Headstall

I love when readers can relate to my stories. This chapter was personal to me. I've had some very mixed experiences, with both cancer, and what exists between fathers and sons. I too, am deeply grateful for the time I shared with my stepfather after he got sick. He said things he never would have said before. This story arc... this chapter... was a difficult undertaking for me, but I truly believe it helped me come to terms with some stuff. That is the power of writing, whether it be poetry or prose. This comment is not heavy at all. I learn a lot from these comments... things I need to learn. I'm so pleased you found the conversation deeply moving. Happy too you are all smiles. Cheers, my friend. Gary....

I'm terrible with actual dates, but I remember all my firsts, and some memories are on a loop when I go to bed at night. I sometimes wake up with an ache for things passed, but it is usually a sweet ache. Memories are treasures that help us make sense of our lives as we turn them to see from every angle. Loss makes gain sweeter, but it's not always easy to appreciate. We need to hold on, yet we must let go. Sigh. Another great poem... I appreciated all of your efforts here. You are a superb poet who communicates skillfully. Cheers!

My favorite so far, because it fills me with hope and reminds me to not give up. Beautifully written, Adi. I want all of that, except for the black bear. I would prefer a red tailed fox. Thank you for this one. Cheers!

Sacrifices go unnoticed, and loyalty is stomped on when it comes down to dollars and cents. Working people have the illusion we are cared for... protected by those above, but the truth is when push comes to shove, we are only numbers. I really got the feeling behind this one. That bitter taste is impossible to swallow away. The rich get richer... Great poem, Adi. Cheers!

Ouch. Really powerful poem, Adi. The sad fact is life plays with our best plans, and when we are left alone to pick up the pieces, we can become our pain... raw and bitter... and afraid. Choked me up, this one.

Fortune favors the brave and it sometimes takes a lot of courage, in the game of love, to pick yourself up and carry on. Sometimes we catch the carrot at the end of the stick, and this poem shows us that beautifully. Love is worth all the frogs for the sake of one prince. Beautiful message here, Adi. Cheers!

A cowboy's work is never done...

Happy Friday, all! Have you read my new western anthology story yet?

Absolutely captivating story of life and love for two unlikely characters. The author spins a great tale, and does it deftly. What else can I say except read this! Cheers!

My eyes are bleary and tired, but I am smiling. This was a wonderful read, Mrsgnomie. I admit I read it in installments throughout the day, because I'm old and I had chores to take care of, but coming back to it was seamless. It was so very well written, and filled with endearing, challenging, and fascinating characters. All in all, it had all the elements a good romance needs, and even a few extra. Loved the humor, the charm, the flow... and oh lord... Jensen. I'll take one of him any day. Kudos and Cheers! Gary....

I appreciate that, Dan. Humor is a big part of my writing, at least in the majority of my stories, because humor is an important part of life. In truth, I have spent a lot of my writing time laughing too, especially during this story. It balances out all the tears. Cheers, and thanks once again.

Good morning, Mr. B.

We call that bull rustling. Can hang for that.

How did you hold the camera while wearing a straitjacket?

Lol. We all have something that drives us crazy. Rereading this chapter, I cringe at some of the writing, but the message gets through, and that's what's important. One day I plan on doing some serious editing. Michael has a hell of a supportive family... and Kendall, not so much. We'll hear more about them in the future chapters. Thanks, buddy. Cheers! G.

Aww... thank you, Dan. You are too kind. Writing lovemaking scenes wasn't exactly easy for me back then, but how could I not let them express their love in this intimate way. Some readers skip such scenes, and I totally understand that, but I had to include them when it felt right. Yeah, maybe some foreshadowing... . Cheers! Gary....

Don't you just love love? These guys, these best friends, have found something truly special, something some of us can only dream of. I adore these guys, and the fact they can be so vulnerable in that love. Neither man is afraid to be sappy, and I find that the most attractive trait. Glad 'Moondoggie' cracks you up. Us old guys have a wealth of trivia knowledge to draw on, stuff that makes us smile and takes us back. I won't give you any spoilers about what comes next, but we know these guys pretty well now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me, buddy. It truly makes my day. Cheers!

Happy Thursday, all!

Damn! I paid ninety cents for my brains.

I knew "Sidewinder" fans would pick up on that description. Right from the beginning I wanted them to end up in Larkspur, and if this hadn't have been an anthology story, and thus a short one, that is where my story would have taken them. I still see Larkspur in my dreams, it has become so real to me. I can see Bone and Coy's laneway, and Mitch's bridge. I also knew without a doubt that you would know exactly who the doctor was, and that it would trigger your thoughts about him possibly being Boone's father. That part was really fun. You make a good point about Virgil and Boone having some similarities in their demeanor. I love having you in my literary world, my platonic friend. We will have our Mondays again one day. Thanks for your encouraging and uplifting support. it means a lot to me. Cheers!

Vern was just a mouthy drunk with some stupid opinions. Lucas was a traitor to his town, and he was a predator. Maybe we could have some sympathy that the man struggled with his inclinations, but I have a hard time with that. I don't see any redeeming qualities with him. He had no right to do what he did, and he had no right to control Wyatt's life in any shape or form. Yep. Projection. Sometimes it works, but smart people tend to see through it. Lucas was a fool to run his drunken mouth like he did, and he never should have humiliated Wyatt when Virgil was right upstairs. He asked for trouble, and he got it. He practically hung himself. Kissing? Ain't been none of that, my lady. Thanks and cheers! G.

It's easy to miss one short line in a story. That's why rereading can show us stuff we didn't see the first time. So far in all my westerns I have tried to avoid the common cliches, but I can't ignore that gun speed was of primary importance to survival back then. And yeah, you had to be accurate too.

What happened to Wyatt was despicable. No wonder he feels a fool for trusting his 'friend'. He's not a fool, though. Just someone who craved acceptance and friendship. That was so sad to write about. Wyatt needed that conversation, and even though Virgil exposed himself to someone he didn't really know, he understood it was a necessity for the young man. We all need to understand ourselves, and in this case Wyatt needed help. Hopefully their talk put him back on track so he could stop hating who he is. You're right about Virgil grieving Norrie long enough. Four years is a long time for a heart to stay closed. Lol. Lottie was barking up the wrong tree with Virgil. I wanted her to be sympathetic, but I also needed to show her hardness at living a hard life. Yeah, teeth need daily care, and there was no good reason not to do that. The fact is, though, hygiene was hit and miss for a lot of folks during that time. Many worked sunup to sundown and were more concerned with feeding themselves that much else. Thanks, my friend. Cheers!

Lol. You can call him Cinco... I like that... but his real name is mentioned... “I saw you and Murray talking." I like that you looked up their names. That shows a lot of interest so far. Yes, there is already a connection that has happened... it happened before they even met, when Wyatt warned Virgil about Lucas's table potentially causing trouble. He had his back too. Virgil is upstanding in every way, and fortunately he has the gun speed to back him up. Still, he was vastly outnumbered, yet spoke his mind about the bigotry of the town. That is to be admired, and Wyatt surely does... admire him. Thanks for the great comment, my friend... I always look forward to hearing your thoughts about my stories... or anything else. Cheers!

Tonya Harding! Yeah, it certainly got the ball rolling. Kendall has some serious thinking to do. Can't help but feel bad for Michael... he's trying. Lots more to come... hope you're enjoying it so far, Dan. Cheers! Gary....