Parker Owens

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.

I''m actually an even more fearsome creature...a math teacher. Math can amaze and stun just as much as science. My students occasionally claim I am an evil monster, but modestly hope I'm something a little better...perhaps a merely grumpy dwarf or something. But you are right, both of these were experiments with a different sonnet form than the one I am used to, and my melancholy voice took over. Many thanks for reading and for your kind review. - P

Oh yeah, I can do plant ID. Too tall for the NBA, purple joints....a Hogweed. How to write a poem about a plant that nasty? And I should never have watched Alien...Thanks for the review, Tim.

It's a real plant, honest. Up here, the state environmental agency hustles out to eradicate it in tyvek suits whenever it is reported. It's so nasty, I wouldn't even compare it to my worst enemy or even my least favorite politician. I had to stand in, I guess. I am glad these flow well for you.

Good reunion. Chemistry is still there...and then?

I like the premise of this story...simple connections...would the connection be there again? Looking forward to more.

Giant Hogweed There grows upon the river's steamy bank a looming, umbellated tower in white, which seems to grow a fathom overnight while menacing its neighbors, wild and rank. Its broadly incised leaves will spread, and thank the sun for all the rays they steal to spite the other plants which shrink away in fright, botanical corruption at their flank. So like the Giant Hogweed am I made, the likeness is astonishing, I fear; for those who every caution disobeyed and wa

I now know that WTF does not stand for World Trade Federation. I can imagine that Dr.Keating sees something very serious that would require an inpatient facility...but then to leave it for two weeks? And it's already fixed up with David's utterly unattached and clueless father? No wonder David is feeling as low as he's ever felt. Donny at least can show David that he may be loveable and desirable, physically, and which appears to have helped David achieve a bit of clarity. This is probably good, if mind-blowing (and, um...er...also) for David. But Ginny had better be preparing to intervene either on or off camera, because it is very hard to swallow that this otherwise effective, caring and knowledgable parent could allow what is happening to her son right in front of her eyes to continue. World Trade Federation, indeed.

Enjoyed this month very much, esp. hearing from Carlos and Riley. Have missed Sasha Distan for a long time, so am looking forward to the next instalment.

This is full of simple, raw despair. How well you paint this, Skinny.

The power of snow is more than we can know. You have brought Corey and Jason together, and they have gently, inevitably, come to the point where they realize how much they enjoy one another, being with each other, playing and working side by side. The scene in which Corey initiates the questions about Jason's move to Kingston was especially touching to me. But all this will make Jason's Christmas planning that much more difficult. He should pray for continued blizzard conditions right through the New Year.

I am enjoying this story immensely. Clint is not the boy to try and bully, not that Sheila appears to have the wit to realize that. Donny's appearance was very interesting, and certainly Clint thought so. However, I agree with Spike that Donny might turn out to be a weak reed if there is the minutest inkling that someone might even consider speculating about his sexual identity. That would leave Clint high, dry and ready to cry. Except for Travis, who already appears to be a loyal and solid friend. And who knows, perhaps Travis might one day be interested 'that way' in Clint. Just speculating. Thanks a million for this, and I look forward to the next chapter.