Counting them up, I made eleven appearances around the U.S. in 2009. And in flipping through photos of each, I'm struck by how thankful I am to everyone who came out with high-fives and hugs and kind words at each event.

I'm mindful, every day, of how blessed I am to have a job like this. It's a rare and wonderful thing. But one of the best parts of the job is getting to meet you in places like Miami, Seattle, San Diego, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Baltimore. You make one little cartoonist feel friendship and camaraderie in far-flung cities across the map. I can't tell you how much that means to me. Thank you.

PHOTO 1:

Do you guys remember when Arthur needed to rescue Flaco...and he rode across the Atlantic on the back of a larger "Sooty Shearwater" bird? Well, Sheldonista Kailee B. sent in the MOST AWESOME PHOTO EVER. Check this out...remind you of any ducks you know?

PHOTO 2:

Sheldon reader (and awesome software-maker) Chris T. sent in some fantastic Dante/Stickboy fanart. I love the look of this -- thanks, Chris!

PHOTO 3:

In what might qualify for the "coolest kid on the block" award, Sheldonista Shannon P. sent in this pic of her nephew dressing up as a Dalek for Halloween. And yes, for those asking, that's virtually the same cardboard that BBC Wales uses to build the real Daleks. :)

(...and before I get more e-mails assuming I don't like Doctor Who, let me make it clear: We love Doctor Who in my house. Love it. Now, whether we're gonna like the new Doctor, we'll see....)