TracyMN

Hello Jack! She asked for it, certainly. There's thinking people around every corner these days. I want to hear the answer to the Canadian question. I like Canadians. Thanks! Tracy

Too funny, Benj, and the fact that I had to check a few posting dates before figuring out the joke made it just that much funnier. Tracy

Good to hear Krista. I've been thinking of you, but very patiently. And I find patience much more comfortable than all that foot-tapping and sighing.... Thanks for checking in, I do very much appreciate that. Did I read that you're looking elsewhere to post? Just curious, as the link to that was confusing for me--haha, go figure. I need an internet seeing -eye dog. Wishing you well in all your endeavors, Tracy

Leonard Cohen in concert, I believe in London, from his last tour, will be shown on PBS Monday August 17th at 7pm CDT. Personally, I can't wait! Duncan informed this is available on DVD, and is, in his words, FABULOUS! Then, it would be, wouldn't it? Enjoy. Tracy

Hi Duncan, I couldn't resist and I'm so glad I didn't. Thanks for being present, you know what that says. Hehe, what you're not saying is where the fun starts. :-) Hello Cyn, it is so nice to see you again! Your mind is a constant source of inspiration to me-translating intuition into English what sounds like French in my head. *g* Disorganized thinking sounds a lot like French to Canadians. OK, American/Canadians. Hello everyone! There is certainly something to be said for showing up late. All of the comments here are easily plausible, and I never once wondered if we're all reading the same story, as is sometimes the case, and I think it speaks to Duncan's talent for getting to the Human Heart of the matter, where we all live at the end of the day. And the differences of interpretation or opinion are as much a reflection of temperament and/or experience as any of those so well presented through the characters of the story--and I like what that says about the story and about all of you. Conner, I'm with you about Scott. He's going to make some mistakes, some that WE will see as mistakes, as opposed to him being too hard on himself, but his character is, as you say, solid, because that's what he is. He is less like the others in that they are all, to a greater or lesser degree, some of what they are, and some of what they aren't. If that makes any sense, ( and Duncan if it doesn't contradict every damn thing I said about Matt). It's funny, I am reluctant to the point of aversion when it comes to sounding my horn about Josh and Scott's relationship. Whatever that might imply is probably all of what it is too. I'd like to be logical about fictional characters, just not these two. On one point I beg to differ, and of course I'll have to say why: "In the end, I'm convinced there will be a Matt and Luc " (the quote thingy isn't working for me either, why does that not surprise me?) I just don't see it. Duncan's not going to tell us, so if I have eat those words it won't be for a while. But I honestly don't see that as any part of what their relationship to each other is about. It's a little too contrived--though it would definitely happen in about 80% of stories written by other authors in these woods. I mean no disrespect by that; after all, everyone here has probably gotten involved with someone through the intentional or unintentional motives of friend or family. Proximity has it's rightful place in the scheme of things. It would just be too easy, and it would do too much of the work that I see Duncan having in store for these folks. I see each one touching the life of each of the others, helping or hindering and quite likely all of the above- but anything for the sake of convenience will defeat the purposes so desperately needed by each of them for reasons utterly and specifically personal. OK, you get it, any more and it will sound like i'm trying to convince you, and I'd have to actually know something if I was going to attempt such a thing. (If I can hear your footsteps Duncan, I can hear you laughing too). Just one more little thing, since someone asked: Scott did Matt a favor by telling him he was being selfish, and the fact that it was motivated by his insistance on an illusion makes it more generous, not less because that illusion involved Josh. He recognizes where Matt is bound by his own personality defects, and it is in support of something better for him that he bothers with him at all. Scott's friendship with Bran, and his desire to help Luc come back and live where he wants, are only a small part of him allowing Matt to be a part of their group, and of Luc's solution for this particular step on the way to healing himself his own way. I don't think for a moment it was because he felt he NEEDED to do it for Bran, or that he could not have either helped Luc another way (without moving in with him himself), or that he would compromise Luc's vulnerability simply to give him what he wanted. I may agree that Scott is the least wounded, I'm not sure if we fully know his true hurts yet. But I trust him, and have seen no cause to doubt him. I will allow that I WANT to like Scott, for however many logical reasons and a couple that no one would admit to publically. I trust Josh too. I think Laura, even before her accident, has a well of strength within her that she expresses in her athletic discipline, that gymnastics is in a sense the horse it rode in on, but she is young and her innocence took a serious blow that naturally effected her in critical ways and in critical areas of her developement as a person, compounded now by the loss of her outlet for all of that, along with the source of her self-confidence and self-worth; the task before this girl is monumental, and if i'm reading it correctly, the end result will depend on more variables than even that confounded Matt character. :-P I can't remember if I said my piece publicly about him, or in an email to Duncan on one of my shy days (ha, as if), and i'll spare you temporarily so you'll let me come play here again. What Bran has on his side with Laura and Matt is an honest heart, and an uncomplicated personality; the absence of his own drama may be all that saves him from being destroyed by either one of these two. Haha, I said little didn't I? It's a train folks. It doesn't stop til it reaches the station. If anything doesn't make sense, it's French. Anybody live where it's winter now? I got the night/day thing a long time ago, but the seasonal concept hit me like a ton of bricks, about a month ago. How did I not ever hear that?

I discovered this writer when folks were asking "Where's Dom?", though I didn't know that until I was asking myself the same question. I was new, and had only my own opinion that these were not "orphan" stories, that if I couldn't abandon them then surely the writer who created them would not be able to either. My now vast *g* experience has shown me that writers of this caliber do not or can not do such a thing, and though I am grateful, I hope it has not one thing to do with me, the reader me that is. I have friends I haven't seen for ages, but if and when I do, I know them every bit as well as I always did, and love them no less for their absence. These characters, and I mean ALL of them (what are the chances?) will be met with my most welcome smile whenever they appear; I accepted that when I was thinking "damnit where is this guy", and "oh god, I hope he comes back" and "please, please come back"; and it sounds like some folks know what it was like when he did--so i'll be waiting, practicing patience, and learnig the meaning of gratitude for being given whatever measure of something I want and enjoy so much. Greedy for them all, my most secret wish, the one I only whisper, is for "With Trust" Haha, how anyone could have this many stories going at once is a wonder in itself; that not one of them is anything but an all out effort, when talent could afford him a nap now and then and he probably doesn't get the chance for that at whatever he does so he can eat out of the rain, borders on mythical in my mind and reminds me of a comment somewhere about him not actually existing at all. Has anybody ever seen him? I'm kidding 'cuz it's late, and it's really weird to have built all this around a person whose work was mostly already posted before I came upon it and who I only wrote to once and didn't say any of this to...I knew I wasn't but one of a big crowd of his fans but it was so nice to hear you all talking. Talk some more, it passes the time if nothing else. Thank you always for your effort, Dom, i've certainly done nothing to deserve the pleasure your work gives me. Regards, all, Tracy

Whoohoo! I've been waiting for what feels like forever for that kiss-but then it always feels like forever when you're pretty sure it's on it's way... I love that Greg said he had wanted to kiss him for awhile now, and for his sensitivity about the Dad issues, as well as knowing that Corey wasn't prepared to do anything further. I really, really, like this guy. Thanks for your effort, Krista, and to Drewbie for the notice! Tracy

I once caught up in a story that had 100+ chapters (haha, that could only be about...2 or 3 authors I think...) so 12 isn't much to brag about. Besides, how is revealing you don't have a life bragging? :wacko: Seriously, this is delightful, Krista, the characters are so totally loveable, but WTF is Gloria's story? And really, hurry yourself back here, because that ending certainly gets my vote as a cliff-hanger (I take it that's the universal symbol for that?) Nice work, and thanks for all your effort. Tracy p.s. If i am brave for reading three ongoing stories, what does that make you for writing them?

Let's just think of it as encouragement, Krista, as yes, I do like your stories! Tracy

Hello Krista, everyone: I didn't read any of the 4 pages of posts here, as I am just starting chapter one. This is sort of an act of faith Krista, as this will make THREE of your ongoing stories I am getting involved with at once. If that doesn't feel like pressure to you, it should. Haha, really, I have been thinking of you lately, and when I saw the update notice, I figured, why not, it IS Krista..... Thanks in advance for the story, and for your effort, always. Tracy

Yea, Tinn! Thanks Rec, for the info. MOMD is one of my personal favorites, and Darkfall, though a rather difficult read, at least at the beginning, is very worthwhile indeed. Kayden now goes on my short list, being in such good company! My congratulations to all three authors, and my thanks to all at BONN for their work in bringing the list to us. Tracy

Around here, all names are fiction. I suppose that's true 'cuz i've seen it, but I can never quite comprehend it. I figure if I didn't decide to love my kid, it just happened, there's no reason to think i'll be deciding not to. Could be just smoke and mirrors, too, that comment, I hear writers have a phobia about being thought predictable. Sheesh, you'd think she was MY Mother or something... Tracy (fact or fiction?)

I suppose, for a writer, it's considered a good thing if a reader groans at the end of every chapter. This time it was accompanied by a fleeting glimpse of throwing you in the pool, Krista. While I have little doubt this Mother would be any different if Riley knew he was gay, I'd seriously question my assumption that she didn't already know, if I found myself entertaining one. It is your story Krista, but if she is to be surprised or at all disappointed, I'll be very interested in the route that takes her there. This woman has managed to hold on to the genuine love and respect of her son, and her own love for Mr. Badass; she's believably exceptional. Your careful handling of the dynamics in this family, neither simplifying nor over-reaching, says "talented writer" to me even if I can't define what talents that takes. I could tell you what makes me a good reader though, at great length, another day, when it's raining or there's nothing to read. Nice work, and thank you for your effort, always. Hurry back, I want to see them kiss. Tracy

Thanks Duncan, and since you have an excellent "track record" with me, I shall do just that. Tracy

Oh my, I didn't realize...still such a long way to go, I think. Reminds me of an ongoing conversation I have with Rick Beck, about how we learn slowly, but hopefully well, and how important it is to encourage our young people, so they can continue what we manage to start. If there are any leaping strides made, it will likely be them, and they deserve all the help we can possibly give them. So, smile at a pierced and tattooed young person today! My daughter is one, and I guarantee she is one of the sweetest hearts I know, even if she wasn't my kid! Tracy

Another beautiful avatar, Jack. Tracy

Well, if I was less attatched to my own ideas of what might happen, i would have spoiled the end for myself here... but O had to comment on the Avitar Jack, yum, and folks, you should see the soldier he provided for me to use on another forum! (oops, don't all go running to him at once now or he'll never speak to me again!) Tracy

Yes, it's no surprise to me that Cyn get's it either, or that I haven't a clue.... But, I do know how to google, and there is my stand-by favorite, "OneLook.com". Chapter 11, yes!! Lively discussion everyone, thanks! Tracy

Well Cyn, that ought to give Duncan (and the rest of us too!) a run for his money! As always you bring a broad view of what is given, and of the possibilities buried within. You are much more willing to venture out than I am, and I have to admit some of your possibilities had me wanting to pull the covers over my eyes....how silly, it's a story after all. :wacko: It does seem I will stand alone about Matt, but I just can't shake how I feel about him. Duncan only teases me, , so i'll either change my mind, rest my case, or have my words for lunch one day, with none being necessarily more desirable than another at this point. I hope you're being tardy doesn't mean we won't hear some more responss to your post, as it is just the kind of thing that can make a forum great! Awaiting 11 also, Tracy

I would call everything about these two a sort of dance. Just what Greg does or does not know is a wonderful mystery, which adds to anticipation that runs through every moment he and Corey spend together. Even the thought of parasites gives me the creeps, and I would have been too busy freaking to think of jumping in the lake! Thanks for a delightful chapter, Krista, and for your effort always. Needless to say we'll all be looking forward to the next one. Tracy p.s. Hey Wildone, I knew your name sounded familiar....

And I haven't even read it yet. I'm sosososososo happy to see you Krista!!!! Be back in a bit. And thanks for your effort already! Tracy

That's great. Sean remains one of the most memorable characters I have ever "met". Enjoy! Tracy

Conner, you'd have some competition for the chair of that club! But also plenty of company in it. Have you read Stonegate Stables? It's a must for all Gabriel lovers. Sounds like you covered a lot of ground in a week. Maybe I'm not the queen of voratious readers I think I am. Tracy

Mario, Jack? BTW, I just noticed the number of views your topics get!!! Impressive, if not a surprise. Though when you said you were surprised at the amount of response you've gotten for SOTW, I now have to believe that is surely a relative number.... No one more deserving than you. :king: Tracy

To hear other perspectives on this story is a welome and appreciated opportunity for me. These characters, all struggling in some way to come to terms, individually and in shifting interaction with each other, makes it one ideally suited for the intent and purpose of these forums. Thanks, Duncan, for making a place. I have a sense of the fun it could be too sit back and watch us "go at it". I agree that it was a genuine interaction, and one that provided insight into Matt's capacity for compassion. It was certainly not his intention, and his initial reluctance reflects who Matt is at this time, where as his rising to the occasion in the kitchen is his potential to be something different in the future. This is the basis for my reservation regarding him, as he will act and react to situations more from who he is now, and what brings about change depends on the strength of our desire to be something different and our ability to bring that to bear upon specific situations. Before we are different, we in a sense watch ourselves acting differently. I hope that makes sense. Am I really the only one though, who sees Matt this way? Thanks Wildone, for expressing what I think is a very important point-- the absence of heterosexual characters and relationships in any story other than those of the "snapshot" variety, cannot present a balanced picture of real life, and the question of inclusion and how much reflects an attitude I find both sad and disturbing. As the gay population struggles to be granted full rights and access to the benefits as legitimate members of society, to then in effect do to other members of that society what is at least part of what they are fighting against, at the very least doesn't make sense, and at worst, will only produce change that is skin deep. If the goal is only access, that will work, but if the goal is equality everyone must be present and counted valid. That aside, it is truly your story Duncan, I say please yourself. It works for us so far!! And I too have all confidence that you could go as far as you want and still be spot-on. Tracy