northie

Thanks for reading. 😊

Thanks for saying so. Glad you enjoyed reading the story.

👀🤨😄 Now there's a thought. Thanks for reading, Def, and I'm glad you like it.

I imagine most people reading will probably identify with either Andi or Leo. Thanks for reading.

What a compliment! Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it, despite there being a lift. 🤨😄

If he was someone I didn't know, I certainly would not appreciate this.

Carlos was not a poetry fan. And yet, I think he'd appreciate these skyscrapers. Defiant - yes. Also truthful, standing tall, defining yourself as only you see fit, and a call to society to open its eyes, ears, and heart. So like Carlos, and also the author. In an electoral year for nearly half the world, read these and remember.

Thank you for this 'what if'. Yes, I think those people who had the privilege of meeting Carlos wouldn't forget it or him in a hurry.

That's something I've never quite understood, though I've listened to others do exactly that. Glad you enjoyed the story.

Thanks you! Yes, it's funny how conversations can take sudden turns... 🤨😄

Yes, but also with some undercurrents. Thanks for reading.

Thank you! It's a little off-beat perhaps, but no less heartfelt.

Def, thank you for this tribute. You sharing your personal memories has added more to my, and everyone's, recollections of the irrepressible force of nature that was Carlos.

Yes, yes, yes, and yes. And Carlos wouldn't only whole-heartedly agree with you. He'd be out there making the points, arguing forcefully, defiant and in your face (because he was who he was and only he got to decide that). In the current state of things in Florida, we need more Carlos and less of everything else.

“Hi.” “Hmm?” “I said, ‘hi’. Wretched weather today. Nearly got soaked just crossing the street from the bus stop.” “Hmm. Dry enough in here.” “Yeah. … Don’t think we’ve met. You going to the eighth floor? That’s social media and customer interactions, isn’t it? Still finding my way around. Anyway, I’m Andi – from HR. A newbie. Only started last week.” “…” “The inside of this lift’s very bright. Maintenance are evidently keeping on top of the small jobs. Good to know

Most conversations people have in a lift rarely range beyond a 'Hi - how are you?' That's probably how Leo prefers it. Then he encounters Andi.

OK - not entirely sure I've got the question right but here goes... Taking one of my stories as an example and using a laptop. Having clicked on the story title, you see something like this: Continue to scroll down and you'll see something like this: You can either click on the direct link (highlighted) or use the drop down selector (arrowed). Hope this helps.

Season's Greetings to Everyone and especially @wildone who sounds as though he's already on the eggnog (whatever that actually is)

I'm not sure that banal is the word. It's more confusing - a volley of names and relationships against a school background which take a while to settle down. That's my take, anyway. When I get round to reading it again, it's possible I may revise my opinion. The rest though draws you in and doesn't let go. That's not to say it's for everyone of course.

Aside from the first few chapters, it is more than worth your time. Thanks for reading my review.

Alice Winn In Memoriam My rating: 5 out of 5 stars Enthralling. Poignant. The horrors of war and a tender love story. You might think there are already too many stories about young Englishmen from privileged backgrounds who find themselves amidst the unspeakable events of World War 1. I half thought so too when I finally started this book after having it for several months. The opening chapters are a volley of names, characters, and their interactions at a 'public' school which can be tricky to navigate. Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention, but it took me several chapters to feel connected to the story. Then? Then I was ensnared. When does camaraderie between young men tip over into something else? How to navigate all the pitfalls, make hidden feelings clear to yourself if no-one else, and connect with the object of your affections when you're hardly ever alone? Using the coded language of literature is one way Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood can try to express what they feel for each other - at school and at war. They are products of a system designed to produce a new generation of imperialists. The war changes them and the world around them profoundly. Hardly surprising really. The particular horrors of that conflict are not shied away from and some of the descriptions gave me pause for reflection. Such a grinding, pointless slaughter with mistakes being replayed over and over again. Through this hell runs the golden thread of love. Sometimes cut short; sometimes not. Always giving a reason to survive, to reconnect, to endure. The all-consuming nature of this wonderful novel is enhanced by Christian Coulson's narration. His light-toned voice suits this story of young men finding themselves in love and war. One to be reread many times.

He did and I'm in awe of how @Parker Owens finds the time to do them both, contribute to anthos, and continue to be my (and other people's) go-to, trusted editor. Thanks also to everyone who contributes to the mechanics and general content on GA. Without you, this would be some bare-bones story site and not the resource we cherish.

Though I've a lot on at the moment and writing anything seems to take an age, I've spotted a post on a blog which can be rewritten. So, I think I'm in. It's wonderful we're doing a tribute to Carlos. He was such a life force on here and is still sorely missed.

Enjoy the new badge. Rare indeed. 👏👏

When I read this, my immediate thought was, 'Oh, yeah? And what's going to happen in the future? Either in the service or outside of it.' But then, any armed force essentially regards its personnel as disposable, however much the service is dressed up. At least now, psychological and emotional trauma is acknowledged, however grudgingly. Aren't dogs wonderful? I loved how much Cora and Sam contributed as characters. They came off the page as real as their human partners. Their ability to help, to offer comfort and grounding is little short of amazing and they can ease people back to some semblance of a normal life. A normal life like meeting people, getting to know them and maybe more. I'm sure Jesse's as glad he took the leap of faith as I am I read the story. Thank you for this honest, sweet, hopeful tale.