Headstall

Lol. I thought you might enjoy that. Hockey has its own language, and some of it is blue. And yes, it is poetry in motion. Oh yeah, I love engaging with readers. it makes all the lonely days of kneading words into something palatable worthwhile. Cheers, my dear friend.

I have both. Just kidding. Love can be shown in so many ways, and it doesn't mater which one as long as it is felt. Do we think Lucas can feel Jubal's love? Sturdy, capable hands... oh yeah. You're preaching to the choir, sister.

Did you know I am a licensed farrier? Just saying.... You get Jubal exactly... and I will add that he doesn't dare say he loves someone... another man. I think, because of how he thinks about Vincent always being straight with his words, he is capable of saying how he feels... if he thought it was safe. Sad, isn't it? So yeah, he is doing it in the only way he can. He builds and creates and frets over how it will make Lucas feel. It can truly be hard for us, even now, because there is danger around many corners. We are still seen by many as wrong, so of course it affects how open and forthcoming we can be, and that spills over into the rest of our lives. You sound very talented, my friend, and I appreciate you showing that and some of yourself to us. What you say about time and what Jubal is doing is beautiful... for nothing more than a smile... yep, that is Jubal, and that is unconditional love. Thank you for this, buddy. I think we would be great friends if we were neighbors.

Oh, if only it were that simple.

Lol. Yeah, the word count for comments is getting there, and yeah, they are so much fun to read. I love reading of the hopes, opinions and speculations, as well as the support for each other. It's wonderful. And yes, I do get your point, but I can't hurry these fellas along. Jubal would tell you he is having fun, and Lucas would probably say he is happy to be alive and have a good friend like Jubal. We'll see what happens when Lucas gets home, but for now... Thanks, Dan. Glad you are hanging in there. Still lots ahead, though we are getting somewhere. I can see the end in sight, and I am not looking forward to that day.

Is there a story there? I guess there could be. Jubal has seen an interesting dynamic between the two, though he doesn't trust his perceptions of it. It would be hard for a sheriff to have any kind of gay relationship in those times, as we learned from Mitch and Will's story in Larkspur. I'm pleased they interest you and other readers, though.

Thank you, my friend. Fear has been Jubal's constant companion for a while it would seem. it is only recently he has felt truly comfortable somewhere, and that blew up in his face. We can see him struggling to hang on now that he knows Lucas is okay, but it isn't easy. He isn't afraid to love, but he is afraid of anyone finding out. Lucas will have a big role to play in whatever comes next. Meanwhile, Jubal does what he does best... give of himself in any way he can.

Aww shucks! Thank you, Doha! You loved every word and I love hearing this! It is so rewarding that readers are seeing deep into Jubal's character.

And don't fall!

I'm ready for my closeup... well... as ready as an old man can be.

Thanks, Mags! And thank you and everyone else for the wonderful support I am kindly given. I enjoy the comments immensely.

Lol. I've had my moments too, and one of the first things I learned was nudging a horses belly with my knee to make them exhale. They get smart about it, though. Nothing worse than your saddle tilting when you start moving. We don't have cactuses around here, and I am thankful for that.

You do give great comment, Craig.

Yeah, I see your point, but didn't you have to walk to the garbage or file it or read it or something? Any of those would have counted as being productive.

Jubal put his all into his work today. Hello, my friend. You're right that it was something we expected him to do, and he didn't disappoint. It feels like reality is setting back in for him, though. His fears, which he ignored while Lucas was unconscious, are rearing their ugly heads again. So, he counts on the farm, his skills, and some of his better memories to help him deal. I'm sure Lucas will be thankful... and he is always impressed by the quality of Jubal's work. I'm glad you mentioned the wild horse, because they are the thread Jubal holds onto, a reason for him to stay without arousing suspicion from those he has met and those he hasn't. He's telling himself he can do this... be Lucas's friend... but can he really. We've been watching a man in love, and that is a hard thing to keep bottled up and hidden. As always, I love hearing you thoughts, sweet lady. Thank you.

Thanks!

Hug it out.

Sweet! I love the interaction between readers in the comment section. I can just sit back and enjoy.

Thanks, Terry. It's not that they are hard to write, but narration chapters are easier to get wrong. The trick is to keep them moving--insinuate action--and watch for repetitive word choice... and don't go around in circles in the way that can be fine in a dialogue driven chapter. If I compare it to hockey, it is more an end to end game. You can dipsy doodle here and there, but don't get the puck frozen on the boards. This is the second time I've heard poetic in these comments, and I love it, that that aspect of me as a writer comes through. Helping readers relate to what I'm writing is the goal, so triggering memories and stirring moods is a big part of that. I agree about all the other comments. I may not have a 'crew', but my readers are engaged and are always giving me food for thought and validation. Motivation is huge for a writer, and all you guys and girls give me that aplenty. Cheers! G

We live for corny around here, J J. Yes, that is what Vincent said, and all of us can see it, but Jubal has never found it to be true in the years since Vincent. He doesn't trust other men, and he doesn't trust himself. Still, it doesn't keep him from loving someone else, and that shows in all the meticulous work he did today. Labors of love is exactly right, and yeah, he has much to give. Thanks for the encouraging comments about the writing... it is appreciated, my friend. I might sputter once in a while, and blow smoke out my tailpipe, but there are eight cylinders under my hood on a good day. I'll be driving as long as the seals don't break.

Thanks, Cachondeo! I plan on doing just that. Cheers, my friend.

Lol. You think so, Albert?