pvtguy

You have brought wonderful contemplation to each color. With today remembering the Pulse massacre in Orlando, each of these colors also describes the 49 beautiful people who lost their lives because of the hatred of one man. These colors also bring healing and hope.

A lovely start to a structured vacation. I can add nothing to the previous comments other than I agree. I do admire the progression of Dan and Vaughn's relationship. It is growing in a very positive manner.

Greg and Bart had come over to check how they were getting on, and when they heard that a trip to IKEA was planned, they grinned and said that getting through IKEA and then successfully assembling the furniture without killing each other was a good test of a relationship. No truer words spoken! I have assembled a computer desk and hutch that looks nice but was the source of several verbal statements that the inanimate object could never perform, lol! Also, I assembled a cabinet that was designed as a dining room cabinet, but I use it in my living room to store tons of stuff that I don't want lying around. IKEA can be challenging yet fun in the end. I love how Thomas and Keith are developing in their relationship. I agree with @drsawzall: Thomas may yet have difficulties resulting from his experience in Africa. As usual, exceptionally good writing!

I fail to understand how the word "Christian" applies to those who follow other than the actual words and actions of Jesus! When did they get promoted to ultimate judge? Enough of my soapbox! I'm just glad that I belong to a church that is part of the Reconciling Ministries network!

A most intriguing chapter! The trip to the compound was a bit mysterious - I was wondering if they would have trouble getting back to the A1, but apparently not. Greg may well have been messed up by the rejection by the old git which led to his downturn after he was "dismissed". I would not be surprised if certain types of drugs might be in play, but I also think that the psychological ramifications of his time with the old git and life afterwards still are in play. @Summerabbacat's review was a literary gem unto itself too! I actually read two masterpieces today!

I believe that this shows that deep down, Stanley desires to get better and is welcoming the recommended counseling. He is giving his assent to receiving the help.

Jason and Colin are adorable! These window stories are truly helping Phil to resolve his own issues. I love this technique!

I still don't understand what was up with the footballers: were they just being somewhat catty or did they have a serious concern? Mrs seems initially more the arrogant patroness, but warms a bit when mentioning her son, Jonty. It is so good to see Keith and Thomas growing in their relationship. Another wonderful chapter.

The relationship between Vaughn and Dante continues to grow and deepen! I would love to combine "work" and play with a paid-for vacation! And in Italy! Guess I will take a vicarious vacation once again through a story I really like!

I truly love the "catiness", yet accurate, description of the ladies! Truly, it brought a smile to start my day! Still, I hope it allows Keith to stand up for himself and gain true confidence. Those of us who felt the need to conform to a hetero life expectancy can certainly relate to his anxiety.

A man in Heyward's position would usually have an image to uphold - the public image. I do believe he allowed the real Francis Heyward to show through in his comments about this father and his father's proclivities. I think he values Vaughn's views because he knows Vaughn is not "sucking up" to him. We'll see, though.

Each chapter brings Keith and Thomas so much more united. That they are moving slowly while discovering each other is making for a solid relationship. Alison is absolutely delightful! She is warm, open, humorous, and affirming!

What a wonderful and powerful story of an extraordinary young man coming from terrible abuse but taken in by a loving uncle in another state. He meets challenges but his maturity, integrity, and abilities win him friends and a new family with his uncle. From the first chapter, you will be hooked into reading each wonderful chapter!

It seems to be backwoods/country language! Having grown up in the mountains of West Virginia and with Andy Griffith and his show, I actually understood it, lol!

The initial weather portends the dark clouds in the three main characters at the moment: brooding, feeling low, lack of confidence in both themselves and the other, but the ending is hope filled! Great painting with words! Colin and Jason will be much more confident once they open up to each other and realize they each have a past and baggage, but that does not define who they are now. I would love to see Roger confronted - but by whom, I'm not sure. Perhaps an intervention with the three main characters!

Pete is a community builder with his friends and truly doesn't want to be the center of attention, though anyone with his talents will ultimately fall into that position! I, like the readers who have commented and yet to comment, await Volume 2. So much more to explore. I want to know what happens with the Turners, if "mother" happens to comment on things... Thanks for such a well-written and exciting story!

@Summerabbacat said, " I found Nonna ......irritating more than anything else." Having grown up with my Italian grandparents, living in a mostly Italian enclave in my small town, I totally understood her! And I understand the desire for grandchildren. All I have is a grand-dog! I loved being a parent and miss holding and dealing with children. But as I said above, parenting is not for everyone, and that is as it should be!

They are much too new in their relationship to seriously want children as a part of it. Yes, it is scary to think about the responsibility of children, but that fear can be overcome once the relationship is secured. Still, not everyone is meant to be a parent!

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” Very true words! One has to go through a challenge in order to go beyond it. It is not easy, but it certainly is the stuff growth comes from! Brandon was so fearful of being outed, he reacted in a way that would have sickened him had he seen it happen to someone else.

Keith and Thomas are doing what I consider a true vacation: discovering a new (to them) place and soaking in the environment! The massage sounds wonderful - and it apparently served as foreplay for them! Communication between the two is improving greatly.

Peter is the change agent this town needed! He's getting people to question attitudes, beliefs, and the status quo. That is amazing for someone so young! I love this story!

I second the suggestion of @centexhairysub: a dinner between Mother and Nonna would be delightful. Additionally, a really deep conversation between Vaughn and his mother could lead to an even better relationship between the two. Dan is a real winner!

Robbie has been thinking with the wrong head way too much and I believe he is starting to realize that at last. I hope we find out soon what Don has done with Robbie's inheritance!

Self forgiveness is easier said than done. Phil can never forget the past, for sure, but he needs to free himself from the guilt. One way might be to see Roger and level with him. Roger deserves to know the truth. I don't believe that it is too late for either of them to relieve themselves of anger and guilt. Of course, that would depend on Roger willing to listen. Even though Phil is a counselor, it is very difficult for the doctor to heal himself! Stanley is still alive - but is going to need lots of help. That can take a few chapters - hint, hint!

The siblings have certainly been poisoned in their thoughts about Peter, but they are still young and haven't questioned things yet. My hope is that once they grow up, they will reevaluate what they were told and believed. Peter's "mother" is a true believer, much like we see of those who will say they believe in the Constitution of the United States (and most likely have never read nor studied it) and yet support views contrary to that very same Constitution! Radical believers of religion, politics, etc., will always defend to the death their positions. "Mother" falls into that category, unfortunately. I am looking forward to a "cleansing" of the town by Uncle George and the court!