Rndmrunner

On the surface this started out to be one of your more conventional story lines and yet even early in, you have layered on a complexity and depth that ensure that this will not be derivative. I am awed that you can create original stories so consistantly especially given your steady output. You are setting a very high bar. Please don't ever get writer's block and leave us stranded.

What a sweet corn-fed,apple pie story!! 2 hurt men stumbling into each other's lives. Hope Axel gets a few driving lessons though no that he's with Blake.

What is it that Harvey Fierstein says in Torch Song Trilogy, i will have to paraphrase but it goes something like this: All i ask for is a little love and respect and anybody who can't give these things has no place in my life. I have always liked Harvey and TST is my own "It's a Wonderful [GAY] Life" so surround your self with people you love and respect - they are your family and deserve your time and affection as do you theirs. Happy Christmas everyone

Ok its a sentimental story. But it is fantastic. I like how the characters can have naivity and wisdom at the same time. I hadn't come across your work before but i will definitely check out more of them. Thanks

Sweeeet story !!

Family can be trying. I have been blessed with a close family. Yes we argue but while it may get loud at times, once the storm is done so is the anger. I do also buy into the concept of we make our family: we inherit blood family but other we invite in who can stand equal to them. As i said i am lucky, my biggest family problem is that my siblings live elsewhere and plane travel is required for a visit. Luckily and sadly while we can pick up instantly after 6 months apart, all to soon we are heading our separate ways. So here's wishing everyone else my family problems. Enjoy the holidays and wishing that you all get to spend your time with those you love and respect.

An incredibly original tale (tail?). It pulls on all our heartstrings and dances across the northern night sky. Thank you.

A couple of suggestions from an old fart, try to separate the attraction from the coming out. It might be better if you can tell him when you are just sharing without the expectation that something may or may not happen. It is easier to get to know other gay or gay friendly people that you don't have so much invested in. Good practice telling people and you also gain others to just talk about these issues with in person. There will be a lot of gay folk in your future that there is no mutual sexual attraction but you still share lots in common and are community if not family Good luck. Take your time and have fun.

Ours went up last night. The house (and my car) now smell of sweet Balsam. Had to hoist the kid in the air to top off the tree with the Angel. Next week we will bake extra cookie ornaments for the tree. I love our saccharine traditions !!!

He will surely be remembered. Hopefully people will also continue to embody his values and his spirit. A great man has died but his work continues

torture! Droplets on parched earth! I guess you have to be cruel to be kind.

Aww shucks, that was just so darn sweet. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy like Paddy's slippers

I hate that we give gifts as a matter of rote. My partner and i do not usually exchange gifts other than small tokens. We do however plan special activities together to celebrate (drive to NYC for the weekend, hiking together etc). Sometimes though one of us will see something that is perfect for the other and get it spontaneously, no occasion required. These are best when they are not expensive but something that the other has been searching for or would really appreciate. As for the larger family, only the younger generations get gifts but we all celebrate together

Each of your stories is unique and nuanced, always a pleasure. But what do they teach children about the history of the reformation in England - OI, Henry may have created the C of E but he was hardly a Protestant

thanks for Rhys discussion with Craig and Leo. The only part of the story that rang false was when the gang worried about the "legality" of gay marriage. As Craig said, a tree would care about legislation and that this is a story about true love whether Vince and Matt or Princess Buttercup and the dread Pirate Robert (reference to the Princess Bride - if you don't know it , check it out) Great story bye the way !!!

I agree with Sasha. As a parent, it would be heartbreaking to see a child you loved hardwired for self destruction. I believe environment is a strong influence but some of us are hardwired in anti-social ways. Equally some kids come though the most horrific circumstances relatively unscathed - there is even a term "invulnerable children". As a print your biggest hope is that they grow up to be happy, productive and independent. My kid has just turned double digits and i think - Oh god half the time i have to raise this child is gone. They grow up too fast. So my kid will be bringing girls or boys home - AHHH dating, i'm not ready !!!!! I guess a lot can change in 5 years.

This story is a true joy. A different twist with each chapter and yet it all falls into place naturally.

I love how you use the sexual intensity of their relationship as an extension of the heat of their bond. For no being gratuitous it resinates all the more loudly. thanks again.

Once again, this is an incredibly creative story. I love the nuanced writing and the pace. We are learning about the characters like spreading ripples on the water's surface

another truly inventive tale. Sacha, your stories never fail to take an interesting turn. thanks once again

While we may equate morality with generalities or absolutes as in do not harm others, or help someone in need,morality is a personal concept of defining and trying to a in a manner that promotes goodness rather than harm to fellow beings. It is however a personal concept because it is complex and each of us will have a different understanding of what constitutes goodness or harm. Some would define any killing as immoral, others could equally argue that killing as in the killing of a Hitler is moral as it prevents the killing of millions of others. Either way i believe that morality begins with interaction with others as it is our daily interactions that inform us of the needs, foibles and context of our own lives and the lives of those around us. So i believe that morality can not be just an abstract or theoretical construct but must be played out in our everyday lives often through small gestures. So let us all go forward with small kindnesses and if we can not make a better world we can at least bring a smile to someones face.

the men were definitely great but Les Girls stole the show

its 10:30pm and i am packing my kit for my long run tomorrow morning - last long run before the marathon. thank goodness

I've seen the youtube video that went viral and it will make you cry. What is so amazing is that there are so many moments of the guys together smiling and laughing. you can never takeaway the laughter.

A wonderful love story between Rhyder and Shura - It could even be called: A horse and his Boy - oh sorry, that title has already been taken. seriously, a lovely and mature tale. You have a special gift of bringing your characters to life. thanks.