Huzzah! I have now officially been on A-U for one entire year! I know it’s been torture for you all, but perhaps let me stick around a while longer?
but anyway, A-U has helped me so much this past year. I got to know so many new things, my favourite being the Wonderful World of Graphics.
You have seen me through many ‘phases’ of fan-ness: probably Edmund Pevensie first, and always.
Of course LotR as the major fandom, PotC, and recently Celtic Thunder.
And one thing I love about A-U is that through all my loves, no one has said, ‘That’s stupid,’ or ‘How could you possibly like that?’ but everyone is so understanding of variety in tastes, and even though you may hate something I love, you’re nice enough not to bash it.
(aside from it being against forum rules, but you're nice enough anyway.)
So, without furtherance,
because I really have nothing left to say *ahem* to the people who have influenced me!
Balathor: yes, you. I always have such fun reading your posts and having a friendly bicker.
Particularly in the thread I commandeered. But anyway, you’re just a fun person and I look forward to getting to know you better.
Calloniel(PD):
I enjoy every minute I spend PMing you. You’re always so cheerful, and such a pick-me-up on days when I’m down. I really feel like I’ve known you forever, and I love you like a sister.
Eldarwen: my fellow CT lover! I’m so glad to have found another A-Uer who’s a fan as much as I am.
evenstar of mirkwood: my dearest mum! I haven’t seen you around the forum much lately, but I do enjoy talking with you! Hopefully I’ll see you soon!
Misa_Amane: I don’t know if you will read this, but I do appreciate your
attempts to RP with me. sorry I haven’t been very good, or very faithful to it.
I’ll try to start again before long!
Nerissa: my darling daughter!
I’m so glad I [s]snatched[/s]
adopted you into the family.
you’re such a dear. and it’s amazing how alike we are!
hmm, I haven’t Pmed you for a while. we must do something about that. I’m such a neglectful mum.
Nurrantiel Mashiara: I haven’t got to know you very well yet, but I hope to remedy the situation. I admire your graphics very much, and your willingness to make approximately a zillion for me.
Thanks!
Revenge: I have said such before: I enjoy seeing all the graphics you crank out. I really must request again. Remind me. and I’d love to get to know you better! I shall PM you sometime.
smeagollum: ^the same can be said for you.
and Bah. I hath commandeered your thread again. prepare for war. *pulls out water bomb cannon*
Shadowcat: I’ve really loved doing that battle with you! It’s such fun seeing what you come up with. Perhaps we can have another when this one’s finished?
Turwaithiel Swann: You were perhaps my first friend on A-U.
Also first to request on my graphics thread, and at least pretending to love the awful things I conjured up at first.
You’ve got such a sweet spirit, and are encouraging to everyone. Thanks dear!
Graphics-Makers: Johnny’s Fan, Aliana Fae, Balathor, smeagollum, Shadowcat, and many many others: You guys are the best of the best, and such an inspiration to me. I love looking at the graphics you make and thus trying some texture I never thought of, or a new font, or making the placement a bit different. Keep up the fantastical work, and keep the inspiration coming!
Edmund Pevensie Fan Club: yay! You guys are awesome. I just love talking about (and drooling over) Ed with you all.
and Thanks so much
MontanaBohemian, for making the club!
Celtic Thunder Fanclub: aw, I’m so glad somebody’s joined!
Thanks to you who joined, and let’s spread the word about our lovely CT!
and everyone else I failed to mention: everyone here makes the forum an awesome experience. It wouldn't be the same without a single one of you.
and finally,
Arweb and all the Mods: Thanks so much to all of you for your hard work to make A-U such an awesome forum!
EDIT: wow, I used a lot of smilies. PD, you would be proud.
I am so happy I'm fortunate enough to know you (and your Edmund/Celtic Thunder obsessedness 
I am glad, if any way I have helped to inspire you. It means a lot. 
Where does time go? Wow... happy anniversary, Gilly!