Headstall

Hey, Sherye! Death of a brand new life is especially hard to swallow, and Jubal is struggling with that. But, he may have saved the rest of the foals still to come. Will they wildings return? Hard to say at this point. They might have far-reaching grounds they travel every year. We'll see. I think most of the town folk meant well, and were starving for something exciting to talk about, but to a man like Jubal, that can be overwhelming... and was. Kudos to him for trying, though. Thanks, my friend, and Merry Christmas to you. Gary.

Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year to you too, Johnny! It is so close!! I'm pleased you found this a beautiful chapter. There was lots of needed introspection, but the chase balanced it out for me. Jubal accomplished a lot on this day it seems, and not just that he helped the herd. Yes, he needed to clear his mind, and I think he did. it doesn't mean he has made leaps, but I think it will take something big to make him run away. Thanks for the well wishes and the support, buddy. Be well and safe.

Yes, he did, Kris. This is as close as he's been to wanting to stay and weather any storm to come. He doesn't want to give up this special friendship he found with Lucas. Absolutely, Jubal was chasing more than wolves and the herd today... he was chasing his own demons, needing to feel a part of this wild and incredible landscape. I'm pleased you see that. Did it work? I certainly don't think it hurt. He might have saved the rest of the foals... and he has information to take to Lucas that he didn't have before. Thanks, buddy!

Yeah, I think he tried his best, and he did do a good enough job they followed him from the store. I really think he'd like to tell Lucas he was wrong about the town folk, and that they were great and friendly people, but the intensity of it did stretch his limits. In his position, after what he's been through, I think I would have wanted to get away too. You're right that he's pretty close to a panic attack, especially after the interest shown in where he slept at night. Ugh. His later realization that he was coming to love the land, and the area, shows just how hard he is trying. Happy you liked the visual of squirming bare-assed on a hot rock. I think we've all been there, right? Jubal's thoughts are everywhere, but he knows Reid by now, and he trusts there was no bad motive for what he disclosed. It might not occur to Jubal, but maybe you're right that he is trying to help them along. I just love Pistol. She is deserving of the name, and I'm happy you agree. Any horseman will tell you that the bond is a close one, and you need too have that trust in each other. No, she is not a replacement for Kema, but she is proving worthy of being his partner. The whole chase scene was almost thrilling for me to write. I loved showing the resilience and no-quit of the man, and yes, some of it was sad and brutal the way nature often is, but he accomplished something worthwhile today, something that will hopefully give him peace, and satisfaction. Shinning the wolves was the right thing to do, no matter his reluctance. Jubal always tries to do the right thing. Thank you, my dear, sweet friend.

Hey, Albert! Jubal did his best, and I give him credit for trying to see the town folk the way Lucas does. And no, he realizes Reid was not doing anything wrong by mentioning him not taking those coins. It falls on Jubal that he didn't tell Lucas he got his wealth back. Jubal hopes people will forget the Prescott business, but I agree with you. It has already become legend, and people don't forget legends. Yeah, writing about the mare and foal was sad, but the chase as a whole was something Jubal needed. it got him out of his own head, and killing two wolves in one day is not an easy thing. They are crafty, elusive animals as a rule. He has to feel good about protecting the herd and maybe the foals still to come. Pistol is a hero in this chapter... and while she will never replace Kema, she is already building her resume. Thanks, my dear friend. As always, I appreciate the support.

I agree, Craig. Overthinking is something he is prone to do, and he's never had his heart on the line like it is now. Even with Vincent, he always knew how it would end. He has no trouble admitting to himself he loves Lucas, but has no plans to reveal that. Is that smart? He thinks he can be happy with only friendship, but I'm not so sure. Still, the land has swayed him, and he feels at home in this area. That has to count for a lot. Finding the herd maybe gave him some hope, and like he thinks at the end of the chapter, there are no guarantees in life for anything or anyone. That tells me he will take whatever comes. Thanks, buddy.

Hi, mayday. This chapter was different, and I found it almost refreshing in a strange way. I believe Jubal's fears were soothed by the fact he could do something proactive for the herd... and he can tell Lucas he found them. We don't know what Lucas will think about Jubal not visiting for a day, but maybe it was what he needed too. Or... maybe not. Thank you, my friend. I hope you enjoyed this one. With so much introspection from Jubal, I found the chase kind of exhilarating.

The crowd did spook him, Doc, and he's been battling ever since to get out of that frame of mind. I'm glad you see the wildings as symbolic. That's how I saw them too. Always ready to run, and susceptible to dangers at every turn. Paranoia keeps them alive... most of the time. I believe you're right that chase was what he needed. He has to feel good about finding and protecting the herd, and maybe finding that poor foal and its mother helped him put things in perspective. Cheers and thanks, my friend.

The new chapter is posted...

I think Michael surprised himself. The thing is, good people make good parents, and Michael and Kendall are really good people. I absolutely loved writing them. Yeah, I like how you say Michael told the truth instead of acting like he knew all the answers. Nobody does. Thanks, buddy.

No Guarantees Jubal couldn’t remember feeling more lost, not knowing whether he be coming or going. He was also plumb wore out from thinking and trying to corral his thoughts. Dinah was walking slow back to the farm in the heat of the afternoon, and that be fine with him. The creak of the wagon and the sway of the seat springs lulled his mind a mite, and that’s what he sorely needed. After he left Lucas and Reid, he’d done something stupid, and had a bunch more people—dif

Lucky you!

Well... I made/recycled bells out of the glass tops of old garden lights, putting green garland on their tops and hooking long red ornaments into the middle of them... I did that years ago, and they hang from the chains that hold my geraniums in summer... they sway in the wind and the red ornaments twirl. Pretty. I hung double bells (big ones from the dollar store... some red and some gold) on the front chains... put big green, red, and white candy canes along the walls of the back veranda, and hung snowmen and penguins on the front and on the back house walls and around the entry doors. Got those from the dollar store too, years ago, and they are indestructible... they shimmer in the lights.

Lots happening here, and all of it good. This is about as heartwarming a story as I've read in a long time. Sometimes... just sometimes... the world is a decent and kind place. These are all good people, and you've done a good job of piecing this together so far. The guitar sequence got me good. Cheers! G

Hey, all! Raining here at the moment. I put up outside Christmas decorations yesterday.

Aloha, Albert.

Yeah, this is true. Wherever they go, I don't see them to spring or later. Hey, bro and Mum. Sorry to hear you have covid. Look after yourselves.

What? No home cooking?

Kendall always knows exactly what to do. It's why I love writing him so much. A lot happens in this chapter, but Mark is on the right track, and that is the main thing. That was a lot of torment for a young man to carry, and now Nate can go back to being a kid again, confident his dad loves him, and more importantly, knowing he doesn't hate him for who he is. Thanks, buddy.

Lol. Pouting doesn't work on me, buddy. Now a good meal is a different story.

I just bet you are. Still not going to let you tickle me, though. I practically go into convulsions when it happens.

I think he would be everyone's bet. He is a very loved character, especially by Kendall.

Oh, it'll be Michael, hands down. He's the biggest kid of all.

My feet are ticklish, and I hate being tickled. So... A massage would be good, though.