Former Member

During the 1950s there was a male performer from Louisiana, from off the bayous. He made this phrase popular: "If I'm lyin', I'm dyin.'" (For some reason I associate the phrase with Zydeco music.) This phrase underscores your truthfulness. "Yes, the check is in the mail. If I'm lyin', I'm dyin'." See how much stronger that statement is? v

This is a very politically incorrect phrase, and I'll allow it as its used to make a statement not about disability, but about a person stepping away from convention: The phrase is: "Every family got their idiot child." This may allude to inter-familial relations, and I've heard it used meaning, "That child/person isn't following tradition." This is usually derogatory, but not always. It may mean the person isn't using common sense or may simply be an exclamation about a new situation. A liberal politician introducing a new idea may get this comment in a conservative area. Because I've worked with so many people with disabilities, I find it a crude but honest recognizing differences in groups; farming life is hard, often dangerous and medical services are not always available. v

"Pretty little heifer." For farming people, a cow giving birth to a female was a fortuitous event. Females make more calves and give milk. Males are treated differently and didn't enjoy a long lifespan. A heifer was a thing of beauty in the minds and lives of many rural southerners. This is not an insult, but a compliment, though many girls/women didn't like being compared to livestock. I never used the phrase. v

Some I've heard often: "Ain't that sumptin'?" or, "Aren't you special today?" These phrases carry the opposite meaning. Example: "Ain't that sumptin'? You only spilled half your coffee on your shirt this morning. You're so special today." This is southern sarcasm at its cattiest. Phrase is used for people drawing attention to something they did that they were actually expected to do. (Keep coffee in either cup or mouth.) Can be used in the superlative by adding the word "Mercy!" before or after the insult. v.

Red headed step child: Calling a person this implies his mother stepped outside her marriage to have intimate relations with a person of another faith. (I'll let you figure that out.) This has often come to mean a person who is neglected, abused and mistreated. It is used to describe discourtesy or poor customer service by a commercial enterprise; "That woman talked to me like I was her red headed stepchild." In my experience, through the years, this has fallen from use for the most part through economic downturns. People in the south will take in relatives' children and raise them along with their own as a matter of family preservation and generosity. I do believe the advent of easily available henna has contributed to the disuse of this phrase as well. v

Sippy sack: Small brown paper bag containing a can of beer. Sold/packaged at convenience stores beginning when beer came in cans and continues in some areas today, though more sophisticated materials are used to hide labels of alcoholic beverages from law enforcement. "Sippy Sack." Liquor laws were rigid, and often strange for many reasons. Drinkers found ways to get to their alcohol despite laws. This custom continues in many areas. v

"Snowin' down south." This was a warning phrase between women during the first half of the 1900s. It meant the edge of your crinoline was revealing itself from beneath your skirt. A fashion faux pas at least and if done consistently and brazenly, a scandalous statement. v

A metaphor I've always enjoyed is: "Like a pea in a #2 washtub." This phrase is usually allowed after someone says something really stupid implying the speaker's brain is like a pea in a large wash tub. Tubs come in sizes, but most rural southern families had a large tub for washing clothes, children and smaller animals. v

I absolutely love the ending, but then again I "got" the hidden clue. So beautiful. Thank you

Glad to hear that you and your family are alive and well

Beautifully written. I loved the banter back and forth between Robby and Nathan. A couple of times they had me laughing out loud. Nathan is such a tease and Robbie for all his problems is really a good hearted kid. Nathan is a bit much trying so hard to be a big splash as an entertainer, always putting himself on stage. Hopefully, he'll find a balance with Robbie the second time around. I have voiced this on several occasions and for sure Dodger has a great creative talent. I guess it is the selfishness in me that wants more and to bring the story to a conclusion. I could bear installments if they were at a pretty regular interval. I have tried my hand at writing and know how much of an effort it is. So I know the energy and commitment it takes so thank you Dodger for all the work that is in your stories.

Vivica Genaux performing Hasse's Fra quest’ombre Solimano

Glen Campbell performs Rossini

I've never heard this until today... 00:18:02 Piano Sonata No.2 in F, K280: II. Adagio

I liked it. For such a long, very very long story it held your interest. I found myself skipping over some of the super descriptive passages. I tend to take thing at face value so when you say something is big you don't have to say gigantic or monstrous or whatever. One thing for all it's length I thank the author for finishing it in a timely manner. It is filled with mystery and intrigue and that is what keeps your attention. I reserve 5 stars for stories that capture me emotionally. This although thrilling for the most part did not.

I don't agree with the bunch that says Daniel is a mini Don. Don is psychotic homophobe - Daniel is basically a good kid who doesn't like conflict. Nothing like Don he has very little of Don's meanness that is for sure. The pastor is a little too touchy feely for me. I think he has brain washed Mathew, probably molests him too. Robbie is just beginning to see that Sue is probably his best friend trying so hard to give him the love he needs with the passing of his mom. For sure the whole experience for Robbie is too much as he grasps at straws like Connor and Nathan when he really needs to be back in the UK with Tom.

Oscar Peterson, Variations on a Theme by Bach

The one and only Oscar Peterson

J.S. Bach Cantata Christ lag in Todesbanden BWV 4, Karl Richter

Red-rose kisses and Champagne wishes on your much-deserved recognition. Keep up the great work!!!

I hope the wall are well insulated otherwise all the other guests got to hear a wild ride! ;–)

Are we sure that Aaron is straight? He has some unusual interests for a hetero guy. And Beth does have a history… ;–)

Grace Jones...you can't forget Octopussy...what a classic

"Well, of course, there are times when we're all ill at ease Though we try to act suave and cool -- When everyone seems to know everyone else, It's just like that first day at school. It can be a nuisance Affecting insouciance, Trying to mix with the crowd: Knowing that one is probably talking just-that-tiny-little-bit-too-fast And laughing a lot too loud..." "We're shy, so shy..." etc. Michael Flanders

Joel von Lerber performs Guillaume Connesson's Toccata