I remember the first time I ever visited Martina's website in 2002. It had the design for the Greatest Hits album. Independence Day would play as you click to enter the website. I must have been 12 at the time. I soon discovered the magical place of Martinaville. The 'ville became my safe haven. I was able to see the diverse group of people united over the love of an artist. Martinaville was a happening place. It was a rare occasion if you were the only person online at any time of the day or night.

I practically grew up in Martinaville. I remember my naive days as a young teenager when I was overly enthusiastic and probably a bit annoying. Martinaville was there for me through middle school during those horrible awkward years. In High School when I had to drop out of school (the line I like to give is that I dropped out of high school and experimented with a bunch of different drugs) because of my migraine headaches, Martinaville was there. Had it not been for the 'ville at that time I would have felt completely alone since I literally stayed at home all day and night. When both of my parents were working, there were people I could talk to and count on for support.

In 2009, I basically abandoned the 'ville after my grandmother passed away. I was embarking on a new journey as I was transferring to a different college and leaving home for the first time. It was a time of growing up and not leaning on the crutch that Martinaville provided for me. I still visited from time to time, but I remained silent not posting anything new. I watched as my precious Martinaville was lost with a new forum. Most of the active members from the thriving days of the 'ville did not return. While there is still a form of Martinaville alive today, for most of us it is a remnant of our past. That is the beauty of a place like Martinaville. It was there for us when we needed it most. It truly was a magical place.