skinnydragon

The story is a must-read for anyone who enjoys GA. Dayne is a wonderful writer and slips beautiful character development and serious topics right by you while you are laughing at/with his believably unbelievable cast! It was a joy to discover the notice each time a new chapter was posted. WLM was always the first thing I read. Just remember to keep your kittens locked up when you read it!

worried introspection and ungrounded grounds are the bane of the insomniac -- how well I know Nice verse, nonetheless, even if it put a frown on my face

Monday was the first of July and the first I determined to get to the bottom of the Steve business. I had gone through a lot of mental phases on Steve. Of course, the shock of betrayal was the initial phase. I must admit that I did run from the situation. There was no way to sugarcoat it. I was a coward – an injured coward, but a coward nonetheless. The second phase was distance. I placed distance between myself and even thinking about Steve. I also put a distance between me and any other possib

Very moving, tim. Content but yearning, safe but questioning and resigned but hopeful. Seriously tough stuff.

A great first chapter with a quick twist! I assume the next one is written and ready to be rolled out. (or just rolled as the story could go)

Thanks, Gary! And thanks for stealing a little time for Toph. One problem readers must never forget with a story narrated by one individual is that everything we think we know is through his perspective. When that individual has certain... er... adjustment problems, well, we maybe need to begin reading between the lines.

Thanks, Gary! It's great to hear the painting description had a real connection!! Oh, your right, Toph is inexperienced with human interaction and has a long way to go in this year of discovery. Hopefully he'll learn from the inevitable mistakes.

Such perfect thoughts and rhyme trickling down the page like the bright autumn leaves. They appear so simple and perfect at first blush, but reveal themselves to be complex and robust upon closer inspection. Well done, Gary!

Nice going, Carlos. The new boys seem to be fitting in pretty well, although Brad seems just on the edge of out of control. Could be some interesting times ahead.

Great chapter, mitchelll ! It's nice seeing Shane believe in Jason's love a little more each episode. When he realizes that Jason will be his ultimate savior (mental and emotional) then he will have made it. I think there will be some tough times ahead, though.

You know, Graeme, I read this story almost a year ago. It left me with good feelings. So, when nothing much interested me on GA this week, I decided to re-read it. I'm really glad I did. I think the first time through, I was caught up in the action each chapter would bring. I could see it was David's journey, but you wrote all the characters so well that it was very easy to get distracted into their little world. This time though, the warmth of the story came shining through. Maybe it was because I sort of knew in advance how things were going to develop from chapter to chapter. Without that 'whats-next?' aspect I was able to appreciate the real strength of the story. The love that guided David through his angst and into realization provided the warmth I mentioned before. So, well done! This is an amazing little story which rewards the reader more, each time it is read. Thank you for this.

Stunning, Parker! We all have those isolated moments in our voyage through life-time. You have expressed those common moments, common thoughts and common regrets so beautifully. Thanks for this.

Thanks, tim! Yes he has become a stronger individual and he's going to need it because we're almost to the end and Mother will be right there at the finish line. Will he be powerful enough on his own or will he need his lover's added strength you talked about? Stay tuned.

Thanks, Gary! Yeah, I was worried about the reception of the POV switches, but it was the clearest way I could come up with to show how Toph felt about certain things. It seems to have worked--whew!

Thanks, Gary! I appreciate your great comments. Of course, everyone always drools over Garys!

Happy Birthday, Tor! sixteen - Wow!

Happy Birthday, MrM! Enjoy your day

Excellent chapter, Carlos! Things rarely remain the same. You've shown it both with the developments in the chapter and also with the sly metaphor when Rod explained the change CJ brought to César and Brett's lives. We have a lot going on now, and it will impact CJ. Let's hope he's able to keep his head on straight. I think he will.

I only allow myself to think What I really should say "And thereby hangs a tale" as some 'other' poet once wrote. A very moving verse, Gary. Well expressed, but it all seems to hinge on your two lines quoted above, no?

Delicious, craftingmom! I sort of expected Barrett would get to Kye somehow. Kye's father was stupid, though. The note clearly showed where he was going and Evander knows, as well. So, no matter what happens, Kye's father is a dead man. Maybe we need a pool at GA to pick who kills him. Can't wait for next Friday to arrive!

The end of a great chapter, Rex! I say chapter because I know you'll have another story which touches on this gang again. I really enjoy how this little galaxy of stories is evolving. You put a lot of humanity (humanness?) into your characters, which is a remarkable talent. Good stuff!!

Thanks, Gary! I'm so glad you discovered this story. There are some rough times ahead for Toph but also some rewarding times. Enjoy the ride!

Thanks so much, Randy! I see you've caught up! Just in time, too. Only three more chapters and the year will be over! I'm gonna miss Toph. He's been fun to write.

Thanks, AC! As I'm sure you've noticed, Toph takes a looong time and lots of internalizing to come to any action. But Steve has been put off just long enough for him to act. If Steve seriously implicates his mother, will Toph skip right over that 'neutral ground' and attack?

Thanks, jess! The chapters ARE getting longer, aren't they. I agree with you that Toph would surely have retreated back into his shell without the support. Now, there needs to be a little test to completely emancipate him, and that will necessarily involve his mother.