Mancunian

Written by @northie, with what felt like hints of @Carlos Hazday. A great light-hearted tribute to a friend that we all miss.

Written by @northie, with what felt like hints of @Carlos Hazday. A great light-hearted tribute to a friend that we all miss.

A beautiful tribute that helps to imagine what meeting with Carlos would have been like.

Beautifully written. I'm sure I'm not on my own when I say, I would have loved to have met Carlos and chatted over a coffee. I magine we would have had a lot of laughs, fun and serious conversation as we 'put the world to rights'. Maybe that will happen if we get the chance to meet in the next world.

A beautiful and heartfelt tribute to a friend who will always be missed.

What a beautiful tribute that expresses love and feelings that come from the heart. I never met Carlos, we only interacted online, this tribute confirms that Carlos was in real-life as I imagined him from our interactions online. It is also a good reminder that Carlos hasn't left us, he is still with us in his writing and in our hearts.

Hey everybody, I hope you all have a great time celebrating The New Year tonight. I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Wow, now that's a legend I'd like to hear. Can...can you tell us that legend?

G'night B, sweet dreams.

I think this is one of those times when a beta reader and/or editor can be a help. A lot of my stories have been written without them and they have turned out to be good stories that in many cases are poorly written. For my latest story, I accepted the offer of an editor/beta reader who has been invaluable. When I've sent them drafts of chapters the feedback, helpful hints, tips and suggestions have helped to improve the flow and continuity, when I've been stuck on how to continue they have been supportive and kept me on track. As a result, some scenes have been fleshed out, and others have been cut back by using alternative words and/or phraseology. The result has been far less lagging and better pacing. I'm not saying this is the answer, but it has helped and worked for me so I'm sure it can work for others too. The key to the way this has worked for me is that my editor/beta reader is as invested in the story as I am and has a good understanding of me and the story I am writing and the direction that I want it to go. I hope this helps and I'd love to read what works for others.

There was a tornado that hit an area called Stalybridge, which is around 6 or 7 miles away from me. Fortunately, the surrounding areas were not affected, but many houses in Stalybridge suffered property damage, leaving some people unable to live in their homes. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries or loss of life, although many people were left shaken by the tornado.

Aloha Albert, I hope your weekend is off to a good start.

See below 👇 ✍️ notes are being made for possible future stories. 😀

✍️ notes are being made for possible future stories. 😀

Homelessness is a social disease that has many root causes and needs to be tackled on two fronts. One is to treat the root causes, the other is to provide more social housing at affordable rents. Then we can reduce it, I'm not sure that we can eliminate it but that must be the goal. The Boot World stories mainly show what can happen when help and support is given to those who need it, this is another of those stories. There are stories of homelessness that are much darker, some of those stories will also be told in time. We can all help by supporting organisations that are local to us and trying to help those in need. Your story reminds us that this is a problem that can, and does, affect anyone. You have a good positive attitude that I am sure has helped and kept you going in the darkest of times. I hope you are getting the help and support that you need and your situation improves in the coming year. Your partner and your positivity will be of immense help to you. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you @Freemantleman for leaving your valuable comments, they are welcome and appreciated.

Very often those who help and/or support others don't see themselves as anything other than ordinary, doing the right thing comes naturally to them. That is what makes them special. The Baxter boys don't see the good they doing, they only see what is being done for them and do not believe they have done anything to deserve it. To me, that is the definition of a good heart. Charlie is eager to restore the Mini, he has a lot of knowledge but little experience so still has a lot to learn. Joe is a classic car buff who is thorough and methodical, an ideal mentor for Charlie. He should have the knowledge to source and use only OEM parts in all, or most, of the restoration. He will probably instruct Charlie to place the documentation in one or more protective folders to maintain them due to their value and the value they add to the car. I think Charlie and Joe will make a good team in restoring Harry's Mini. The car has more than a monetary value to Harry, I'm sure he will keep it. Thank you @drsawzall for your valuable comments, I appreciate them.

Spoken like a true friend. I agree with you, but I have to convince Charlie and Michael of that. Thank you @Cane23 for your valuable comment.

Damn, you found my weak spot.

It's great that you have been able to catch up with the rest of us. I hope you enjoyed the party and managed to get a slice of cake before @Albert1434 and @raven1 ate it all, lol. Thank you for your support Gary, I do appreciate it.

Everybody is in agreement, Max did nothing, maybe out of character, but not wrong. I wanted everyone to see that the gentle giant is just as capable of being angry as anyone, in this case, it was justifiable as it was in defence of someone who needed defending. Everybody put that earlier blip behind them and enjoyed their night out, but then, who doesn't like a fair/carnival and an expertly choreographed fireworks display? Thank you for your support and commenting my friend.

Thank you Bill for the valued comments. When Michael met his new colleagues he also made at least one new friend. Hopefully, this new friendship will help Michael to socialise more. Charlie is very happy to be able to restore the Mini, it will be a good experience for him. Just as the lads were starting to feel a bit down Stacy performed his magic (has he had lessons from Aunt May?) and put smiles on faces, but more than that he lifted the feeling in the lads hearts.

Thank you @Jkeeletupelo the boys sure are working hard, looking after Harry and having Jobs. I think it's safe to say this is the happiest they have been since their mum passed away, I'm sure she will be looking down smiling, happy that her boys have found good friends.

I'll never be able to listen to this track again without picturing Michael and Stacy wearing a permed wig, lol.

Thank you @akascrubber, it was hard work keeping the party a secret, but it was worth it and enjoyed by all. Did you get a slice of cake or did @raven1 polish it off?

Thank you @Albert1434, I hoped you would like the party. BTW, was that you I saw sat in the corner eating sweet and crispy chicken drumsticks with a large slice of each cake on a plate, lol.