phoenix_0826

Please do return to Larkspur soon! There's a certain young doctor that might need some love in his life!!! Thank you for a wonderful tale. Oddly enough I struggled with the initial pacing of Sidewinder and found myself swearing off the story at the end of a few chapters - so glad I stuck it out because I trust your storytelling skills. I'm now enamored with the town of Larkspur and our little band of boys. I'm hoping for many return visits.

I've read all of the "town" stories and had greatly enjoyed them. The shifting tone towards the end of this story made it almost unrecognizable with the rest. Many of the later chapters feel like they were being told at a great remove rather than the immersive, well -lived world you'd originally built for the characters. It felt as if the agenda took precedence over the characters and the story you had originally been building. I really do wish I had something more positive to say because of what a funny, charming story this started as. I'll miss the characters from the first half of the story.

I definitely didn't mean to hurt you with that comment my friend! I have truly enjoyed this story and especially the characters at it's heart. Seeing your note about then end coming quickly made me stop and think back over the story as a whole and that was when i really recognized the change in tone (which you handled brilliantly - it was subtle and snuck up on us, we grew into as well as the characters). There has been so much humor, passion and interesting moments along the way that it could be head spinning! I do completely agree about "Gordy comes Home" - the sorrow and despair of the first chapter almost lost me, but I'm so glad I pushed into the second. I still get choked up from time to time thinking of that story. The image of phantom laughter at the waters edge will always bring a smile to my face though.

I'm feeling rather bittersweet realizing that we're coming to the end of this story. I've enjoyed all the stories set in "the town", and I find myself missing the intimacy of the early chapters of this story and the others in the overall cycle. Somewhere along the way this grew into a Dallas-style soap opera while I was being charmed by the characters rather than the small story of new love and discovery it seemed to start as. Don't think I haven't enjoyed the ride, I've stuck it out to see these characters week after week because they have been very engaging and charming. I'll miss Paul's wonder at the changes happening in his life, Jeff's rakish charm, the palpable heat between Raymond and Daniel, Miss Julie's charismatic and sparkling personality, and on and on. Thank you for bringing them to life and sharing them with us over the past few years. I hope that we return to the town again and again. I'm sure there are more stories to tell and dreams to explore. all the best --- J

Wonderful ending here Gary - bravo!! I'm looking forward to the epilogue, and hopefully a new Cards chapter in the future. 😉

This has been a very thought-provoking and bittersweet story. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes in the future.

I find myself not really hating Richard and actually growing in my dislike of Drake. From the beginning I've been at best ambivalent toward Drake because he's come across as very emotionally immature and rather bigoted (toward bisexual individuals). I was turned off by his treatment of Jimmy from the beginning - it's obvious that Jimmy is a kind, caring person that is still quite devoted to Drake. Drake refuses to discuss and understand Jimmy's sexuality and instead paints him with a wide brush and tells him (Jimmy) how he (Jimmy) feels and will act. I agree that Richard handled the breakdown and end of his relationship with Drake poorly - but had Bernadette been Bernie, Drake still would have been the last to know. Based on Drake's behavior throughout the series so far, I envision him becoming defensive, throwing a tantrum, and running away before he an Richard could have had a true and meaningful discussion about their breakup and Richard's feelings. The second kiss may or may not be an issue - the text says that it was more meaningful, not that it was lustful or passionate. It seems like in Richard's mind he's established a re-connection with someone he once loved, it can be confusing and awkward physical gestures can happen. If you've ever had a peaceful meeting with an ex, moments like this are more common than you'd think. Even wondering about if Drake has feelings - while worded in a way that could be more ominous than intended - has a ring of truth. My ex and i have sometimes been in social events together, and while chatting somewhere may ask "do you ever wonder what if?" - we normally turn it into a joke about how we'd have killed each other at least twice by now. I'm definitely hoping that Drake has a brilliant awakening, because I think Jimmy deserves someone worthy of his love. I give you a lot of credit Gary -- you've got me invested in a story about a main character that i really don't like!!

Interesting addition with Gram -- he reminds me of Bruno Gianelli from the West Wing, if you aren't familiar search for some clips on youtube. He could seem ruthless and distant, but he was always one of the smartest minds in the room

This is a very warm and funny series - the perfect amount of humor and heartbreak. I'm definitely hoping for the third book --- Moving In maybe?

The Dragonstone scene was the best scene! I loved the scope and grandeur of the cinematography - it was both intimate and epic. The fact that there was no dialogue until the very end just made that much more impact.

I thought it was a serviceable season premiere, but considering the last two seasons are going to be abbreviated it didn't do much to move the story forward. The show has always taken its time and dragged things out (sometimes to the point of frustration and beyond), but since we only have 13 episodes left we really don't have time to spend an hour just recapping where everyone left off last season. I'm hoping that next episode really launches us into the conflicts within the seven kingdoms so that Westeros can get to a point that it is ready to face the White Walkers - no more navel-gazing. (Okay, so i guess I'm more upset with the episode than I initially realized....)

I'd definitely be interested, but I know that GRRMartin is very anti fan-fic for the series. From what I've seen he does go after it for removal if he catches wind of its existence. I'm a huge fan of the books, and also happily follow the show. At this point I consider them two completely different things because trying to rationalize the show things that contradict the books is too hard to grapple with in my poor little head!

Such a beautiful sentiment, simply reading the words helps to ease some of the burden. Often it only takes the slightest compassion to help you know you're not alone.

I get it-- a piece like this walks the tight rope, it's very easy for someone to take offense even when something is meant to promote healthy discussion.

Your self-censoring in Judgement pulled me slightly out of the moment. In a list of words that are regularly used to demean, hurt, and stigmatize why pull back on one word in particular? In this context the entire list of words is hated and maligned - they are being used here to say "Enough, this is unacceptable," none of them are being glorified or used as a slur against the reader.

The images and love in this poem absolutely shine through. Breathtaking!

This seems like it will be a very unique take on the D/s interplay and relationship told in a very distinct voice. I really do hope you decide to expand on it - it seems very different and compelling.

I'm sure this will be far too basic, but have you tried putting all the computer files aside, unplugging completely, grabbing a pen and paper, and just allowing whatever happens to appear on the page? It sounds like you may be getting swallowed up by the image of how many plates you have spinning. Set them to the side and let everything works its way through onto paper -- maybe there is something that subconsciously wants to come out that is blocking your attempts to work on other projects.

I loved Blackadder!!! Completely different genre, but Are You Being Served is another old favorite too

Based on your introduction I read this in a black comedy inflection. I pictured a George Carlin type delivering it with the over the top facial expressions and vocal inflections. Sometimes it just helps to find whatever "humor" you can in a tough situation. I think it captured that perfectly.

I've seen photographs similar to those I described in most shows and books. I think the point I'm trying to get to is how does any photograph of people not come across as stolen or intrusive unless the subjects are sitting for a portrait or paid models? I do agree that the presence of the camera and its prominence serve to make the viewer uncomfortable. I also think that is the intention.

Imagine that the photographer was not one of the individuals in the photo and the camera was not visible in the reflection. Does that change your impression of the picture? if not, how is this different from any photograph taken by someone attempting to capture life as it happens. Would it be as invasive if it was two people sitting on the steps of a building with their eyes locked, each caught in the moment when a small smile breaks into laughter at something one has said or done? Or if it was a picture of two elderly people sitting on a park bench feeding pigeons, their faces lined with the joys and battles of their years together and between them on the bench rest their intertwined hands? These moments seem equally intimate, however they may not feel as intruded upon. Could the presence and placement of the camera be deliberate by the photographer to make you feel as if you are intruding on something so private and sacred? Needless to say, I love art that causes you to think and question. And playing devils advocate to whip up a good, old-fashioned debate....

The love you have for each other shines through every word. It is something truly beautiful to see, draw strength from it in the dark moments. Love to you both!

Great series Gary. It's nice to see a story about a mature couple dealing with moving into a new stage in their lives. They don't always need to be the sage example of how far true love can take us - there are plenty of adventures left after 40!