Headstall

Lol... I like to make a man smile hard. I'm pleased you find this story a delight. There is an innocence to these men I loved exploring... and I ain't done yet. We'll see what lessons will be learned in the tent. Cheers!

Ah, Larkspur... finally. I loved rereading this chapter, feeling the excitement of the boys as the get to know this magical little western town. There is nothing but hope here... we'll see if it is warranted. Phineas Lemon was one of those characters fully formed in my mind before I wrote him... a typical bureaucrat. Lol... tart and sour.... *groans* . Cheers, my friend. Hope you like what's coming.

Lol. Boone is trying to protect himself... well... Coy too. I think there is still too much cloudy thinking going on with the man, so it's the right decision. Now get up of that brick before you hurt yourself, Arron. Cheers and thanks.

Will did a lot of damage in his short life. The West created hard men, some of them downright evil, thinking nothing of taking life. Will the polecat was one of those. I'm fine with him roasting... or being boned... on the devil's spit. Cozying up was a common practice amongst cowboys trying to survive in harsh weather as they traveled. But, there are complications when there are feelings involved. Boone is doing his best not to influence Coy, but it has to be a dream come true to have the man holding him tight. We'll see if it can continue. Thanks, buddy... I'm enjoying this. Loved the conversation between them in this. I think we understand a lot more than we did... and so does Boone. Cheers!

Thank you so much, kind sir. It's definitely an important one, and a favorite for me. Confusion about where I fit is something I understand well, so I get Coy's dilemma. He loves Boone... but maybe it's just as friends.

Lol...

I was swept downriver on horseback (didn't take long for us to be separated) and I can tell you it was very traumatic. I had some doozy nightmares, but funny enough, it took quite a while for them to show up... like months after the fact. Being close to unrequited love is one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. Boone is in hell, but he's used to it.

What can I say? I am a considerate author, so you can probably relax.

Sheriff Willard was a character who intrigued me right from the time he entered my head. He should have only been a bit player, but his role became very important as soon as I introduced him. I agree he is/was a mystery. Boone needs to take it easy, but the journey should go easier now. Right? Thanks for the wonderful comments, Aaron. Cheers!

As a serious horseman for many decades, I take great satisfaction when I can put horses in a story. Blue is very much like a mule I was familiar with way back when.

Yay, Blue! He finally came in handy, saving our hero. Yep, there be some nursing going on, and it's nice to have the boys together again. Cheers and thanks, buddy.

Yeah, Blue. You've probably figured out by now that Blue is as much a character in this story as the people. Lol. It was one hell of a storm wasn't it? I know childhood storms too... storms on the east coast of Canada can be vicious, and the rain... it can be like standing under a fire hose. I can see why you related to this... they can come out of the blue (no pun intended) with no warning. You are lucky you survived. I've had trees down and roofs damaged, but no houses destroyed, thank God. This chapter still shakes me up. Cheers! G.

Welcome back, Aaron! Are we a wee bit frustrated with the boys? Lol. Boone is definitely confused, but sometimes we start down a certain path and the impetus carries us forward. Boone can't take back his words, and Coy is dealing with it. Happy you are still enjoying this... I just reread this chapter and am right back in it. Cheers! Gary....

Congrats, Albert.

Hey, Tink! I'm doing okay... resting so far... just watched the final episode of The Rings. Cooking cabbage rolls for dinner. I see you had a great lunch.

Happy Saturday/Sunday, all!

Aloha, Albert.

Hey, brother B. No, it's the motor or whatever controls the speed of the flames. Everything works perfectly, including the remote. All the flame and rock colors work, as does the heater, which is quiet but powerful. I don't notice the noise much when the TV is on, but I paid a lot of money for a good product, and this is bullcrap. It's frustrating, but if I have to send it back, I will. Just waiting to hear from the manufacturer. My son says Amazon would pay shipping if I have to, and then send me a new one.

Installed my electric fireplace and it looks incredible... but it makes a noise every five seconds. Has to do with the flame speed because if I slow it down it happens about every nine seconds. I am PISSED. I called Amazon customer service and they are contacting the supplier. I had to send a video of the noise, but I haven't heard back yet. Why is it always me????????????????????? Soooooo much work and I can't just enjoy it. Damn!!

Daniel is well named. It is not wise to tackle religion, but I did anyway. It is populated by some unsavory characters in real life, but that doesn't mean faith isn't a wonderful thing. It is the organizers I took a shot at. Love is beautiful, and that fact should never be forgotten in a church. After all, is God not love? I loved Daniel in this... a street kid who takes on the establishment is a simple but commanding way. Kind of a David vs Goliath story... but about fighting for love. Thanks, buddy.

Thanks, Terry. I never used to be a short story fan, but after writing so many, I have become a convert. They can definitely pack a punch. Your words are very kind... I have worked hard at writing compact stories, so I appreciate what you say here. Cheers! G.

In Canada we have these 'hockey parents' whose whole lives are wrapped up in their talented kids, with the hope and goal of making the NHL. They aren't bad parents, but they will admit the other kids often take back seats because of the time and cost it takes to support a hockey player. Of course there is ego involved, and I wanted to show that here in Marilyn. The twins are the 'athletes' and Blake is the 'nerd', but is he really? No... he is every bit as talented as his siblings, just in a different way. The twins are cool... which is often the case. Alison's support over Ryan shows how caring she is. I agree Ryan was awkward... it's hard to put yourself out there as a gay man, but he hung in there. Happy you liked this one, Terry. It was one of three for an anthology, and I wrote my little heart out that year. This one remains a favorite. Appreciate the kind words, my friend. Cheers! Gary....

Both poems are beautiful. I very much related to the first one. Sometimes we can have too many ideas. Wonderful imagery.