Headstall

Ah... are we talking about that 'plushie' that vibrates?

Yee Haw! You're welcome! When I wrote my first historical western, set in the Old West, ("Finding Refuge" for an Anthology), there weren't many being written that I saw. There were some great contemporary westerns, though, like Sasha Distan's and another by Sojourn(?). I thought it would be a one-off when I wrote it... I wrote three different entries for that antho. Couldn't have been more wrong. I had so much fun writing it that it stayed with me. Now I'm in that niche. Happy for the company, whichever kind you choose. You can rename any of my characters, as long as you don't expect me too. As far as telling me where to go, I've been there... many times by many different people. Seriously, nothing you could say would affect how I write a story... I had an amazing editor in @Timothy M. who was beyond helpful, but I've never used a beta reader. I have to march to my own drum, maybe to my own detriment, but it's how I write best. I don't want input till after I'm out on that limb. Know thyself, right? Cheers and happy writing. G

"Because I got out of it exactly what I put into it." Couldn't agree more, but I'll also say no community I've ever been part of is all Kumbaya all the time. We all have to learn to navigate... I have come to realize there are times I need to pull back (stay quiet and not comment too much--can't be misunderstood that way), just for my own peace of mind. That said, I love GA. It's become a part of me, and has given me so much. I appreciate your honesty, Jason, and your self-awareness. Personally, while I don't know you well, you don't seem so bad to me. Yes, you're blunt at times, but you're respectful too, that's been my experience, and you're funny as hell (check back with me in a week). A sense of humor should never be trivialized. You do you, buddy. G

You have Ted Cruz.

Breaking News! Woody comes out of the closet!

What kind of spider hell do you live in?

Lucky bastard!

Did you pee a little when you screamed?

I have those same boots but that's another story.

I'm binge watching "Wednesday" today. It's fun. I had an awesome walk in the woods with Cookie despite the heat. It's way cooler in there.

Hi, Neal! Good points. Honestly, I don't believe Roland cares what people will think. I also don't believe an argument between father and son will be detrimental to Roland's reputation like Albert thinks it will. But yeah, his close friends might check in with him. I expect Roland will stay tight-lipped, though. He won't take any chances of anyone learning the truth The planned confrontation should be fun, right? Getting one over on Albert is something Roland looks forward to. Thanks for the support, buddy. Please leave a Story Like and Story Recommendation on the front story page if you wouldn't mind. Here's the link to the story page...

I actually hope readers don't notice a thing about inverting. It was more for me and trying something a little different. I probably shouldn't have mentioned it. As far as Virginia and the marriage, here is another take. We learned in this he is capable of truly loving someone (Maureen) so it is possible it has happened again. He's been lonely, and I think grieving for a good part of ten years. He doesn't have the emotional maturity to handle that grief well, but maybe meeting Virginia was what it took. Sorry, but as confusing as he is at times, I believe I know him. He's not a nice person at all, but I think this could be love. On her end, we have no way of knowing what made her agree to marry him. A great and beautiful woman like Maureen loved him so.... Love the speculation, though. I agree. Time's a wasting, and the longer they wait the more we can expect something bad to happen. Out of sight, out of mind for Albert. That staged argument should be fun. Lol. That's what I thought Jason might mean about Arrow. Turns out he's a deeper thinker than I gave him credit for. With the stories we heard from Fletcher about Albert in a previous chapter, it would make sense the ranchers have plans to put an end to Albert running rampant. Albert is a wealthy man, though, and we all know what wealthy men get away with time and time again. If Rob ever lowered himself to visit Barnswallow, it would have to be with his tail between his legs. Thanks, buddy, for sharing your thoughts and calling it a superb chapter. Cheers! G

Lol. Sorry you didn't get the memo, Doc. Maybe next Monday there will be a reason for unbuckling... Hope you enjoyed it anyway. Jason found it very romantic... I think he had tears.

Thank you, my lovely friend.

Ah, now I get it. Clever... it makes sense in a weirdass way. I guess I should be happy you don't call him Felcher.

Look at you being sweet as sugar. I get "Month' but I don't get "Arrow'. Really glad you like August. He's growing into his strengths from what we've seen so far. Fletcher is a typical Crawley... industrious and kind and caring (I picture you saying,"Ewww"). All kidding aside, you really are kind to say that about the first chapter. I mean you said it... I... was brilliant. I'm going to use that if you get too naughty. I always attempt to start off with a bang so to speak. Opening chapters set the tone, and is a writer's biggest tool (ahem) for a multi-chapter story. I'm glad you wished I had extended that for a few more chapters... it means I did my job. That said, I think I told you once that this story was a little inverted for me. I won't explain it, but I enjoy changing things up as a writer, and I'm curious to see the what the overall response will be by the end. If I ever stop wanting to learn it will be time to quit. Thanks, buddy.

Hi, Parker! Hope you are well and not in the heat where you are. It's been miserable here. The journey is getting closer to happening... and of course there will be some fun. Cheers! G

Thanks, my friend! Happy you liked it. The road ahead looks clear for the boys but we shall see. I think in this chapter we the contrast of the two families, and the contrast especially between Albert and Roland. Even though we see glimpses of a nicer Albert, I don't think we can trust it or his motivation. Giving August a couple of things for his trip doesn't change the fact he's a heartless bastard capable of evil. Roland may have put August on the spot, but you're right... it was what a good father does. Thank you so much for the support! Cheers! G.

I guess I was speculating. We can all have out moments. Just because you write one hard story doesn't mean you don't get all mushy when the curtains are drawn. I'll keep speculating. Plus, there are witnesses.

Depends on your interpretation of spoiling. Next week is a shorter chapter, but it's a good'un. August woke up with bells on. He couldn't wait to get the day started. Can't say I blame him after the night he had. I guess even evil men can love. Actually, I know that to be a fact. Maureen sounds like a really special woman. I think Albert was truly happy, and it turned to bitterness when he lost her. Yeah, that conversation was weird. We could see Albert looking at his youngest differently. Maybe he is finally seeing his real worth? And yeah, he's been lonely for a wife. I'm sure a man as wealthy as Albert had his dalliances from time to time. He does travel a lot. The initials comment was jarring, in that we could see Albert and August shared something, and it probably held some importance to Albert. Seeing so much of Maureen in August has been hurtful to Albert. That clearly wasn't always the case. While I agree that line was jarring, I found it somewhat poignant too. Virginia seducing Rob? You know, she could well be a classy lady. Lol. How true. The roping the moon line could have been said by Boone or Coy, but most likely Boone. Well... maybe Coy. I love how Roland suggested a public tiff with Fletcher. That is one epic father right there! As far as any Rancher plan, you get another . Yes, we are all seeing August has grown up in a very short time. Love changes folks. Thanks as always, my dear friend. You got suggestions for a really sore neck? I've tried heat and cold.

Pffft. I have it on good authority you have your own little Kleenex Korner for the sappy stuff. Real men cuddle and cry.