Parker Owens

I'm sorry to have made you suffer. But at least Rick and Gus have connected, even if it meant having to cut short their time in the canoe. For Rick, this was a real change in his fortunes - actually spending time with a man who seemed to enjoy his company. Thank you for reading this chapter!

On Saturday, Rick woke up early. Sun streamed in the windows, filtered by the deep green hedge. It was going to be a beautiful day. The previous night's thunderstorms had ushered in a cool front. Rick examined at his list as he munched on a piece of toast. There were some chores – laundry, housecleaning, all those things left neglected over the course of the previous week. One glance at the refrigerator and another in his cupboards told him it was time to do some restocking. The toas

You're very kind in your comments. I agree, it's more important than ever to observe the world and take what joys in it that we can. I'm glad you liked this offering. Thank you.

Awesome chapter. Jimmy and Sawyer claim each other, and in so doing, strengthen one another. Something tells me they’re both going to need that strength soon.

I wish I could truly awaken my muse; I seem only able to rouse it sufficiently to grumble irritably and demand an additional blanket. Thank you very much for reading this, and for your thoughts.

This is about as focused as I have been able to manage these days. Given the clouds enveloping the world, it’s not surprising that the shining words in the firmament lie hidden from view. Glad you thought this un-formed and unmetered poem was worth a detour. Thanks for reading!

Sometimes the words tumble out, one upon another. But these days they hide from me, and it’s frustrating. You’ve sussed out my meaning, for I cannot cross the uncertain sea of life without them to point the way. Thanks very much for reading this!

Sometimes the words tumble out, one upon another. But these days they hide from me, and it’s frustrating. You’ve sussed out my meaning, for I cannot cross the uncertain sea of life without them to point the way. Thanks very much for reading this!

Poetry can help me unburden my day. I'm glad it may be the same for you.

Thank you for reading this, and for your thoughts.

You are most welcome. I am very grateful you chose to break your rule in this instance. We live in very trying times, and it is no surprise that we might seem bereft of words, and without the usual stars to guide us. Thank you.

When the words refuse to shine but hide themselves behind a stratus shroud beyond all earthbound inquiry, their constellated meanings hidden, I cannot navigate the tossing seas, nor sight a sextant by their saraband about the poles, without a single syllable breaking cover, peeking out to reveal itself to eager eyes; so like a mariner without lodestar or cross staff, one must heave to, out of the wind and pray events blow not

That sheriff is a smart, observant man. Now that Coy saved Boone, I wonder what perils await the pair along trail. And if they ever get to the promised land of Larkspur, will it be what it was hyped up to to be? I liked this for the renewed friendship in Coy and Boone, which made me smile.

Monica is a character I enjoyed writing, and her voice came through in this vignette. Terry and Kaz are another pair whose growth and development haven’t entirely progressed in my mind to the point I can write their voices. That doesn’t mean I might not try someday, however. Thank you for your thoughts on this little snapshot.

Skinny and I started this as a collaboration after an extended correspondence. It took a very long time to finish without him. Alas, I’m not sure I dare start anything containing his characters again.

You’re most welcome! Thank you for taking up this story and for your very kind comments.

This put a smile on mine, that’s for sure.

Indeed, there are tons of question you pose. Your first two have definite echoes in the news. The third has no answer yet, as Rick hasn't seen anything that might inform his understanding. Isolde is unlikely to tell her secrets to anyone but Rick. I'm enjoying your speculation as to future movements in the story, but I will have to remain mum for the time being. Thank you very much for your interest in this story, and for your delightful questions.

I think you may have created a whole new category of warnings: the Rita Warning, letting readers know about the appearance of an obnoxious character ahead. As for the weather forecast, I'm keeping mum. Sorry about that. You wouldn't want me to spoil anything, would you? That exchange must have made Rick burn. But there are two difficulties in telling Bert off - the first is that Heinrich Senior actually buys the insurance and maintains the account, not Rick. He might complain to Senior, but something tells me the old man isn't likely to back him up. The second is that these people have all largely grown up together. They know each other's families and histories, and they are all part of the Eagle Lake community. Bert probably knew Rick back in grade school, or maybe was a few years older, but recognized him. Anyway, one is supposed to take this kind of banter in good part, or get known as a sorehead. Thank you so very much for reading Rick's story, and for your very apt observations.

Can I say you made me smile with this question? I wish I could say, but hate to spoil things...

Rita is a woman with a plan. Rick's curiosity is piqued, but like everyone else, he may get distracted by life's little details before he can figure anything out. I'm grateful you read this chapter - thanks for your thoughts.

For all the nice summer weather Rick has experienced in Eagle Lake, there sure appear to be quite a few storm warnings. Rita's account arrears can't help but annoy Rick - but mostly because Heinrich Senior will howl. I'm glad you don't think Rick is crazy for talking to a chicken. Rick may find it hard to believe in change; he has seen little reason for it. However, he appears to be considering significant variations on his historical theme. He may be unable to contemplate a wholesale replacement of his score. Thank you so much for reading this chapter, and for your impressions.

I'm glad Isolde could make you smile a little. Rick would not make a very good pet owner - he's out of the house so often and so irregularly. He is a good guy, and he reminds me that our world is full of people like him. That's cause for a smile, too. Your characterization of Rita fits Rick's experience of her. Thanks very much for your reflections, and for reading another chapter of Rick's story.

I hope that you are now drawing your own mental map of Eagle Lake, and maybe beginning to place imagined landmarks in it. If you start doing that, then Rick is definitely getting to you. Rick may not be sufficiently volatile for an explosive reaction; his chemistry may mean events produce some other result. But you're absolutely right that he is caught between his father and realtor, and getting crushed between them could be very painful. George is very fortunate to have someone as articulate as you to talk to. Thank you so much for your help, and for your comments!

I love these alternative monikers for Rita: The first makes me think of her as predatory, the second brings many interesting images to mind, based on the sounds of the words. Oh my, the urge to rhyme is taking over... Thanks a ton for reading!