Headstall

I've missed your comments and how in depth you get into a story. It is very rewarding for me. Gran is a character who felt real the instant I envisioned her. She was my monster, my creature for the feature, but we needed to know why that was. Human monsters are most often made, but yeah, some seem to come out of the womb miserable. In my mind, children should always be protected and nurtured to be their best self, and it shouldn't matter to a good heart who they choose to 'lie' with. Which came first? Was her husband destined to stray, or did he give up on marriage to this surly, hateful woman? Was gran once a sweet wife, twisted by indiscretion? We will never know, but I believe there is a good chance Moss's grandpa was driven away. And yes, I don't believe he died. I choose to believe he had a good life with a good man. That said, maybe he was an asshole. Gran was weak. Even betrayed, if she was, I don't think it excuses cruelty. Even if her husband was heartless, there was no reason to push any sins onto the child. It was evil to have such hate for such a natural function as a boy's privates. Bearpaw. Yeah, I knew your brain would try to work out some connection. And yeah, the town of Salvation was a ruse... the real salvation was the self- acceptance and love Moss... and Link... found on their journey. So.... there is a connection to Bearpaw, something fun for just the writer really. The last chapter of Bearpaw was called "Caught', and I thought it fitting (Moss was 'caught' out for peeking) and a little sneaky to use that title for this solo chapter. As always, I thank you for always being in my corner where life and my writing are concerned. I consider you a dear friend, and wish you nothing but the best.

Thanks, Doc! Glad I could make you smile. Tying this to Bearpaw felt right, and opens possible new avenues for me in the future. I am having a very busy week, but I will get to your story eventually. Appreciate your support, buddy. Cheers!

Oh, Sherye, I was so tempted to go on a longer journey with this one, but my main goal was to support the Anthology with an entry, so my instincts had to be curtailed. Sometimes, though, these smaller snapshots of life in the Old West can pack a sweet punch. At least, I hope this one did. So happy to hear you found it amazing. Cheers, dear friend.

Thank you, spyke! Westerns have become this comfortable little niche for me. I don't know why that is, but I won't question my muse. Your kind words are truly appreciated. Cheers! Gary.

Thank you, Albert! It felt good to be back in the saddle again with a new western. Glad you liked it.

Hello, sweet Sherye! Thanks for bringing me back to this story. It was my very first attempt at a western, and still feels special to me. If I hadn't written this, I might never have written a western at all. I'm pleased you think it's a great story. I did always intend to continue Wiley and Cooper's journey, but other writing took precedence. That happens a lot, where I get a feeling about an idea and I'm almost powerless to stop it. Anyway, it is great to hear from you again.

Thank you, dear friend. As always, you are very kind in your support for my work. This comment is so uplifting, and leaves with a smile of satisfaction. Ah... "Field of Dreams"... a favorite of mine too, and a great line. "Idaho" works, but "Bearpaw" is better. I have been so busy the last couple of days. I've been cleaning out my garage and barn, and have a huge dumpster coming tomorrow (forty years of accumulation). I even ripped out the wooden floor of my tack room because of some rot in a couple of joists... but I've been checking in every few hours, and when I read your comment it made the day so much better. I'm exhausted, so my responding to more comments may have to wait till I've had some sleep, but I wanted to respond to this one before I crashed. Again, thank you!

Hey, J J! Yeah, this could have been a multi chapter story, but I reined myself in... my last western antho entry was four chapters, but I'm afraid I caused a few headaches by doing something wrong in the posting... didn't want to put anyone through that again. There is a multi chapter western in my head, though, that I've been ruminating over for a while now. Will we return to Bearpaw? That remains to be seen. Thanks for sharing your good thoughts with me, friend. I enjoyed writing Moss and Link. Cheers!

Thanks, bro! It feels good to support the Anthology, a long-held GA tradition. I had two ideas come to mind, and of course I chose the western. Happy you liked it. Cheers!

Just like Drewbear.

Awwww...

My anthology story, a western, has been posted, if anyone is interested...

Happy Birthday, Alberto!!

Well that was a full day for the guys. Nice tribute to Alex. Cheers!

Caught “There you go staring at my pecker again,” Link said clear as a church bell without lifting his shaggy-haired head. Moss’s whole body flinched, the growing hardness in his britches disappearing right quick as he turned his gaze away from what be wetting the ground in front of him. His mount reacted to his shift in the saddle, stepping sideways off the narrow trail into tall, dry grass. Stretching her neck to get more rein, she grabbed a mouthful while he struggled

Set in The Old West, we come upon Moss and Link, two men at a precipice in their young lives. Monsters, real or imagined, come in all forms. Perhaps the most dangerous kind are the real ones, people who believe they have the right, for whatever reason, to abuse and control through fear. When innocence is viciously taken, it can be a long road back to trusting, both yourself and others.

Greetings and salutations.

Um... no... I don't think that's it.

He's never been high unless a ladder was involved.

Hello, all! Let's go, Blue Jays!!!!!!!!

One of the greatest nights of my life!! Thank you! I watched it alone, but my oldest son and I messaged back and forth. It was one hell of a comeback!

A lovely day, a lovely chapter. There is no statute of limitations on loving someone.

Someone's enjoying their vacation.

No treasure found anywhere, though I did find a key to something.

Isn't cleaning the garage fun? Hello, critters.