Headstall

Good night, pissant. Mike calls Nate that.

Night, Albert. Sweet dreams, buddy.

Oh oh. I'm staying out of this one.

Thanks, Terry. People like Carl have no moral center, so it's unlikely he will change, but if I can redeem other characters like , maybe I shouldn't judge him too harshly. Yes, Danny is the hope, but Duncan and Leon fixed this on their own... with a little help from Kelly and Martin. The important thing too is that Leon arranged for the adoption on his own, as a single dad... and that just verifies he was telling the truth all those times he said he wanted family. I love this story, so am really pleased you found it. I wrote it while on a bike ride, and even had the dialogue in my head until I got it written down. As you know, I feel very comfortable writing dialogue, and this dialogue, while rapid-fire challenging, was fun. Kelly is a hoot. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this one, my friend. Cheers!

I'm still confused about that.

It was warm and sunny here. A perfect day really.

I'm doing okay. I just keep working away, and slowly making headway. I must say I miss hearing about @Marty's house/garden renovations. I wonder how he's doing. More than that, I wonder why he left us so abruptly.

I stripped wallpaper today. What fun... not.

"Mummy" had me wondering for a split second, but then I thought, no, it can't possibly be. You left a lot of clues, but kept the surprise for me till the end. This was simply marvelous, northie. I think Lizzie would have found this 'amusing'. I know I did. So innovative, and so well written. Thanks for this. Cheers!

Thank you, my friend. I truly appreciate hearing that, but the fact is I am disappointed in myself.

So much apple to eat? Love that! Mrs. B is such a wonderful character to write. She is a combination of some special women in my life, feisty and curious, and her heart is open. Hormones have powerful, confusing effects when they hit full force, and Nate really needed this talk with his uncles. He'll get used to it... he has no choice. Michael... yeah... he always surprises me with how deeply he feels. He's a special man, and I like special men. Acceptance. Yeah, that describes this chapter perfectly. Stop making you cry? What would be the fun in that, buddy. Cheers! G.

It's been making mine too, Dan, seriously. I love this story, and it makes me feel so good when a new reader gets caught up in it and shares their thoughts. Do I regret leaving it? Yes. Do I regret writing "Morningstar: The Malaise"? Absolutely not! I truly stretched my wings and created something very special, a story I believe I will be remembered for. I also left to write "Exes and Ohs", another story I am proud of, but it was not intentional. I lost my word program when my computer died and lost access to my files, and a half finished chapter, for a time. So I wrote something new on Google Docs (on an old laptop) to keep me busy. It snowballed. I still haven't given up on finishing this story, though. As satisfied as I am with where I left them (a place I intended to leave them all along), I feel bad for those who are disappointed in me. The muse exists, and it is a funny thing... mine can't be controlled. So glad you are considering Morningstar. Cheers, my friend.

Happy Wednesday, all!

Merde! He sounds like a real creep. He belongs in jail. Sorry, Tink.

Yeah, some readers had to wait a long time while I took a break and wrote "Morningstar". I would never leave a story again until it was finished... it's just too hard to focus, especially when bad luck strikes. I had so much fun with this chapter, though. It was a bout family, and that is Christmas for me. Thanks again for all the support you've given this story, Dan. Cheers!

Lol. Ah... maybe I'll think on it before I pinky swear. One day I plan to edit the entire story. But, for now I will leave the giggles.

Bodie's parents have been through a lot, and I love how open Mira is. She is so thankful her son is happy again. I'm pleased your worry turned to wonder. A great big wave of hopefulness is a nice way to put this journey. It's really what I wanted when I started this. I was tired of reading and watching tragedy, awful people, and drug addicts when it came to gay stories. I vowed to myself this would be different... this would be for me. You're right... there are too many giggles in this chapter especially. I need to edit a few of them out. Appreciate this thoughtful comment, my friend. Cheers... Gary....

Thanks, Dan! Sometimes we need a chapter that allows us to catch our breath. Good tension is okay, though. I was saving that Lily story for months when I was writing this. It ended up working out perfectly. Glad you were happy with this one. Cheers!

Saint Kendall strikes again! I believe he had a profound effect on Candy, and that is what got her here. I think we can trust that this new Candy is real. I know what you mean about the young couple and Kleenex... they get to me too, but K and M can still start my waterworks up. A great ride is all I need to hear, Dan. Thank you!

I must admit I got a bit misty-eyed rereading this chapter just now. So glad you feel these special moments like I do. I love how direct Michael can be. He keeps it light, but Bodie and Nate don't doubt his seriousness. Telling this chapter from Bodie's POV really gave us some insights into him and how he feels. Shepherds pie is traditional for sure, but I think it depends on your background. Us Scottish/English/Irish mix folks eat it as a staple, but I've had friends who'd never tasted it before eating at my place. I actually never knew it was appreciated by Aussies, but it makes sense. Thanks for another wonderful, rewarding comment, buddy. Please remember to leave a Story Like on the front story page if you don't mind. Cheers!

Happy Tuesday, all!

Bodie is creative, and he feels things deeply like a lot of gay kids do, so making that box is just the kind of thing he does. He's lucky he has a dad who enjoys working along with him. Mark is getting there. It's 2011, and there are tools to help him be enlightened. I think we can trust he wants to repair the damage he has done... and we can trust he loves his family. Yeah, maybe sometimes this story seems too good to be true, but there really has been a lot of angst throughout. I wanted to show that not all families are intolerant. K and M deserve and demand respect, and their influence on N and B should give them the confidence and the smarts to navigate a sometimes harsh world. Boyfriends! There is a lot of power for a gay kid in that word. Them finding each other has made this author happy too. Woot! Thanks, buddy. I am enjoying this. Cheers!

Lol. Merde. There was a lot happening here, but to me the biggest thing was the email and its response. Yeah, it was heartbreaking. Josh is only trying to survive in a hostile world, and Nate is right to worry for him. Lol... Colleen is a hoot! I love the humor that exists within the family. Have they rescued each other? I'd say definitely... no one can foresee the future, but for now both young men feel good about themselves, like any teenager should. Having a 'boyfriend' means a lot more to these two gay kids than it does to a straight couple who don't have the odds stacked against them. Thanks, Dan. Cheers!

Four reviews?! I thought you'd already reviewed pretty much everything. Thank you, Albert! You are a very sweet and supportive friend. 202 now.