Today my blog post is dedicated to my friend Alex who many know as Drifter0658 at Squidoo. Today is his birthday and many of us will gather here to honor and celebrate his day. We also know Alex as the big kahuna on Crabbysbeach who watches over us, entertains us, and works under the hood keeping all of the mechanical parts running in tip top shape.  He is special to all of us for so many reasons.

Alex, today we honor your warrior spirit and the day that you were born.  In the Native traditions of the past a warrior was so very important to the tribe.  These were the men who protected the tribe.  They provided food with their hunting skills and kept the tribe safe from the enemy.  The most respected and honored warriors always kept the tribe’s best interest above their own.  They gave much more than they received in most instances.

Alex, you are a modern day warrior, in my eyes and in the eyes of many.  A man who looks over our little tribe here at Crabbysbeach and at 10-finity too.  Your hunting skills are put to use when you go out there looking for themes, plug-ins, and tools that will help us all have a better experience.  You defend us from our mortal enemies…the spammers who are always trying to invade our territory! You put the tribe ahead of your own needs and enrich our lives by doing it.  Just last Friday, I noticed you even practiced a “Give Away” type ceremony by spending your time and tweeting about several of the members of the Beach. Shoot, you even have your own form of a horse to ride off on…your beloved motorcycle.

I believe I remember that once you shared with me that you are also of Native descent. Cherokee, wasn’t it? Your birth totem of Deer and your Spirit Keeper Wabun (Golden Eagle) chose wisely to walk with you on your Earth journey.

In my mind, the men with true warrior spirit are what we sometimes refer to as “A Man’s Man”. You know the guys who get along with all of the other guys, they are everyone’s buddy.  These true warriors don’t feel the need to be boisterous or mean. These men are generally well liked by the ladies too.  That is because a true warrior values the females in his life, shows them respect, and genuinely likes them. That is you Alex, my friend…a true warrior!

I’m also reminded of Cornstalk the Shawnee Chief who seemed to reach from his place in the Spirit World and bring you and I together to become friends. I see that event as the one that really bonded us together and we’ve continued to walk together on our Sacred Paths.  Cornstalk was a great orator, a strategist, and an honored warrior which describes you too, my dear friend.

Alex, you honor me and so many others with your friendship, you honor all of us with your dedication, you honor us with your true warrior spirit!  Happy Birthday to you, dear Alex! Now, did I see someone walk in with a bottle of Tequila? Break it open and let’s have a toast!