Gratitude for Stan & Julie! A Dedication

[Maka]

Dear UYDers,

Here's what I posted on facebook last night:

"Wow.

After a wonderful 21 days road tripping camping vacation with my in-laws and family, I came home to this gift from Stan Sakai and Julie Sakai. Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden (Book 33. This year we celebrate Usagi’s 35th year anniversary) graphic novel dedicated to my family and me.
Wow.

There is so much gratitude to express but I'll save that for my thank you letter to the Sakai's. Let me just say here that I love that Stan acknowledged MY FAMILY with me "for blessing so many with your encouraging hearts." That's very Japanese-American: to acknowledge we are more than just our individual efforts or individual people. We as a family do good. Truth. I love that.

Thank you, Stan and Julie. Just when I thought I have experienced every great experience of being your fan, you top it again. Thank you for your gift and friendship, Maka"

Here are the photos I posted:

The dedication:


The wonderful Usagi sketch in the TPB:


The AP HC Edition of UY: The Hidden:


The wonderful sketch of Usagi in the HC:


Stan also sent a copy of the Sketchbook 16 (Which is awesome!):


And a Heroescon Usagi/Groo T-Shirt in my size:


I am still high on this gift. Cheryl and I looked through the sketchbook together. Cheryl said, "The humanness of Stan comes out in these paintings and the process of making The Hidden Cover." One can look at Stan's art and appreciate it for the mastery skills he demonstrates. But there is a deeper level of appreciation when you experienced the kindness, generosity, and appreciation Stan shows his fans.

When Stan invited Dojo members Adriel, Daniel and I to visit his studio, I took a picture of myself sitting at his drawing table. Stan told Julie, "Maka's taking a picture at my table like I was taking a picture of myself sitting at Sparky's (Charles Schulz) table" and laughed. Stan is a fan. He gets us.

Thanks again Stan and Julie. I'm so happy because of your gift and friendship. Peace, maka

[jabba359]

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I always appreciate your positive outlook and the joy you share, both here on the Dojo as well as the other parts of your life. Thanks for everything you do, including your Usagi vacation photo travelogues.

[maichan]

Congratulations indeed! What Stan wrote in that dedication is so true! Maka is, and has been, such a positive influence for so many people, here at the Dojo, and beyond.

Since we first met online, I have appreciated and admired Maka's sage advice, thoughtful comments, and the fact that he is always respectful of others. And, besides all of that, he's a funny guy too!

[Mayhem]

Fully deserved there

[Gaffey]

Very Cool.

[Maka]

Thanks Y’all,

This UY Dojo has been the best online community for me. It seems like everyone here is just great caring people who are drawn together by Stan’s excellent storytelling and heart. I’m so glad Todd created this place where I could make such good friends. I’m an introvert so I am not naturally one to go out and socialize. But I’ve hung out with all of you online and a few of you in person. I am grateful to call you friends. Stan tells a story where this dojo saved a person’s life. That’s amazing. This dojo didn’t save my life but it makes me feel like the things, stories, and people I love are legit. I’m so glad to be a part of our community. Much love to you all! Peace, maka

[estee]

Wow. Congrats.

[go]

Dear Maka,
Congratulations on receiving this highest of honors!!!!!!!!!
Best wishes to all.
go

[Steve Hubbell]

Dear Maka,
Congratulations, very much deserved...

[Trevis Woods]

Congratulations Maka! Well deserved!
Maka is a blessing and always encouraging.
I would like to share a personal story of how Maka encouraged me...
Last year I lost my father rather unexpectedly. Maka reached out to me with encouragement, comforting words and also let me know he was praying for me.
He sent me a copy of the Usagi/TMNT HC...The gift of a book was so very appropriate because my father was a school teacher who loved books and loved reading. Thousands of books filled our home growing up so Maka’s gift of this book from my favorite creator will always be a reminder of my father every time I see it.
The dojo and friends like Maka that I’ve made here are truly a blessing!
All because of Stan and his wonderful Rabbit

[Kaimuki]

Congrats Maka!! So awesome!!
I'm smiling while looking though your photos, what a great gift!
Well deserved Maka!

[tylersticka]

What an honor! Congratulations!

[Texcap]

I just saw this, and wanted to make sure to stop by and say "congratulations" on the honor. It is well deserved.

[TommyB]

That’s awesome! Congratulations. Stan and Julie are two of the nicest people I’ve had the opportunity to meet. At HeroesCon the line was always long. All weekend! And they were always gracious to the fans.