Wayne Gray

Thanks, belisima! When they were down at the river, I tried to catch the uncertainty in Harry. The way he has to feel, being new to relationships, and with all the questions and doubts that might bring. "Are you sure you want me? You're so far, and handsome, how is this going to work?" etc. Like tim said above, maybe this won't be forever, but it will be good for them. And it'll be something they look back on and they'll smile, regardless of how long it lasts. Thanks for reading, and for the comments!

It's not everybody's thing, certainly. Even camping without the police visiting isn't everyone's idea of a good time. But I love it. I'm older now, and sleeping on the ground is no longer a great night, so we just make sure we're prepared, have the right equipment to enjoy things, and we go. There's something great about no distractions, and focusing on nature, peace, and the people you're with. Camping sort of forces that. Yes, I've thought about what comes next for these young men. And the likelihood of them creating a long life together is pretty slim. How many of us are with our first crush? But you're right - that's okay. They have now, and they're young. They should live it, enjoy it, and regardless of if it lasts, someday cherish it. Thanks for reading and commenting, tim. 🙂

Thanks, CincyKris! Yeah ... those men stole the show, damn it. It's so easy to write them, because I can imagine, and have SEEN interactions similar to James/Dan from my friends they're based on. One of the guys actually has a bisexual son too, and he was a champ when his boy came out, so it's really close to the mark. Day drinking when camping is sort of a must for me and those I know. It just happens. You set up your tent, survey your work, and someone hands you a drink. You sorta squint in confusion at the sun, because it's in the wrong spot for a drink in your hand, but then you shrug, and consume your beverage. That's just life! 😄

Thanks, jaysalmn! hehehe. Dan and James are good guys. See my comment to Clancy for more on them. 😛 There's more to come for the campground. As stuff hits me, I take notes, and I slowly get the chapter written as I find time. I'm working on a bigger project right now, so updating this "story" will be only sporadic. Still, I hope folks get a kick out of the chapters when they land.

Hahaha. Dan and James are fun. I based them off straight dads I know in real life, with only minor tweaks. And my friends who they're based from are hysterical together too, while their wives shake their heads and "omg, we married those guys" is spoken more than once some evenings. hahaha The format of this one is a bit strange. It's a continuation of the first chapter, and most of these will not be that way. Most will be completely stand-alone, and you won't need to have read any of the others to understand what's happening. A lot like my "Joe" chapter. A little short story that can be read utterly apart from any other. Thanks for reading, Clancy. I'm glad you liked the dads!

Thanks, kbois! I'm happy you liked the visit. Dan had been drinking since noon, right after his work call ended. And he's not exactly a heavy drinker, so ... yes. He's a lightweight. 😛 I think their parents are doing the best they can, and these boys have no idea how lucky they are. I'm glad they don't. It's just how things are, that's how life should be. 🙂

Thanks, drsawzall! I like these little tales. They're fun for me, and I like these characters too.

Thanks, Butcher. They're going to give it a try. And while supportive, their folks are concerned about sex, but they also know things are going to happen. So they provide a safe place for them to do their thing, and remain approachable anytime there might be problems. I'm not a parent, but that seems like the only real way to go to me!

Thanks, Chris. They're good boys, and this is their first go at the whole "boyfriend" thing. They do seem to fit. 🙂

"Hello, Francine!" Laura smiled over the phone. "It's great to hear from you. How's the family?" With a smile of his own, Dan dropped onto the couch beside his wife as she listened. "Aww, well wish Gus a happy early birthday for us! What are you guys planning?" Her brows knit into a thoughtful frown. "Oh. Oh, that … hrm. That might work." Laura glanced at him. Dan cocked his head, bemusement creeping into his expression. He took and held her hand resting in her lap. She

you know, we drill on physical emergencies for a reason. Fires, code blues (a patient stopped breathing), active shooters, earthquake drills ... We drill so it's automatic. Our response just clicks into place because of muscle memory. "The thing is happening. Okay, do the thing in response." I don't know why it wouldn't be the same for mental health emergencies. A crisis is a crisis, no matter its origin. I really like this article. Thanks for sharing, tim. 🙂

It's worth trying to get back to it. I like our people a lot. 🙂

Yeah. We need critical eyes on it, and for someone to ask good questions. We’re a little stuck, because it’s not edited, and that stops me from working on it. I need to let go of perfection and just write. That’s hard for me.

Up. Got coffee. Fed the cats. Saw my husband off to work. Now settling in to try and write a bit. Have a great day, all!

It's hard. I'll be honest. Once COVID-19 began, I just stopped. I stopped everything creative until a few months ago. Over time, things got better, and I was able to write again. This one ... it's different. It's something entirely different, and complex, and it will take a lot of effort to do right. But I've not given this one up. And I won't.

I'm glad you're feeling better, and got good news. I vastly prefer to right a problem with my own power and meds rather than surgery if at all possible. Keep it up! I'm doing okay. Writing as I'm able, working a lot, but doing okay. And I hope you like the new story coming. I think it'll be a nice, "feel good" sort. Good luck with that heat and the storms! Yeesh!

Thanks, Reader. I had forgotten. Until I got reminded.

I was outside, supervising the cats in the yard after work, when my supervision skills were put to the test and found sorely lacking. Oberon ... our little wild kitty watched this spot near our fence. Then he just pounced. Before I could stop him, he's hauling this 10 inch long squirming rodent out of the grass. I stepped toward him, and he RAN INTO THE HOUSE WITH IT. He dropped it on the living room floor, and luckily, it was too stunned to move. I scooped it up in an empty oatmeal container, and took it outside, still VERY alive. Happy Friday the 13th, all!

Great quote. 🙂 How are you, rick?

Hmmm. I seem to recall someone competing with me for that crown? *taps chin* Who could that have been???

Thank you, Reader! I'm used to writing fairly complex plots, and holding a lot of things in my mind at once as I go. But this is a far simpler tale. That also means there's little to distract from the main characters, so the story there needs to be engaging. It's interesting to me ... the change in the writing dynamic. Great song. And a perfect fit. 🙂

I do. And you can say all you like! 😄 Thanks for the encouragement along the way, tim!

I have been! I even wrote on my vacation, I'll have you know! 😛 I hope it appeals. It's the first time I've written a pure romance, with no external stressors. There are the regular trials (work, money, family) but nothing "other" to deal with. I thought it'd be boring at first, but I am having a nice time with my guys, watching them get closer. It's just sweet.

I've been working on a new sort of story, a sort I've never really written. I'm writing a story about a "what if" scenario. It's a tale, set in a world much like our own, with one key difference. That is, it's written in a world where Love is Love. Where healthy relationships of all kinds are simply accepted, and there's no social pressure to be something you're not supposed to be. The difference is actually quite profound. I have to think about it. I have to constantly rewrite bits, because my protagonists shouldn't angst over some of the things my characters in other stories have. They're just allowed to be. What a world that'd be. Where the only struggles a pair of guys have to becoming a couple are the same struggles a man and a woman would have. I'm on chapter seven. I figure I've probably got another four to five chapters to go before I'm done, and I'm looking forward to watching them make this journey together. Really, it's the journey we should all have the choice to make - regardless of who we choose to walk the path with us.

Hello, all. I'm getting settled back into regular life after almost a week seeing family in Kentucky. Since less than 5% were masked there, I'm in self-imposed quarantine now for another eight days. Once that's done, I'll be tested. Luckily, I can do almost all of my work from home, and am outsourcing my "running around" to other staff for the next little bit. I've been vaccinated, but breakthrough cases are a thing with the Delta variant ... and my boss agreed this was a prudent course. I hope everyone here is well, healthy, and happy. 🙂