is strictly vanilla but I have a "kinky" Twitter @KaziGrrl if anyone wants to look me up.

~Kazi xxx

heelsnstocking said...

I'm up and ready for the celebrations to begin!

I've been doing HNt for almost 2years and it has brought me so many friends, support and given me such self confidence. I remember posting my first body shot and being amazed at the praise and appreciation. Thanks O's and I will be OHNT'ing while you still keep it up.

Happy HNT and have an amazing 2012 xxx

Autumn said...

i'm up! have been since later wednesday night, but oh my! i was a tired lady last night.

your picture is cool, MG is gorgeous of course (such a contemplative pose) and your words are so thoughtful and interesting to read. it really has been a wonderful journey of friendship in many ways. HNT has been such an exciting experience. thank you for your many kindnesses to me, my friend.

happy HNT, and happy NEW YEAR!

xoxo
loves autumn

lecram said...

and a big hearty Cheers to you and all of us!

Mark Leslie said...

Happy HNT Finale, Os! Thanks for building such a dynamic and diverse community - the world needs more folks like you, the linchpins that help bring people together.

Thank you!

Saucy Wildcat said...

Thanks for a great ride Os! Love you! <3

Dana said...

*swoon* You know I've always been partial to your photos with your women :)

Thank you seems so shallow, but thank you. HNT was so much more than home-brewed soft porn to so many. I was one of the lucky ones who got to see beneath the surface.

Something tells me HNT will never really be gone - only time will tell!

lecram said...

BTW... any chance of activating the "name/url" option on the finale site?

Anonymous said...

My end is up...

Anonymous said...

Well, I can be found here: http://barenakedlady.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/goosebumps/

(I hope the link works)

Thanks for all of this, Os. xx

Hubman said...

It's been quite a while since I played, but I couldn't resist playing once last "official" time.

Happy HNT!

http://hubmanshangout.com/2011/12/29/hnt-finale/

Brown eyed girl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brown eyed girl said...

Hey Os and EVERYONE!
I am up for a final time!
I will be back after work today to visit all of you.
Come see me www.angeleeann.blogspot.com.
HAPPY FINAL HNT!!
Love you all,
Lee Ann
"Brown eyed girl"
<3

M said...

It is with pain in my heart I come here for a last time to say...

I'm up

Even though HNT has officially come to an end I have no doubt it will live on in our hearts and minds and hopefully some blogs.

Happy HNT everyone... the end of an era...

S said...

I know if i got really into what HNT did forme, it would have been very long.....but if you canbelieve it, sharing HNT with Ratburn really did make us closer, really was medicine for our souls.....really did make me feel sexy even if I am a five foot tall gnomish shaped gal....and a very good avenue for expressing my creative self which runs over with ideas always......

Heather said...

E is for EXCELLENT!! ; }

You.. and this... are a part of me... forever.. and "thank you" seems so silly for something so great..

<3

Bat said...

I've met a few HNTers myself. I haven't participated in forever, in fact I hardly blog at all, but I think it's incredibly cool to create something over a beer and have it become part of the cultural lexicon. Congrats Os! You had a good run.

Oh...and I think I've met the mystery guest!

Fat Controller said...

Thank you Os, we've had a lot of fun with HNT. It has always been something that has made Thursday worth looking forward to!

For the last time, we're up!

BTExpress said...

You chose a great picture for the finale. I up with my final HNT, but surly not my last nekkid pictures.

It's been a fun ride my friend. Thank you for coming up with the HNT concept and thank you for your friendship and making the long trek to NY for my pool party. It sure was fun, wasn't it?

Happy Final HNT.

BTExpress said...

Lori is up with her tribute to you and her final HNT. http://rhymeandretro.blogspot.com/

J said...

I had a great time Os! Xxoo Yoj

James said...

Os, thank you.

I've haven't been "up" in a while, but I've still been participating. So this week, the final (official) week. I up me.

http://hnt-james.blogspot.com/2011/12/final-hnt.html

MinorityReport said...

I'm up, with a thank you. :)

cat said...

I'm so amazed, I had no idea HNT was still happening, let alone that this was started 6 1/2 years ago! Obasso, I have not been a faithful reader for many years, though when Yoj tweeted about this I had to come by and say "What a run you had". So few of us old timer bloggers (as in, have been blogging for 6-7 years, not that we're old) are still blogging and I congratulate you on creating and having fun with this feature for so long.

The end of an era in the blog world for sure, but thank you for adding this spice to blogger lives. ;)

Anonymous said...

Hi Os,
I've really enjoyed being a part of the HNT series. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts on the special finale. :)

I wrote a blog post today about the HNT series:

http://darkside-journey.blogspot.com/

Hugs,
padme

JackBader said...

Man... what a sad day.

Happy Final HNT, thanks Osbasso for all the great times, even though I entered this journey a little late.

Jack

Anonymous said...

My best to you all. I'm up.

mina said...

Happy HNT and farewell to thee. I am up.

Lady Grinning Soul said...

Before I go back and visit all the fabulous bloggers above this comment, I just wanted to return and say………

OS! Thank you so much for this community you have hosted and, well, downright created. I think we've all made some wonderful friends. And I am so glad that I was able to come back for the last few weeks - and that in doing so I discovered just how many people were happy to see me. It's been a blast. I'm sure it will be missed… but I'm also sure we'll all find our necessary outlets.

Beautiful MG, as usual… although, unusually, I have no idea who it is! Curious. Beautiful.

Thank you once again… and, I have to say, you and Michelle look damn fine. What a great final shot.

Much love,
LGS xx

Sexy Smile said...

I'm up with a toast to all of you.

The Smoking Redhead said...

Love you, miss you, sorry I didn't get a photo to you in time.

:)

J said...

PS- I wrote a little piece on HNT.

I was feeling all sentimental and what not.

xo

Lori said...

Thank you for everything you do.
will love you always

figleaf said...

So late to the party, Os. I've been down with the worst cold ever instead of up with a photo. To make up for it I've added a bunch of retrospective entries from my blog from the last five years or so. They're at my new retrospective photos site on Tumblr.

Happy Valedictory HNT, Osbasso. You've been the greatest, and by far the nicest meme curator in the blogosphere.

figleaf
realadultsex.com

Memphis said...

This has been quite an achievement. I can't believe it's ending. Thank you for having put it all together and kept it going for all these years.

Anonymous said...

I have no picture but wanted to wish you well.
I had fun posting the few pics I posted. Thanks for the comments.

xxxx
Sophia

Anonymous said...

So sad to hear that this is the final HNT. I know I only participated for a short time but it helped me through a difficult time and I am sure it does the same for others.
Happy New Year xxx

Unknown said...

I am happy to see this period celebrated!

viemoira said...

I am belated- I lost many pics when I moved from blogger to Wordpress and even more when I moved from wordpress to my own domain. I have spent the past few days re-publishing all the HNT pics on my current blog with a final count of 161 since 2008.

I will still be around to bug u Os...

And um, MG has the *perfect* breasts!! :)
~viemoira

figleaf said...

Correction: I ended up re-creating the Tumblr blog I setup so I could repost my old HNT photos. The URL is now http://halfnekkidfigleaf.tumblr.com/

Happy HNT+1. And thanks again, Osbasso.

figleaf