Hawgdad

What a perfect ending! Happy Holidays....

According to the Met... " Peaceable Kingdom ca. 1830–32 Edward Hicks American The Quaker minister and painter Edward Hicks is best known for his Peaceable Kingdom pictures, of which sixty-two exist. The paintings represent a messianic prophecy in the book of Isaiah (11:6): “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” During the 1820s, a severe rift formed within the Society of Friends. In this version of Hicks’s favorite motif, the split is represented by the shattered tree trunk, and the desire for peace between the factions by the menagerie of discordant beasts lying down in perfect harmony. The lion and his companion, the ox, were, for Hicks, symbols of redemption." I can see a man like Harlan having similar views about Camp Refuge... Tom

Hey Wayne... Thanks for another in a progression of great chapters. Yes there are battles, but there is also help to fight them. When there are safe places and kindred spirits to help with the battles things that would otherwise seem like a bottomless pit are approachable and even winnable. And then Harlan enters the mix. Damn I love this series!!! Tom

Momentous building chapter cloaked in day-to-day update... LOVE IT!!! A combination of progress and new things to be worked on. Harlan looks to be an intriguing character pulled into the mix by Gary's health problems. Will he play a negative or positive role in our story? What other contributions might a complex character like Harlan be uniquely qualified to bring about down the road? Tom

The local news tonight ended one of its stories with a comment about broken people, and how in the final analysis most of us are broken in some way or another... Tom

WOW... Two great chapters in rapid succession. So much happening now... love all the positive stuff, and hope for timely resolution on the not so good stuff. Between the great character development and the engaging story line I keep feeling more and more involved with all that is happening. Tom

Yep... I just had that same thought! Tom

This was a great chapter, loved reading it. "He rested, a wounded guardian of a broken little soul - one that was a little less broken now that he had entered Orson's life." What a momentous occasion for both Orson and Elias. Tom

This was an incredible chapter. Thank you Wayne for helping us learn and grow from your ability to turn a personal misfortune into a thoroughly engaging story. I truly believe that over time heartfelt messages like yours help make the world a better place. The chapter benefits from the rewrite. Tom

Just alliteration.... <evil grin> Tom

Mancunian et al.... I know Orson would be very unwise to do what he threatened "ranger rick" with, but oh hell..... I loved seeing him scare the crap out of him!!! Tom

WOW... what a puzzle. I love this chapter for lots of reasons, but that sounds kind of crazy considering all the trouble, troubles, troubles. Maybe it's okay because I trust Wayne to find ways to make things work out??? Tom

Love this milestone packed chapter!!! All those milestones were important, but the two that stood out for me were Orson realizing that he had to accept needed help and accepting that Elias needed his help at the same time as well. Being helped and giving help at the same time close a circle I believe will play a crucial role in the camp's success. Tom

Great building and learning chapter. Site went down and lost the rest of my comment. I learned not to submit without copying on my computer first. Tom

It hasn't seemed like a long road to most of us... and look at the foundation you've built for the refuge to get into full swing. Tom

This great chapter let us in on characters' scars. The increased knowledge reveals more of the characters' humanity which enhances my feelings of connection to them and the story. I am happy to see relationships progressing with deeper understanding and signs of increasing activity at the camp. Tom

Personally, I like Greg a LOT... taken in the context of the story he seems to be a perfect fit for his place in the plot. He's pretty dependably steady, and that seems to fit the central role in a place like Camp Refuge. He seems to be the grounded point that allows all the "interesting" things to go on without getting totally out of hand. And he does seem to have a pretty high libido behind closed doors <grin>. I just assume his little cracks and dings aren't germane in this story. Tom

Maybe it's just me, but it sounds a lot like we're at one of those places where only broken pieces fit in. They (and we) don't live in a perfect world and aren't perfect themselves, so they (and we) have to go through life making the best of what life throws their way and trying to make things better. Tom

Truly an outstanding chapter. The refuge is already beginning to fulfill its mission. But I wonder if anyone could have foreseen how it will blossom as those who came for refuge and help begin to pitch in and help others with their needs. Tom

Great chapter even with the rough ending. I think most of us understand why Clay acted as he did, but as one Southern Daddy to another... Clay in his ignorance and fear clearly "stepped all over himself" and seriously needs to "grab himself by the ears" and get up to speed on what is real and how he's going to fess up and make things right. His narrow minded ignorance, fear, and over reaction are not becomming to Clay. Tom

Great building chapter. Mason and Jeremy are getting closer and get caught in the aftermath, but it may turn out to be just growth and not trouble. Orson's pending arrival triggers growth at the camp, and provides Jeremy with the opportunity to help Orson, help the camp, and maybe help prove his worth to Clay. Not only is the camp's headcount growing, but it's mission as a refuge is expanding. Tom

Probably we need to put this in the context that sometimes it takes a tragedy to trigger a miracle... Tom

I will have to admit it... I trust you so I'm invested and along for the journey.

Yep... husband and I were park hos back in the day. We met tricking in a park.

Oh yeah.... and "no show" is the kiss of death. Guess those turn into don't likes.