ColumbusGuy

Bobby needs to figure things out before it's too late--if it isn't already. You have to wonder what he knows about Zane's motivation--and we learn it's not just Timmy. As Linda pointed out, Benny has it bad--Cal's one lucky guy to have him. Mikey doesn't have the experience with other kids to get some of their humor, but Jay'll fix that in time. Isn't it odd that Jay didn't make the first move toward Bill? All I can guess is that he didn't pick up that he was gay--Greg is very in touch with that side of people because he was looking for a bf for so long. As for where Bill winds up, I haven't a clue yet--only that he won't be in the study group since he goes to a different school district. That doesn't mean they won't help im if he asks, but he lives about 30 miles away. Finn is gathering a fan club? Team Finn?

It's gonna be fun on Sunday when Mikey tries to put the right person with the right letter. How good will he guess? Wait until the lip-action starts! As much as he loves Mikey, Jay is definitely a prankster...all harmless of course, but Mikey is just naive enough to fall for them and think he's supposed to give people the facts. My gaydar is pretty weak, so I'm sure I missed chances growing up...Greg is the 'fixer' for the boys--trying to arrange things so everyone can be happy. Will Denny be okay with him 'arranging' Billy's inclusion--Greg did promise not to call anyone, but is this breaking that promise? I'd have killed for even a single gay friend in school, but that didn't happen until college.

Sure, I'm urging you to review, and as I do, you're making it happen. I wanted Brown to win, but he delayed too long, so it was Carter who got my vote. I liked the things he was doing, he just got shafted when the Hostages were taken in Iran and not released until Reagan got sworn in. I wasn't sure if Zane deserved a little 'fleshing out', but I don't really like one-dimensional stalking-horses. No pun against Gulliver intended...though he'd probably give it a horse-laugh. The 'family' line is just me being me--I'm loyal and protective to friends, and that was true then as well. Honesty and loyalty are just how I was taught to behave as a kid--I had a goodly amount of freedom to visit friends and stay over as long as I told my parents where I would be...now I wonder if they acted that way because it meant they could spend more time away from home.

Okay, I took a tiny liberty with the undies--I did have a couple pairs that were mesh, Britannia brand, but the front over the naughty bits was solid. I did see a pair like those in a movie from that year, but couldn't figure out where to get them. Aren't the guys almost sickening at times? Finn is working hard to get his own major role, just have to see if he succeeds. Chapter 37 just went up--since you're free, you could review it now!

Such a different time from what teens know today, but I lived it, and Mikey is me as I was then. No Caller-ID, no cell phones displaying numbers for the recipient...hell, we didn't even have an answering machine in '76--and only had a private line for about five years at that point--before then, neighbors shared the line and could listen in to your calls, or hog the line all day. Maybe the caller knows who he's talking to--I can't say from the two I received then...but being purely random seems iffy.

POV: Linda, Mikey I was sorting things in my locker after 5th period Physics class—I decided to take the Physics book and my Problems of Democracy one home so I could do some extra work over the holiday weekend—I was especially worried about Maddox’ Government class since we continued to differ on most things. He hadn’t said exactly, but I could tell he was a Republican by the way the discussions went after each primary; there was always some point where he said the incumbent had sco

I'm so happy you made it through to a better place in life and in your heart! It was a very moving and tearful story, and I got mad when the occasional person would just reinforce your view of human nature, and yourself. That this was a true tale knocked me over at the end. With far less misery I had a low self-image and knew what you felt and wished I could have intervened some how...but fixing that is something you have to do for yourself in the end. I am so grateful you are here to share this story with us, and have overcome so much to be a great example of what determination and drive can do for a person, no matter what the odds. May you never have anything but calm waters and gentle breezes around you, and may your days all be sunner from this point on. Please share more of your writing with us...you have a gift for it, and the skill to make your audience live it as well. Congratulations on your success in rebuilding yourself!

Another very good chapter Elias! I have to agree with Zarek about Matt, but in a way, I feel he's also using Andy...as a scapegoat for his own behavior, and in a sense by going back on his promise to love him unconditionally. I think his actions with Megan, and now Colt are are signs of this. To make such a promise is a huge commitment, and we know Matt can't do that. I feel that Matt is hiding behind these 'knots' to avoid facing a deeper problem. Poor Andy, and to a degree, 'poor X' whoever gets involved wit hMatt. More please!

I have to say, Tim, that you do twins so well! We can almost see Evan and Russ connected by an invisible cord, and I hope nothing ever happens to sever it. Chris is growing on me a bit, but Id take Jacob over him any day...he seems more relaxed about this dom/sub thing, whereas Chris' subtle insistence on it makes me feel some resentment toward him. It's never been my thing--a partner is an equal at all times, to be respected as his own person and not seen as a possession. A small bit of fantasy is fine and exciting, but once the sex is over, it had better be back to 50-50 for me. Still, Chris is so in love with Evan that I'll let things go since Evan seems at times to need a little structure in his life. I think the time apart from Russ has hurt him more than everyone realizes, and it will take time for him to recover from that. More please, min ven!

So Kathy is wanting to roam--good, let the tramp go. She cares more about herself than anyone else, and if David believes in anything beyond meditation, he should be able to see what she's really like. Now she's listening to the dick pastor--she can go screw the other jocks, leave David out of your web of deceit. David, it's actually pretty simple: Twoey loves you, you don't have to label yourself as gay, just love him back as much as you can...you may find it a lot easier building the spiritual bond first, then the physical. Like the old Beatles' song says, Love is all you need. I'm betting Twoey's pains are due to the memories of what happened at Danny's house trying to resurface...he's fighting it right now so he can heal and be stronger when the time comes. One last thought, David--if you continue to deny your feelings, you are letting the dick-pastor and Tommy's mom win. We know you don't want that! More please, skinny!!

A really good chapter! I went to Lazarus downtown a few times in the 70s, but then more once I moved into town in 87. I was sad when it closed...their restaurants were really good. I can imagine the trolleys, and it is a shame they were gone by the time I moved in. I live just north of OSU, and the campus hadn't changed much when I first started going to Alliance meetings there. I'm wondering if the bar Tom and Peter went to for their 'adventures' was Larry's? That was one of my favorite campus places, in addition to Buckeye Donuts. Long's and SBX were my favorite book stores on campus. More please!

I love the dynamics of Nate and Bodie's relationship--already at this early stage, we see the support they have together, and how in tune they are--and Bodie is not going to let questions remain unasked between them which might cause Nate to fret. M and K passed their 'dad test' with flying colors...when their son arrives in the summer, he's going to be one lucky boy. Despite two sets of doting grandparents, he won't be spoiled by it with MK as his parents. Do they have a name yet? When't the contest start? And it's great that they now have a little poopy, but I'm holding out for a cat. More please, G-Man!

A neat chapter, skinny! Alas, I'm more anxious about Twoey than ever before--he's in for a big disappointment. He's going to need his mom's services a lot in the next weeks. I hope David gets the help he needs from Dr. Keating...but at least he is talking to Ginny about things in his life. As for Kathy, I hope we see the end of her soon, she seems to be looking around, so maybe she'll sink her claws into someone who she can push around easier...like this Martin guy. More please!

Dang, Parker beat me? If I hadn't read the latest chapter of Love On The Rocks--Five Years On at CRVBoy, I'd have been first. This makes my job easier, because once again, I agree with everything Parker says...and that brings up my growing worry that David and Twoey are interpreting love in different ways. I really hope that Twoey doesn't get hurt--he deserves something good out of his anguish. More please, SD, as quickly as you can manage!

I like it a lot, Gee--very well done! I saw it when it first came up, but was busy and forgot until I saw the latest chapter. The only thing I've read of yours beyond this was at the Sanitaria Springs site, and I loved that too--I hope there will be more over there. I've got my fingers crossed that the two boys will get along...even in their situation, it isn't always certain. More please!

I just don't know what to say, Pal. There are so many emotions running through me I can't pick one; regret that we've reached the end, joy for the gift of this warmly affirming story, sadness that Mirri and Jarra won't be making appearances in my life anymore, and love for the two of them for sharing their bond with their friends, families and fellow spirits around the world. If I could sing a song like Mirri, I'd do it, because words just aren't enough for what this story brings to my heart. My heart wants to soar and yet is heavy with the end of this story...and it swelled with emotion when the Concerto ended with Mirri singing. These words can only poorly approximate the gratitude I feel for your gift of this wonderful duo...you've brought my thirsty soul a draught of refreshment by giving me just a small part of the Dreamtime experience. Thank you my dear friend.

Thank you so much G-Man for such an intimate glimpse into the workings of young love...expertly done, and it took me back to my own first steps on the path to togetherness. The solitude at that age is bad enough and worse when combined with the rejection of your friends. I had the solitude part down because I was shy, and knew that it wouldn't be good if people found out my secret in a small town...you can get used to it in time. The rejection didn't come until nearly the end of college when I came out to a friend--he stopped hanging out with me, and we didn't speak again, but he was one of the exceptions--my other friends didn't care, and my best friend at the time would go to the bars with me. A kiss would have been nice at the end, but it's too soon for them...they're just getting used to the idea of being so connected. Kudos, as you say.

You made me cry, SD. I was so happy to hear that Danny had someone he could confide in, and profoundly sad for Carl, who must feel he could have done more. Dugh, I agree with everything you wrote, and I was one of those who was 'down' on David, but it was because he was denying not just being gay, but the very fact that he could have those feelings. I dislike it when anyone is dishonest or hypocritical--I wasn't brought up to be that way. I am pleased that he now acknowledges those feelings, but my worries are increased even more now; he has promised to take care of Twoey, and feels love for him, but I don't think he sees the implications of that...Twoey is placing his motivation for living on that bond, and I'm not sure David understands or can even feel the same depth of the connection between them. With David being so concerned with labelling things, I can only see disappointment in store for Twoey right now. Sam needs to talk with him right away--he's far better at spiritual and emotional matters than David is. More please!

Early days, drpaladin...plenty to come on Mars, the Moon and Earth. I could use a shot of nanos on ice myself. Now if I could only figure out how to increase Mars' magnetic field--had a crazy idea but I doubt it would work.

Thanks Gary--it gives you a break from my epic-length chapters in JM! I'm still 'feeling out' the characters and situations...always rough at the start. Thanks for editing this!

Thanks henry--I'm trying to make this less cheesy than the stuff I wrote as bad sci-fi when I was in school. It wasn't until college that one of my professors suggested that I was very good at more 'historical' settings...and more than ten years later that I tried it on the 'net doing a story in ancient Rome with some other great writers. I'll pick up the pace of posting a bit now that I've had more research under my belt.

Cold sleep I'm not sure I would trust over decades and possibly centuries, due to possible mechanical problems. I'm reading Ballad of Beta-2 again, fifth time and it still hasn't faded for me. Caves make so much sense against radiation that it ought to be the form we use and forget surface structures...if we ever get to Mars or the Moon again, we should find the caves first, and land near them so they can be adapted for use as soon as possible. I learned about them as I was researching-you knew they had to be there, but it's nice to have it confirmed. Bortai had to appear, and cats seem a good first pet for a colony--you don't have to walk them and scoop up their refuse--just put it in the recycling system.

An awesome pulse-pounding adventure, E! I really think Matt needs to see Dr. Walker again, and really face his issues this time. Andy went off the deep end, but Matt gave him cause, so I can excuse most of it. I think Andy is starting to realize that there is more to being a boyfriend than sex, and it's not easy to sort that out. I have great hopes for Andy, but Matt isn't out of the game yet. More please!

Well-written Dodger. Skimmed through parts of it since I don't want to read about dating Fran. Sadly, I don't agree with the conclusions he's drawn about needing to hide--he's not seen bullying here, and yet he thinks he'll be beaten daily. I'm sticking around a bit longer, but it's only to see how it turns out, not because Robbie is interesting any longer. Seeing him retreat into self-denial and yet wanting to be himself has become a bit tired...he's been given some opportunities by Sue and Daniel to say how he really feels, but ignored them. Really promising start that seems to have stalled for the moment. Hoping for a more honest chapter soon.

Thanks SD! Terra-forming isn't new to me thanks to so much science-fiction reading, but I'm trying to make it easier to follow--I've researched a lot for this story, and this chapter was just getting started when I saw the bit about the discovery in September of water flow. Id known about the 'mudslides' and the polar water, but I just found out a German project has found that lichen will grow on Mars under current conditions. Without some increase in life-span, the usual solution to interstellar travel is a 'generation-ship'--a self-contained world where multiple generations will live and die before the arrival at another star...this is fraught with danger if the society breaks down--they could even forget they are on ships at all. I recommend a short book called The Ballad of Beta-Two, by Samuel R. Delany--that book had a profound effect on me as a teen, and it still stirs my emotions to this day. I hope you are liking the people as well as the science!