Rndmrunner

At my age i have seen a huge change in the landscape. Where i live being gay has gone from being a dirty little secret to accepted, legal and our relationships are endorsed. The province where i live has a premier who is openly lesbian. That said, i live in a large urban centre and even in the outer suburbs the landscape is very different. There some kids come out thinking it will be fine based on what they see in the media and on TV and find out that they are bullied and isolated. When i was coming out it was common to wait till you have finished your schooling and were independent just in case it all went south. That still holds for many and for some coming out is still not an option. People have to choose for themselves when it is okay to come out and where they want to do it. The problem is that while it is still sometimes smart to stay in the closet, the very safety (or perception of it) keeps some people there long after it is necessary. I also have an acquaintance who came out in his late 40's. His biggest problem was that friends were hurt that he had not trusted them. Now he is also learning about relationships and it is painful; it is better to feel like a teenager when you are still in your teens. His peers may sympathize but they don't want to date someone who is dealing with issues that they have long dealt with long ago.

In our metrosexual culture, many. The other type that i haven't seen too much used by GA authors is the feminine straight boy as separate from camp. You know those guys that are both girl-friends and boy friends to women. They like everything about women: clothes, hair ,.. and having sex with them. I also know women who love all things masculine and are totally straight. What's great is that there is often someone for us all - so go ahead and be yourself

animus

It's only chapter 2 and it seems far more. I really like how Kurt and Tahryn are held part by there polar similarities; Kurt is more in tune to his wolf side and Tahryn to his human side leading to crossed signals. I have a feeling other events will separate them as well. A great start to a story to take us into the new year. Thanks Sasha and all the best as we run freely into 2014

Everything is going a little too smoothly, i suspect that will not last long. great story!

I was wondering when i would get to read a serious wolf tale. Hoping it is a long tale that will take its time. Happy Christmas Wolfy

just luv'n the story. Great dialogue and wonderfully written characters, even Cruella de Derek. Thanks and here's hope you're posting Christmas morning. Happy holidays

Ghostboy wrote: This boy didn't decide to get drunk and kill someone, and intent has to have some value in making a decision. I must strongly disagree. The boy was sober at some point and decided to drink. If he is old enough to drive he is old enough to accept the responsibility that comes with driving and not drinking and driving is part of that responsibility. His culpability started when he drove to the bar and ordered the first drink. If you are going to drink, you don't get behind the wheel inebriated. If you can't trust your judgement once you start drinking, you leave your car at home, period. No he did not intend to kill 4 people that night but doesn't change the fact that 4 people are dead because of his actions and decisions. And while he may have to live with that for the rest of his life, he is still alive and they are not.

I think that this speaks to the weakness of having elected judges who may in part make decisions based on the approval of a voting constituency. This in turn leads to counter measures like mandatory sentencing. Both tend to favour the wealthy and connected who can hire a superior legal team to circumvent the charges. I have to admit to being biased based on the story originating in Houston and my perception of Texas style government and judiciary. As mentioned above, we can do one positive thing and that is to ensure that we and the people around us do not drink and drive. It may not improve the justice system but it saves lives. Merry Christmas and be safe

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.