pvtguy

Powerful poetry that conveys both a message that is much needed today and every day and a beautiful tribute to a man who influenced many through his masterful writing, his life, and relationships. This is written by an equally powerful writer.

Every tribute is well-deserved and earned by Carlos! Thank you for sharing your wonderful words! Beautiful writing evoking great imagery. Tony

All I can say is "Wow!" and thank you! I was looking forward to meeting Carlos on his next trip to Orlando, but that never happened.

Powerful verses! Isn't this also the state of actions in all of history: the "conquerors" of a region reshape that region in their image and in doing so, force the conquered to follow a new definition of what it means to be civilized? Religions do it, governments do it, "nationalities" do it...even parents, schools, neighborhoods do it! Thank you for reminding us of Carlos: his voice is missed greatly by all of us who loved him through his powerful writing. However, your words are no less powerful! Thank you for sharing your insights and reflections via your poetry.

I do so relate with Colin: very cautious, frugal, curious, yet willing to try new experiences. This was a wonderfully warm chapter showing the growing awakening of Colin and the joy Owain finds in him. Wishing all a New Year filled with awakenings of their own!

May your and all your readers' Christmas be filled with joy! May inner peace and blessings make the New Year rich for all.

It would seem that all hell is about to break in lots of ways: a hurricane, whatever Rory had to say, finding out who actually killed Sam... such wonderful writing which produces such strong reaction in our readers!! Love it! Hope you recover quickly and can enjoy the peace and joy of the season.

Excellent chapter - lots learned. I agree with the concern of Owain sharing Colin's family history with his workmates. I think that is an overstep. I, too, was confused about Owain's living arrangement while his house was being remodeled. Another confusion: they were at dinner at Mhairi's, then back at Owain's apartment, then a reference back to the letter handed to Owain by Mhairi at the end of the meal. I felt like I was getting whiplash there for a moment! I am looking forward to finding out what the solicitors will uncover!

I am fortunate to attend a church that preaches love for all because God loves all! I do agree: it all starts in how we treat those whom we encounter daily. We each can reach out to another if only to give a smile and a warm word. Merry Christmas, but don't limit it to one day only! Tony

Mhairi is slowly cracking the chrysilis that has surrounded her for far too long. She certainly loves her son, but she is now becoming even more open to emotions that she was not allowed to express. Colin and Owain are really good for each other. Joe is reaping the benefit of diverse views. Great story!

Short and sweet! Mhairi is truly coming along, shedding the shackles of many years! This is a truly wonderful story.

A lovely way to end Book 1 with a relaxing trip. As always, very informative and descriptive.

I do hope the jailhouse is safe when the storm hits! How is Calhoun going to help as the weather intensifies? Will Chase finally come to Micco's aid? Lots of questions! I, too, am looking forward to the next chapter.

I can add nothing to what was already said in the comments as far as the plot, but what I will say is that i love a story where I learn a lot - either language/idioms, style, insight into characters - and this one does not disappoint! I look forward to each posting!

I wouldn't complain if you did!

Beautiful yet happy/sad story! When one is given a terminal diagnosis, it certainly can bring into focus the meaning of one's life. I was given a potential terminal diagnosis 30 years ago that I might have 2 years left. As a single parent of a teenager, I had to make all sorts of plans, including my funeral. Well, that diagnosis, obviously, was incorrect, but it certainly has shaped my view of life and taken the denial of death away. Eric's life was short, but very full of love. I do hope Gavin and Danny might consider providing a home for another child in need. There are many teens who need a stable home - and many of them are gay or deemed "unadoptable" for various reasons. I am past the acceptable age to provide such service to these deserving kids. But I would hope there might be some out there for whom this story serves as the impetus to reach out and share love for those who really need it!

This idea has been happening here in Orlando for many years. I have participated in buying gifts and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have friends who collected all the leftover tags on the "Angel Tree" at a local school and bought gifts for all those children too! Thanks for writing this story! It reminds me of my childhood when Santa was busy visiting other places than our home. Thankfully, we always had a nice dinner at our grandparents' house.

So glad to have you back and posting another wonderful and warm chapter! Love is certainly a core value for all their ventures - love of what they do, but especially love of and for all the people in their lives!

Good for Colin. That it took a burst of anger to do it isn't so bad - they actually had a lot more coming to them!

Well done, @Libby Drew! Lots of tension to give us an elevated heart rate until next chapter!

I hope the inspiration of having Owain stay overnight might propel Colin to stand up to his mother! It might not happen with this visit, but I hope soon!

So enjoyed this chapter: We got some insight into Mr. Lube - who really seems likeable. The talk with Stephanie has given her something to think about (I hope!), and then the final scene with Rory leaves me hoping! Can't wait to see what happens with Don!

Mhairi has changed a little, but this issue will force her to look at her attitudes when it blows up with Joe - and it will! It is not easy for all to dispose of the past nonsense and replace it with enlightened attitudes.

Owain is bringing out some good qualities in Colin! Great to see that happening...now, for a blow-up with his mother and brother!

This is an extremely well-written story of a teen who has experienced severe emotional neglect but through a series of events is able to finally come out on a positive end of a tumultuous journey. This story is very compelling and a solid read!