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Parker Owens

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Everything posted by Parker Owens

  1. Parker Owens

    Alone 3

    Your storytelling is excellent; I'm drawn into this unfortunate tale. Matt can't bring himself to trust the very people who would be far kinder, far more generous than any of his customers, and that's enough to make one cry. That he can defend himself is a bright spot in the darkness.
  2. Parker Owens

    Alone 2

    I feel the sadness you describe for Matt. His pain at his loss is as real as if his mother and father had died in a tragic accident; and indeed, this is a tragedy, and so unnecessary. Matt chose survival over suicide, thankfully. Survival can make you do things that deaden the soul, and he's realizing that. How fortunate he was to meet Dan and Andrew.
  3. This is a great chapter, though there are bits and pieces that could coalesce into trouble. That's what makes it great. How will David deal with Kathy, or will she deal with him? How will Twoey react to knowing - or remembering - what really happened? How will David deal with his feelings for Twoey? And will David's visits to Twoey's mom draw the ire and fire of "Tommy's mother?" Nice to see David actually dancing with Lanni, being nice to Kathy, and living as the great guY everyone thinks him to be. Thanks for this lovely chapter. I'm with David, and can't wait for Twoey to move out of ICU.
  4. This is a beautiful verse. You capture the need to remember those who served and what they died for. I will keep this one for Rememberance day
  5. Parker Owens

    Alone 1

    Interesting beginning, and very dramatic. Like Tim, I hope this is not autobiographical.
  6. Parker Owens

    Quiet Days

    Eric needs many good days, and many god dreams to convince him that the world is a good and safe place to be in. Eustace, in just being who he appears to be, is doing just that. It's also true that Eric would have to have a whole lot of trouble believing in any lasting good. But Eric's development is likely to be slow and incremental. Kind of like the long hot days of summer, really. They appear endless, but suddenly, bam, it's over. Thank you so much for reviewing the chapter, and for sticking with the story thus far.
  7. I continue to rend my heart over Mark and the lonely emptiness he must feel to observe his life like this. Carl will go home and try to make things right with his wife, but what will become of him? Nothing that won't involve a great deal of pain. And again, Mark. Single, and unable to approach friendship without the lenses of Carl to look at it through. Sad, lyrical, beautifully written. This story is a true gem. Thank you.
  8. Parker Owens

    Quiet Days

    Thank you for your very kind words. This July is one of slow discovery for Eric. Mostly gentle (fireworks excepted), incremental progress. A lot like real life, honestly. One day, someone will look at Eric and remark how much he's changed, but perhaps he won't notice while it's happening. Writing about how Eustace and Eric work together (and live together, in a way) was great fun for me. I hope you will continue to enjoy the story!
  9. Parker Owens

    Quiet Days

    You perceive rightly that the speed of the chapter, and of Eric's life has shifted to s-l-o-w. He's going to work very hard and try to do those things that make him feel successful. Best of all Eustace seems to be the right man for that job. At Eustace's age, he might come to rely on Eric, but be too stubborn himself to admit it. Eric is going to go through much that is new to him, I think. Thanks so much for a very, very insightful and interesting review.
  10. Parker Owens

    Quiet Days

    Definitely one slow peg at a time. You have said it beautifully, as usual Tim. Eric has a long way to go before joy can peek in around the corner, I think.
  11. Parker Owens

    Quiet Days

    July 17 - Sunday "I forgot to tell you. I saw Toby in town on Friday." Eustace spoke those words almost a week ago – Monday – while we were cutting some brushy growth along a fence line. Inwardly, I tensed. On the outside, I shrugged and waited. "Said to tell you he was sorry," the old man went on. "Don't know about what, but I've passed the message on." Sorry. What the hell would Toby be sorry about? My own stupidity? What happened wasn't his fault, not really. I shrugged again. "Thanks.
  12. Tim - lovely, evocative poem. It really paints the scene beautifully. My only sorrow is that it is getting too cold outside to swim today! Thank you for this new chapter.
  13. Parker Owens

    Interrogation

    Eric's life so far would certainly point to traps, pitfalls and problems just about anywhere. He's used to it. Perhaps the longer he can stay with Eustace, the less apprehension he will feel. The Andersons are so numerous that there's still plenty of cover, as long as nobody looks too closely. And you are right in that Eric will have to avoid getting trapped in questions. He's a pretty good dodger, though. Many thanks for your perceptive comments and review. More is coming soon!
  14. Parker Owens

    Fireworks

    And having a home - any home - right now is a big step for Eric. He feels safe there; he hasn't felt that way anyplace else, so far. Toby definitely misses a lot of the puzzle. Like so many others, he can only see Eric through the lenses of his own expectations and experience. Thank you so much for reading and sticking with the story. There is more coming very soon!
  15. Parker Owens

    Interrogation

    Eric is unlikely to trust anyone consciously, but he just might slip up and get carried away. Toby could be okay, but I agree with you, Eric might need to be cautious...
  16. First Again?! Image of David in naked meditation woke me up this morning. Twoey and David connecting in a spirit / subconscious dimension is interesting; how far will that go? Then there's the fascinating evolution David is beginning to embark on. Will he learn to love Twoey? That it's okay to do so? This is a great chapter; more than just background. Please tell me there will more very, very soon.
  17. Parker Owens

    Fireworks

    Apologies to long suffering husband. Yes, Eric is growing, but only slowly. He has a lot of conditioning to unlearn and a lot of new things to experience, and life to lead - but fear of discovery is still a big part of his existence. Toby is a good guy, though other readers point out (rightly) that he kind of let Eric wander off into trouble.
  18. Tim: I felt the breeze in Autumn; saw the clouds race across the sky. You painted that perfectly. But Out - oh, man, you outdid yourself. You made me want to reach out and let you take my hand. The invitation and care and concern in your words conveyed compassion and love for your friend. Beautiful, beautiful. Want to hear that one at your retrospective. Thank you.
  19. Cool. I liked it on the first reading, then wanted to play with it on the second. Thanks!
  20. I am very partial to Rachmaninoff; his Vespers are gorgeous. But some days I'm in a French impressionist mood, and listen to Durufle, Debussy and Ravel. Durufle's setting of the Lord's Prayer is utterly stunning...
  21. Hah. I get to be first! Great chapter Dodger. Poor Robbie doesn't seem to have a clue about what he's getting himself into - or if he does, he's not sure what to do about it. But the clear implication is that Fran doesn't do much for him. Beware, Robbie, before you seriously step in it. Maybe Fran can get distracted by someone new?
  22. Parker Owens

    Chapter 2

    Oh, wow. To have your re-connected friend - the one you really want - turn up in the ICU, followed by the blow up of your 'official' relationship - in less than twelve hours? It's time for some serious shell-shock. How is Jason going to manage? Or is Denise going to swoop down from LSU to try and piece together their relationship (or force it back together, more like)? Lots of good stuff cooking, now. Great chapter. Thanks, and looking for more!
  23. Parker Owens

    Chapter 1

    I like the way this starts, Mitchell. You write engagingly, and I got drawn in quickly. You;ve made me want to see more, which is excellent. Thank you!
  24. Parker Owens

    Fireworks

    That Eric actually went back to the farm instead of running away is a big deal, though we wish s evening have turned out differently. Eustace may have misread the situation, but then he's from a different age. Eric at least knows a bit of safety and he headed for it. Thanks for all your many reviews and your comminuted reading! Hoe the story remains enjoyable as it continues to unfold.
  25. Parker Owens

    Interrogation

    Real Andersons. A good cover perhaps. It is good to see Eric take tentative steps out into the big crowded world - as opposed to the lonely, hidden world he's been inhabiting. But being completely open will take a long time, I think.
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