Geron Kees

Oh - you again! Thanks for the nice review, buddy. Always means a lot from you. I am catching up with things now that the holiday is upon us. I will be back here with some new stories shortly, and to catch up on my reading. I wonder if you already know you are on my favorite author list? No? You're on my favorite author list! There - now you know.

The process of catalysis involves an increase in the rate of reaction between two chemical agents due to the addition of a third substance - a catalyst. Reactions usually occur faster than normal with a catalyst - sometimes even violently faster - because less overall energy is required to initiate the reactive process. Substance A - Tobyn, and substance B - Kellar, are in an enhanced reactive phase due to the catalytic nature of the Earth Mate energy binding them. But as in all catalytic reactions, the introduction of additional energy sources - in this case, intelligence, will, and emotion - can sometimes seriously alter the total rate of reaction and produce what chemists call "a really good show". I do believe we are seeing this process in action, in a most acute fashion, even. There is no scientific term to cover the sweet charm of it, so I will coin one now. We will call this "budding love". That is the lesson for today. An exam will be held after the next chapter. Please do not bring your notes with you on that date. Class dismissed.

My, you say the nicest things! This is a simple story, really, about basically nice people standing up for what they believe in. There is a lot of this same thing going on everywhere in the world these days, and those people who make that effort to take a stand should be recognized. Many small victories can eventually make one large one. Idealism is something that needs to be nursed, because hopes and dreams for something better are what keep all of us going. One thing every human wants but seldom receives in life is fair treatment. Sometimes, we have to reach out and take it, instead of waiting for it to come to us.

Thank you, sir, once again. I wrote the bulk of this story on a flight from Boston to Schiphol International Airport, in Amsterdam. I had not been back to my favorite city for six months, and I missed it greatly. I think that had much to do with the feel of the story - there was some genuine wistfulness in my mind at the idea of being "home" - although I left there at age nine. The feeling that we carry with us, that is "home", never really goes away. Our hearts recall it, as well as our souls. I was struck by the idea that places so loved might absorb a little touch of this magic, and perhaps offer it back in our darker hours. It worked for Coby, and it seemed to work for his story, as well.

Your story continues to be interesting - keep going! While you may struggle a little with the language translations, they are understandable. It's quite true that if you do not speak a language daily, it rusts away. But if you never think in it, you will lose it forever. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Hi David, I'm pleased that you took the time to write, and that you liked the story. Brendan speaks well of you, and so any positive words on the story are to be accepted with more than just an average smile. This story was not meant to be meaningful except in passing - it was supposed to be fun, and, as you say, diverting. A smile, generated in any reasonable fashion, feels just as good as another. Thanks again.

Mmm. That was worth waiting for! If what I think just happened really happened, then there is hope for Kellar and Tobyn to be together much sooner than later. Again, there will be that hardheaded thing, which applies to acceptance just as often as to denial. Can we talk later, Kellar? Kellar really is only at the edge of understanding the concept of an earth mate; but Toby has a far better grasp on what it all means. He has the cultural heritage that Kellar lacks. And it's only natural that Toby would be a little scared that it was happening to him. But I have a feeling that these two are going to make such a wonderful, powerful team -- Also wondering about the clues you dropped regarding Mace and Dane. Best friends are one kind of bond - but is there perhaps more here than that? That they are uncomfortable being separated seems reminiscent of - oh, wait! Hahaha. Thanks for another wonderful chapter, and another cool piece of this big and interesting jigsaw puzzle.

The little struggle that both of these guys are experiencing, between duty and the need to be together, is interesting to watch them explore. They both know what is going on, they both know how they feel, and yet each is looking for a way to make do without giving into it. This is so typically hardheaded of the human male - and yet it is a necessary thing for believability. Which of us would not resist so sudden and pivotal a change in our lives? We'd at least try to view it from every angle, walk around it looking at the implications of it all - and maybe hoping we'd find an escape hatch built in somewhere as a last resort. Stories where two people in love resist that move towards each other are always compelling. Usually, by the time they let go and come crashing together, the resulting bang! is most truly impressive to behold. Short of sneaking a peek (which I would never do!) at the end of this story, I can only imagine how it may all turn out. That I cannot wait to get there is kind of an understatement. But - patience is in order. Tellers of tales and those who listen each have a duty. In this case, mine is to sit (fairly) quietly, be enthralled, laugh at the funny parts, clench my fists when danger swoops in, and bite a lip or two in anxiety over whether or not love will win in the end, Okay - let me get myself settled. There. I am as comfortable as I can make myself before the fire. I am leaning forward, eyes upon you, breath slightly held, wonder rising inside, waiting for the next part of the story --

Okay, I won't make the obvious joke about parking the cars in the garage. An extremely active start to this chapter, is all I will say! This is almost like being able to peek into the secret lives of all those guys you knew at high school, but didn't really know anything about. Makes you wonder how much was going on around you all the time that you simply never realized, or understood. Calvin and Benny seem another match that's ideal. That you include each new participant's families is really a nice touch. So many likeable people in one spot, though - you are in danger of unbalancing the earth and sending it spinning off into space! Another fine chapter in a thoroughly enjoyable story. Thanks again!

I have always had a certain fascination for the English school system, and it's somewhat odd take on boys growing up. I recall several stories and even films where older boys took on younger ones for small affairs, almost like it was an established tradition - but one that got you in serious hot water if you got caught. Corporal punishment, also, is an oddity of British schools - or, alt least, it was in the past. Even though I am aware that it has gone on here in this country, and is still legal in many states, I never saw or even heard of it growing up in my own particular school system. But this is a good tale you are spinning here, Ivor, and it's always enjoyable to go along with you for the ride.

Interesting furthering of the tale. I personally enjoy the German and French, in among the Engels. Considering the speed with which your two main characters met and fell in love, I am interested in seeing them learn more about each other. So far, you are moving along very well. Blijf werken op het!

Hmm. Here I am, being the first to review one of your stories. I certainly liked this one! I came by to read a couple of chapters of the the other story - but saw this one. Temptation! If there was a logbook, someplace, of all the people who have loved, but who have allowed that love to fall into disrepair through lack of communication, it would be enormous. Here is an entry in that log, wonderfully repaired. All of us are at the mercy of the complexity of our thinking, which is too often spiked by imagination and misinterpretation into something that we can't deal with in smart fashion. You did a very nice job of painting a picture of how this happens - how mistakes, misjudgments, and anger can be a divisive factor in an otherwise beautiful and thriving relationship. That these two guys were allowed to make repairs due to the efforts of others paints a picture of another thing of great value - those people we let into our lives that are not lovers, but who love us, and we them: friends. These guys had good friends, and that says a lot about who they are. To have good friends, you have to be a good friend. You're quite the painter, quite the illustrator. You create some beautiful stuff, buddy, and with the supreme medium with which an artist can create: people. This one gets a blue ribbon and the hundred dollar prize. Just - don't spend it all in one place!

Great chapter. Here you are finally putting into words some of the things we've been made to infer all along. And that Miss Sybil knows that Kellar and Toby are earthmates only prompts me to feel positive about how this story will turn out. After all, a seer knows, doesn't she? I think there will be some synergy here, as Kellar and Toby become more dependent on each other. Between the two of them, they make heap big magic, as the Old Ones used to say. I have a feeling we'll be meeting some hunters along the way before too long. All the elements are starting to be clear, and the path ahead looks quite interesting...

I find Morningstar reminiscent of groups from novels I've read in the past - most notably where aliens stranded on earth have their own small enclave hidden away, where only they live and no one knows who they are. In that respect they might seem like a cult or a religious sect - but it is simply a matter of expedience. To be discovered would mean forced disbandment, or even destruction. So it seems kind of natural to me the way they treat Kellar. He is not of their group - their pack - but he is one of their people. It's like an ex-pat American in some foreign land, wandering into a little neighborhood where other ex-pat Americans have taken up residence. Once they know who he is, they will be all over him, welcoming, wanting news of home, and other Americans he has met in his travels. You've done well translating this mindset to this story. The interesting tension between Kellar and Toby continues. I think this little side trip to talk to the mechanic is going to be important. Kellar already knows that Toby is his soulmate - Toby feels something, but has yet to pin it down and give it a name. But that the attraction is mutual seems apparent. There almost needs to be a third party to see the magic between these two, to help it be born - and who pays more attention than a mom? Let me go see...

Gee, CG, you are yanking at some heartstrings here, aren't you? First Jay and Mikey, then Denny and Greg; and now Benny and Calvin. Are there any straight guys in this school? It was nice to finally get something from Benny's perspective. And more from Linda. So much going on here. Yeah - what about this Anthony Perkins shower scene everybody is talking about?? Just gets better and better. You missed your calling, whatever you do for a living. Shoulda been a writer of sweet novels about guys in love.

An impressive debut, no doubt in my mind. I would very much like to see where you go with this one - so I will read on. I have a small interest in the curative effects of allopathic procedures. Your selection of a title - and pen name - are interesting. Gefeliciteerd met een prachtige hoofdstuk!

This was an interesting and welcome expansion on the budding relationship between Greg and Denny. Two more likeable guys in an already very likeable story. I also find if no stretch to believe that Greg's younger brother, Lee, might also be gay. Many people might think that a bit much; but I had a friend growing up who was gay, and in his family of three boys and two girls, all the kids were gay but for the oldest daughter! I often wondered what their parents thought of that. I like that Greg's brothers feel protective of Denny - the sense of family in this tale is very strong. I love seeing that represented here. Too many stories these days revolve around the dysfunctional aspects of family life. Kind of wondering where you will go from here. I have a feeling you still have some surprises in store. So, I guess I'll read on and find out...

Being any kind of different is always hard. But one of the most difficult things any human can do is to refuse to accept the person that they really are. It's a common enough choice, but it's a tough road to travel. Isn't it great that we get to revisit the things that pain us, and change the decisions we've made, or our opinions about others - and even review ourselves, and make peace with who we rally are? Second chances are important in every aspect of our lives. Without the possibility of review, every thought we have and every decision we make would be a life sentence. That you are even here on this site shows you have made your own second chance. Bravo.

Oh, no, Americans very much love second-hand stores. I've never been in one that wasn't full of people. It is part the idea that something used is not something that is used up; and it is part the deal that you get on it because it is not brand new. In the case of people, a bad experience with first time love means that the second time is approached with a different mindset - one that usually is cautious, and maybe less flowing with expectation. So if it works out, it is all the more joyous because it really wasn't expected. Thank you for the review, my friend.

Thank you so much. After so enjoying your own tales, your kind words mean a lot. I have lived my entire life in the woods, in a rural part of the country paradoxically only 25 minutes from "the big city". So I have kind of had a foot in both worlds for a long time. For a young person, falling in love in the country is different in many ways from falling in love in the city. It was when I was young, and it still is today. But the love is the same, of course. I may be a bit old fashioned in how I view this - maybe teens are more advanced today, even in the country. My own son is 22 now - not that far from his teens. I watched and listened as he took many of the same steps that I took (with his girl, though) - and they certainly looked and sounded much the same. So yes, this story has a slower feel to it - a more country feel. That's what I know about, and that's what I love. And it is peaceful. too.

A very interesting approach to sympathetic healing. Both in what Kellar did for Adelin, and for what Toby did for Kellar. Yeah - these two are magnets. Empathetic alignment. Soul mates. Gonna happen. Kellar was at the point where he was thinking, now that he had helped Adelin, he could get out of there. But - that was before this new experience with Toby. He won't go now. He can't go now. You're really doing a nice job designing the glue that is going to hold these two guys together. Maybe the people at Elmer's would buy it? They should. A patent on this kind of bonding would make anyone rich. Still have no idea as to the root cause of the malaise, and still waiting for the bad guys to show. All in good time, and with the same skill with which you have brought us to this point. I have no doubt.

I don't think I have a good reply to this review, CG, because you have already outlined so well the concept I was attempting to illustrate. The second chance is something humans secretly cherish. Everyone has heard of the "three time loser"; but what came before that? The second chance. When it comes to living things, it is especially important that a second opportunity be offered. Life should never, ever be wasted. Nor should it fail to be cherished. So if it's a dog, or a cat - or a person - it's important to try again. Love, especially, should be given a second chance. It can be so hard to find to begin with - it should always be given every opportunity to grow.

Oh - this is a necessary thing to start with, no matter how difficult it may be. Both of these guys have lives - paths they were moving down - before meeting each other, and it is human nature to resist being deflected from the chosen walk. Toby, especially, has a mission on his route in life, and he is not about to step off the path lightly. But he has admitted that Kellar is not the only one feeling the "pain", and this is opening the door to meeting at some point at least halfway, further down the line. Kellar isn't the type to be bitter it looks like - especially over something he has not even had yet. I see some strain for both of these guys coming along now - but will that make things even more electric between them later on? I mean, this is a love story, right?

I don't think romance has a better voice than when the two participants celebrate its very existence. It was sweet and touching to go along with Jay and Mikey for Jay's surprise. This is the kind of thing that draws a relationship closer, and serves as a time for each lover to consider how they got where they are, and how much it has come to mean to them. Love is never better then when it is visible, and I can see it here. And, like all good plans, it is the unplanned parts going along somehow with the parts prearranged that add a little adventure to it. That Denny and Greg cancelled the study for the evening was certainly a nice touch!

Thanks for the kind words. I kind of want to get away from all the drama in the world myself, and this is how I do it. I guess idyllic lives aren't meant to happen to most of us humans, so we create a little bit of our own. I think life should have love and friendship in it. If we could all write our own life stories, we would likely be at least a little happier. And, more prone to sharing them.