Vcs

Hmmm, one wonders how many might come to that conclusion. All will be brought to light about her and other characters as we go along. (I wouldn’t turn my back on her, though.)

Absofreakinglutely! Next installment: Sunday

“Dr. MacLarroy’s office. This is Shayna speaking; how may I help you?” “Good morning, Shayna. This is Jake over at Two Spirits Horse Ranch; Dr. MacLarroy said to call this morning. We have a young man here…” “Oh, my goodness, Jake, I’m so sorry to hear about the awful goings on at the ranch. How’s the patient doing?” “He had one heck of a rough night and isn’t conscious yet, but he’s still breathing. Dr. Mac said we should bring him in for X-rays, bloodwork, and whatever else he n

Funny, Rick was so eager, yet his reaction, though not unexpected, seemed to surprise him.

The River Ran Backwards starts off referencing events in 1812, which this reader had never heard of; that immediately drew attention. It’s such gems that add enticing elements to stories. Moving on, intellectually gifted teen River is introduced, and his struggles are revealed. This is a story that speaks to events common in our time, providing yet another example of how others’ behavior can affect a student. In a moment of great need, he meets someone unexpected “on the banks of the Mississippi River.” One person might not be able to change the world, but can they change the trajectory of one life?

I’ve only to imagine the drain left by writing such a moving piece. Reading your stories, I was hooked after the first one. I hope someday you’ll find the time and inspiration to return to writing and publishing on GA. You have an incredible gift.

Thought-provoking and filled with angst, courage, and unexpected strength. The secret of the old man’s regrets served as a gut punch. The unexpected revelation sat tight in my chest. How unfortunate he didn’t know. Would it have mattered and changed how younger Max felt and his outcome? Leaving those thoughts to the readers was a decision that could leave some raw and questioning. Coming from similar experiences, it doesn’t feel like it. Everyone is different, though. Still tight, trying to catch a breath. Stunning and moving piece. It saddens me to see no further publications.

Max Cauler is a stunningly moving “snapshot in time” of the costs of brutality in the home and the aftermath. A secret long hidden unexpectedly comes to light. Would it have made any difference if shared sooner? There’s no way of knowing. With new discoveries, can other broken bonds be mended? Read along to come to your own conclusion.

Jeremy is an adorable trickster pulling his bestie Sam into his various pranks. Halloween makes a great opportunity for both tricks and treats. How will Sam react, though, to what Jeremy has “all planned out” for the rest of the night after they’ve partied with friends?

Jeremy, what a little trickster, fooling Sam like that. Absolutely delightful!

David is a beautifully told story of one man’s search for his typical fare, only to find something unique and never sought by him, uncovering a need he never realized he had. What can a man freshly turned 40 find so surprising?

The Difference Between Me and Me is a sweet little short about teenage boy Sam as he begins to discover things within himself. Specifically, his feelings. What will happen? Will he face and explore this new discovery, or will he run?

Been there, done that, so I hope this wasn’t the result of recent work efforts. It’s horrifying when it happens, and the sting lingers, but the comedic tone of reactions is almost a relief, knowing others have been through the same.

Handsome piece of equipment, it seemed to fit the scenario.

Thank you, @VBlew, nirvana completely escaped my thoughts, but yes, spot on.

Thank you, @sandeman there is indeed much ahead to learn with twists, turns, and perhaps a few surprises. Thank you for joining us here.

Oh, so very tempting! I always enjoy your comments @drsawzall on the stories I've read. Thank you for joining in the Two Spirits Ranch adventure

An introspective journey where solitude transforms from mere isolation into a sanctuary of healing and strength.

Content in isolation, alone though not lonely, withdrawn from life and others, solitude had become my quiet treasure, an exquisite island of safe refuge protected by Mother Earth and Father Sky. Finally, no longer raw and vulnerable to the ways of a harsh universe. Hazards to the soul at long last set aside, locked away from hurt and pain so detrimental to the spirit. Decades of self-exploration, healing, and building a delicate yet fortified, impregnable cocoon in which to reside. Cou

Thank you Kileoli for your patience and kind assistance!

Good binoculars in the hands of a motivated, observant man help. He does indeed seem drawn. More to come soon!

Thank you kindly, VBlew. I’m looking forward to readers’ feedback.

Since I could not, for the life of me, figure out where to include acknowledgments, please allow me to do so here... First, I would like to thank Ly for his kind dedication and encouragement in seeing In the Barb through to completion and publication on GA. I’m indebted to Ly for his tireless efforts in beta reading, editing advice, and the magnificent book cover. Finally, my sincerest appreciation for the tremendous amount of patience it took to get this severely technologically challenged writer through the publishing process. In addition, my dear off-site friend Jennifer has offered tremendous encouragement by reading through numerous edits and providing unwavering, heartening support. Thank you for always being my greatest cheerleader. Thank you to all who have continued to show confidence in this project. Your feedback and contributions have been and continue to be invaluable.

The Montana sky is wide, coffee strong, and wounded souls are never turned away from Two Spirits Horse Ranch. When Jake finds a young stranger left for dead at the north gate, his promise to protect him draws the whole ranch into a fight against fear, memory, and the men who may return to finish what they started. Warm, funny, tender, and suspenseful, In the Barb is a Western romance about found family, survival, and the kind of love that begins as rescue but grows into home.

Long before the blood dried on the north gate, Two Spirits Horse Ranch had learned that wounded things sometimes found their way home. The ranch sat beneath the wide Montana sky, a place built by Jaciah and Kahlid Longfeather with stubborn hands and open hearts. Folks came for work, for horses, for a hot meal, or simply because the road had taken too much from them. Jake had come that way once. Years later, he knew every sound that belonged to the ranch—the creak of saddle leather