Parker Owens

A difficult vacation is putting it mildly. But you're right, he has had good luck landing on his feet. So far, at least in Blackburn. And you're right about Andy and parties. He's just very shy and unused to social gatherings, and he often puts a foot wrong. But being encouraged by Zander is pretty powerful incentive. Thank you for your continued reading and for your reviews, which mean so much.

Blessings are yours in the people who love you; and in the people you love. Blessings are yours in the world you encounter. How beautifully you say all that. Your poetry is a blessing to all of us. Thank you for sharing it, and making my Advent and Christmastide happier - and more blessed.

Sad, but safe. Andy doesn't say so, but he probably feels justified in having left Zander's house. The news that Zander is going to be an uncle must have been a big deal that Christmas. Ny Ar is on Friday! Thanks for your review and for reading through the holidays.

Read this whole story in one gulp. Loved every moment. It was enchanting to know the pair as little kids, heartbreaking to see them separated; joyous to see them reunited in love. Thanks for this story.

Yep, Andy made a big decision to go. It means he has to live on what the Abbots paid him, but he's willing to go, and that's the big thing. Also big is that he got to mess about with the big snowblower. Maybe Eustace would have been proud of him, but he at least can feel good that he fixed something. You're right in that his secrets and his past still loom on the horizon like a big black bank of clouds threatening to roll in. Thanks for the review. Look forward to Friday!

Thank you for your review. There have been a few mistakes that I've caught after the fact, but if you missed them, I can relax. Anyway, thanks very much!

December 27 Christmas morning at St. James’ church was odd. As daylight streamed through the windows, the rich, warm color in the church from the night before was gone. The baby Jesus in the cold light of Sunday morning looked practically washed out. There was church on Christmas Day, but not many people came. I guess that most people came the night before. Compared to the mighty roar of the people on Christmas Eve, the sound of the congregation seemed thinner, more timid. Still, there were

Yes, it was pretty traditional. Fun to imagine, though I did not channel men in beards - I thought of setting, first - candles, small stone church (probably), evening or night - that kind of thing. Glad you liked it, and thanks for the review.

Thank you for singing it! It hustles you right along, doesn't it? Thanks for your comments. I'll be listening for your voice.

As I said to AC, perhaps I can write out the music.Do you play keyboard (or know someone who does)? Anyhow, it will be different from the traditional Swedish song I learned last year...

Alas, I don't play. I will see if there is a way to get you the tune. At last resort, I'll write out the music. Thanks for your commentary. It really does hustle, at least in my imagination.

Yes, I am sure. I agree with the priest of your memory...don't care what you sound like, just that you sing. Glad you liked this humble carol; must figure a way to get you the tune...

Come and see the baby lying in the manger, Come and see the sign, the child in Bethlehem! Come and see the babe, and our release from danger, Come and see the sign, the child in Bethlehem! Round us shone the light, an angel came from heaven, telling out the joy, great tidings of good news! Round the angel choirs their loud Hosanna's singing, Come and see the sign, the child in Bethlehem! Haste, oh haste your feet on ev'ry road and byway,

I know this feeling, and the overwhelming tidal wave of work and preparation and...you've captured the desire for peace and the blessing of Christmastide well.

This is an awesome chapter. James and Casey thrown together, helping Sam. Sam sees how much a network of people care for him. Mary stands by him. And maybe Casey gets some clarity about how he might feel after getting pretty much double-dumped. James hasn't told us how he feels about that, but I'm looking forward to finding out. Thanks, and looking for more...

Matty gets ever more insatiable. I feel for whoever Matty winds up with when he's older. He'd better be a triathlete. Agree with CG that Matty could very easily be disappointed with David if he ever gets to bed him. And how horrible for David would that be (let alone for poor Twoey). Finally, Twoey speaks, so perhaps he'll get a better chance to explore - and remember - what really happened with Danny. That's probably the direction in which healing will eventually lie. David spending a day with Kathy and Nels is an opportunity for us to know Nels better; an opportunity for David to avoid too many of Kathy's strong-arm tactics; an opportunity to go shopping. If he really wants to annoy her, he could ditch her or ignore her in the mall. Ouch. This is another great chapter in series of splendid episodes.

This is so full of hurt and hope. It's beautiful.

Well done. You help me capture what you feel and sense at that moment. Will be looking for more from you.

Oh, these were grand. I specially liked the bit about cold feet! These can cast one into the outer darkness quickly Then there's the dark woods surprise! The end is exactly what I hoped for, but wondered if you would deny me. Thanks for these.

Thanks for your insightful reading and for your speculations about the future. What we know about Andy is that he is slowly transforming, perhaps despite his experiences, and his shyness, He is likely to remain wary about revealing himself, of course, but his friends and acquaintances are all edging closer. For the time being, the need to stay warm and fed will be of paramount importance to Andy. You can bet that Zander and Kaz and Terry will be looking for him to appear. Thanks for continuing to read Andy's.

The imagery and language of this is so evocative, so gently melancholy, and yet so brutally honest. It is a magnificent poem.

I read this, and feel the anger, the pain and the horror. I read this and want to hold your younger self and comfort you. I read this and wish it had been different. I read this and celebrate the goodness in your life, the kids you love you and honor you now. I am humbled and blessed by your writing.

Welcome. It is good to have someone look over what you write first. Enjoy your time here. People are generally very nice.

Thank you for managing this much. It does get better. I am sorry for the unhappiness and pain you suffered, doubly sorry I caused you the pain of recollection. Again, thank you for reading.

Thank you for your review and for reading the story. I'm glad you thought of it as a gift, for in part, that's exactly what it was. While unlovely at the beginning, Andy has lived a slowly improving life. But nothing is ever quick with this cautious, wary kid, who has every reason not to trust the world. But at least he has a reason to pray, now. Thanks again.