MacGreg

Last weekend, we witnessed a higher-volume-than-normal migration of monarchs passing through Colorado on their way south. It was beautiful to witness. They were everywhere, even flying all around the park where the car show was that I went to. I should have known then that colder weather would be upon us soon... Great poem to illustrate the inevitable change of seasons.

Wow. You have awed me into silence with this. Incredible.

Miriam's arrival with her sob story to gain sympathy from family that she had previously chosen to chastise and be judgemental of is not entirely surprising. Sometimes, it takes a tragedy (or a pregnancy) to snap people back to reality. I cannot trust her intentions nor her genuineness, however, it was kind of her family and of Louis to give her a chance to tell her story. Even though we don't know all of it, we now know there is more to Miriam than hatred and bigotry. As for Louis' company being so generous with his time-off, I am surprised but happy to hear it. There aren't many businesses that would be so accommodating. I hope that Louis really appreciates this opportunity he's being given, including the part about training and running the marathon with Don. He may be skeptical about it now, but if he keeps a positive attitude, the outcome should prove to be gratifying. You continue to enfold us in this story and these characters, tim. Thank you for sharing it with us. Cheers - Mac

I agree that blood, sweat and tears go into creative work, whether writing, music, or visual art. Each composition contains someone's heart and soul - it has meaning, it has purpose, it is deeply personal to that individual. To have someone else claim it to be their own is not only stealing but also a complete disrespect of the artist who created it. I am grateful that there is copyright protection on GA. Thanks for staying on top of this!

The best laid plans oft fall short of their mark – Demons still haunt Voices still taunt. When push comes to shove My efforts still fail.

All cats have natural instincts. It sometimes take a mouse (or other opportunity) to bring the lion out. I can imagine how surprised you were to see Guero act that way. Funny story.

Sorry for just now getting here, drew. This is a sweet memory. I love that you got inside the closet with Guero to show him you would ride out the storm together. I'm sure it strengthened the bond already formed between you two.

I'm enjoying reading these recollections of how members came to be on GA and how this site has had such a great impact on their lives. I myself am a newbie. I haven't even been here a year yet, although it feels much, much longer. In searching for a viable author site to start posting a story I was working on in the Fall of 2016, I decided upon Gay Authors, because I could tell that this site is full of quality writing and quality people, and authors are taken seriously, which, as a writer, is an important aspect. Unlike other gay story sites that focus more on smut, this site showcases stories containing intelligent subject matter and deeper content (with the occasional smut thrown in for good measure). The camaraderie, support and feedback offered here inspires creativity. For me, the 10 months I have spent on GA have been utterly rewarding. I have read inspiring prose and poetry, blogs and forums, and I've met some amazing people, both readers and writers. I have made a circle of friends that I cherish, and I have been driven to continue to write and hone my skills. So, thank you GA, for offering members an inspiring and safe place to express ourselves - as authors, as readers, as friends, as people. Cheers!

A huge hurdle has been overcome, and now Don and Louis can start to move forward instead of stepping backwards or circling one another. Intimacy is so important in a relationship, no matter what that intimacy looks like - sex or just closeness, it's imperative, otherwise partners drift apart. So, for that reason, this is a very pivotal chapter. Now, the husbands are looking into the future (including a kid??), instead of fretting over the present. Onwards and upwards for these two! Another fantastic chapter, tim.

Tension, tension, tension. Don tries to push Louis into Harry's arms and then blows a gasket when he thinks it really happened. He needs to reevaluate what he's doing and saying before he does and says things that are difficult to retract. I don't blame Louis for being angry at Don's outburst. Don needs to think! Outside of that, I loved your seamless transition into the flashback of how Don and Louis met. Incorporating that flashback into a chapter that challenges their relationship sheds light on the love between them. It gives us hope. And then for Don to have the inkling of a hard-on at the end...! That definitely gives us hope! Well done, tim!

Sometimes, taking a step back to breathe and see life from a different angle, as you stated, can change your outlook on things. I like to see you happy. I want you to always be happy, my boy.

You've woven a very interesting beginning here, filled with mystery, intrigue, and some good sci-fi. Perhaps the best part of this is the human element you've included, which makes the story, although set in the future, feel very real. After all, good science fiction is meant to reflect on the struggles and opportunities of the human condition. You write well. I look forward to reading more.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this chapter, Peter. There is, indeed, some foreboding to it, and you're right that it could go several different ways. I appreciate your comment regarding Travis' domineering qualities - although Ben is receptive to it now, it's not guaranteed that he will remain so. We shall see.... Thanks for your support, my friend. Cheers - Mac

Hello, Parker. Am I going to make you sweat? Maybe just a little... What's wrong with that? There are definitely some sacrifices to be made in this story, and they are going to require courage. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Cheers - Mac

Ben and Travis are taking steps forward, but, still, I don't blame you for being skeptical, tim. I'm skeptical, and I'm the author! Will they or won't they...? We shall see. Thanks for being so supportive. I appreciate your feedback, my boy.

Tammy Wynette... of course you would go there, Jay. Yes, Travis is being his usual "eff it" flippant self, because that's part of his coping mechanism. The seriousness will catch up with him eventually. Thanks for reading!

Might not be a bad idea!

I'm not sure Katykins (cute) will ever really get it, but she's at least not fighting anymore. As for the boys... despite continual disruptions, they are growing closer, so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's getting past all of the obstacles in the tunnel that's the most challenging. Thanks, as always, for following this story and offering your great comments. It means a lot, Def.

I hope you're buckled in tight, moggy, because there are still some sharp turns up ahead! Thanks for reading, I appreciate it. Cheers - Mac

Thanks for your comments, jp. It does seem like Travis can never catch a break, doesn't it? Sometimes, life is like that. He's been through enough that he doesn't believe it could get any worse. Delusional, yes. It may be up to Ben to set things straight. Thanks for your support of this story, my boy. Much appreciated.

Yes, they will certainly be going wild with this. We'll see how well Ben handles it. Considering his focus is so intently on Travis right now, maybe it won't dig at him too harshly. Thanks for your great comments, droughtquake. Always appreciated!

Thanks, Val. Each day brings them one step closer (maybe two, at this point). Thanks, as always, for reading! Cheers - Mac

Hi Jeffrey, insightful and profound comments are not necessary. I appreciate just hearing that you enjoy this story. Thank you! Cheers - Mac

Hey Lisa, thanks so much for your comments. It's good to know that these characters feel real and that you can relate to them. That means everything to an author. At some point, Ben and Travis will be forced to speak truths to one another; they're working their way towards it - slowly. Thanks for always following this story and offering feedback. New chapter is out!

The writing exercise was for you, to release the frustration and emotion of yesterday, and also for us, the readers who get to ruminate over the message. you have important things to say, my boy. Let your voice be heard. Enlightenment is good for everyone. you did a great job on this, sean.