Headstall

@Onim Thanks so much for the Story Like!

Yeah, I don't think Albert or Rob give August enough credit for the work he does on the ranch. They think moving cattle is the important work, but the maintenance August does is what keeps the ranch operating. Sure another hand could do it, but it sounds like August has always been a responsible worker. You may digress, but it is impossible to ignore the state of our current world. Will there be a demise? I would definitely like to see Albert knocked down a peg... and maybe the rug pulled out from under Rob. Sounds like he needs an intervention. Thanks for this, my friend. I truly appreciate it. Cheers. G

I did some weed trimming and only lasted about twenty minutes. I was soaked when I came back in.

@FanLit Thanks so much for the Story Like!

As a reader, I was never a big fan of short stories. I wanted to escape when I read, and that meant my voracious appetite craved long, complicated stories, ones to make me laugh and weep, and get my heartrate going. Writing changed that. At first I was reluctant to write short stories, but then how could I support these popular things called anthologies? So, I dove in and wrote something I originally intended to be a poem. It opened my eyes to the power of short stories, and I haven't stopped writing them since. Once I even wrote three entries for one anthology. To anyone on the fence about participating, anthologies are where I learned discipline and economy, and that has served me well in all my writing, whether short or long. Prompts, once avoided, do the same thing, and have gotten me to write something I normally wouldn't have. Yup, I finally figured out size doesn't matter.

Hello, folks. Still hot AF here.

Lol. How many boys have gotten confused while rassling? How many finally found some answers? Seems to me August and Fletcher rassling brought up some questions... and some confusion, but no answers... at least not yet. There are none so blind as those who will not see. August is freaked out that his secret is known, and all he wants to do is run away. Thanks for this, buddy. I appreciate the support and the belly laugh you provided. Cheers! Gary

Hello, dear friend! Yep, Gar is back. My mom used to call me that (I remember my bio-dad did too... I'm pretty sure). I really needed to see some enthusiasm, and you always make me feel better about what I'm posting, so thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm doing well, and I'll try my best to entertain. I woke about one morning thinking of feuding families in the Old West. I don't know where it came from, but the saga of Fletch and Augie was born soon after, and once again my almost written contemporary story got pushed aside. I missed you too... I missed the interaction with readers, and am trying not to worry that it has been slower than usual. Here's to Roping the Moon Mondays and hopefully a satisfying journey... Cheers! Gary

Screw (worm) you.

I think that might have been your younger tastebuds. My uncle grew a lot of them on his farm across the road from us on the east coast, and my mother always cooked BSs, but it took me a while to like them. Fortunately, she'd only make me eat two or three. Now I love them, especially roasted ones.

I couldn't agree more about parents who abuse their children. Even the threat of it terrorizes them.. once they see or experience the violence, it never leaves them. I have first hand knowledge of abuse and abusive relationships, so writing Mark the way I did was a difficult choice, but the only one that felt right. He is not to be excused by any means, but i thought it important he be understood. He committed one final decent act to save Chester. Usually, the victim is the one to die. Uncomplicated love? Never seen it. That doesn't mean Chester won't be able to overcome his trauma and thrive in a loving relationship. Maybe Jordy will be exactly what he needs... someone who will understand and have the patience to give him space when he needs it. It means so much to me for this story to get some attention. I like to think the authenticity of it gives it power for readers. I know writing it did for me. Thank you, Patrick. Cheers! G

Greetings.

Hey, Patrick! I can see you are paying attention. I won't say too much, other than your instincts might be good ones. Albert Cooley strikes me as not liking to be told no to, or to lose at any instance. I think most of us have met those people who always need to be right, always need to come out on top, always need to win. We do get some hints that things changed after August's mother died... but we don't know exactly why. Love that you are engaged, my friend. Please keep sharing your thoughts for all of us. Cheers! G

While it's true Cards is not tied up in a bow, the story is pretty much told, my friend. Will I write a few more chapters for it one day? I sure hope so. My muse somehow got screwed up, but it did take me to new and satisfying places. Ah, yes, "Treading Water" and Carly. That still remains a special story to me, and there was definitely some redemption on it... to a point. I believe my writing quality took a jump with that story. Thanks for what you say about "Endings". I know it is difficult at times, but it is a story I am ridiculously proud of. ... simply perfect... that means so much to me. Thank you, kind sir.

I prefer Tiny Baggins.

Hey, Parker! Yep, August is nothing but a servant to those two assholes, from what we've seen so far. Is there a fairy godmother and a glass slipper in his future too? August is rassling with a lot, isn't he? It's been a heck of a four days he's spent in Purgatory. Thanks for the support, my friend. I hope you find this story worthwhile. Cheers! G.

Lol. If you've ever read "Cards on the Table", you'll know I did some heavy duty redeeming in there too. "Endings" too. As far as Albert, we don't have much of the story yet. I will say he has some strong feelings when seeing her face in his son's. That might indicates it hurts him. Still, there is no excuse, drunk or not, to say such a thing to your son... her son. That had to have made August act different. Love can change a man, and so can loss. Love the speculation... but I doubt Albert is the kind of man to raise another man's son. Just my opinion.... Derogatory insults in that time period were most often 'bugger' and 'bastard', 'sumbitch', 'son-of-a-gun', 'son-of-a-whore' and a good handful of others. In this instance, I don't think bastard is meant to be literal. That said, I would never admit it if it was a hint. Thanks for the great comment, my friend. Cheers! Gary

Hey!

That is smart! I do regret sometimes getting rid of my woodstoves. With all the tree damage from the big storm last spring, I have tons of wood just laying there. I had a guy chainsaw some of it to 16" lengths and stacked it in front of my farm for free, but it was barely a dent in my woodlot. Let's hope propane doesn't get too high, but you might be right.

It's not a bad thought at all, Doc. The trouble is, justice, poetic or otherwise, isn't always served to the rich and powerful. All we have to do is look around us. I do know there is a thing as too much arrogance... it causes some to let their guard down. My wood splitting days are over. I had my 2 woodstoves removed when I had a new steel roof put on. I wasn't using them much anymore anyway. Still have my axe, though.

We all do.

Aw shucks... thanks, dugh! I love hungry, cheeping birds, and you are very kind. I believe you will see by the end this doesn't follow a typical path for me. It is kind of inverted, and that was done purposely... just to see. If you are captivated, I am happy. Cheers!

Remarkably well written... and fun. Check it out.

Lol. Barnaby, eh? With a vest? Remarkably well written... and without an editor too. This was fun, Chris! Cheers!

I was just saving you some trouble.