Valkyrie

A great reminder for the season and anytime of year. Very nice, tim.

Happy Birthday, Birdy!! I hope you have an awesome day! I'll steal the shiny from anyone who tries to take it from you on your special day. Here's a birdy cake for you!

I love the thought of cells on caffeine running amok and dividing ad nauseum. lol I never thought of rust as being passionate, but yet again you've managed to combine science and romance brilliantly. Well done, Parker, as usual.

I love the nuances in this story. Every part has a purpose and there's so many layers I want to rip through them all at once! Travis' mother hasn't missed a thing. I think it would help Ben tremendously to talk about what he's going through, whether it's with her, Travis, his sister, or Bryan. I liked the realism of Travis and Ben's lovemaking. Things aren't quite 100% between them and that was reflected in their intimacy. The kiss in the barn was great... it really showed how the connection between them is there, despite the dance they're doing. I can see so many possibilities with this story... I can see Ben buying out Travis' brother so Travis will have the ranch to himself. It would be a mistake, though, since I'm willing to bet that Travis would resent him for it. I can also see a lot of pain when Ben returns to Aspen...and am wondering what he will do with that pain. Katy is still a wildcard, too. I don't discount much trouble from her still. I think the snowboarding trip is going to be very interesting... I could go on and on but I think I'll stop now. Another great chapter! I hope you had a Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Dayne!! I don't know you well, but I am going to assume you like wolves based on Glittery's post and the title of your story. So here's a wolf cake for you!

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

You are quite the tease, ending the chapter there. I like how you portrayed Katy in a different light at the beginning. You showed us who she really is--a teenager with a lot of issues. She made an effort to reach out to her brother, but it's very clear that whatever wounds are between them are far from healed. I loved the phrase "small hypnogogic dreams". Ben has a long way to go for self-acceptance. I'm willing to bet there's going to be a lot of pain in the upcoming chapters. I'm wondering what's going to happen once Ben's vacation is over. Well done again.

http://wisemindhealthybody.com/wmhb/autistic-boy-confesses-to-santa/?c=JER&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=postplanner&utm_source=facebook.com

Damn, Gary... I need a tissue now. Very moving poem.

So the predator now has a name, even if it isn't his real one. Sometimes nicknames are more meaningful than our real names. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to his new life and if he'll relapse at all. Joshua has no idea what his bunkmate is capable of. I hope for his sake that Wally is redeemed...

OK. Put me down for Viv and Dom. It will be a day or two before I can get you the info, unless you need it sooner.

I'm thinking of picking one of Viv's. Or Domluka. I figured Dom would be snatched up right away, though. lol I can do both, if you want.

Another great edition, Dark. I hope Albert will be back soon, too.

Great idea, Cia. It will be hard to choose, but I'll take a look.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Another great chapter! Whew...I think I need to cool down a bit after reading that scene on the rock. *fans self* You hinted at the deeper issue between Katy and Travis by mentioning the intern. I have a feeling you could write a separate story about that incident. Katy has some issues, that much is clear. Ben has a lot of patience, and I don't blame Travis for blowing up at her. I'm waiting for the shoe to drop with her. I just know she's going to cause some serious trouble for them. Ben and Travis are so hot together. When they finally give in to each other completely it's going to be so worth the wait. I'm guessing there will be a lot more conflict before that happens. I read once where a good story was described as having conflict, then more conflict, then the conflict has conflict, and once you think it's going to be resolved... more conflict! lol I like to take that to heart in my own writing. I particularly liked the descriptions in this chapter. I feel like I'm at the ranch and out in the cold air. I can feel the tension with Katy and Travis and the awkwardness involved in the whole situation. I can also feel the pull between Ben and Travis. I also love the food descriptions. You are making me hungry... lol now I want apple fritters. Was it your story that had a description of Yorkshire pudding in an earlier chapter? I meant to comment on that. I love that stuff. I could go on and on about this story, but I'll shut up now. In case I haven't told you before... I love this story. lol

Sounds like an interesting story. I'll try to read it by the discussion day.

Wow...that was a great chapter! I want more now, please! The tension between Ben and Travis has reached a tipping point. You gave us that wonderful tease, then drew us back with a bucket of cold water. lol I'm impressed that they were both able to restrain themselves, given their drunken state. I have a feeling that Katy is going to cause trouble for them. She's a teenager who's being rejected and also knows a nice, juicy secret. I'm willing to bet that a photo or something will end up on the internet and cause Ben and Travis a whole lot of trouble. I'm glad you don't mind the editing comments. The story is very well-written and edited, but things have a way of slipping through the cracks sometimes. Like when they're in the workshop drinking "Jim Bean". It should be "Jim Beam". Oh, and that was another thing... it's nice finding out that Ben and Travis have so much in common. If they do things right, I'm willing to bet this is much more than just a fling.

http://www.wgrz.com/life/girl-makes-dolls-to-make-other-kids-with-disabilities-feel-less-alone/362044646

This story is like a good meal--full of layers of flavor and I keep salivating over the next course! The dance between Ben and Travis has me simultaneously shouting "Get your head out of your ass, Ben" and savoring the tension and anticipation of what's to come. Again, the pace is perfect. You reveal just enough to move the story forward, while piquing our interest and making me want the next chapter now! Very nicely done. Just one minor error stood out to me. You used 'affect' when it should have been 'effect'. Sorry, but I can't remember what paragraph it was in. I look forward to the next chapter!

Write, write, write!

Happy Birthday, Sheep! Come back soon! We miss you! I'll even let you have the shiny today

Happy Birthday, Gary! Lots of great people share this day, you, Lisa, and my mom! Here's an appaloosa cake for you I hope you enjoy it!

Happy Birthday to an awesome editor and even better friend! I hope you have the day off and are spoiled rotten! Here's an insanely cute dog cake for you Enjoy! :D

We're thinking of you too, Wayne. I hope things are on an upswing soon.