Vcs

Woohoo it worked! Thank you @Summerabbacat!! The video is better quality too than you might think. Thanks again 🤗

That he was, @VBlew and I just love how appreciative Little Man is of every kindness. He was adorable with the horses, nuzzling with Starlight, whispering to her, and giggling when Midnight tickled him while eating his apple. Horses are such amazing, magical creatures. Poor Jake just can't keep his thoughts in his head. Sweet innocent Mannly seems to have an incredible power over him. Ugh, sometimes characters come along even in stories that are so tempting to just reach out and smack 'em. No, I wouldn't, but I can't deny that it's tempting. Talking about Starlight and Midnight brought to mind a wonderful place I love to visit, Assateague Island. Those who, like myself, love horses are sure to enjoy seeing and learning about the wild equines there and the history of how they came to be. //dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/eastern/assateague.aspx

Both observation and question are great; thank you @Charles26! It takes someone observant to pick up cues and is even more apparent to those who have experienced trauma of some kind. My take on it at this point in the story is that, yes, Hank and Jake have a clue. Notice the way Hank put his hand on Mannly’s shoulder and then Jake put his arm around him, both protective stances. As for why pretend? There are so many reasons. First, shame is inherent for so many who've fallen "victim." I’ve not met a survivor, and I’m specifically speaking of males now, who hasn’t felt some degree of shame. Is it justified or warranted? Absolutely not, but then society teaches so many beliefs that start with “real men don't..." There is no place for shame in being targeted for any kind of assault. Next, there’s fear, wondering if he’s truly safe and who he can trust completely. What if they find out how damaged he is? Will he be told he’s too much trouble, too broken, thrown out of the only place he has that’s safe? He can’t even remember who he is. Yes, on some level he knows he’s safe. Accepting it, though, is risky, and before he can completely trust others, Mannly first must learn to trust himself. There’s so much more... The final point, though, is denial. There’s a saying, “Denial is not a river in Egypt." Unfortunately, when struggling to come to terms, some cling to the hope that the river exists. It doesn’t, of course, and denial just gets one as far as that non-existent river in Egypt. I hope this helps. For all those who are survivors themselves or have someone in their lives who've experienced trauma, I leave you with gentle hugs to pick up and hold close when you are ready. 🤗 🤗 🤗

And you didn't include a link @Summerabbacat? I'm a little punchy from lack of sleep, so forgive me when I say - Shame on you! LOL Guess I'll have to trust my Google skills to find it. Yeah, I really shouldn't be fussing at anyone given brains here forgot to include the chapter title when revising this morning. Worse yet, I wasn't the one to come up with such a great title. Thank you again by the way. I love what you came up with!

Oh, come on now @dboggs9700, you two are killing me. Hmmm, what if... Nah, that'd never work. Besides, we all love their collab on that song too much, so we don't want to chance getting in the way of another.

Holy smokes, @Summerabbacat, you sure get me laughing! I missed the whole Dallas show, so I am just guessing who Sue Ellen's sister was. Poor Midnight, you leave that gorgeous black stallion alone! LOL As for thugs, I'm past ready for them to get theirs. When, how, who, where??? Puuullleeease, someone tell me they get got!

Thank you kindly; @dboggs9700, it's good to see you back. I'll be honest, it's so hard to tell where to break. Hang in there with me, please; there's more to come...

Thank you @Summerabbacat. Writing for GA is a bit different than what I've done before, as it really does feel like the characters of In the Bar are surprisingly enthusiastic about having their stories told. Jo, for instance, really wanted to tell how he arrived at the ranch. Judeo-Christian beliefs certainly have had their influence. Hopefully, the telling will respectfully do justice to everyone's persuasion.

Oy vey, @Wiyot! So, I'm responsible for tears and gagging? Wow, that's quite an accomplishment for so early here in the U.S.! You deserve a couple of 🤗🤗 On a side note, @Summerabbacat, you didn't tell me I needed a gag warning. 🤣

@Wiyot, am I imagining things, or is it already 13 deep?

Jo has a chapter dedicated to him coming down the line, giving a glimpse of his history. As for the belief system on the ranch, it's varied, and being Native American along with following the old ways, neither the Longfeathers nor Jake is of the Christian faith. Religion is such a sensitive subject, with my own belief system being different from most; experiences have certainly colored my views on the subject. I try to be fair, though sometimes I might not succeed. Thank you, @Summerabbacat.

I am most fortunate,,@Summerabbacat to have someone in the background contributing so much. I'd not thought to add a tissue warning until a very wise Summerabbacat suggested it was needed. After that, I put on some background sounds of rain, poured a glass of wine, and reread the chapter quietly. Yes, it was one I'd have left a comment about needing tissues, so thank you! Being sensitive to smells, the part of the 'smell so acrid' was a bit of a challenge. I know all too well what triggers me and am thankful the words written painted the picture. Thank you; @Summerabbacat, your continued encouragement is so very much appreciated.

Two words: Hot damn! Whew, just had to get that out. And I also have to say: I want that Stampede shirt NOW, please. Hmmm, did the Fabulous Mr. Porter contribute his ideas on that one? Alas, I'm guessing not, but just think of the hat he could create to go with. Yes, please, the shirt and hat too, please, please, please!

And the prize goes to..... @dboggs9700, the first to leave the correct guess: dboggs9700 I am guessing it is Jake's horse.

A little about cast members Jo and his girl Sally... Jo Age : 23 Appearance : diminutive, wiry, few freckles Height : 4’11½” Eyes : green, color of clover Irish Hair : untamed, red, curly Overall helper at Two Spirits, makes up for diminutive height with unbridled enthusiasm and an infectious smile, sent to Two Spirits Horse Ranch by the Longfeather tribe to Jaciah and Kahlid Longfeather, who created the Ranch Assistant job for him; dedicated and loyal. His best friend as he was growing up was his hound dog, Ol’ Rex. Jo plays the mouth organ (harmonica) and enjoys Western comics. He was sent to Two Spirits Horse Ranch by the Longfeather tribe to Jaciah and Kahlid Longfeather, who created the Ranch Assistant job for him; he is dedicated and loyal. His best friend as he was growing up was his hound dog, Ol’ Rex. Lacking much education and developmentally challenged, Jo is smart in his own way and much loved by all on Two Spirits Horse Ranch. Sally Age : 24 Appearance : petite, elfin, freckles Height : 4’11” Eyes : deep green Irish Hair : curly auburn, shoulder length Jo’s girlfriend resides in Rudyard and works at Sugar Shack 50’s diner; she has the ‘voice of an angel' and is developmentally challenged, currently background character; however, she might be making an appearance in the future P.S. Thank you everybody for reading!