Puppilull

For someone who must've studied addiction and related issues, he's doing a good job of repressing his knowledge. Too scary? But he got there in the end. So he knows which monster he's staring down. My guess is his drinking is primarily situational, so not drinking the first night he stays in could be not as much of a challenge as it will be later on when his body suddenly realises it's not getting any alcohol. The surprising change of habit got him through this first rough day. It will get very much tougher from now on...

A comfy way to distance yourself from your problems - turn them into an experiment and observe. Trouble is you're observing yourself. His denial isn't complete, since he's decided to give sobriety a test. Going public could add some pressure to succeed. But how many read his blog?

I have a sort of bad feeling about this spell. Who or perhaps what will come back? But I may have read too many dark stories. Either way, Caleb shouldn't be so carelss about his own life. I doubt Ethan would want him dead as well. If there is an afterlife, they would meet again there, after Caleb has lived his life.

Dangerous ground Caleb wants to tread. Those legends hardly ever end well. For a good reason, however upsetting this may be. But perhaps their magic is strong and pure enough.

Caleb is right. Funerals are for the living. But that's the whole point. To share grief and somehow remind the ones left behind that they are still here and not alone. As for making us relive sorrow? Isn't that what stories or art is supposed to do? Make us look inside and face it again. Remember and gradually reach the stage where we can celebrate a life and not get stuck on mourning a death. It takes time. Nothing is ever the same. It is what it is.

I would guess they'll all go through that cycle of denial, anger and despair in the time to come. Grief takes time.

Oh Ethan... It's beyond sad when people find not other way forward than death. And they were so close at catching up with him. Wounds like that are difficult to live with. If you check under Activity -My Activity streams - Newest comment on my stories/chapters you'll find the comments. It's all the way att the bottom, so scroll scroll scroll!)

A true test of character and control. No mauling allowed! Just mating. Looking forward to next week!

There is backing off to give some space and then there's dropping the ball and letting it lay on the ground for too long. Just talk, guys! No guessing allowed.

Congratulations Parker!

Who can resist Hunky Henrik? No wonder sparks fly! If you haven't read it, just do it!

What's a brother for if not to secure evidence against an abusive ex? Way to go, Michael! Liam Lux... He sounds like a superhero!

Oh no... Ethan... Running away has never been a good way to resolve things, but when your heart breaks it's difficult to be mature and sensible. Liz sounds like she actually has some powers. Maybe Caleb too...? He's receptive enough.

Ethan's sadness and fear about being left behind is making my chest constrict. He's so close to panic... Staying in touch online isn't the same thing. The spell was intriguing. Where will that take us?

Hmm... As romantic as a proposal is, I wonder if they aren't rushing into this? To add the seriousness of a marriage when Andy still must be struggling with his faith seems a bit too soon. I don't doubt their love for each other, but they should perhaps let things develop at a slightly slower pace. Heart breaking to hear Andy wasn't accepted by his family, but good to see Cheryl embrace him so fully.

Making music together is a quick way to get to know each other. Must listen to Warlock, but I do love to sing Britten. Geoff is such a darling and I feel so bad for him feeling so insecure. Tony is right to take it slow.

I've had a few readers get well and truly angry and upset with me for writing my characters like I do. It did surprise me at first and I even thought about apologising, but instead decided to try and explain. I lost a reader, but we parted on good terms.

I think you should tell your story. There's no obligation to be educational. As long as the characters' actions make sense, it's ok by me. I'm actually quite fed up with reading stories where the protagonists are so perfect it's ridiculous. Never make a mistake. Never falter or stumble, except in some minor way to create "drama" that is quickly resolved. You don't have to write a full on villain or emotionally broken people, just make them human. So, people have unprotected sex. Perhaps it's not the smartest move, but it's not so upsetting you should stop reading a story over it. And the writer has no responsibility for readers reenacting the scene. Have we so totally given up on our fellow man's ability to think? Are we such sheep?

Happy birthday!

A monumental step for Andy. I'm holding my fingers crossed for them. I wonder how open his congregation is to gay men wanting to marry? That could be another tough blow to his faith, if he's not fully accepted. John seems supportive, but are there Catholic congregations with priests who marry same sex couples?

I'm all for giving and loving the people around you. However, I do believe you need to take care of yourself as well. If you give too much and don't get any in return, you will burn out or disintegrate. So keep an ember deep inside only for you. As for the whole love - hate - indifference... I had the exact same discussion with a truly clever friend. I claimed I could be indifferent. He says there is only love or hate. So apparently, it's a theory that's out there. I still maintain I can simply ignore others. But I know that I would do whatever I can to rescue someone in trouble. Never suffered abuse, but I think I could never sit and watch one suffer or die. Does that mean I would love them? And weird to encourage you to hate. Hate is a destructive emotion. I could agree to getting angry and getting things out that way. But not hate.

Happy birthday!

Such a beautiful poem! And if you read it again, I think you'll see the answer to your question is in there. Just let that love run and flow. It will come back to you.

So school's out for Matt. I'm curious about their next phase in life.

Must be exhausting for men to constantly have reassert themselves as regards their sexuality when hanging out in groups. Isaac and Gavin learning their lesson? Perhaps. But I doubt it'll stop them.