sojourn

Good to see things are going smoothly. Still rooting for Dillon and Jake. Wonder how JJ is doing?

After reading the already posted comments, I am almost ashamed to admit my ignorance of the geography and even more so the climatic conditions, past and present. I never sailed into the Baltic but I can say that at least none of this surprises me. I was certainly not surprised that Granger showed himself, again, to be a cautious and yet entertaining conversationalist. To be described as a consummate diplomat by Royalty was a rare compliment indeed. To be done at a time of pronounced enmity makes it all the more valued. Diplomats are by training and trade, highly skilled at not showing emotion or reacting to spurious or even threatening information. Apparently, those skills are not appreciated by our current administration. Over the years, Granger has sporadically reminded me of a poem entitled, "If". I hold it a great honor having known fewer than a handful of such men as described in that poem. I suspect most people never know any. It has occurred to me that Mark has used that poem as a framework for the man that Granger is and the Hero he has reluctantly become. Thank you, Mark. I am grateful to be reminded.

Good to see that Jake was worth the time it took to finally get him into bed. I am glad and hopeful he is to be around for some time to come. Now, if only Dillon can smoothly replace Zach. Ironic how history is repeating itself across the generations. That means that Zach is not about to "go gentle into that good night." Fasten your seatbelts it's going to be a bumpy night. I think I just exceeded the number of cliches allowed in a single paragraph. sorry... almost.

(Initially, I some how posted this as a stand-alone comment. Sorry.) That makes two positive “Wows”. I’m on a roll. Thank you for explaining the “WOW”. All you say is too true. I like the fact that Dennis has people rooting for him even after his inauspicious introduction and his lousy attitude. The most dangerous adversary is a “determined foe”. You can expect to see that sentiment again, so thanks for that. But, what really made my day was your quoting the “Family Problems” line. It was my favorite line also. Thanks again, Jim

Thank you. I worry sometimes that I get “too deep into the weeds”. I find it unrealistic to have folks engage in a conversation that sounds like someone had said, “just the facts Ma’am”. Besides, I sometimes have characters reappear later in the story and it just seems they have more depth if they have already shared something of themselves. Thanks for sharing your comments. Jim

I agree, nothing is sacred in politics except winning. Then they act as though they were, “just doing their job”. I know I’m going to feel soooo stupid for asking but what did you mean by, “It is almost like 45 was involved in the set up”? Jim

That makes two positive “Wows”. I’m on a roll. Thank you for explaining the “WOW”. All you say is too true. I like the fact that Dennis has people rooting for him even after his inauspicious introduction and his lousy attitude. The most dangerous adversary is a “determined foe”. You can expect to see that sentiment again, so thanks for that. But, what really made my day was your quoting the “Family Problems” line. It was my favorite line also. Thanks again, Jim

I am not sure what it was but Dennis’ father recently had a “cathartic” experience which made him want to change past behaviors and to reach out to his son. This he did in spite of his own family’s objections, the boy’s mother, her family, and the community at large. I wish him luck. (But, he is still a suspect.) Thanks for your comments. Jim

Thank you for your kind words. I especially like the way your comments give Dennis a depth that I strive to give all my my characters. Dennis was conceived to be exactly as he initially presented, shallow and totally self serving, the stereotypical “Crowder”. Then I asked myself, what made him that way? Low and behold Dennis turned out to be surprisingly sympathetic. Even his father is trying to challenge the role “society” has decided he must play. I wish them both the best of luck. We have not seen the last of either of them. Thanks again, Jim

Thank you for those kind words. This was not an easy chapter to write so your comments are especially welcome. I think an honest answer would be too revealing as to the perpetrator. If asked after all is revealed I will be happy to share my thought processes. Thanks again, Jim

Thank you for explaining. I actually had second thoughts about the method of his demise but Nathan told me he thought it expanded the possibilities as to whodunit. So, I left it as is. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Last night had not been easy for Daniel. His initial reaction had been utter disbelief. ‘How could anyone, especially a kid, say such a thing’? Then, it was ‘how could anyone believe such a ridiculous lie. It was only after Jeff and Paul reminded him that the actual truth and verifiable facts would not be crucial elements once the accusation had been made public. The County Council would insist that he be placed on “paid leave” until this issue was resolved or until after the election. The elect

(The week following Daniel’s coming out.) With less than a month at his new “Free Legal Clinic”, Jeff had been surprised at the number of people who turned out for his “Grand Opening”. Grand may have been a slight exaggeration. It actually consisted of him showing up after Flora had been at work for more than a week getting the office set up, taking calls, and answering questions for ‘walk-ins’. But, a half-dozen people were already waiting when he showed and Jeff counted that as a remarkabl

I remember seeing her on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. They talked about stalker-ish fans and she said, "If they bug me too much, I just tell them I'm gay." I thought that was quite a bold statement,, at the time for a "Star" to make on national television. Let's face it, it would be quite a bold statement for a star today. I like her music. But, "I Honestly Love You" always keys up memories of what might have been.

I really liked this chapter. I like the idea that the good guys have the bad guys on the ropes. I would've liked for Mike to have been more patient and encouraging in getting Chet to agree to the court-ordered visit. Thanks for posting another great chapter.

I just used this chapter to illustrate to a newbie on Nifty some disheartening stats concerning the quantity of feedback for posters. To whit; Out of 1,816 people who opened the latest chapter on their computer or phone… only 40 people read through it and clicked on one of the “like” buttons. Out of those 40, only 9 people posted an actual comment. (Until now, I was not one of the responders.) I used this particular chapter simply because it was the latest in one of the finest examples of Gay Erotic Fiction, IMHO, being posted on the internet. Only after I had sent my email did I realize how lacking I was in expressing my appreciation for Mark's efforts. I have followed Granger since his father first dumped him on the pier. I voraciously consumed every available word and eagerly awaited the next installment. It was a great joy to realize several books had already been posted. I have vicariously experienced Granger's physical and personal growth, his loves, his betrayals, his victories at sea, and his defeats. It is as though I am privy to someone's personal historical account and their most sacred inner thoughts and feelings. The email alert that a new chapter has been posted gets me to drooling like Pavlov's dogs. (metaphorically, thank you very much. I am old but not that old.) Of course, I follow CAP with only slightly less fervor. (I am not a big fan of Granger's latest adult progeny.) Mark has the ability to make me change my perspective toward any character within a few, if not a single chapter. Much like one might acknowledge misjudging an acquaintance in real life. And that is what makes any fiction great. When an author turns his characters into someone you would really like to know, whether in the past, present or future or even in a totally different universe. Thank you, Mark Arbour

Thank you, I feel the biggest challenge is in phrasing Maria's thoughts in terms that "adults" will believe are in keeping with an almost six-year-olds vocabulary. I can tell, with you and other parents, I don't need to defend Maria's somewhat self-serving attitude nor her ability to think, plan and execute said plans. Nor do I need to underplay her ability to embarrass her parents beyond the pale. (Nice pun, if I do say so.) I have raised three sons, they have, individually and collectively, embarrassed me concerning, honesty, tyrannical attitudes, sex, bodily functions, politics, religion and Santa Claus. Maria is a precocious sponge soaking up everything and constantly trying to evaluate whatever information she has just learned in order to properly align and adjust her "own world" view. Heavy sigh... As to your confusion and concern... The emails began after chapter 38, in which four characters sat around and discussed religion. If you recall, it was not your typical "come to Jesus" discussion. Somewhere along the way, I may have linked a certain national political party to generations old "institutionalized" anti-gay rhetoric, action, and legislative efforts. I may have suggested, implied, or emphatically stated, that anyone who supported or identified with this party and was of a particular "persuasion" should seek professional counseling. I may have implied, encouraged readers to infer, maybe ever quoted my now deceased Uncle Winston, who opined, "politics runs contrary to reason, logic and the workings of the brain." Those may have been my views at the time "but, I'm feeling much better now." The editor is acting up again. Each time I press enter to space down and type my usual valediction, it cuts out a part of my first paragraph instead. So, I'll say, "Thank you for you, as usual, thought-provoking comments. Jim

I think Paul and Jeff learned a big lesson on partnering in parenting. Maria is a tough kid. She understands a lot more than she lets on. Let's hope the good people of small town, Texas do their part. But, there may be some skirmishes between now and election day. Thanks as always for posting your comments. Jim

Thanks, I actually laughed out loud at the "I'm getting it back now". Thanks again for that. Jim

LOL! I knew it. I just knew the moment I brought Maria in, someone would yell for Miss Julie. Don't worry, she hasn't gone anywhere and will be around soon enough, I am sure. As to not agreeing with some of the things I write, please do. Just do it in an email or right here on GA with a private message. I private message author's rather than comment if I have anything less than flattering to say. I believe in "Praise in public but condemn in Private." At any rate, I like to think that of myself. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim sojourn1950@yahoo.com

Believe me, I have passed the point of seeking favor from readers. I only did that once and it happened in this story. I do enjoy getting comments and emails from readers and they do serve to motivate me. I always try to respond to readers comments and emails, if I fail, it is forgetfulness or they present themselves as being "too weird". My oldest probably was the one who communicated most honestly for the longest time. Scientists have discovered something my Mother learned first hand, having raised ten children, and that is that babies lie. It seems that babies learn at about three months that crying can initiate interaction which stimulates their brain. My mother used to say, "let 'em cry. They're just doing it to get attention." I never followed my Mother's advice, I always suspected she developed that attitude as a defense mechanism. I felt that even if they didn't need a clean diaper or food or weren't' too cold or too hot, they should be reassured that they were not alone. I might just rub their belly and talk to them, but they always got attention. No one knows which way is better. I really appreciate hearing from readers but I think I most appreciate feedback on Maria's "growing up". I think some children are precocious beyond their years. I am convinced I was. It is not always a good thing for a child to be. Thanks for posting and bringing back memories. Jim

I'm pretty sure that if time travel were possible and one more divergent universe was the only result, one of two things have occurred in the future. The first possibility is that time travel (To implement changes for the betterment of mankind.) is not, er, was not, er, will not, be possible. The second possible scenario is that time travel will be possible and that they did come back in time and make it better... Just that the universe that got better is not the one you and I are stuck in. Look on the bright side, in the multiverse, there are countless universes in which we exist in a utopian society where all have enough. Where prejudice and bigotry exist on in their mildest forms of personal likes and dislikes. Where all are equal and man's individual potential is the only limiting factor. Worlds where no one is held back or denied the opportunity if they have the potential to succeed. The difference between me and many "believers" is that I believe if we survive, my scenario is a distinct and very likely future. Whereas most want to leave the future in the hands of some imaginary friend while they take advantage of and treat their fellow man with disdain, disregard, and outright hatred. They ignore the "greatest commandment" and insist "heaven holds a place for those who pray."

Bologna? Nathan sent me a link thinking I was confused or just plain ignorant. Most parents are shocked and concurrently embarrassed when they learn the lesson first hand, "little pitchers have big ears". Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Daniel was making the rounds shaking hands and thanking anyone he could get to. He was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support these people offered. Raymond joined the family and watched as his lover glad-handed everyone he could reach. The conversation around the table, of course, centered around Daniel’s coming out. Raymond was goaded into sharing details, even the most embarrassing moments of the ‘accidental outing’. Much to Raymond’s chagrin, everyone laughed uproariously. Everyone wa

I have said it before... "I am so easy." You say flattering things about my story and I just forget anything else you might have said. You have shared how faith has helped you to adjust to living as a gay man. I know how comforting faith can be when there is nothing else to hold onto. Giving up your faith is not something I would encourage if you need it to function. Religion can be a very welcomed, comforting and even necessary crutch. My experience is just the opposite of yours. When I came out, I realized I had been wasting my life trying to mold myself into something that god and man 'might' find acceptable. No matter what success I had, IMHO, excelled physically, intellectually and professionally. Still, I knew I was not a "normal" man. Finally, I realized I was a perfectly normal man with imperfections who just happened to have been born gay. I was very active in the church. I delivered sermons and taught Sunday school for years. I can't imagine a day or two went by without my praying to be made "normal". I was sexually and emotionally faithful to my wife for twenty-three years. NO, it was not a simple flip of a switch. It was a very painful process to finally realize I had been praying to and preaching about "imaginary friends". When I prayed and listened, I know now that I heard nothing except the echoes in my mind. (That is why I worry about the Pope and George W. Bush they both believe they have god's ear. Some televangelists are just power hungry money grubbing, liars.) That cathartic episode occurred over twenty years ago. I have yet to see a single reason to regret coming out or to regret giving up on my "imaginary friend". I can honestly say, "I wish I had done both years earlier." I won't deny your right or even your need to believe in some higher power. But, I won't pretend that I don't know better.