Headstall

I have my cupboards shortened and reinstalled and the vent hood moved up as well... just have to put the cupboard doors back on. I have on one already but I'm too worn out to keep going. My shoulder refuses to do any more labor. Now I can order my new fridge. Decision time is near, but I'm leaning toward LG because their compressors are warranted for 10 years. I really like the look of the Samsung, and they have a compressor warranty of ten years, but they had reliability problems prior to five years ago. Sigh....

Thanks, Man.

Um... you just described me (not full sleeves, but big tattoos on both biceps).

@Drew Espinosa I'm still terrified when I post something. Yes, I have some confidence as to the writing quality because of how hard I've worked at improving, but I'm never sure readers are going to connect with what I'm writing. Don't let fear stop you, and remember, the more you write, the better you get. If I let fear control me, I would have quit Morningstar after a couple of chapters.

Thank you, terry.

Ditto, Albert.

There are comments about merging, and I call for us to merge myself, but I think I will always see that young boy as a different person from me. In truth, I still marvel at what he withstood... and I weep for him, but he is he, and I am me. yes, I owe him... and I am proud of how quick witted he was as he bent but never broke. He is definitely embraced... I am proud of him and I am proud of me (mostly). Thanks, Terry. This one hits home.

Thanks so much, Terry. I don't know if it is my best... I am partial to "A Beautiful Mess" which just came to mind... but it is definitely a favorite of mine, for the rhythm of it and more importantly, for who I read it to over the phone one evening.

I kind of like the idea that despite the history and traditions of poetry, I can write what I want. I can decide if there are rules, and maybe that is because I learned the forms first, and wrote in those forms, from Tanka to Ballade and everything in between. For me poetry is freeing, so why would I impose limits. That's not to say I don't like the forms... structure can be very important, but free verse and experiments like this allow for so much expression. Did this form work? If people read it and thought about it... felt something... then it did. Thanks, buddy.

Thanks, Terry. I hadn't read this one in years. Glad it stands up, and that you liked it. I was learning who I was as a poet back then.

CG is a good man. He is talented and thoughtful and has knowledge of so many things. But most of all, he is kind and caring. It was heartbreaking when he first lost his vision, but now he has some of it back, and he is one who deserves such a blessing.

Thanks, Terry. I love to walk in the cold, especially as fall is leaving, and the chill is such that it makes me move quicker. Once there is snow to trudge through, it is not as fun. I've come to appreciate there is a new day to face.

Oh no, you didn't make me feel sad or inadequate. I took what you said as a compliment actually. I was only continuing the conversation and sharing my thoughts. I don't write at the pace I used to... and I'm pretty much okay with that. Still, I produce fairly regularly... like three entries in the Spring anthology... and the same for the poetry anthology which has been going on for a couple of weeks... mine will start posting next week. I also finished up chapter 12 or 13 recently, of a story I have partially written... with maybe six or seven to go. "Larkspur: A Sidewinder Tale" was a very satisfying endeavor for me... thanks for calling it awesome.

Nighty nite, Man.

I think Reflections contains some of my very best poetry.

And it still might be one day. I don't control these things... I have to be pretty much certain I'm up to the challenge of a sequel, though, even if my muse says go. That first book took up most of my time and energy for a year and a half, not to mention the time I spent formulating the story before I ever pushed a keyboard key. And all the time and energy I gave gladly to responding to the incredible comments the story received... that was almost another book in itself. To my credit, I did write a sequel to Sidewinder... one I think measures up okay.

I like my readers greedy for me. Same with my men.

Hey there, Man. Fun? We're talking about booster cables on testicles. Fun enough for ya? I had an awesome walk today. It's hot out, but very breezy. Saw some crows and a couple of turkey vultures circling... and tractors cultivating fields at two different farms. Very pastoral.

Sweet dreams, B.

Thanks for sharing, Jeff, and welcome back to GA, and welcome back to the person you once were, or the person you want to be. I know all about difficult... truly difficult... journeys, and what an abusive relationship can steal from you. I know about feeling exposed and raw and vulnerable, all while pretending to yourself and others you are all right. I know all about being numb, and not knowing who you are... about losing yourself and floundering alone. What I'm trying to say is your story is relatable, probably to more people than you might think. That first step is honesty with yourself, and facing up to the whole damn thing. When thoughts enter of wanting to end it all, they are terrifying, and I hope you are never in that place again. In many ways, I see now that writing saved me, awakening a side of me I had lost. Creating something good, whether is a story, a song, a painting, a piece of furniture, or maybe a blanket, is a great way to balance out the turmoil and the regrets. Creating is always positive, and it sounds like you have come a long way. Wishing you all the best as you move forward. Cheers... Gary....

Happy Sunday/Monday, all.

Hi, Albert.

Just me and Cookie now. My son and his girlfriend should be home soon, though. I trimmed some cedar trees so I could get a better view of the paddock from the family room. I hate when the mare is out of sight.

Break over. I have the most beautiful girl (sorry, Cookie) asking Papa if we can go see the horse up close.