raven1

I wonder how her husband convinced her to go on the zipline? Oh well, somethings will always remain a mystery. Especially @kbois!

The Korner Krew know the feeling. Even our hit and run tactics are futile, even if fun.

Good Morning All! Wishing you all a good day. Now that the flooding is over and the cleanup almost done, did I go out? No. I spent the day reading, cooking and cleaning up after myself. I read the first two chapters of Endings. It was still difficult for me because of personal issues brought up are too close to reality. Since this is my second reading however, I was happy to say that I had a different perspective, and the read was much easier. As for cooking, I decided to find a recipe online for Cottage Pie. It sounded great, so I followed it exactly as written. It's OK, but not as tasty as I remember it. I don't know if it is because of the recipe or my own tastes changing. It just didn't have the same savory combination of spices. It definitely was not as flavorful as I had hoped. As for cleaning, I'm a messy cook and Aod knows how to make me feel guilty if I don't clean up after myself. I will be cooking tomorrow also. I have a ton of fresh basil growing on the balcony, so I have decided to trim it back and make pesto. Fortunately, it doesn't require a lot of cleanup. 😄

Realistic, but not a realistic expectation at this point. Why didn't Chase use this instead of running when Hank proposed? I grew much closer to Hank as more and more situations described how much he had been there as a caregiver for Chase. Been there and done that so many times. The description of Christine's slow descent to death and the effects of morphine on her dignity was especially hard. I was also a caregiver for my mom when she broke her hip and was hallucinating from morphine. Following that was her diabetes, lose of one leg then the second leg. It is so obvious they are both deeply hurt, but still love each other. Good advice, but it needs to be a joint effort. Damn, but I heard this one too many times. Difficult for me to believe Chase wanted to deal with his depression when he did something like this. Originally this sounded to me like Chase was using his depression to manipulate those around him. My ex said he was cured and didn't need the medicine anymore the minute he felt better. Of course, I probably followed the doctor's advice because of my experiences with the ex not following doctor's orders. I did love Cindy and her talk with Chase sounded so real. I do have a different take overall than I had before. To me Chase sounded more sincere in this second read. I don't think he is completely broken and hope that Hank's love for him will be amply rewarded when Chase manages to overcome his bad habits and deal with his depression effectively.

This is my second read for this story, and I have to admit that it is as difficult as it was before. That is because you have an amazing talent of involving readers in the emotions of the characters. As before, I find Chase to be a character I find difficult to bond to. He stubbornly focuses on the negatives in his life, and seeks to hide instead of face challenges. Hank does seem to still be in love with Chase, but also avoids being hurt. It may help you to understand my comments better if I explain why I said that I believed Chase was abusing Hank. My mother was a very, very strong and loving mother who supported our family with all her heart and strength. Many things led to her depression, but as a preteen I did not understand. All I knew then was the loss of her strength and love for my father, brother and myself. Fortunately, it only lasted about a year, but at an early age I had to be a caregiver for my 7 year old brother, my mother, my father and myself. My dad was also a wonderful man, but was trying to raise two boy, take care of my mom and still provide for the family alone without the tremendous support mom provided before and after her depression. It was a very difficult time for the family. Not abusive, but definitely scary for a 10 year old. My time as a caregiver for my ex-boyfriend was much more abusive, especially after he cheated on me. I forgave him, but the final 5 years together he was very abusive. He lied, withdrew emotionally, used guilt and sympathy to manipulate me. I had to finally end the abuse and become emotionally unattached. That took all of those 5 years plus the psychiatrist who helped me fight my own depression and re-establish my own sense of self worth and independence. I know what happens to Chase and Hank will not be the same as my experience, but thought a explanation of my experiences would help clarify my comment(s). Your writing skills are in the top echelon in GA, but your character development and ability to create reader empathy for the characters is unsurpassed anywhere. What a well written chapter!

Good advice and I am glad you are flexible. Ballet is a great start for any dancer. Other styles can wait while the basics are mastered.

There are some interesting and hopeful things I found in this chapter that had me thinking. The first was Warren, Simone’s personal blood slave, being able to scent that Kaven was not drinking blood from Konstantin. Do blood slaves acquire heighten sensory abilities with longevity? The next thing that impressed me was how Kaven and Konstantin had become friends with a very loyal group in Maria, Martin and Emil. Also, that Emil is the leader of the soldiers. The fact that they are helping Kaven and Konstantin at the risk of their own lives is very impressive. Finally, I loved how the group has outsmarted the bitch and her minions to fully bond Kaven and Konstantin. I patiently await the revolution that will change the Night Clan and get rid of the creeps in power.

How was Max's response to your talk about learning different dance forms other than ballet? I bet Morgan appreciates your kitchen skills considering his occupation. Is he aware of your traitorous opinion of his workplace?

I love that Bouncer is not only being recognized as intelligent, but also as a safe playmate for kids. This is a story that is about him as much as it is of Garjah and Essell. I can understand how both Essell and Garjah feel about living underground. I may be impressed by caves with crystals, stalagmites and stalactites, but after an hour or two am ready to see the light! Great chapter!

Hey Page! I am happy you like it, but I have this thing about clowns and murderous dolls. (Also zombies, chainsaw murderers and other soulless villains like Bridget in Circumnavigation.) How are you and the guys?

Hi Gary! Stripping wallpaper is a messy, tedious job that I promised myself I would never do again. I have purposely rejected any prospective home (for over 40 years) that has wallpaper. I had some time yesterday to read, so I decided to read Dirty Pool. I absolutely loved it! I love your short stories and plan to read them all before Christmas. I am also going to reread Endings again. This time I will try to be more objective and not emotionally caught up in my own past problems. It is your only novel I haven't reviewed, and I hope that I will be able to do so after the second read. Take care buddy! 😊

Sleep well Albert!

Hi All! Hope you had a good day today!

Goodnight Drewbear! Sorry that your no nukes initiative was suspended, but it was in a good cause.

Definitely Siblings. 🤔 One moment they are fighting against each other, then they are fighting someone else to protect each other. No holds barred.

Sorry for the mixup. Reno is a much better place. I like the drive from Tahoe in to Reno, also the mountains and forest are so close to Reno. Best of both climates a short drive away.❤️

I couldn't find any claim in the comments, so I'll claim him. He's too cute and cuddly looking to feel rejected. Hands off Drew. You snoozed!

Awesome Albert! I'll expect to hear about a small earthquake in Lost Wages next Monday!

Howdy Drewbear! I see you have hired a new PR staff. Good move!

What a great trip! I loved the description of the zipline adventure. I'm with you about anything involving jumping or falling from a high place. Not going there. As far as Ian went, I have a great deal of empathy. Chiang Mai was subjected to about a week of flooding following 8 days of nonstop torrential rain. I don't envy you the task you now face. I think you will need another vacation.

I'm glad to hear that the prison is working out for the community. Sheridan was a good place for me in high school, but the community was unsettled when the then proposed prison was first announced.

Gary writes some great novels, but not as well know are his short story gems. Dirty Pool is a realistic and compelling story of the power of friends, the need for communication and trust in a relationship. It has a happy and feel good ending. This story can be read as a great way to just feel better, or as a sampler of @Headstall's stories and awesome skills as a writer. I highly recommend this story, as well as others by Headstall.

As usual Gary, the characters are very well written and readers can develop a bond with them because they are very empathetic. Inability to effectively communicate and game playing have been the nemesis of many loving relationships. This theme was quickly revealed. The ending was perfect for many reasons. First, because it has re-established a relationship worth saving. Second, because it demonstrates the power of friends to help heal, even if they use a white lie to do it. Kelly is a great character. Next, because Carl is an asshole and I won't waste hate on him. Duncan's declaration that he no longer wants Carl in his personal world may actually work to change Carl for the better. The crowning touch is Danny. For several reasons, he is the hope of the future for their family. Intentional or not, his hearing problem may force Leon and Duncan to quickly develop better listening and speaking habits so all communications in the family are enhanced. Your ability to accomplish this story using dialogue is what truly impresses me. Not only is the dialogue realistic, but it quickly and efficiently defines the characters, theme and sets a compelling plot that is well paced. This is a sparkling short story and gem you should be very proud of @Headstall!

Late in getting this read, but it was a lovely chapter. I loved Loren's protectiveness of his babies. Jay too. I had to laugh at Aido and Carson's different reactions. I felt great that Jay's parents finally came through and immediately bonded. Jay has worked miracles with them by standing up to them and making them face the truth. Wonderful chapter! (I also like that Katje lived in McMinnville. I went to Sheridan HS about 15 miles from there. It's a nice town.)

@Gary L You are evil, evil, evil! A book that length would take longer to write than my life expectancy. Besides, I think @Carlos Hazday might have a few objections. 😜