Parker Owens

So you have a natal day! I have joined the crowd today; Let me add to to all in line, Birthday wishes, mighty fine. Happy Birthday!

Yes, he has that ingrained streak of listening to authority. And unlike his father, Mrs. Marjorie is a good soul, if a little pushy. Sometimes, we all need someone like that.

I must thank you for persevering through the entire story, which is quite a challenge. I blush at your kind words; but I can at least say that I enjoyed writing this story, and if I gave you at least as much enjoyment in you reading, then this is wonderful. I teared up myself more then a few times as I wrote. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your encouraging words. It is one of the lovely things about being a member of GA.

I am so very glad these tickled your fancy. They were just the thing to lift me out of a high humidity funk. And now you are probably wanting your own polar vortex? Thanks so much for reading these, and for enjoying them with me.

I wish I could respond to all of you without sniffling. Your comments are so very generous and kind. I hope that each of you finds what Stefan found. And I hope that the characters in A to Z will endure with you as they have with me, and that perhaps they inspire something in you, too.

You have lighted the fuse. Now all I can hope is that the kiss you started doesn't fizzle out. It was certainly getting hot enough to melt the snow outside. Great chapter again, as you have begun to cement Corey and Jason's relationship together with good experiences, cursed good sense and a shared need for the best thing between them. Now if only life can stop getting in the way...

You paint a vivid and engaging picture of Clint and Angie and the way they interact. You blend in the character of their father convincingly, and the result is a beautiful family. We should all have been so lucky to have been in such a picture. But the bucket of cold water you throw on the whole thing with Travis' last message was a masterpiece of mystery and unhappiness. Something tells me there is more to Travis' rejection than meets the eye in that text. This was another wonderful chapter, and I thank you for it. And could there be more, soon, please?

And I blush, a little. Thank you for helping to make these light and more approachable. They were such fun to write. If only removable discontinuities could get the same treatment...

And now Michael. Almost too good to be true. Ironic that the girl thanked him for being 'straight' with her. But getting at Daniel has presented Michael with an intriguing problem. If he's a clever sort, he manage to organise it somehow. Great informational chapter. Now looking for more! Soon, please...

Daniel's lot seems so unfair, so unhappy. You paint that picture so very well, unfortunately. But have also set a good hook, and now I want to see where you will take him.

At least Robbie has begun to cut the connection with Fran. he's been honest with himself enough to do that. Now if he can manage to gather enough courage to come out on his own terms, then perhaps he can find a way to make a relationship with Nathan work. I am glad to see another chapter in this story come out. The situation is very difficult, but part of that difficulty is of Robbie's own making. Thanks, and looking forward to another chapter.

Whew, Erik didn't just show his true colors, he set them off in a technicolor fireworks display! Mike and Alan - and Gary, too - also showed their battle flags, and raised them ranged on Twoey's side. Erik might be able to face down Twoey on his own, and maybe even gooey and another of his friends, but surely not Twoey, plus Gary and Sam...and David. And for that matter, David showed some of of his colors, too, taking time for reading and contemplation. And he had a fantastic day with Donny, the kind that sticks in memory and remains even as an indefinable taste in the mouth even after the specifics are forgotten. You have written a decisive and eventful chapter. Who knew so much in hue he universe. could happen, even as the rest of the world goes about its holiday business? Looking forward to more as soon as you can manage it. I can wait a few minutes.

And what a very nice word you left! Thank you!

Perhaps math teachers, who have a penchant for puns and bad jokes, expect to generate groans. And of course, who can forget feeling lost in lectures or blindingly frustrated by problem sets? More groans. Really, I am just grateful you decided to read these despite your initial reaction. If you liked them, too, then that is a delightful bonus. Now, for extra credit...

Thank you for that affirmation. These lines were written as I supervised a study hall. Don't know who was more bored, the students or me. But I could at least observe them...again, thanks so much for reading and responding to these poems.

I am glad you found them fun to read and think about. The double meanings in mathematics and surfaces and curves can lead to all kinds of fun. Or you can just play with the geometry of it all. Anyway, thanks so much for your taking the time to read and wrestle with these.

If you mostly get it, then you got it. What fun one can have with curves and surfaces, both mathematical, and um...yes. I will never get over that a doughnut and a coffee cup are mathematically the same thing. Thanks for reading and responding!

Topological Tease Consider now polarity, that surface angularity of curvature and swervature that might lead to hilarity. Play chess upon a sphere, be sure your moves aren't ever premature, for no position now protects your backside, which is insecure. Let's exercise our intellects where math and living intersects: the doughnut and the coffee mug are both alike, the pole detects. The cup and pastry make you shrug, but find their poles, and don't cry 'ugh,' for there's a singularity: thei

Diarmad, with grumpy "humph!" got the rest all in the dumph, spoiling innocents at play; sigh...there'll be another day. Great chapter, Adi.

I loved the quote from Seneca. I did not know it, but will keep it for always. Thank you.

Adi, I cannot thank you enough for your kind and generous word in review for A to Z. And Northie is right...the characters still live in my head, even now.

First of all, let me thank you very deeply for your kind and generous words. As you also know, reaction and reflection from readers helps motivate those of us who post stories and poetry here. Let me also thank you for sticking with Andy's journal through some of his horrible early experiences to wind up at this point. I am very glad you have stayed with him thus far. I know what you mean about not quite wanting to reach the end of a story in which you have invested a great deal of time and energy and interest. One wants to become ongoing friends with the characters, and continue the journey, even when the story has come to its end. I have felt this way about a number of books, both by well-known authors, and by authors with just a few tales here on GA. Another reviewer pointed out that chapter 31 marked a new point, a departure of sorts, in Andy's story. He went on to say it was a long time in coming, and I suppose that is true. I couldn't help feeling then, and still feel now, that many stories hurry the changes and transformations that take place in people's lives. So many such changes are subtle, slow and only recognizable in retrospect. Of course, major events do take place along the way, as this chapter demonstrated. Anyway, thank you for your very, very kind review, which made me blush redder than the monarda blooming in my garden. I am very happy that A to Z has held your interest and that you have enjoyed it thus far.

Thank you for your very kind review. The crossing of the line...culturally, geographically, and invisibly, in the case of the Seneca Nation...happened in many parts of his story. And the two men surely took a chance on several levels and in several instances. But writing Nate Blueye into the story was great fun. I am glad it provoked some thought and made you smile at turns. I so appreciate your reflections and patience.

I should have thought one puff of Dragon breath would scorch a giant hogweed to the ground. That's kind of like what the State Environmental Department does, anyway. They must have their own Dragon. You say these were terrifying, and so I may have accomplished my aim that far. Thank you for your response and reflection on these. And remember: the next time you feel the brush of a serrated leaf on the back of your neck...it could be me.