Jump to content

comicfan

Classic Author
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    9,616

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Blog Entries posted by comicfan

  1. comicfan
    I noticed someone had commented on leaving reviews. I've been on both sides of this, reading them and leaving them. I just figured I would note a few things.
     
    1) I love a review. It is nice to know what what people think of the ideas I have in my head. I have had great reviews and bad ones.
     
    2) Bad reviews - I have no problem if someone doesn't like my story. However saying "You suck as a writer," or "Why did you write such crap," really doesn't tell me much, other than feeling it is a personal attack on me. I would rather read, "your characters don't seem real to me" or "people don't talk like you have them doing here." These sort of comments are something I can now focus on and see about fixing. The reviewer is presenting to me what they see as the flaws. Sometimes mistakes happen and by being specific it gives the author something they can go and look at.
     
    3) Good reviews - Every author loves an ego boost. Reading such things as "This is wonderful" or "I love your work" will always make us feel great. However, just like the bad review it doesn't let us know much about what you liked if you leave that out. "I really connected to the mother in this story, she reminds me so much of my own mom," or "I've had times when I felt just like that and those comments have passed through my own head" allow the author to know we are connecting and how with the reader. A favorite line or favorite character that is commented on allows the author to realize where we have succeed and can hopefully do so again in the future.
     
    4) Finding an error. Most authors on the site have a beta and editor. However, even the best of us are still human. If you find something (The author changed Karen to Karren, or misspelled experience in the middle of the story) isn't something to note in a review. A simple note to author goes a long to making the correction and saving the embarrassment for the author and their team. Remember, the review will stay even after the correction will be made.
     
    5) Answering the review. You have taken the time to read and comment on an author's story. You have giddily commented on what you seen, enjoyed, and now wait to hear back on your comment. Yeah, as you have taken the time to write, it is also now on the author to answer those reviews. With a published author, they made their money and may have someone else answering their fan mail. Here the reader is much closer, reading weekly an author's contribution to their tales. Responding to those readers also lets them know you appreciate their time and the kindness they have taken in responding to what you have written. Personally I try not to let any review go more than a day without answering it. I like my readers to know I really am interested in their comments and ideas. It is just a courtesy I try to keep.
     
    So those are my ideas and comments on reviews. Might help someone with what they are doing. Anyway, enjoy.
  2. comicfan
    Hello there again everyone. Well, so far so good. Found more victims, errr, I mean more excited authors who wanted to attempt my crazy prompts. Considering it is Friday again, dear reader, I have new prompts for you. So without further ado, here are this week's prompts to tease and excite you.
     
    Prompt 250 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    “Here we go again!”
     
    Prompt 251 – Creative
    Tag – They’re Real
    The night had been a total disaster. The blind date you had been set up on, threw up half way through the meal all over you. Now as you walk home there is a massive amount of noise coming from the street you need to take to get home. As you turn the corner you see something you never thought you would. Before you are two vampires, fangs and claws flashing as they fight each other, whose mere existence was something you never expected. As the claws slash and the blood flies, you realize they are real and they are moving ever closer to your location. What are you going to do?
     
    Last week we again had a few people who took up the gauntlet and took a shot at the prompts.Totally gave us a brand new fairy tale that left me thinking it was a cross between Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, but with an all male cast. He took a shot at prompt 248 which read - yse the following words in a story: roses, rain storm, deer, cake, and chapel.
     
    Here is part of his take on it.
     

    There is a lot more to this story as well as a few other attempts at this one and they can be found here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37363-prompt-248-creative/
     
    While no one took a shot at the other prompt, there was a new taker for the prompt 247 and can be read here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37327-prompt-247-creative/
     
    So those are the prompts this week. Can't wait to see what people do with them. Till next time, read, review, and enjoy.
  3. comicfan

    An Apology

    By comicfan,

    I just don't want people to think I have forgotten the story that is being posted. I have three more chapters already written. There are other issues with my team at the moment. One is having personal issues that take complete precedence over my story. I would have serious issues if she tried to do anything while she is dealing with them. I will be looking for someone to fill in part time until things settle down in her life. I do apologize, and I have not abandoned Life Changes. I simply ask for a little patience and I will attempt to get the story back on track, publishing more chapters a week till it is back where it should be.
     
    - Wayne
  4. comicfan
    Ah it is that time of the week again, and no I don't mean bath time. Friday is once again upon us and I get to see who will take the bait, I mean, take the opportunity to write a new story based off the prompts. Let me see who can be tempted.
     
    Prompt 248 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story: roses, rain storm, deer, cake, and chapel.
     
    Prompt 249 – Creative
    Tag – Shifter
    You have fallen in love and everything seems perfect. Your father sees you, seems to smell the air, and immediately sits you down. As he begins his talk about the birds and the bees and having sex, he also mentions that you aren’t a normal human being, but a shifter and a very special one at that. In fact, when you shift, the person you are with at the time is who you will mate with for life and they will be granted very special abilities. That is, if they too are a shifter. Does this alter your planned night with your love or not?
     
    Looking back at last week, there were a few people who once again took the plunge and wrote out some interesting stories based off the prompts. However I am a sucker for when someone personifies an action in a story. Myiege did just that by bringing the idea of death to life in her story. The original prompt read as follows - You have been found to have a very rare heart condition. You have been informed that you must stay calm and on very strong medication to keep your heart rate down. There are many restrictions on what you can or can’t do, but there is one that you can’t abide by. You have been told that if you have sex, even once, it will kill you and be the end. Do you stay safe or decide sex is worth the end?
     

    Intrigued? Want to read more? Of course you do. You can see both of her responses to the topic here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37327-prompt-247-creative/
     
    The other prompt also got some attention and can be found here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37326-prompt-246-creative/
     
    So, did either of this week's prompts appeal to you? If so why not write a tale and share it on the prompt page. Maybe these didn't but one of the other 249 other prompts did, so give one of them a try. In the meantime remember to keep writing, reviewing, and enjoying all the site has to offer. Till next week, have fun one and all.
  5. comicfan
    Well here we are at Friday again. Hope everyone has had a good week. Time to give you all something new to consider. You can share your responses with the community in the Writing Prompts forum!
     
    Prompt 246 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    “What now?”
     
    Prompt 247 – Creative
    Tag – The End
    You have been found to have a very rare heart condition. You have been informed that you must stay calm and on very strong medication to keep your heart rate down. There are many restrictions on what you can or can’t do, but there is one that you can’t abide by. You have been told that if you have sex, even once, it will kill you and be the end. Do you stay safe or decide sex is worth the end?
     
    Last week's prompts seemed to draw lots of attention. From the Zombie Apocalypse to the list words, both sets were fairly active. Some of them were fun, some were serious, and some, well they just have to be read to be believed. I am always amazed at what an author can do with the prompts. However, each week I try to pick out something a little different to spotlight. Daithi gave a very short, but very emotional response to the list of words prompt. The prompt asked you to
    use the following words in a story – engagement party, clown, toilet paper, magnolia tree, and cowboy boots.
     

    You can find other takes on this prompt here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37284-prompt-245-creative/
     
    The Zombie prompt had plenty of takers too and can be found here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37283-prompt-244-creative/
     
    Enjoy your week. Remember to keep reading, writing, and reviewing. Have fun all.
  6. comicfan
    Been wild few weeks. I finally began writing. I started an ongoing story. I forewarned everyone that I was keeping the chapters short because, well I am afraid my focus would wander and my dear muse would give me the finger before she walked out. Other than a few blips she has been out every week since I began.
     
    I should be wearing a scarlet letter, a big red H for home wrecker, or so it feels. When someone's future falls apart because they are stuck on you, you can't help but feel responsible.
     
    My back heals slowly. I just wish I knew of some way to help more in my recovery.
     
    I had thought of taking time off. For a while no one seemed interested in my stories or my prompts. Finally, at least the prompts have been firing up some people's imaginations.
     
    Life goes on. I am thankful my friends have been there for me. My best to you all,
    Wayne
  7. comicfan
    Well it is that time of the week again, prompt time! So who is ready for a new challenge?
     
    Prompt 244 – Creative
    Tag – Zombie Apocalypse
    It has finally happened, zombies have risen and are attacking. Is this like Shaun of the Dead or are your Zombies more vicious. Tell us all about the apocalypse.
     
    Prompt 245 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story – engagement party, clown, toilet paper, magnolia tree, and cowboy boots
     
    Last week only one of the two prompts drew any attention. There were two attempts at prompt 243 and both were vastly different. Here is a sample of Kitt's take on the first line prompt "I never make a promise I don't intend to keep."
     

    So want to see what else Kitt did with this? Of course you do. So check it and the other attempt out here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37246-prompt-243-creative/
     
    Enjoy your week everyone and remember to keep writing and reviewing.
  8. comicfan
    It's Friday, Friday, Friday. Oh it's Friday and that means new prompts for all of you. Hopefully you have all had a good week. Well not to keep you in suspense any longer here are this weeks prompts.
     
    Prompt 242 – Creative
    Tag – The Prize
    Your favorite author and artist ran a contest to have the winner become a character in their comic strip. You won, so what is the comic strip about and what is your character going to do in it?
     
    Prompt 243 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    “I never make a promise that I don’t intend to keep.”
     
    Hopefully one or the other will catch your attention and make you want to write. Last week there seemed to be a lot of commentary as the two topics were both written about. Now while there were some really interesting takes on the topics, I couldn't help but notice Andy's story. I thought it was really creepy. What do you think?
    .
     

    There is more to his story which you can find on the by going to the prompt here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37208-prompt-241-creative/
     
    While you check out that prompt you might want to read the responses to other one from last week which can be found here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37207-prompt-240-creative/
     
    Enjoy and keep writing and commenting.
  9. comicfan
    Ah another Friday has arrived and you all know what that means ... I get to torture you with a new set of ideas to get you writing. Every week is a surprise and I never know when someone is going to take up the challenge and post one of the prompts. Last week, Kitt didn't even bother to post her tale in the thread for it but put it right up on the Prompt Me! page. Okay enough chatter out of me, here are this weeks prompts.
     
    Prompt 240 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in story – a present, a gold ring, a taxi driver, a new novel, and a pretzel.
     
    Prompt 241 – Creative
    Tag – The Toy Store
    You just became the manager of a toy store. What sort of toys does your store stock and what are your customers like?
     
    Every week I like to look at what was done on the prompts and this week is no different. Mann Ramblings let us see what is going to be part of an ongoing story. I was struck by the characters he was introducing and thought everyone should get a peek at it.
     

    To see the rest of Mann's story and what some of our other authors have come up with feel free to go and read their work. It can be found here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37160-prompt-239-creative/ . Don't forget to leave them a comment or two to help encourage them as well.
     
    Have a good week everyone and don't forget to write.
  10. comicfan
    I'm back! Did you miss me? Last week the prompts were interrupted by our Roll The Dice Anthology going live. I do hope you took the time to read them all and leave the authors a review.
     
    Anyway I have some nice new ideas to get your mind going and hopefully find you writing again. So for your writing possibilities I present these two new ideas.
     
    Prompt 238 - Creative
     
    Tag - The Offer
     
    You haven't been on a date in months and truthfully, you've let work take over your life. Then out of left field your co-worker asks you out. However, it isn't a normal date they want. What is the offer they are making to you?
     
    Prompt 239 - Creative
     
    Tag - First Line
     
    "Just give me a minute, please."
     
    So hopefully one or the other of these might appeal to you. Curious what others have done? Well if we look at the last set of prompts there were a few authors who picked up the gauntlet and created some interesting answers to the prompts. We had a new author attempt the prompts by the name of Kitt. Let me show you what Kitt created.
     

    So are you curious to what else Kitt had to say? I hope so. You can read the rest of her story and the rest of the authors who decided to use this prompt here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37104-prompt-236-creative/
     
    You can read the responses to prompt 237 here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37106-prompt-237-creative/
     
    Have a good week everyone and hope to see your response here next.
  11. comicfan

    Thursday is here.

    By comicfan,

    Okay, there are a few things I am doing today.
     
    1) The cold is letting go so I don't feel like death warmed over. Yeah for sleep.
     
    2) I have a few little things to get out. Cards, birthday gifts, and all that jazz.
     
    3) Rework my eating habits. Went up instead of down for the first time in two months.
     
    4) Give myself time to mend. This isn't so much physical as emotionally and mentally. Losing someone you have come to love and depend on is hard. Worse when you know there is nothing you can do to save it. Just need time to mourn and heal.
     
    5) Get the beta the story.
  12. comicfan
    I think, like most people, I don't take the time to stop and look at my life. Sometimes you have to decide if your life is going where you want it to, taking you to new exciting places, stopping you from growing, or just plain becoming a train wreck. Presently not sure.
     
    Three years ago my life altered. I don't care how old you are, when you lose a parent that changes you and your life. I had been out on my own, living a life, not a great one or a bad one, just a life. I had friends and had hoped to make someone I was seeing something more. In a short period of time I lost focus on my master's degree, my boyfriend decided he was more straight then gay, and my father fell apart without my mother and asked me to move in to help him.
     
    I had a lot to think about. What was I giving up? Could I survive being under the same roof with him again? Would it be a benefit to him and to me? I thought at the time it would.
     
    This past week I have been informed that since I am not able to do as I had been he wants to finish cleaning out the house and put it up on the market this fall. He plans to move into a single bedroom apartment. I am not sure where that leaves me at the moment.
     
    My job is a dead end and I am no longer happy there. Unfortunately. until my back is healed enough that I know I could afford to be without health insurance, I must remain at my current employment. I am also unsure if I could get health insurance at another job now that I have a pre-existing condition. So work remains a problem.
     
    My father is his own little issue. His health isn't the greatest, but that is another whole problem. He is due for surgery sometime within the next year and his doctors place him at 50/50 odds of coming off the table, but if he doesn't he will die from the problem with his arteries.
     
    Then there is that thing called my love life. I had a chance at love. Lets just say it didn't go as planned. I am too slow, too old, and far too much of an idiot to do what I should have. I don't ask what I should, or say what I should, when I should. So instead of having someone as a lover, I have somehow made myself into sort of a confessor figure while he prepares for his boyfriend to now pop the question. I really should just stay in my tower. I have less issues that way. Oh wait, my tower is being sold. Make that a nice cardboard box.
     
    At least I have my friends. Somethings in life come and go, but you find out who you can count on to keep your spirits up and hang on to them.
     
    Sorry, just really trying hard to find something to point to and smile about. Finding out a lot of things lately and very few seem to be good news.
     
    On the bright side, since I have time now I have been writing. My anthology stories are among the longest stories I have ever written for an entry. I have a new story in development that is nearing its finish. Sorry, after Jonas I refuse to put up any story unless it is complete so I don't leave my readers waiting. Now overhauling Seeon so that it can go back up and hopefully won't have any more issues with it. Then, god help me, I plan to go back and fix Accidents Happen. When you learn what you are doing and then go back to look at the mistakes of earlier work, you sort of cringe. The story is basically alright, but lord do I head hop, and include far too much outside work (song lyrics) that would prevent that story from every reaching the people the way it should. It suffered from multiple betas and editors. All of that is my fault, so I do plan to go and fix it.
     
    So I have basically a few things I plan to get done before my life hits another wall. Time will tell if my father is actually planning to do what he says or does he plan to change his mind. All I can do is plan for changes and hope for the best. So you might see a flurry of work from me and then who knows. All I can say is my life isn't boring, though I don't always know where it is going to take me.
     
    Till my next time to unload.
     
    Wayne
  13. comicfan
    Andrea is making her way up the coast and I'm hoping everyone stays safe and dry. Seems the weather world wide is a bit off lately. Well, only so much I can do other than wishing everyone a happy Friday. I trust everyone had a good week and that you are excited to see the new prompts being offered. Don't let me keep you in suspense any longer.
     
    Prompt 236 – Creative
     
    Tag – First Line
     
    “I have to have a talk with your mother.”
     
    Prompt 237 – Creative
     
    Tag – The Bird
     
    A strange looking bird keeps sitting outside your bedroom window and sings loudly each morning. You finally looked it up and can’t find it anywhere online. What is the bird and what does it want with you?
     
    So that is this week's new prompt choices. Do either of them appeal to you? If so why not try writing a story and letting us see what you come up with.
     
    Last week we had only one reply to the prompts, but it seems an earlier one got a little more attention from our budding writer Joann414. This time she not only took aim at her regulars, but I seem to be making an unusual appearance. Never let it be said, I don't have a sense of humor.
     

    Wanna see what else Joann had to say about me, KC, and herself? Of course you do! So go read and leave her a comment. Her prompt response can be found here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37030-prompt-233-creative/
     
    Wanna another look at last weeks topics?
     
    http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37066-prompt-234-creative/
     
    and
     
    http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37067-prompt-235-creative/
     
    Till it is time to prompt you again - stay safe and enjoy your week everyone.
  14. comicfan
    Friday, Thank God .... well it is Friday so that means it is time for the prompts again. Hope everyone has had a great week so far. Time for me see what sort of draw I can get with this week's choices for writing prompts. Take a gander and see if either of them appeal to you.
     
    Prompt 234 – Creative
    Tag – Insomnia
    After four long days of non-sleep you are beginning to feel like you are going to lose it. When you look out your window and see your neighbor slide what looks like a mask of their face over a deformed one you think your insomnia is driving you crazy. The question is, did your mind make up what you thought you saw or was it reality?
     
    Prompt 235 - Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story – lost love letter, a man’s watch, one red shoe, a slice of pizza, and a banana peel.
     
    Then of course there are the responses to last week's prompts. Yes there were a few who took the plunge and decided to give the site a taste of what they can do. Among the plethora of entries was one that caught my eye for prompt 233. PMDacey decided to give that prompt a shot and I really enjoyed it. Read on and see what you think.
     

    So did it capture your attention? Do you want to know what else is there? I hope you do. Go give it read and comment for the author. If you like it don't forget to hit that button for him. You can find it here : http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37030-prompt-233-creative/
     
    So who will be featured next week? Well it could be you. Hopefully one of this week's prompts tickles your fancy and you sit down to write us a little piece of perfection. Till next week everyone, enjoy and have fun.
  15. comicfan
    Okay, I have been in physical therapy for two weeks now, and have finally found my first bit of relief. Yesterday, my therapy took a new direction. In addition to the chiropractor
    , I have begun trigger point therapy. Basically, they insert needles into the muscles of my back and inject something to force the muscles to relax. I hadn't realized how tight the muscles were, but a day later my back is in constant ache mode. I will take that as a success.
     
    At work one of the women I really get along with is leaving. Her position is open and I am applying for it. It would mean a set schedule, no closings, and Saturdays off. It would be the closest I come to working a 9 to 5 job while in retail. Wish me luck.
     
    Dad is doing okay. My second cousin is up to see the family, her friends, and take care of a few odds and ends before her wedding. With my back an hour is the outer limits of what I can do right now. Traveling down to Western Pennsylvania for her wedding isn't something I can do by next month. So I got to see her today.
     
    A friend is going through what can only be a really rough patch in his life. No one should have to deal with the blows he has had recently. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
     
    Meanwhile, another friend has graced me with a package. I love and look forward to a card so you know I was like a little kid at Christmas. Thank you Jo Ann. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
     
    To my friends, well beware started another round of postcards. Stay well and be happy.
  16. comicfan
    Hello! It is Friday again so it is time for another round of prompts. As usual, I have something new to tease you with and see what sort of replies we get. Without further ado, here are this week's prompts.
     
    Prompt 232 – Creative
    Tag – The Project
    You have been asked to help out on the community project. It is to help build something that will go a long way to helping your community understand each other and offer safety to those needing it. What is the community project?
     
    Prompt 233 – Creative
    Tag - First Line
    “Somehow, I just never expected this.”
     
    Last week we had responses to both prompts, which always makes me happy. However, Joann414 is usually better known for her reviews and encouragement rather than her own writing. She has been a regular contributor though to the Prompts and this week is no different. If you haven't seen the prompt writings of K.C., CassieQ, Joann414, or Mark92 - well I call them the Funny Four, then you have been missing out on the fun. They love including each other in wild stories that will go almost anywhere. Case in point is Prompt 230 which asked the writer to use the first line of “I never said this wasn’t going to hurt.”

    Do you want to know what else Innocent Joann had to write? Then check it out here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/36997-prompt-230-creative/ 

    Don't forget to leave her a comment and if you enjoy it, like it to encourage her to keep writing.
     
    Also check out prompt 231 to see what other members had in response and leave them a little love too. That prompt can be found here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/36998-prompt-231-creative/
     
    Enjoy your weekend one and all.
  17. comicfan
    I know I can't be the only one. I woke up this morning with a song stuck in my head. I wouldn't mind if it was a happy or upbeat one' but no. I got up and the song "Smile" is running through my head. Usually when this happens the song indicates what sort of day I am in for. Wonder what sort of heartbreak I am in for?
     
    For those who don't know it, one of my favorites sings it here
     

  18. comicfan

    Life isn't easy

    By comicfan,

    I have begun physical therapy. I've only had two sessions so not looking to go dancing or run a marathon. I realize this isn't going to heal overnight and I have to be patient. Just wish that while one part of my life was out of kilter the rest would remain on course.
     
    Just feeling really old and alone lately. Life marches on and rather than be run over, I find a way to keep on going.
     
    I offer this one piece of advice to those who might read it. Be careful what you say. You never know what weight your words have. Remember a simple greeting and wishing someone a good day can go a long way to improving someone's day. A rude comment or insulting remark, even made off the cuff, can cut someone as easily as a knife can. Words have power and they can go a long way toward healing or hurting someone. Think carefully before you speak.
  19. comicfan

    Remembering

    By comicfan,

    Time has a way of moving on and not always do we notice. Unfortunately we seem to mark events by the good or bad events in our lives. Overall I guess I cannot complain.
     
    I have events that are great milestones. Graduating high school, then college. Going for my Masters degree (okay it is just the damn thesis I need to finish). The birth of my godson. The marriage of my brother. The marriages of so many friends.
     
    However these are offset by the passing of some important people as well. The passing of my grandmother still is one that I remember well. She was the first person I knew and loved to die. It leaves a mark on your heart you can't forget. Of course that does not compare to the one left by my mother's passing four years ago. The pain is there though not as sharp. Little things bring her to mind, but at least now it makes me smile. So sorry if I am a bit off. My friends have kept me up and I am grateful.
     
    Again it might be a day late but Happy Mother's Day to all of those special women who work so tirelessly to improve the lives of their children.
  20. comicfan
    Well it is Friday again and I thought I would slip in for a change and actually introduce the prompts myself. I guess after a hundred plus attempts to catch an author's attention this might help.
     
    You know, like anyone else I enjoy reading what others have done with the prompts. For our experts this is a just a chance to flex those writing muscles, and for the newbie it is simply a chance to get some feedback on something you wrote. These can be flash fiction pieces, poetry, or whatever you decide to do with the topic.
     
    Okay, enough of me begging and pleading for you to write. Time to show you what I have up my sleeve for you this week.
     
    Prompt 228 – Creative
    Tag – The Gamble
    You have won a trip to Las Vegas. Everything is going well, until your partner loses everything you both own on the poker table. You have one chance to win it all back, but if you lose you could very well lose your soul. Are you up for the gamble?
     
    Prompt 229 – Creative
    Tag – The Star
    You entered into a contest and have won the chance to spend the day with your favorite star. Who is it and what do you do?
     
    Do either of them appeal to you? Last week I didn't seem to have any takers for the topics. However we did have someone who went way back to find a topic they liked. Renee Stevens, usually a little busy with the blog, found time to dig out prompt 75. The original prompt asks you to use the first line "Please," he begged. "Can I have this one?" Wanna see what she did with it? Of course you do!

    Do you want to know what happened next? Then go read the full story here : https://www.gayauthors.org/story/renee-stevens/lineofsight/1 

    Here is hoping one of these prompts inspire you to write something. Thanks for reading.
  21. comicfan
    With everything going on in today's world it isn't often you hear of people taking the time to put together a project just to make someone smile.
     
    I've had a few set backs this year, but I keep going. Like everyone I have my ups and downs. Yesterday was a bit rough with the tests I had to take causing my back to flare up again. So you can imagine my surprise when I got a package today.
     
    At first I thought it was a really big box from one person, however I soon discovered that there were many people who had reached out and given stories and recipes to create a book just for me. The book is absolutely beautiful. The stories, poems, and recipes mean the world to me.
     
    To all of you who participated my sincere thanks and gratitude. It is always nice to know people care and this was about the best present I could have possibly received. You are all sneaky, but absolutely wonderful.
  22. comicfan

    Ups and downs

    By comicfan,

    First off thank you very much for putting up with the occasional rants and all I put up.
     
    Secondly a special thank you to those who have kept up with my various mails and all. The cards and things made Easter that much brighter. Trust me, especially lately, I enjoy coming home to find mail that isn't a bill and brings a smile to my face.
     
    Okay now on to the health stuff. I have no idea what is going on with my back yet. I see the first of two specialists this coming Tuesday. My nerves near doctors are never good, but this is a necessary evil if I am going to continue to work and live my life normally, or at least as whatever the new normal is. The good news is a friend of mine helped to write a book on pain management and injuries to the back. It gives you some general information, which helps to know what some of the things that might be mentioned to me are. That is after I also asked (nearly jumped on) two people with medical knowledge here on the site.
     
    Dad went to see his primary today. He has been running with a cold for over two weeks. Naturally he needs that gone if he is going to be able to undergo the surgery for his aneurysms. So at least one of two problems will be fixed.
     
    I do apologize if am not as available or as focused lately. Especially since I have gone back to work, if I open I come home, eat something, and then I pass out. If I am smart I take the pills for pain and the muscle relaxer first. If not I wake up hours later (like I did tonight) and then take them so I can get back to sleep and face work again tomorrow. If I am closing, well, I try to spend most of the day in bed flat on my back so the muscles and all can relax because once I hit work I will be standing the whole time, and with the aid of a cane. Trust me, for someone who never has been hospitalized, broken a bone, and hates to take an aspirin unless the headache is blinding, this whole thing is a new experience and one I would rather have avoided.
     
    Also a bit stressed because my job didn't put in any sort of sick or vacation time for the period I was out. Trust me I can't go for two weeks with no pay. I still have bills to pay. So trying to get that straightened out as well. So my apologies if you had work I was going to help with, or anything else, but until my life is on slightly sturdier ground I can make no promises to how fast anything is done.
     
    Thanks for understanding.
  23. comicfan
    Until a half hour ago I was excited. I was going back to work on Monday. I was able to get out of bed and move without needing the cane every moment. I wasn't feeling too bad.
     
    Okay I had been given a few knocks since I this began last Wednesday. I was diagnosed as a diabetic. I lost five pounds this week, taking my total to over thirty pounds. I still had a job. I was feeling better, nearly normal.
     
    Okay then all that sort of ended. My doctor called. I suppose I should back up a bit.
     
    I had an appointment with my doctor to discuss the catscan that was taken on Wednesday. He is adjusting drugs, hoping with the continued weight loss I won't end up on insulin. So I sat there waiting to hear what the end result was. Well, the problem was the damn report hadn't been sent to him. He called and requested an immediate copy be sent to the office. And I waited. And I waited. Finally he sent me home saying he would call once he knew what was going on and he had a chance to go over the results.
     
    So the results are in. I wasn't imagining the pain. I didn't do it for sympathy or because I wanted time off.
     
    I have a herniated disk that is bulging. (I am not exactly sure what that means but doesn't sound great.) He immediately asked me again how long this pain has been going on. Then gave me two phone numbers for doctors that I have to go see. I am not exactly thrilled. I thought I had just strained the back. Maybe the fall I had taken at work was worse than I thought a month ago. Who knows. At least there is an accident report to fall back on.
     
    So that is all I can tell you. I don't know where I stand or what happens now other than I have doctors to call on Monday. I am so thrilled I can't put into words. I am just praying this doesn't mean surgery.
  24. comicfan
    I just need to make things clear to everyone.
     
    First off I have no definite news so can't fill in blanks that might be left here, but figured I would let people know why I have seemed to vanish from here.
     
    Wednesday I was at work. Normal night, and nothing out of the ordinary. I went for lunch and came back. I was standing at the counter all of five minutes and my back began to hurt. I went to splash water on my face and was returning when pain shot up my back so badly I grabbed the wall and couldn't move. One of my coworkers grabbed me a chair and I collapsed into it. I sat there for an hour waiting for the pain to decrease so I could stand. End result. It didn't. They called for an ambulance and I was taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hopsital. At the hospital they took no tests, no xrays, no nothing. I was told it was a back spasm, given some prescriptions and sent home.
     
    Thursday I slept all day. I awoke only long enough to take the medicine. I was in terrible pain and running a fever.
     
    Friday I called and got to see my primary doctor. He was concerned about the fever, the fact I really hadn't eaten or drank anything, my blood sugar was through the roof, and the fact the hospital hadn't done any tests. He took blood and I have an appointment to see him again on Monday. Meanwhile I am out of work.
     
    I can now stand, thanks to a combination of the drugs and a cane. My back throbs and I sleep like crazy.
     
    I have no idea what is wrong or when it will be made right. I had to call friends to get home from the hospital and my car is still at work. I apologize for not being able to put up the prompts on Friday and thank Cia for doing it.
     
    If I am missing for a while you now know why. I do apologize but can't tell you exactly what is wrong because I don't know myself.
     
    Wayne
  25. comicfan
    March is one of those months where things seem to pile up for me. Anyone reading this, just excuse me if I bounce from idea to idea.
     
    First a special thank you. I am not sure I know exactly who did it, although I am sure it was someone from here (which sort of narrows the list down.) I have had a few rough weeks lately, but someone took it upon themself to try to make my life a little easier. I guess now I know what it is like to get a package out of the blue. To which of ever of you did it, my humblest thank you. It wasn't expected, however, it is greatly appreciated.
     
    My Mom. March is one of those rough months for my family. Mom's birthday was in this month, so was my parent's anniversary, and the one holiday they loved to celebrate that wasn't Christmas, St. Patrick's Day. Emotionally it is a rough time. You never truly forget those who have passed, but dealing with the pain of their loss gets easier as time goes on.
     
    Work has been rediculous. I am taking a few days off to get my life together. Strange to have to do that. Mine seems to have fallen to the wayside and now I need a couple of days to see if I can get it righted and back on track. That includes getting the projects I have been working on completed. That goes for my work and a few people I have beta work for.
     
    High points of the month - I did some how manage to get out all my cards for the month. It seems like a challenge and for God's sake we are only eight days into it. I also have gotten out nearly all of my packages.
     
    Just excuse me if I seem distant or not fully there. I am trying just trying to get everything done.
     
    Dad is seeking a second opinion on his aneurysm. That is making me glad. I didn't care for the Dr he seen, so I am glad to see both him and his primary wanting a second one on it.
     
    Well that concludes my sort of vent session. Thanks for not smacking me upside the head and telling me I'm only human. Sort of realize that at times but it is something I have to keep reminding myself. Oh well.
×
×
  • Create New...