Reader1810

Hey Tim Came back to check GA and found this little gem. You may have had some help, but you were the one brave enough to take a chance. For that, the reward is all yours. Now if the Jays can only hang tight, it will be a really good night. As always, nicely done and thank you for sharing your journey with us.

There is darkness in this poem but I see it touching the other more than you. The words are wise and full of strength in knowing what is right. You really are amazing Gary. Blush all you want, but take the compliment to heart, you've earned it.

Prompt Me Pick of the Week. Congrats Mr. Abecedarian Poet!!

Hey Tim Drew's right in calling what James, Faris and Larry get up to and into an adventure. Routine everyday life is never just that, when one, two or three of them is involved. My only disappointment? The candy was all gone... Nicely done.

Fantanstic chapter Carlos! First, I gotta say that I loved the personal shout out. It made me laugh and left me smiling for quite a long while...very much appreciated. CJ was shining in this chapter. I loved how cool, collected and mature he was in how he dealt with two difficult situations. I was impressed that he kept his cool and dealt with the inappropriate advances of the hotel concierge. Removing himself from the situation and taking going directly to the manager was the grown up thing to do. He also handled his clueless (as I said in the forum, I still agree she is that) and self-absorbed (came to the conclusion, she is that as well) in his rejecting her request for a kiss and a hug. The woman is acting as if nothing has gone on between them and then to use the line 'you wouldn't understand' she is completely disregarding any notion that CJ is mature enough to know what is going on. News flash lady, your kid is more mature and understands a lot more than you ever will! Inherent attributes, no doubt, but heavy on influence of his dads', the Elite "Eight" and his months in D.C. Lastly, I like how Ritchie and Rod connected as the "straight" brothers. Rod, who I think Ritchie hero worships a little bit (the reference to his height when they met is a clue and the attention given to him) has helped reinforce in Ritchie the idea that having a gay family member is okay and be proud of. With this, I see the near opposite for Paddy. He may have his mother and brother to reinforce this ideal, but they are not "new and shiny" like Rod so won't impress as much. There is also the fact that Ritchie's parents have kept CJ's sexuality a secret so no one around him knows. This allows him to be influenced by more positive than negative attitudes - I don't think Ritchie gives a lot of credence to anything LCD and Lourdes might say... Again, thanks for the shout out.

While Kendall has a proven track record of success for handling difficult emotional situations, Michael is still learning. Today's chapter showed us his potential to be an "A" student. It was difficult seeing Michael struggle with what to say to Nate while simultaneously wishing Kendall was still there to take the lead. Michael was out of his comfort zone, but I think he handled himself quite well and Nate was none the wiser regarding Michael's perception of his counselling abilities. In the end, I think Michael recognized that he has what it takes to the "emotional stuff". What he needs to do now, is not defer to Kendall in the future, but take charge himself. As always, an excellent chapter Gary. Thank you.

That was amazing and wonderful and super cool! The things we take for granted... PS: I think this is my 600th post..it's a nice one

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Hey Tim As always, you have a beautiful way with words.

Full of a lot of angst, this one is. But I also see a soul who refuses to give in and give up. The desire to come out on top is strong. The darkness cannot win. Emotional words Gary and, as always, beautifully written.

Hey Tim I absolutely loved Lyric #1 and the Tanka. The love expressed in L1 was evident from start to finish. It is sweet, gentle and kind. It is also all encompassing and truly felt down to the soul. As for the Tanka, it is saying a lot in few words. The endless days of grey skies have been washed away by a gentle storm leaving sunshine in its wake. It's always better to live in warm sunshine... Lyric #2 and the Writer leave me perplexed. I'm not sure what they are saying...ideas are swirling in my mind but none of them have anchored. Let's just leave it that I am still contemplating the meaning of two beautifully written poems. I understand now, the true importance of the notebooks. These poems are too good to have been left to chance. As always, I am amazed at your skill with words. Well done.

Lit. For your first story, I have to say you've shot out of the gate with a bang. I instantly fell in love with Merrick and Jensen and can't wait to read more about them. I'm actually glad I didn't start reading this right away - now I don't have to wait for an update. The writing style is smooth and easy to follow. I was engrossed by this tale almost immediately. Well done!!

Hey Tim You've been through so much that I cannot begin to comprehend... I'm glad you now know what it was that haunted your dreams so that you can banish it to where it belongs. I wish you sweet dreams with tonight being the first of many. Thank you for sharing your words with us.

Hey Cynus, by the time you see this it will officially be your birthday, soooooo H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y

I didn't think it would, but this chapter made me cry. What an emotional punch in the gut it was. Thank goodness it morphed into a happy tale. I have to say that I really appreciated Big Mike's stern approach to his conversation with Mark. In doing so, he showed Mark in another way how a real dad should act. As usual, Nate is his adorable self once again. His burden has become a lot lighter. There was a lot of positives happening in this chapter leading like a beacon to a brighter future for all - not that I have any doubt that it's heading in that direction. Amazing amazing chapter Gary. I'm really going to miss this story when it's done. Guess I can always start again from the beginning.

Number 11 is in the can.

For once I had a like, but for the sake of continuity :heart: Hey Tim Both were really beautiful the first is obvious, you wrote about Autumn. for the second, I'm going to be very specific, but it's still a bit of a guess as I haven't been there, but plan to go soon - Edwards Gardens in Toronto.

Really really cool. Thanks for posting this Cynus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARK!!

Out of Likes :heart: :heart: Hey Tim I really liked both poems - both how they were written and what they said. Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful woman who gave you many many good memories of your all too brief time together. Your thoughts regarding writing in the Tanka style were interesting to those of us who does not write poetry. Since it the finished product we see and not the journey it to get there, the final words you present make it appear easy, but in reality it takes a lot of work and heart. Your efforts are appreciated.

Hey Tim First , I just have to say I would never advocate stringing up the author. So, get that thought out of your head, right now As for the ending of this tale, I am very happy with the end result. Sim (not mentioning Daniel since he is too new to the scene for "rules" to apply) is a wee rascal getting together with Daniel like he did. But then, he is so darn likeable (can blame the author for that ) that one cannot really be mad at him for his behaviour - well, not much any.way. As a group of 4 in a relationship (I've read other stories of this nature, so I see the merit in such couplings), I'd say that Roger, Jack, Sim and Daniel have a good chance of staying together happily if they remember to do one thing -- communicate!! Great story. No pressure, but I am already looking forward to the next one.

Really nice Tim. just a little kindness by many would mean a lot

Having gotten my B.A. in Art History, I have to say I do love a lot of that grandiose art and architecture - except for Rococo, which is the epitome of over the top tackiness - think keeping up with the Jones's gone off the rails. But, like Drew, I do realize all of this came at the expense of "the little people" . What it boils down to for me is that far too many haves" use the "have nots" (be it in mind, body or money) to stay get something for themselves. it's wasn't just in religion, but in societies clinging to the tradition of class or caste ranking. You would think that in the 21st century things would be better, unfortunately that is not the case. As always, great writing on your part Gary. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family

My favourite is Tomato. I think I need to buy some more - only one left in the cupboard. after I roll my eyes and nash my teeth a little bit that is.. AWESOME COMMERCIAL!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSTLE!!