I've posted a new story, Cynthia and the Solicitous Sisters-In-Law, Part 1. The story will be in three parts. I played with the idea of posting it all at once because it is quite short - only 14,500 words; however, decided to do it this way. The action picks up considerably in the next part. I think there may be a message in the story; however, at the moment, I'm not too sure what it is.

Thanks to everyone for their passing out the kudos for my little effort. I think much can be made from the kudos as well as the number of comments.

Just posted my short story. It is only a fantasy, but who knows? This is my form of closure.

Does anyone know the names of Stan's dogs or how many he had? Working on a short story.

I lost a good friend this morning due to pneumonia. This was a complication due to pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and a myriad of other problems. I had known him for about 25 years, but we didn't really become good friends until about 12-15 years ago when we started working for the same state agency. We retired from there about a week apart. More recently, he would ride with me all over the State of Arkansas while I was doing Loss Control Surveys of various businesses. He had done this type of work for years, long before I ever got involved in it after retiring from the military.

First of all I want to than everyone of my hard core fans for their continued support. I appreciate the PMs pointing out some editing omissions on my part. Editing is painful. I wish Holly was feeling better, and I really need her help. I think I will post the next to the last part later today, and the last part tomorrow or Sunday (which may be tomorrow for some of you). Concluding this on a weekend is better than dragging it into the beginning of next week.

Re: Soaring With Eagles - Part 2. I forgot how things change in military training. The last time I fired an M-16 was in late summer of 1966. I remember researching Air Force automatic weapons for a previous story and forgot to reference that for this story. Many things changed over the last 47 years, and they will certainly change more up to the time this story takes place. Thanks to everyone for their help.

The big thing about shaggy dog stories is the set up followed by a big let down. Fortunately, at least I think so, Soaring With Eagles is not in that category. The first three parts have been a set up for what I feel is going to be a very interesting rest of the story. We are currently about one third of the way through the story, and the next part rather quickly covers the next six years in our protagonists' lives. Fred worries about his best friend who communicates only through rather unrevealing emails. Angelo's parents are upset, but won't tell Fred anything.

I've posted the first part, one of ten, of my latest novel, Soaring With Eagles. This is the last story of eight in the California Saga series. I find the title ironic, as the story seems to be going over like a lead balloon or a fart in a diving bell; there was not one kudo in the first 64 reads. Maybe the introduction could have been a bit more explanitory. As much as many want instant gratification, overnight transformations, misdiagnosed birth sex, etc., it ain't going to happen that way.

This is part of a facebook note my wife just wrote to Air France:

I haven't been happy with the last two chapters of Adam and the Wishes since day one, and my Beta readers and editor agreed with what I realized was a weakness with the whole thing. The ending was too quick and easy for our heroine. I made a few minor changes and additions, but I was still not too happy with it. Today, I made a few more additions to Chapter 11 mostly. Of course, in this universe, changes such as these are not nearly as traumatic as they would be in this world.

This is an interesting community, to say the least. I know that many here are not writers or aspiring writers; however, it amazes me how some writers are so creative, and so damn good. Some writers complain that they could not grind out the next five thousand words of a story so they won't be posting this week. Others turn out charming little short stories every month or so that are interesting, and with enough varience to make them seem like new stories. Some are like Christmas trees. They're like Douglas Firs with different decorations.

There is an interesting discussion at this link about being transgendered in the US Military. The repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell does not affect the transgendered in the US Military. We're not like Canada.

http://www.aol.com/video/secretly-serving-the-few-the-proud-...

Portia

Every once in a while quotation marks and apostrophes seem to do this to stories. I was just curious as to why this happens. Sometimes, it gets cured. This is from the latest episode of Bike.

"á¢â‚¬Å“I thought that was only when I did the cookingá¢â‚¬”talking of which itá¢â‚¬â„¢s Davidá¢â‚¬â„¢s day off, so I suppose I suppose Iá¢â‚¬â„¢d better see whatá¢â‚¬â„¢s in the fridge.á¢â‚¬ " This was from the latest episode of bike.

It's fixed now. Just wondering. That's all.

I read the article twice to make sure I got most of it. What's interesting is that many readers never bothered to read it carefully. They were very reactionary. As the mother says, the painting says quite a bit about Jessie.

Portia

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-ross/whats-in-a-name_b_1...

I may be wrong about this, but it seems to me if I comment on a story before voting that I am unable to leave kudos. If I vote first, then of course leaving kudos is not a problem. Has anyone else noticed this? The reason I'm saying this is that I just received a very nice comment about a recent story; however, the kudos count hasn't changed. I can't imagine getting such a nice comment without getting kudos.

Portia

There are many very accomplished writers who have posted works here in years past; however, their works languish under layers of dust, and are relegated to the seldom accessed stacks. Our membership has increased greatly over recent years, and tastes of the readership have changed quite a bit. The stories with a few exceptions are leaning towards themes that are reflected in younger society in general. Vampires, gothic adventure, super heros seem to dominate the contributions.

Interesting article with links to a blog:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-mcbride/the-real-me_b_15...

Portia

I can't access stories from the home page. Anyone else? I need my Bike Fix.

Portia

Thought everyone might find this interesting. This is one cool author. Copy and paste link if it doesn't work.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rhiana-maidenberg/transgender-...

Portia