sojourn

Dinner should be interesting. I hadn't realized how much this chapter contained. Funny how the inrigue sort of slid right in while I thought I was focusing on the Adams brothers strenghening their indidvidual bonds with their mates. I guess I have some spainin' to do. Better write faser and post soooner. As usual, I appreciate the omments. Jim

Thanks. I will try to make my fictional account of a Texas county election as interesting as real life. and as always, Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

LOL! Seriously, I laughed so hard it echoed off the walls. Thanks for that. And thanks for commenting. Jim

Chicago, New Year’s Day, 2018 Sam and Dave were still out when Jeff and Paul returned to the apartment. Paul noticed Jeff’s gaze drift around the living room as though he was about to search for something and was trying to decide where to look first. Even as it clicked in his brain, he said, “You're going to miss this place, aren’t you”? Jeff gave a snort followed by a whimsical smile, met his lover’s gaze, and said, “I hardly think so. I was just thinking that I’ve lived here f

Oh Boy! When Marc let's it hit the fan it repaints the whole room. I am trying to imagine any of the family directing to "take him out", other than Wades mother. I was in favor of her elimination long ago. Now, suddenly she looks to have potential as a "not bad" guy. Curiouser and curiouser. Write faster. Post sooner.

I am flattered that you have read all my GA postings. Since you post a comment on "I'm Lonely" I rewrote or at least seriously edited it. I even included a link to the song. I hope it now be a better read and perhaps more people will come to appreciate the song. Reading my stories sequentially, as you well know, is not necessary to understand the overall tale. The first was "Gordy" followed by "TR's Tale" and then, obviously, "Change of Heart". I am considering taking the tale back in time to where Jeff and Raymond's ancestors settle in Texas. As I say, it's a thought that comes to mind on occasion. But, I already have two main character cowboys and the setting, so I might give it a go. First I have to get Jeff, Raymond and the rest of the modern family settled into a happily for now. Thanks again for you kind remarks. Jim

LOL! Funny that a review by someone else would have me read this tale again. I am certain I tracked down all the "Kayyam" tales. I once was an advisor to a group of eight Iranian Air Force Warrant Officers. They taught me that people are people. One was labled a "pervert" by he fellow Iranians. One was a dreamer and a devoted fan of Dolly and Omar Kayyam. One was the most handsome man I have ever seen in person. Even now, he is remembered with almost awe. One was a religious fanatic and talked about a leader in Paris who would replace the hated Shaw. The only one that was less than handsome and fairly dense was one that was supposedly Turkish-ish. The rest were unremarkable and forgetable. I have said it many times, "The most handsome men in the world are Iranian." I suppose religious and political types make for the exception. LOL. I think this review was more for my memories than your story. Jim

Wanting a story to continue, is to me, the most sincere compliment. I thank you. Jim

Thank you. I picture Daniel as being much more mature than either Jeff or Paul. I think that helps to make him a good match for Raymond. That is not to say either Jeff or Paul are less than adult in their behaviors, But, Daniel has military and law enforcement experience. I feel that both afford one the opportunity to develop patience and maturity... to smooth out the edges... to calm one down. They dont change everyone that way but my military experience had a very profound impact on me. I think Nataniel will be, as you say, "a good fit". I have an even better fit for him with one of the characters with whom everyone is already familiar. Thanks again for posting your comments. Jim

Thank you for such an encouraging comment. I am blown away. I think I will be posting more reliably now. I think I had to realize it is my story and that I had to write what i felt the characters wanted to say. I certainly don['t expect to put polarizing issues into every chapter. But, I think these folks have voiced their opinions on some weighty matters. Thanks again for posting your comments. Jim

This is blank because I failed to "quote" fromt the appropriate "comment". My comment without the "quote" looked like I was talking to no one. So, I qouted properly and did a cut and past. sorry. Jim

I thank you for your kind words. Some readers complain when Raymond and Daniel become the focus. I agree with you, it's like reading two stories at the same time. You know, I never did a story board or plan a story much beyond the chapter I am writing. During my absence, I edited this tale and created a list of characters and their attributes. I was surprised at the great number of distinct characters involved. As soon as "Uncle Raymond" was mentioned in chapter two or three, I knew he would somehow become very important to the story. i didn't intitialy see him as Jeff's brother. That just goes to show how things sometimes go in unexpected directions. I do like Raymond but then I have always been a big fan of Tom Selleck. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

I rather enjoyed writting that. My favorite part was when Daniel caught on and tackled Raymond. Thanks so much for posting your comments. It's good to be posting again. Jim 24 hours later and I realize I missed your point entirely. Sorry about that. I was thinking about the phone call in the bathroom. I know, I messed up. As to Nathaniel, I see him eventually becoming a deputy that provides Daniel with solid support. I also have an inkling as to Nathaniel's love life. But, that I won't share, just yet. Sorry for the confusion I must have caused you. I'm sure you asked yourself what I was talking about. Still, I did enjoy Daniel's payback. Jim

Thanks so much. I really appreciate your input. Your comments sometimes challenge me but they always gets my undivided attention. Thanks again, Jim

To be honest, it feels good to get back in touch with the guys. Reality sucks. If you read more comments and responses, you'll see how important your opinion of "so self aware" really is to me. Thanks for reading and thanks for your many comments. Jim

You have expressed similar sentiments in previously posted comments on this story. I hope you understand that I give your input serious consideration. We both know, that in the past, your opinion has swayed my writing, on more than one occasion. I feel my writing is allowing characters to relate their opinions, beliefs, and experiences. I try to get into each character and then write what I think he or she wants me to. I think that approach serves to make that individual more lifelike. We all hear friends that sometimes elaborate more than we think they should on a favorite topic. Sometimes my characters may do just that. Someone once told me... There're two kinds of gay fiction posted on adult websites. One type focuses on sex for instant gratification. The other focuses on furthering the plot and character development and minimizes the explicitly sexual content. He encouraged me to choose one or the other because I was incapable of doing justice to both in this story. I thought a lot about his observation, after all, he took the time to email me, most readers don't. In the end, I decided I would just write what I feel is right for me, my characters, and my story. So, unless you can offer better pay and better working conditions, (I am broke and my sofa is lumpy.) I think I'll just stick to my way of storytelling. Don't you write the same way? Thanks for posting your comment. Jim

LOL! I am pleased to say that some of the fiction I share is sometimes based on personal experiences. That's all I'll say about that. As always thanks for commenting. Jim

On the drive to Dallas, Raymond and Daniel’s conversation bounced around from personal likes and dislikes to family and eventually, to childhood memories. Both were pleasantly surprised to find similar tastes in food, movies, and music, neither watched much TV. When the topic of their past relationship came up, Raymond tried to accept the blame for Daniel’s adolescent pain. Daniel challenged that notion, “I think that time was a period of growth for both of us. Sometimes, it would come to m

Etta James was an incredible choice for the setting. I intend to steal that idea. I was surprised to find that Ray Boltz actually existed and you were using him in gay fiction. I went to youtube for "Don't tell me Who to Love". I have avoided Christian pop almost as much as rap and hip-hop. I think it is great that songs by, about and for gays are readily available today. I grew up listening to pop music and oftentimes thinking 'that song is about gay lovers'. Olivia Newton John's, "I Honestly Love You" is a case in point. One which I might add turned out to have been written by a gay man who was married to Liza Minnelli. "there you are with yours and here I am with mine" Write faster. Post sooner

NO SPOILERS! I would have given it six stars but they only allow five. This is a most intrigueing and satisfying read. It did not leave me disappointed with the ending nor did it leave me whining for a sequel. To me, all ends were, if not neatly or completely tied up, satisfactorly addressed. If you like truly imaginative science fiction framed within the context of "this could happen", then this is a must read. The characters are believeable and the plot keeps you guessing as to what happens next and who is really the hero and who is really the villian. Hey! I told ya it was intrigueing. A major lesson of the tale to me is that the term "advanced civilization" is conditional, based on time and place or space, at best it probably depends more on technological advances (who holds the bigger gun) rather than philosophical developments. I encourage everyone to read this story. Jim

I really enjoyed this story. To me it was complete. I have no desire to read a sequel. I could stand to read further adventures of any of the main characters. I just think this tale was complete and a complete joy to read. I found it interesting that for a large part of the story, I tried to determine who was good and who was evil. Of course I sided with the Kians against all other factions. Even near the end I was still trying to identify someone as less good or at least who was totally self-serving. I failed to even seriously dislike the Sumeru security forces. Although, I did manage to maintain a severe dislike for conspiracy theory bloggers. To me they often feed on ignorance, bigotry, distrust and hate. Besides, I worry they might just stumble upon the real truth of which only a select few of us are fully aware. Bwa, ha, ha..... If the Cosmos conciously deems to interfere, isn't that a form of benevolent domination. Like letting a child run around with a complete sense of freedom in the yard but but restricted when he/she heads into the street. I am not saying that children should be allowed to play in the street anymore than sentient species should be allowed to destroy themselves or other sentient species. I'm just saying, being controlled by an unseen, benevelent force is still being controlled. I will continue to enjoy my threatened, albeit, at the best of times, false sense of freedom until the cosmos brings around the next election cycle. In this story there is hope beyond all reason and beyond all dieties. Thanks for that kind of "feel good" ending.

I had to double check and make sure this chapter wasn't super short. Good things never last as long as you wish they would. Please, Write faster. Post sooner. Thanks for sharing.

Why do I get so irritated when I see the end of a chapter approach? Granger will shortly be angry with himself for allowing his personal ire to impact his professional interactions. That will likely lead to a serious confrontation with Cavendish. I suspect Granger will see more disappointment before he regains emotional equilibrium. Cavendish's presence is already proving to be less enjoyable than Granger had anticipated. I predict there will be at least one permanent pairing occur as a result of this voyage, and I don't mean Granger and Cavendish. Is it just me, or does Mark paint all bureaucrats as ultimately pompous and self-serving? Who says history doesn't repeat?

Nice start. I remember... very vaguely being naive or maybe I was just ignorant. Looking forward to watching Harry grow.

I was so eager to learn more "BULLSHIT!" that I forget to hit the like button. I have done that more often than I care to admit on these BlueBlood tales. In penitence for failing to "like", I offer this comment. I really like this story.... reaally, I do. Thanks for sharing your talent.