Open Letter To Franck

CJ · 22nd-November-2005, 02:48 PM

Dear Franck,

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I have reached a time in my life when I have began to evaluate lots and lots of things: what's important to me, what used to be, where my priorities lay, etc.

This letter is partly because I have decided to be more open about things, all manner of things, as often as is practical without ever hurting people. It's also partly because in my re-evaluation, I have discovered I have many new, true, friends.

And for this, I owe you thanks.

This forum, whilst not yet perfect, is an amazing place. We have had laughter, sadness, bickering, bitchiness, support, sad tears, happy tears, uncontrollable laughter tears...

Too many to name, I have met many people through this Forum and have become closer to many amazing, warm people. (I have chosen not to name names, but feel free to come out if a tale involves you...)

Having never met a forumite: I turned up at her house @ 03.00 with 3 other smelly musicians, let myself in using a hidden key, slept the night in her house THEN met her.

I've had some loony agree to wax my body for a good cause. I had a PM, out of ther blue, with an offer of further help which turned out to be utterly invaluable and enormously appreciated by all concerned.

People have organised events, supported events and given generously to my chosen charity.

I've crashed at people's houses. I've met people for dodgy meals and great dances in far away places.

I have had many wonderful dances (including that dance!!), many really heartfelt hugs and WAY too many moments of laughter all through this forum and the people on it.

I am a small part of an amazing community.

Then there are the events: BFG I&II, The 10th Anniversary, all the BB's...

Some make money, some do not. What money is made helps subsidise this, here Forum. I know you don't do it for the money.

I know you do it because you have this passion for dance, for music and want to share that with as many people as possible.

Ceroc isn't perfect, either, but that is your chosen medium and you do it so incredibly well.

So, Franck: for giving, for being, for sharing and for having the balls to go out and do it, with all that I am, I thank you.

This letter has been more serious than I intended. I tried listing forumites that have warmed my heart and the list was too big (even with unintentional ommissions); I wanted to list the seriously health-risking funny moments I've had with Forumites and there were too many to list.

If anyone wants to add any occasions, moments, etc please do.

But for now,

Thank you, my friend.

Robert J. Mitchell-Thain

**Aleks** · 22nd-November-2005, 02:59 PM

Not of sadness, but of pure joy.

CJ, you have managed to articulate very well what I too have experienced through dancing in Scotland and the Forum.

Franck, you touch our hearts and lives in so many ways - thank you.

Aleks

**Dizzy** · 22nd-November-2005, 03:27 PM

CJ, I could not have put it better myself.

**ducasi** · 22nd-November-2005, 03:54 PM

Great post CJ.

I think I've said it before, but in case I haven't... I wouldn't be dancing at all if it wasn't for the forum – I'd have given it up after my first night. With the encouragement of the forum I kept going... And today I don't think I'd be even half the dancer I am without all the help given on here.

Besides that, pretty much all the friendships I've made in my short time dancing have been either entirely because of the forum, or helped a great deal by it, directly or indirectly.

Added to that, Franck's passion for dance has infected me and is driving me to want so much more.

But it's not just Franck. It's a team. That includes all the teachers – I don't know them all, but Mairi, Lorna and Lisa have been so helpful to me. James has been an inspiration – he and Melanie helped me a lot in making the transition from a beginner to whatever it is I am now.

The demos, taxis and other helpers have always been friendly and nice.

Then there's the DJ's, including CJ himself. Everybody agrees – Scotland has the best Ceroc DJs in the world!

Lastly, Sheena needs a special mention all of her own!

How would we all manage without you?!?

**under par** · 22nd-November-2005, 04:15 PM

Quote:

All CJ said

What a fantastic community Franck has been instrumental in building.

**Cruella** · 22nd-November-2005, 04:29 PM

What a touching letter CJ.

I can see where you're coming from about people being open and helpful amongst the forum. I too have stayed with people i hardly knew and have also had people stay here with me. (Looking forward to Dave Hancock staying in a couple of weeks.) Seem to always end up very good friends by the end of the visits too. Sorry southerners, but i do find the Scottish particularly accomodating and welcoming. I don't know if it's a closer knit community amongst the northern dancers or just that northerners do tend to be friendlier and more up for a party, but i have always felt at home when north of the border. Don't want to upset my southern counterparts as there are lots of friendly dancers here too.

Just find it takes longer to get to know them.

LMC · 22nd-November-2005, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceroc Jock

Big up to Franck

- thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducasi

I wouldn't be dancing at all if it wasn't for the forum – I'd have given it up after my first night. With the encouragement of the forum I kept going... And today I don't think I'd be even half the dancer I am without all the help given on here.

Besides that, pretty much all the friendships I've made in my short time dancing have been either entirely because of the forum, or helped a great deal by it, directly or indirectly.

and

Thank you all

**Minnie M** · 22nd-November-2005, 04:37 PM

Quote:

+ All CJ said

Quote:

Originally Posted by under par

What a fantastic community Franck has been instrumental in building.

Wot a great post and absolutely 100% true

doc martin · 22nd-November-2005, 04:41 PM

CJ. Even when you know you are amongst friends, it takes a lot of guts to bare your soul in such a heartfelt manner.

To lighten matters up (like most men, I only do emotion in very, very small doses), this has given me an idea for a new area of research. Previously it was thought that male hormones were made mainly in the testicles. I am now proposing that a significant proportion are made in body hair.

Now I know that CJ always had long hair and wears a skirt :duck:, but since losing his body hair he seems to have taken to expressing his emotions and (horror of horrors) I even saw him following on Sunday evening.

I would also like to offer up in evidence Dee's man/woman 3-wheeler driver. If anybody else has any examples I will add them to the research proposal I am going to submit to the EU. I reckon I should be able to get at least a half mil research grant for this.

**Missy D** · 22nd-November-2005, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceroc Jock

Dear Franck,

From the heart of my bottom, thank you.

I have reached a time in my life when I have began to evaluate lots and lots of things: what's important to me, what used to be, where my priorities lay, etc.

This letter is partly because I have decided to be more open about things, all manner of things, as often as is practical without ever hurting people. It's also partly because in my re-evaluation, I have discovered I have many new, true, friends.

And for this, I owe you thanks.

This forum, whilst not yet perfect, is an amazing place. We have had laughter, sadness, bickering, bitchiness, support tights, sad tears, happy tears, uncontrollable laughter tears...

Too many to name and shame, I have met many people through this Forum and have become closer to many amazing, warm people. (I have chosen not to name names, but feel free to come out if a tale involves you...)

Having never met a forumite: I turned up at her house @ 03.00 with 3 other smelly musicians, let myself in using a hidden key, slept the night in her house THEN met her.

I've had some loony agree to wax my body for a good cause. I had a PM, out of ther blue, with an offer of further help which turned out to be utterly invaluable and enormously appreciated by all concerned.

People have organised events, supported events and given generously to my chosen charity.

I've crashed at people's houses. I've met people for dodgy meals and great dances in far away places.

I have had many wonderful dances (including that dance!!), many really heartfelt hugs and WAY too many moments of laughter all through this forum and the people on it.

I have a small part.

Frogs and all.

Then there are the events: BFG I&II, The 10th Anniversary, all the BB's...

Some make money, some do not. What money is made helps subsidise this, here Forum. I know you don't do it for the money.

I know you do it because you have this passion for dance, for music and want to share that with as many people as possible.

Ceroc isn't perfect, either, but that is your chosen medium and you do it so incredibly well.

So, Franck: for giving, for being, for sharing and for having the balls to go out and do it, with all that I am, I thank you.

This letter has been more serious than I intended. I tried listing forumites that have warmed my heart and the list was too big (even with unintentional ommissions); I wanted to list the seriously health-risking funny moments I've had with Forumites and there were too many to list.

If anyone wants to add any occasions, moments, etc please do.

But for now,

Thank you, my friend.

Robert J. Mitchell-Thain CBL

I couldnt have said it better myself CJ

Lee · 22nd-November-2005, 04:48 PM

Lee

doc martin · 22nd-November-2005, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missy D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceroc Jock

Robert J. Mitchell-Thain CBL <--- surreptitiously slipped in by Missy D

I couldnt have said it better myself CJ

OK Missy, I have to ask. What does CBL stand for? Completely bonkers lapdancer?

**Missy D** · 22nd-November-2005, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doc martin

OK Missy, I have to ask. What does CBL stand for? Completely bonkers lapdancer?

I didnt think anyone would notice

Your answer is wrong! guess again!

**Stuart M** · 22nd-November-2005, 05:06 PM

*Aaaak*

G'night CJ...G'night Aleks...G'night ducasi...G'night Jon Boy....

Must be some sort of Samson effect going on here...

**Cruella** · 22nd-November-2005, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missy D

I didnt think anyone would notice

Your answer is wrong! guess again!

Cold Bald Legs?

dee · 22nd-November-2005, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceroc Jock

Dear Franck,

From the heart of my bottom, thank you.

If anyone wants to add any occasions, moments, etc please do.

But for now,

Thank you, my friend.

Robert J. Mitchell-Thain CBL

So what is CBL?

bigdjiver · 22nd-November-2005, 05:16 PM

I am sure I speak for just about all of us from down south when I echo CJ's sentiments. We were given refuge when our forum on www.ceroc.com was shut down, and Francks superbly crafted effort has given us all the opportunity to enrich our lives inside and outside our dance experience.

22nd-November-2005, 02:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
CJ Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Fife. Posts: 4,983 Rep Power: 6 Reputation Total: 1744	Open Letter To Franck Dear Franck, From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I have reached a time in my life when I have began to evaluate lots and lots of things: what's important to me, what used to be, where my priorities lay, etc. This letter is partly because I have decided to be more open about things, all manner of things, as often as is practical without ever hurting people. It's also partly because in my re-evaluation, I have discovered I have many new, true, friends. And for this, I owe you thanks. This forum, whilst not yet perfect, is an amazing place. We have had laughter, sadness, bickering, bitchiness, support, sad tears, happy tears, uncontrollable laughter tears... Too many to name, I have met many people through this Forum and have become closer to many amazing, warm people. (I have chosen not to name names, but feel free to come out if a tale involves you...) Having never met a forumite: I turned up at her house @ 03.00 with 3 other smelly musicians, let myself in using a hidden key, slept the night in her house THEN met her. I've had some loony agree to wax my body for a good cause. I had a PM, out of ther blue, with an offer of further help which turned out to be utterly invaluable and enormously appreciated by all concerned. People have organised events, supported events and given generously to my chosen charity. I've crashed at people's houses. I've met people for dodgy meals and great dances in far away places. I have had many wonderful dances (including that dance!!), many really heartfelt hugs and WAY too many moments of laughter all through this forum and the people on it. I am a small part of an amazing community. Then there are the events: BFG I&II, The 10th Anniversary, all the BB's... Some make money, some do not. What money is made helps subsidise this, here Forum. I know you don't do it for the money. I know you do it because you have this passion for dance, for music and want to share that with as many people as possible. Ceroc isn't perfect, either, but that is your chosen medium and you do it so incredibly well. So, Franck: for giving, for being, for sharing and for having the balls to go out and do it, with all that I am, I thank you. This letter has been more serious than I intended. I tried listing forumites that have warmed my heart and the list was too big (even with unintentional ommissions); I wanted to list the seriously health-risking funny moments I've had with Forumites and there were too many to list. If anyone wants to add any occasions, moments, etc please do. But for now, Thank you, my friend. Robert J. Mitchell-Thain __________________ Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. www.readitandweep.net Risk more than others think safe; dream more than others think practical; care more than others think wise; desire more than others think possible.. ... then the Universe is yours.

22nd-November-2005, 02:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Aleks Taxi Dancer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tarbrax Posts: 2,373 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 864	Re: Open Letter To Franck Not of sadness, but of pure joy. CJ, you have managed to articulate very well what I too have experienced through dancing in Scotland and the Forum. Franck, you touch our hearts and lives in so many ways - thank you. Aleks __________________ "Everything that happens to you is your teacher. The secret is to sit at the feet of your own life and be taught by it." Mahatma Gandhi

22nd-November-2005, 03:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dizzy Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Harrow, London Posts: 1,755 Rep Power: 2 Reputation Total: 927	Re: Open Letter To Franck CJ, I could not have put it better myself. __________________ Never cry over spilt milk.......... It could've been vodka !!!! I'm not burning the candle at both ends.........I've doused it in petrol and put a lighter to it!!

22nd-November-2005, 03:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
ducasi Lovely Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Glasgow Posts: 9,508 Rep Power: 6 Reputation Total: 3224	Re: Open Letter To Franck Great post CJ. I think I've said it before, but in case I haven't... I wouldn't be dancing at all if it wasn't for the forum – I'd have given it up after my first night. With the encouragement of the forum I kept going... And today I don't think I'd be even half the dancer I am without all the help given on here. Besides that, pretty much all the friendships I've made in my short time dancing have been either entirely because of the forum, or helped a great deal by it, directly or indirectly. Added to that, Franck's passion for dance has infected me and is driving me to want so much more. But it's not just Franck. It's a team. That includes all the teachers – I don't know them all, but Mairi, Lorna and Lisa have been so helpful to me. James has been an inspiration – he and Melanie helped me a lot in making the transition from a beginner to whatever it is I am now. The demos, taxis and other helpers have always been friendly and nice. Then there's the DJ's, including CJ himself. Everybody agrees – Scotland has the best Ceroc DJs in the world! Lastly, Sheena needs a special mention all of her own! How would we all manage without you?!? __________________ Let your mind go and your body will follow. – Steve Martin, LA Story

22nd-November-2005, 04:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
Cruella Dickie Davies' love-child Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Rugby Posts: 5,214 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 2222	Re: Open Letter To Franck What a touching letter CJ. I can see where you're coming from about people being open and helpful amongst the forum. I too have stayed with people i hardly knew and have also had people stay here with me. (Looking forward to Dave Hancock staying in a couple of weeks.) Seem to always end up very good friends by the end of the visits too. Sorry southerners, but i do find the Scottish particularly accomodating and welcoming. I don't know if it's a closer knit community amongst the northern dancers or just that northerners do tend to be friendlier and more up for a party, but i have always felt at home when north of the border. Don't want to upset my southern counterparts as there are lots of friendly dancers here too. Just find it takes longer to get to know them. __________________ * Men are like a fine wine. They start out as grapes. It’s our job to stomp them, and then keep them in the dark until they mature. And hopefully they’ll turn out to be something we would like to have dinner with

22nd-November-2005, 04:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
doc martin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: fife Posts: 335 Rep Power: 2 Reputation Total: 419	Re: Open Letter To Franck CJ. Even when you know you are amongst friends, it takes a lot of guts to bare your soul in such a heartfelt manner. To lighten matters up (like most men, I only do emotion in very, very small doses), this has given me an idea for a new area of research. Previously it was thought that male hormones were made mainly in the testicles. I am now proposing that a significant proportion are made in body hair. Now I know that CJ always had long hair and wears a skirt :duck:, but since losing his body hair he seems to have taken to expressing his emotions and (horror of horrors) I even saw him following on Sunday evening. I would also like to offer up in evidence Dee's man/woman 3-wheeler driver. If anybody else has any examples I will add them to the research proposal I am going to submit to the EU. I reckon I should be able to get at least a half mil research grant for this.

22nd-November-2005, 04:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
Lee Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chessington, Surrey Posts: 479 Rep Power: 2 Reputation Total: 227	Re: Open Letter To Franck Lee

22nd-November-2005, 05:06 PM	#14 (permalink)
Stuart M An Eclectic Toaster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Glasgow Posts: 1,818 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 743	Re: Open Letter To Franck Aaaak G'night CJ...G'night Aleks...G'night ducasi...G'night Jon Boy.... Must be some sort of Samson effect going on here...

22nd-November-2005, 05:16 PM	#17 (permalink)
bigdjiver Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: bedford Posts: 3,707 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 743	Re: Open Letter To Franck I am sure I speak for just about all of us from down south when I echo CJ's sentiments. We were given refuge when our forum on www.ceroc.com was shut down, and Francks superbly crafted effort has given us all the opportunity to enrich our lives inside and outside our dance experience.

22nd-November-2005, 05:29 PM	#18 (permalink)
doc martin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: fife Posts: 335 Rep Power: 2 Reputation Total: 419