C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

Wow! Michael Bublé has won "The Voice", doubly! If you want a lot of firsts along with something rare and beautiful, try a Canadian!

This is the first time a Canadian has been a coach on the American hit show, so I had to tune in. It is in fact, the first time in a decade that I watched to the end. Usually, I tap out after team picking, because I like the banter of the coaches. I don't want to sit through anything else, not even song performances.

I love some of Blake Shelton's and Adam Levine's humour. Michael Bublé blended in unusual friendship and warmth with coaches Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, and Snoop Dogg and made this the funniest year! Goodness knows what Michael will be like with Adam Levine.

His first time on this show, two of Michael's artists made it to the top five finalists. He became the coach winner of "The Voice" before we knew the winning singer, because his two artists won first AND second place! I wonder if this is the first time any coach has triumphed this way.

Ask a Canadian and see the humanity and talent shine! In the voice of another fellow Canadian, Matthew Perry: "Could he ~BE~ any more amazing"!? Congratulations Michael, Sofronio, and Shye!

Yay, Shirin! Kerri is learning to talk about almost everything without spoiling. Yes, we are sneaking! When I am back, I want to talk about everything! We are making our drive shortly. Yesterday was for relaxing in unbelievably warm weather for December: +5 C by day and no freezing at night! Unheard of!

We put away some plants outside in the flowerbed who are finished growing, ready to retire. Because they have a little green of life in them, I wouldn't do this unless the temperature was good, so this was ideal. The above freezing weather also let me carry several ladybugs outside, often stuck in the house and sadly stepped on through the winter. They gather at the doors in the fall and I set them free every time I see them by a window by day, or lamp at night.

Your previous posts to these were also excellent: both you of entirely writing your thoughts and answering also a little. So many quotes and ideas exciting for me to read, that I will have so much fun answering you both and asking new questions tonight or tomorrow! Love, your friend, Carolyn.

One P.S. before bed. I arose with Ron this mornig so I would sleep early, after a little reading tonight. We are going to the city this week-end for Christmas shopping, new cell phones, and fun! I have not been to the city since we last visited my dear Dad in the hospital. It is time to enjoy an outing.

What we have posted will tide Shirin over long enough for her to read more. I copied Kerri's awesome reactions and will reply to them soon. A couple of short replies first, the less to write later.

Joe did not give Ronan any awakening or new ideas! The kid made inappropriate jokes about "being gay" because Ronan had close buddies. Like you do to any bigot, he was ignored. To shut Joe up, or because it was no big deal, Ronan finally revealed a bit to readers. His orientation was not new to him just because we read it for the first time. When Ronan said for the hundredth time "Richard is a close friend" and Joe challenged "You did not say you aren't gay"; Ronan simply replied, "No, I didn't".

A fun comment: I know about "Raven Boys" tarot cards. I have watched for a low price for two years, as a possible Christmas gift for Kerri. :-) I am uninterested in tarot and do not believe we need manufactured tools to read and sense the world around us. I knew Kerri was interested and would enjoy the memento of our buddy reading.

Shirin, a short follow-up e-mail is all I need. If there is more to say, write again! Don't wait to put everything in one letter. It is good to finish old subjects. We will enjoy photographs or new conversations the next time. :)

Protonmail abruptly opened without explanation a couple of nights ago: unreliable. Shutting it myself like I am now, is more likely to be fine, than loading it after it crapped out. It is a relief to know letters go to Prairie and I won't miss seeing them. Good-night, my friends. ~Carolyn.~

You can only guess at my style of reading, after my thorough description of my experience? I hope you meant before I wrote it! While I am reading or watching, it is not "only a book or film" to me. The emotional investment is there and also the surge of what they might feel and it doesn't matter that it is fictional. How wrong it feels to be rooted in the heroine or main character and an author giving pages to a villain. I am not merely reading, I am driving the story or on the protagonst's side. The changed perspective, especially to a character we are against, is jarring.

Sigh, I can imagine night time writing making it hard to focus. You can't have forgotten Matthew Perry's character was always my favourite, followed closely by David Schwimmer's. Yikes, Chandler Bing was not "snarky". That is sharp and rude, the only attempt I will make at defining something I hate. I loathe "sarcasm" almost as much and view it with negativity too but it is not a synonym. Sarcasm by itself, without humour, is bitchy and distasteful: Penny on "The Big Bang Theory", Emma Leroy and Wanda Dollard on "Corner Gas". Smile for a change, quit rolling your eyes and emitting disdain!

On the other hand, "sarcastic HUMOUR" is a light, entertaining blast. It was Chandler's style part of the time, which is different and warmer. Part of the time, he had "self depricating humour" which is not sarcastic at all but very humble. There was also "intelligent, wry observations" that I admire highly as well. Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing was HILARIOUS, original, sweet, relatable, and unforgettable. It is MY KIND of humour, not something my radar would be pick up as undesirable.

I wonder if "sarcastic humour" is what you like in real life. People are different. Perhaps you like sarcasm by itself, which is rude and angry. What I *LOVE* a combination of the three HUMOUR types: used by Jimmy Fallon, Brent Butt and Lorne Cardinal (Davis, the police officer) of "Corner Gas", and Conan O'Brien, the human being. There is a reason I named our beloved cat after him: the three combined humour types reveal a sweetness that makes you want to hug that cat or person.

I also love a combination of the two *humour* types, which are cutting but as humour, are hilarious and relatable instead of ugly: "intelligent" and "sarcastic humour". There is a reason I digitally record four talk shows four days a week and watch them with Ron after he is home from work. Jimmy Fallon is my least favourite for being too cute and not being sharp enough, at least towards things we want the relief of laughing boldly about, like the stupidity of Donald and his creepy cabinet in the country below us.

My favourite of the "sarcastic and intelligent observation" humour styles is Seth Meyers. If I were in New York, his talk show would be the first ticket I would score. He surprises me by not being self-deprecating but relatably, somehow yields a sweetness and approachability in his comedy. Graham Norton is the same: keenly sarcastic and sharply intelligent but sweet, without being self-deprecating. They are the most similar to Conan O'Brien, who does include self-deprecation and laughs at himself. There is no one like him and he is a legend to me.

Ron & I piss ourselves over the "go for it!" boldness of Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, of "sarcastic and intelligent wry observation" humour. We look forward to listening to them, when Ron is home from work! Fast-forwarding recordings from different times of night and watching more shows in less time, is my new favourite thing. Especially shows Ron is drawn to join me with. :)

Anyway, I sometimes put hours into what I write, so I never want "only guess" as the response! I hope to read "Yes Carolyn, we understand now". For you guys, there is pleasure in darkness or in simply reading such a story or character; from a distance where you say "It was only a story". Stories are real to me while I am experiencing them in a book or film and the emotional reactions are real. I love that ability and have to be careful that the tone I am being walloped with is benign or positive. I must be a writer / director / actor's dream come true as an audience! I float or shudder for awhile afterwards.

Do you guys remember me telling you about how I reacted to reading "Ready Player One", or my review of it? I really did fly into the livingroom with outburst reactions to share with Ron, because I could not contain some of the shocking action by myself! I had to rapidly summarize the dystopian premise and tell him why I was reeling, he he. THEN I could vent in a way that made sense to him, which satisfied the release of my high pressure reaction!

That sure was the end of this book. Kerri, you see what I mean about Blue taking the lead for part of it and it being like an Indian Jones segment. I can't wait to talk about that.

I wanted to finish our analysis and understanding of less desirable topics separately. I am very conscious of the warmth and loyalty Ronan Lynch has and only wish his personality was less hostile and ugly. I was not talking about this book, when I said angry, rude people think they are strong and that politeness and soft temperaments are weak (my middle brother has that idea).

I accept Ronan among the friends and know he belongs in their circle. I root for him. I just needed to understand your approach to his bitchy side and I do. I can only write so much in one burst.

Next, I am going to LOVE shouting about the end of this novel with you! This year too, I wonder if we can pause until about February, to give ourselves a little space before diving into the conclusion. You can see what I mean that it is not a cliff hanger because things have conclusions but there is no information or reaction to any of them. That ending is abrupt, an apt word for it.

I can sometimes not open Protonmail for a week. Please always write at Prairie. It would be upsetting for emotional replies to go where I would not reliably be able to open them. Only photographs to Protonmail. How about showing cave photos at our group photo album here? Your first one is public, which is why I got the idea. My internet is slow no matter what. I look forward to a time when I can download and share everything properly with a dear, special few people in my life like both of you friends.

I will answer a few parts here, then open a fresh new comment box for our new conversations. Thank you both for your effort to think about your appreciation of negative personalities or behaviour and explain it in clear ways. I am someone who takes time to understand what you said, to see if I can identify why and how my feelings differ. I think many elements contribute to our differences. Let me know if my conclusions sound right to you.

We have a lot in common but are unique women with three individual personalities, experiences, wisdom, and preferences. I read as widely as you do but I am willing to observe that in some ways, you are more open to a broad artistic spectrum than I am. We have all agreed we do not want negativity or people behaving angrily or rudely in real life, except Kerri. I think you like sarcastic people in real life too, which is odd because book characters who irritate you by singing in riddles or not answering quickly and directly, is similar to sarcasm. I fucking hate it. It is not funny in the least and I wish people would say what they mean. They prevent an emotional connection, when not allowing their warmth or wonder in something around them, to match the person trying to commiserate with them. I suppose these people think they are funny but Kerri, don't you dread asking them anything after awhile? Knowing you are going to sit through a snappy song & dance and never receive an easy, emotionally warm response to a simple query? If you dislike such people in real life and only enjoy them on paper, I am glad to have misunderstood.

Shirin dealt with a rude person at work and I faced it in my family. Even though our Dad just went to the afterlife, one Brother acted terribly and insulted my private bond with our parents; things you never do to anyone! I think, Shirin & Kerri, you like exploring good and bad human behaviour and personalities in fiction. Kerri approaches the study of anything, even animal death in stories, in such an analytical, unemotional way; it seems robotic to me and this description is not an insult. You have an odd ability to tolerate anything and feel like you were educated by it. Reading terrible things in fiction is like reading a disease in an encyclopedia, without being upset by it.

Shirin, unless I am incorrect, I don't think analyzing negative things is the reason you can read and enjoy some of them. You have different reasons. Maybe seeing someone dare to do what we pray we don't need to do in life, like battling in a war or shooting an opponent, is satisfying to see in a fictional way. I can understand that in sexual novels. I would not like to sleep with a stranger or real life but if written well, it can be entertaining or appealing to see such a story. It can be vicariously interesting to read something we would never do. Do I understand right, Shirin?

Kerri is open to reading opposite sides of everything. Shirin draws the line at animal death and sexual assualt. I refuse to ever read those things because they are wrong and upsetting to think of. I was upset to unintentionally sometimes find that continent in books I read. It disturbs me long afterwards, which is why I have to avoid it. Maybe Kerri doesn't experience a sample of how victims feel or imagine how they felt, or she does briefly but shuts it off afterwards. Does this sound right?

Perhaps in a land of oppression like our dear Shirin sees where she lives, fight scenes or killing bad characters can feel good. On rare occasions, if I am in an angry mood, harder music than I normally care for or a violent or fast-paced film can make me feel good and lead my furious emotions to a state of relief. Or maybe like Kerri's perspective, these are only stories to you, Shirin and there are no feelings in the fictional behaviour or situations.

We have talked about preference and how you look at entertainment and art. Now let's look at our own characters and what my bond with reading and stories is. I am a clairsentient: I am hit with emotions around me. This is what Blue is. I believe "clairvoyant" was a typo by Kerri or if not, a mistake on the author's part. Clairsentience can occur fictionally, because of the way I read and watch films. I allow a story to carry me away emotionally, as if it is real while it lasts.

I allign myself as the protagonist or heroine sometimes, or certainly feel for them and root for them. Do you ladies think this deprives me of a dual entertainment from good and bad, or an analytical appreciation of the dichotemy or balance an author or film director achieved? Or does this lend me a capacity to enjoy stories more profoundly? A story cannot, however, contain elements I dislike. Give me what I am looking for and while the story lasts; I fly inside the book, television, or movie screen. I think I am the audience artists dream of: immersion in their message, material, or performance.

Ron doesn't understand this, which can be annoying for both of us. I will turn towards him during a romantic scene and he is only trying to hear the dialogue, not caught up in the romance too. I will react to something and feel annoyed if he doesn't think the animal onscreen is adorable too. I might be outraged at something and instead of simply gratifying my outburst with a "Yeah!" of agreement, he annoyingly says "It's just a show". I even hate commercials to spoil the mood of what I was watching and dim the volume as fast as I can. I have often thought commericals should be programmed to match the show or film they interrupt.

I am emotionally pulled into stories and if I do not imagine I am one of the protagonists, I side with one of them and follow them with full investment. I do not believe in an "unreliable narrator" and hate that expression. We are supposed to follow someone's story in books and films and not doubt their feelings, whatever details they might encounter or understand better later. This is why Shirin & I hated "The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd", where the protagonist was the bad guy. We invested in him.

That doesn't apply to most stories. What impacts the way I read why I am surprised by what other people enjoy, is that when I follow someone's story or emphathize with them; I do not want to waste time on any other character, certainly not opponents or villains. Of course story characters handle them and learn information about them but I never want authors to give villains any chapter or page of narration. I am against them. I am for the good guy. Don't waste time on their feelings or goals. Show me them through the perspective of the heroine. That is who I am following. Because of my emotional investment, it is not only time-consuming or annoying to drag through a negative characters musings or narration. It is an emotional jerk out of the person I was supporting or vicariously understanding. It is an unpleasant reset of my mind, which will never tolerate a villain and I am impatient to return to the character perspective my mind and feelings are geared to.

Finally, our differences come from my reasons for reading. It is to be entertained, inspired, amused, and educated. These must be positive. You have seen me write for years that entertainment is a world or environment I can choose differently from the challenges of life; therefore my entertainment is going to be happy, healthy, and positive. There will be no sad stories and no unpleasant drama. Now you ladies know that I am also emotionally and mentally drawn into the stories I choose. On top of that, I am a clairsentient who would feel the slap of abuse or death and therefore, I keep it out of my entertainment. Reading, movies, TV, fiction, and the non-fiction I choose to read and learn from.... must be positive and happy in the main.

I accept and will remember that the two of you read and assimilate reading and fiction for different reasons and from different perspectives. You step back and think of it as only fiction, which makes it easy to root for bad buys.

Ronan Lynch is good inside and often enough in action. But he doesn't smile or share a spreading of warmth among people as he does it; only with animals. I want the best for him. I only don't see anyone favouring his angry behaviour and speech; worse than being sarcastic, which I hate as it is. However, the way you each described your admiration has my understanding now. You love the surprise: an ugly personality making beautiful things. Unexpected generosity and loyalty from the guy who yells over nothing. For me, it is a relief when Ronan is kind and I wish he would continue that positivity in his whole being from then onwards. "Don't you get it? You are nicer that way"!

"The grouchy curmudgeon who is nice on the inside" is an old news, overdone, trope cliché that you two must have seen too many times like I have but maybe you always enjoy it. I get that. Kerri says he is more interesting. Not for me but I acknowledge what you look for when you read. Dual perspectives or the art of the unpleasant being restored by good things. Shirin loves the creativity, I think, of hidden personalities and it doesn't matter that she has seen it before. I enjoy understanding my friends and how some people are different, so I appreciate this analysis. Thank you.

Shirin, thank you also for your useful consideration of the "young adult" label. I think it makes books sound like they will be immature, sloppy, and nothing original. It is true that maybe they tell people the action and challenges will be light and non-violent. Well, not too bad. I would be creeped out to read of anyone under age 20 having sex but hope Richard and Blue get kissing and show some romance!

Maybe we are different in one more way, in closing. It is worth examining why Kerri thinks negative attitudes are more interesting. I am endlessly fascinated and admiring of Richard and Blue. The "bad boy" cliché might have some affect. Goodness is never boring to me and there are numerous discoveries we can make of its spectrums and origins too. Or how Richard and me for that matter, keep up a positive outlook and hope in life, including in our behaviour and the way we speak; despite how we were hurt or disappointed.

It is a sadly common misconception that goodness, vulnerable emotions, or crying are weak. Angry or closed people are not automatically strong. Violent, numb, or detached people might be cowardly. It was easier in Colin's mind, to hire someone to kill Mr. Lynch, than earn or research his own artifacts. Anyone with an employment agency of killers / hit men does not know how to gain success authentically, or handle its challenges himself.

One of my favourite scenes, not talked about yet, is how Richard & Ronan found out about Adam's court day and ran to support him at it. The way Richard used his family's influence to shake the judge's hand and confidently ensured that he would be allowed to be the character reference that Adam needed: that was kick-ass to me! Confidence from goodness is what thrills me. Knowing Ronan would tell the judge the violence he witnessed and stopped, so that Adam's attacker would be punished and possibly have to pay for his ear injury, felt glorious to me. Adam understanding this loyal, true friendship was one of the best parts of the novel. To me: Ronan in goodness, is at his top form and his most fascinating.

I was deleting superfluous paragraphs of mine. Your input is the priority but I noticed, the second half of message #20 was unanswered. I am eager to discuss them with you after. For instance: how do you picture the Sargent home and number of people it supposedly houses? I'll let you skim for messages to talk about, after your impressions. I think we did pause some entries until you are finished your reading diary.

This was entirely a reply: about my least favourite character.

Maybe I prioritize Ronan penultimate to Noah, who is not alive and should go. I don't see wavering about how to feel about that. He was not known by the friends alive and has been gone too long to alter fate. If he has an unexpected role like Blue and the Sargents and they are not solely helping the friends, that is great but that should be all. It should hardly be sad, except that they thought their new friend was alive at first. Not spending time with the people who ARE sad about his death, angers and perplexes me.

Believe me, I hope I can talk with and see my loved-ones in an obvious way. Just me, not needing a ley line to see, hear, and possibly touch my cats and parents. However, it would be upsetting if they did not dwell in Heaven and only visited me here. If their souls did not live or at least see and check in for orientation in Heaven prior to visiting me, I would be upset. I would help them go where souls belong. Half the comfort is knowing our families are there. Their visits would not be as nice if something were off.

Would someone please answer whether or not Roger could see Noah? Did he only use his room? If you say you do not remember, I wonder why no one does? Surely we can help stir each other's memories with different details.

Kerri: I am eager to talk about where you are in this book. We have an agreement from Shirin and our chapter heading method, so keep us from feeling that we should refrain. Even so, we are not giving major plot details. I have waited awhile for one person to get farther, so please thrill me with how you feel and what you like again. Your last entry was perfect: entirely new thoughts. It will especially be wonderful for Shirin to express her feelings and reactions. We will discuss that fully. Reading these posts and writing back is how I start my day. I do not run into fatigue.

I am not debating but seeking to understand something that is perplexing. You are both saying no more than in the last book, except about Joe. I understand you counted his appearances as magical scenes, even though they were unpleasant. For me, "magical" refers to something inspiring that feels good. However, I understand now, counting Joe's scenes as paranormal action to marvel at. You disliked him but could enjoy the paranormal.

I countered solidly that Joe didn't have anything to teach Ronan. Only that another "greywaren" existed and not one Cabeswater liked or respected. I wonder how their original relatives who must have passed it along, were generated. Joe showed Ronan about drugs to help him sleep, which in the church with Adam, he did not seem to need. Joe did not know anything about how greywarens worked. He was nothing but a child waving his hand over fire, unprepared for anything but delight in its momentary warmth and glow.

Joe did not care about Cabeswater, speak with the forest, or so much as know its name, I don't think. He had weakened it. Did anyone make him aware of that and did he care about it afterwards? Do you see what I mean? He had nothing to teach and his scenes were wasted pages in the novel. Maggie had an idea to add him but to no purpose.

His Mother, Brother Matthew, the cows, and his crow are far better equipped teachers. His entire home is a school with abundant examples, now that he is experimenting as a serious student. He also asks Cabeswater whatever he needs to know. Whether or not Joe knew Latin, he did not seem to hear or read Cabeswater at all.

May we please be clear at last: my question about Ronan, I said to Shirin, is not "how can you like him at all". It is "how is this angry jerk a *favourite*". "Grumpy people need love too" is cliché. "He is loyal and honest when needed". That is stating the obvious. We are left with a shitty attitude and temper, which has nothing to do with anyone's background excuse for it.

None of Ronan's friends consider him their favourite to deal with. They wish he would be warmer and nicer. You & Shirin please explain why someone who snaps, is angry, and violent, is your *favourite*. It is obvious I hope, that I want to understand and am not debating. I wish the best for Ronan and accept him in the friend circle. He is not likeable, though!

The protagonist of the "Tradd Street" mysteries I used to love, Melanie, seemed grumpy at first. The mystery quality went down in the last two books and needless dramatic content diluted them long before that. Sympathy grew when I learned she had been watching over an alcoholic Dad since childhood and that her opera singer Mom had left when she was about 8. While I got to know her, she stopped being uneasy.

She inherited a historic home from her Grandpa's friend. The people in her closest circle became intrusive, bossy, and judgy.
They pushed her to rise early and jog when she was not athletic, bugged her about nutrition when pastries were her moments of joy. She worked hard and was the top historical real estate agent in South Carolina. Her "best friend" was understandably passionate about preserving historic buildings and urged Melanie to restore her home with authentically. She catered to that friend and spent the money.

This friend colluded with everyone who entered Melanie's life, most inappropriately the housekeeper of her residence, to hide pastries from her! Melanie and her friend were 40 years-old, well respected career professionals. Melanie began hiding snacks to enjoy them. That housekeeper and a step-daughter disturbed them, with notes about "healthy alternatives".

At the end of the series, finally, her Mother (back in the picture in novel #2) reminded her she could tell the housekeeper to stop that. However, it was hard to speak-up when her step-daughter, friend, and a half-sister (it is an intriguing series) joined together to spoil her pleasure in desserts. Who was siding with Melanie and telling them to stop changing someone they are supposed to love?

If you are annoyed with this short summary, you will be glad to Melanie told her friend and relatives off once in awhile. It was the only time she was grumpy anymore, including with a boyfriend who allowed women to flirt with him. Read any reviews of "Tradd Street" books besides mine. Not only the characters but almost every reader calls MELANIE unlikeable and bitchy, when she only occasionally told people off for being intrusive!

The friend, step-daughter, half-sister frowned every time she ate a dessert, even when dessert was being served entirely to supper or party guests! And this was a thin lady! They went so far as to ask her favourite doughnut store not to side with them and not sell her anything unhealthy.

Her circle criticized her for being RIGHTFULLY uncertain about having a relationship with Jack, an attractive author. He did not define his feelings and commitment in words, his bread & butter. He "tired of waiting" and dated her cousin! Still on her side? I was through and through.

You will find very few reviews that don't lame Melanie for being irritable or "pushing away love"! We don't read anyone's mind or throw ourselves at a man. Public opinion piles-up against female characters who need to speak out MORE! People don't get Hagar Shipley either from "The Stone Angel", whom I instantly saw as warm, loyal, and funny. I can't believe anyone interpreted her as grumpy.

Ronan is negative and bitchy most days. People excuse a male "bad boy". I wonder if that is what is going. WHY. I refuse to be in a relationship where anyone gripes at or around me. How is it a "favourite character" in a novel?

I am not saying he isn't worth having as a friend, who people would willingly work around. How is he your damn favourite, compared to Blue or Richard, always pleasant and kind?

Besides that, I am watching for new reactions to each chapter you have read. Bring the magic back please: enjoying each other's impressions.

This was entirely a reply entry. I am really eager to talk about how far you got in this book, with the agreement from Shirin that we need not wait for her to get there. I have waited awhile for one person to get farther, so please thrill me with how you feel and what you like again. Your last entry was perfect: almost entirely new thoughts.

With so much to talk about, it frustrating that the entire theme was about hated or disliked characters. Let's let the magic spill over! Reading these is how I start my day, which is great for not running into fatigue.

Shirin did not make any new points, which my follow-up asked her to elaborate on. You saw that, right? I am not debating but seeking to understand something perplexing. You are both saying no more than in the last book, except about Joe.

Okay, I understand you counted his appearances as magical scenes, even though they were unpleasant. For me, "magical" refers only to something inspiring that feels good. I countered solidly that Joe didn't have anything to teach that Ronan's Mother, Brother Matthew, cows, and entire home would not show him now that he is experimenting as a student. He also asks Cabeswater whatever he needs to know. But you counted Joe's scenes as something paranormal to marvel it. Point understood there. You dislike Joe but the scenes were interesting.

My question about Ronan, I said to Shirin, is not "How can you like him at all". It is "how is this angry jerk a *favourite*". Please, not anything lame like "you enjoy bad boys". Why a favourite?
"Grumpy people need love too" is a cliché. "He is loyal and honest when you get down to it". That is stating the obvious. Maybe my middle brother has background issues that he justifies for being like a shit. I refuse to be around him. I don't care how his mind justifies his logic or temper.

Yes, Ronan has loyal friends and family. None of them consider him their favourite to deal with. They all wish he would be warmer and nicer. You & Shirin please explain why someone who snaps, is angry, and violent, is your *favourite*.

The protagonist was irritable of the "Tradd Street" mysteries I used to love, while their quality was good and dramatic content didn't dilute their mysteries. I disliked her while she was like that and marvelled at her loyal friend. I had some sympathy when I learned she had been watching over an alcoholic Dad since childhood and that her opera singer Mom had left them when she was about 8. Understanding the background for bitterness, as I do for Ronan, did not make Melanie a favourite.

She became appreciative and compassionate and launched into the mystery of the historic home she inherited, from her Dad's friend. The people in her closest circle became intrusive, bossy, judgemental: forcing her to go jogging when she was not athletic, bugging her about nutritional when pastries were here pick-me up moments of joy. She worked early, hard hours and was the top historical real estate agent in South Carolina. Her "best friend" was understandably passionate about preserving historic buildings and urged Melanie to restore her home with authentically down to every nail. She catered to that friend and spent the money.

What I did not abide is this friend collaborated with everyone who entered Melanie's life, most inappropriately the housekeeper she kept at the old residence, to not let her have pastries. These friends were 40 years-old, by the way, both well respected career professionals. Melanie began hiding snacks to enjoy them and this housekeeper and later a step-daughter after she married, would leave notes instead with "healthy alternatives".

At the end of the series, finally, her Mother (back in the picture in novel #2) reminded her it was her home and she could tell the housekeeper to stop that. However, it was hard to speak-up when her step-daughter, later a half-sister (it really is an intriguing mystery series) collaborated to spoil her pleasure in desserts. Who was siding with Melanie and telling them to fuck off and stop changing someone they are supposed to love?

If you are annoyed with them hearing this short summary, which angered all readers in about six books, then you will be glad to Melanie got annoyed at being treated like this and told them off once in awhile. It was the only time she was grumpy anymore, including with a boyfriend who was not comfortable declaring his love and intentions openly and allowed women to flirt with him. He demanded and even left the relationship for a time, because Melanie "did not trust him enough". Oh gee, you think!

What is the reason for sharing this? Read any reviews of "Tradd Street" books besides mine. Not only the characters but almost every reader calls MELANIE unlikeable and bitchy, when she only occasionally told people off for being intrusive! The friend, step-daughter, half-sister frowned every time she ate a dessert, even when dessert was being served entirely to supper or party guests! And this was a thin lady by nature! They went so far as to ask her favourite doughnut store not to side with them and not sell her anything unhealthy.

Worse, her circle criticized her for being RIGHTFULLY uncertain about having a relationship with Jack, the attractive author. It was because he did not clearly define his feelings and monogamy in words, his bread & butter. He "tired of waiting" and dated her cousin for awhile, even though he never declared love or proposed a commitment! You will find very few reviews that don't somehow blame Melanie for being irritable or "pushing away love" when there was nothing she wanted more. You don't read anyone's mind or throw yourself at a man. He needed to tell HER he is in love with you.

Public opinion piles-up against female characters who needed to speak out MORE than she did against bullshit in her circle. People don't get Hagar Shipley either from "The Stone Angel", whom I instantly saw as warm, loyal, and funny and can't believe anyone interpreted as grumpy. But you write a negative, bitchy for no reason male character and it is somehow acceptable or attractive. I want to know WHY.

I say again, the question is not "how do you like him at all". I accept him as part of the circle and will read his sequel, even though I would prefer it is about Blue or Richard by far. How is this kid behaving like a negative, glum, violent jerk and you are calling him a *favourite*?

Please share new impressions of the reason you did up until here. I don't think you treated us to any of it.

Shirin, I did not put detail about any chapters in any of my writing. If you were not looking at it, I might as well jump in excitement to discuss everything but I am being quiet. However, if you were conserving time today, I like that you wrote your reactions. This is what I love to read the best. :-)

I don't think you understand my meaning about Ronan. I am only asking "How is this grumpy, violent boy your *favourite*"? I am not asking how it is possible for anyone to like him. It is very common, old news for someone to be untrustworthy or hurt, to be distant or closed emotionally. However, Ronan throws the negative emotions and reactions at everyone.

When he is the LEAST likeable person, I don't care what the background reason in the past is. How do you or Kerri declare he is your "favourite"? Do you see the difference?

We can see past the unpleasant parts of a person, if we know there is a good character there. I know Ronan had a good character here & there, otherwise he would not have Matthew, Richard, Adam loving him as family. However, he is not the most pleasant, fun, or hilarious. He is the LEAST pleasant, fun, or hilarious. All Ronan's friends tell him to stop being a jerk and dislike it. Why not prefer someone who does NOT do that. That is all I am asking.

I survived alcoholism and violence in the past and friends who betrayed instead of helping at that crucial time. One brother was an asshole, I am glad I rarely have a need to hear from ever again. The other hardly communicates. New neighbours have a dog who barks. The peace was finally quiet after 12 years

Three cats who are the lights of my life, went to Heaven in one year. Both my parents are in Heaven now, not only my Dad.

A mail strike came a few days before my birthday, delaying my mail the year I miss my parents very strongly. There is no one else to celebrate with me. Do I act unapproachable? I prioritize being kind and fun. Why not like Richard and Blue better, who also work hard to be warm and friendly? I hope you don't like Colin better than them. He is evil, greedy, cares nothing for anyone else; including letting them stay alive.

I understand appreciating villains, depending who they are. They must not be evil or harmful in any way. Only clever or firm about their goal. Sometimes the villain is the protagonist. I want her or his perspective, or I would not read the book. I am not debating. I am seeking to understand this perspective. I hope that is clear.

Shirin & I only used the name Roger. I wonder why you didn't ask us who it was? Something amusing occurred to me, after reading your quote selections that were among the most beautiful and intelligent in the book to me too. Perhaps Roger's usefulness was speaking those eloquently memorable observations!

He contributed nothing besides divulging to Blue, Richard's childhood nightmaresbof the dangerous wasp event. He flew all the way to the United States to see an obvious ley line and phenomena noticably active around it. I think he could see Noah, didn't he? He gave a little advice but otherwise, only watched the friends work. A man this interested, with a recent history of uncovering flags bearing Blue's likeness and other artifacts, would not hesitate to peek around the entrance of a cave. He would be cautious and reduce heavy athletics at an age that sounds like it is in the 70s but it should be child's play for him to browse a few steps inside with the friends.

I loved the same quotes. I am happy you are leading with your own material. You bring new things to the table, including my same favourite dialogue that I did not write down. I absolutely thrill over well worded speech and writing.

Your joking gives me pause. Kerri, would you really join friends on such a marvellous quest but be thinking of returning to the sunlight? Focusing on leaving is not enjoying a great moment in life. It sounded like you meant besides claustrophobia, which one does not dismiss, naturally. My neurological challenges aren't fun but I managed to build a slideshow of clips showing that I made dreams come true around our world. In the films and books we enjoy; no one likes the chattering group member who hardly wants to be there! ;) It would be a bumber for yourself, if you would not marvel at the cavern around you, how old the stones were, and feel lucky to be in a special place.

For example, most people annoyingly focus on making sure wildlife is deterred from yards. It goes without saying. I insisted on enjoying the Mother with three black bear cubs at our birdfeeder this spring. I exclaimed "Aren't they precious! I can't believe I get to see them with my own eyes so clearly". I wholly enjoyed that they were there. I told you about the little baby who layed down to rest, while his siblings looked for birdseed. He or she was a true infant, tired from their busy day and ready to nap. :)

I am glad I convinced you that the notion of reporting something unpleasant being "intrusive" is a misconception. The friends are NOT protecting Richard in the least. From what? Feeling startled for a day? Worry means there is something you need to take care of. Robbing him of the unpleasant emotion does not do anything to remove or resolve the threat. You intrude when you don't reveal details that belong to someone else and take part in withholding it. Worse, people are likely to whisper about it to everyone except the person it involves. You understand the reasoning, that it is awfully more intrusive to make decisions about someone else's details: whether or not they are strong enough to deal with it, which is insulting. You affect trust of yourself furthermore. Once you know someone has hidden something from you, which is a neighbour to lying, it would take a lot of change to trust them in the future.

Some people have bad reactions, which make them hard to approach. My determination to make our home peaceful, has me uncharacteristically uncomfortable (because relief rides on it), about speaking to people a couple of houses away, with a new noisy dog. I will be glad I did. No matter how they reacted on the spot, they will keep it in mind from then on. I also can ask animal control to speak with them about the obligation to train dogs not to be touchy about hearing people meters away, at their homes. Not revealing the problem would have kept a situation in misery.

Why did you like the destructive scenes with Joe Kavinski, who was evil enough to trap Matthew as bait but hate the Greenmantles? They are no worse. Joe was willing to kill, for no reason but amusement. I dismiss the idea that "he taught things to Ronan" and remind you that Ronan grew-up in a houseful of dream experiments. He might not have known about his Mom & Brother until recently or understood that many of the fanciful items were from his Dad. Nonetheless, his memories and home are a whole school from which he will learn. He would have without Joe. The forest and the figure who sometimes directed him there in the last novel, are instructing Ronan and Adam.

I hate to say Colin's wife (I forgot her name) is trouble that did not go away by novel's end. I am angry with Maggie for that intrusion from someone who is greedy and bored; not magical. I love a story where you solve a mystery quest, appreciate the gift or treasure at the end, and no villain appears to make you flee, to ruin the beautiful moment. We don't need bad guys. The work, faith, openmindedness, intelligence, trust, and friendship it takes to solve the quest is story enough.

I said all Kerri's quotes were valued or enjoyed by me too. It is true that we have to be aware of reverse prejudice. This is a tricky time in social justice but I dislike the term "white privilege". I understand the original intention is that caucasians do not get negative reactions from situations like police. I stand with non-caucasians in refusing to let that fear and danger continue for them. I value knowing how they feel. I grew up with black friends who are family. Life however, is not easy in all ways because of skin colour.

Your book example is sobering: we are trying to stamp out prejudice against the poor but Blue was snobby towards Richard's financially wealthy upbringing. Leeanne is being introduced to sociology in university and at the present, thinks millionaires are the problem with the world. Are they? If I wrote stellar books or somehow began earning a lot of income, is there anything wrong with enjoying the improvements it brings to my life?

The way money is used and government leaders organize funding is the problem I think. Abstaining from being a billionaire would not stop the problem. I think leaders must stop putting funds in the wrong places. It is past time to generate energy, including heating and transportation, without oil for example. It is past time to end killing animals and thinking of them as food. Plant-based food production takes far less money, improves rather than pollutes the land, and grows ample nutrition and resources for everyone.

The way billionaires are a problem, is making money from animals or oil and buying the election of leaders to avoid stopping those industries. They are afraid of change, the reason we did not advance and improve earlier. Make money a new, sustainable way. The Gansey and Lynch families are positive examples of people who live with weath in humble, positive ways. Blue need not worry about going to university wherever she chooses, if she asks for the finances nicely.

Yes, Adam's realizations are so well pondered, I am impressive Maggie dug so deep. I often say I want to be respected first, loved by those who should love me secondly, and understood as well as possible thirdly. You must not acquaint one part of a person and think that comprises who they are. Tanya thought because I am not a slut, I was pious and might as well wear a habit. I am respectful and protective of my life and health in everything. The ways I have fun are countless.

I have more sweaters including of Mom's, than I need. They aren't necessarily big although being baggy is part of the comfort and warmth of what a sweater is. I would gladly share them, if postage becomes cheaper, or sending things by a different carrier. Enjoy your new ones. It is certainly sweater country here, although we should laugh that I only wear them when it is coldest, or if we walk or drive somewhere. Ron bundles up if there is a casual breeze.

Ronan's spinoff reminds me that Amazon has not sent me volume 2 in a year. They don't want e-mail and only give chatting or phone options. You know I can't turn off the internet, phone them, and refer to my account off-line. I guessed their address was ".ca", the same as "CS(at)Amazon.com" and it was accepted. I don't know if anyone sees. There was no reply about sending me the hardcover instead or cancelling the paperback if it is unavailable.

For my birthday, you know Ron bought me the first edition hardcover of volume 3! I should ask him for volume 2 and cancel it. Too bad in person, stores charge more. I could wait and possibly receive volume 2 at a decent price months from now. What if we are ready to read the next series, however? Do you own those? Thankfully in this series, Shirin gave us "Opal" to read and discuss after volume 4.

You can search strike news on-line, which is anyone's guess. You should remember I was angry that it interfered not with Christmas but with birthday mail. Had it waited a week, or until the Tuesday after, I would have received much wanted cards, on the first birthday without my loving parents. Now it spoils the card tradition I have continued every year since I was 8, not to mention ordering or buying anything on-line, or sending gifts to my only immediate family in Toronto. They strike close to Christmas on purpose; unknowiningly early enough to delay some of my birthday cheer.

I learned that Amazon.ca uses its own couriers and only puts it in the mail from the Winnipeg warehouse. They surprised me with a courier to our door previously and will certainly do it that way now. Lorraine is also mailing last year's gift (she had an injury on the ice last year) by courier from the United States. By next week, I will probably receive all of her sweet thoughtfulness. I suggested that you wait until January to order from Amazon Canada. I could also ask Lorraine if you might have her e-mail address, to ask what she bought me. :-) Then my wish list would be yours to explore, with lovely results for me! I am very glad Ron & I mailed your Christmas card and gifts early.

I hope Canada Post and their union workers will break the disagreement in details because this is the time Christmas cards and gifts should be coming and going in the mail. Governments avoid interfering in workers getting what they ask for, however our Prime Minister forced a return to work in 2018, at Christmas time. A third possibility is agreeing to get things moving and delivered by using a small number of employees. A full strike shut-down should not be imposed on people. It is correct that we rural people rely on it the most and those with family & friends out of town.

Thank you for the joy today, of input that is your own, with some answers to what I wrote previously. I hope Shirin reads much more, so we share our excitement about everything in this novel.

Yes, Shirin, your first names are a relief. Kerri, what a place to leave off. That tomb is not where Blue becomes an Indiana Jones heroine. However, what comes out of there.... you ladies tell me how crazy it is! I'd like to know if you deem it superfluous or valuable.

Shirin, please e-mail attachments to Protonmail. Outlook software (the only access to Prairie) forces everything to download before you see messages. However, it is taking a week to open Protonmail. I will try to get that stupid website to open today. Shirin, it would be nice to have those cave photographs in our "Gentle Spectrums" group photo album.

If you ladies are writing a conversation for us to enjoy tomorrow, I guess I will finish "The Ghost Road" and get house-cleaning today. We need space for Christmas decorations, although I am feeling the loss of not having any parents at all.

The Canada Post strike removed my lifelong Christmas card tradition I would work on and I can't receive gifts except by courier. Ron shops for me of course and I look forward to a beautiful celebration with him, Angel, & Petal. I am used to ordering Ron's gifts, so we will have to take a drive this week-end. Angel wants attention, so I will use this time to do energy work on those dear Sisters.

Leeanne & I would like to continue "Anne's House Of Dreams" over Christmas. Our girl has begun university. Leeanne will have time at home December 18 onwards, or that univeristy will be quiet in January. I would like to read a positive, warm book like this with all three of you over Christmas, if you are free. Telling me by e-mail or here is great either way. Leeanne will borrow the book from her home library again.

Ron sweetly asked me to turn out the lamp, when in "The Ghost Road", Sisters found a cubbyhole behind a rare painting scene. They will likely find written details to locate that old cove. Mystery and reading fans know, I am going to turn that next page soon today and conclude the discovery!

Shirin, God bless you too, for wishing my dear Dad a happy birthday with me. I was his present in 1972. Having him alive 4.5 years after my dear Mom, was a cherished gift to me. I told Dad I was grateful he was both parents for a little while. He appreciated that he did a lot of good for us.

Dear Kerri & Shirin,

Roger Malory (Roger is his first name) is interesting and likeable but it occurs to me now, that Maggie could not have used him in the story as integrally as she planned to. He was wastefully in the background, marvels at the Virginia ley line for unstated reasons, and goes home.

I remember the ocean observation. I guess it is about following rough or complicated routes. I don't know if it was to measure and map them, or to build buildings of sacred meaning or energy around them. We do not build things in the ocean except bridges and tunnels close to shore. I suppose this was to encourage Richard that looking for important meaning on his search was not trivial or a wishful fancy.

Tanya was not exhausting. We had fun and good talks. If she made assumptions about me, it angered me. I said the problem was not bring dogs close. The rudeness was yelling "get her" to make them growl. Hoping to scare anyone was horrid, even though it did not work. There was a loyalty and bond I appreciated: knowing each other, our parents, brothers, and childhood animals since we were kids. She would not speak to me, after finally being aware of my reticence. I just begun dating Ron but she did not think I told her quickly enough. I said in voicemail, let me know when we can talk. She followed a new lover out of province. I saw a brother of hers in a bar years later, who might have passed along my well wishes.

I did not object to what was in my face at the strip club! My complaint was that my friend should not be an idiot, so that I could enjoy that rare adventure! I am not interested in going again - committed people shouldn't. It is awkward to see private bits & pieces. I wanted to have whatever fun there was, on an outing I would not likely repeat. Watching sex scenes on TV or film is awkward too. Saying that characters coupled is enough.

My family was always interested in the Moai, Stonehenge, Loch Ness, pyramids.... It is as far away from North American as we can get but Dad would have been amazed to see Easter Island. In his & Mom's last few of years of life, they drove by Niagara Falls. I was shocked Timmy & Andrea did not park and let them sit awhile. It would be worth letting out my parents, paying to park, walking back to them. A photograph of themselves beside Niagara Falls would be something for them to enjoy looking at leisurely. However, they were happy they saw it. You can either sail on it or take photos, that is all.

You must already know my character well, to answer the question yourself: would I give everyone all the information I have pertaining to them. How serious am I about knowing every accurate date and location of photographs and letters? Which kind of stories do I hate and disbelieve the most, besides harming anyone or violence. I am reading such a one now. "The Ghost Road" is obviously going to reveal a birth identity that was lied about, thinking it was acceptable for possibly avoiding a curse. Do you know what? Whether it worked or not, it is not worth growing up without all the information about your parents and heritage

Gee, is the fact that this is a duty, NOT "interference", honestly a question? If you do not tell Jessie Ditterly and Richard Gansey everything you heard about their future or danger, you are playing God and concealing the decisions they need to make decisions for themselves. THAT would be interfering. You need to leave everything that belongs to people with them and what belongs to rumoured or endangered people is information. It is not yours to twiddle in your pocket: leave it with THEM. Emptying your pockets entirely and leaving the choices, reactions, emotions, and knowledge where it belongs is the only way to step aside and not interfere any longer.

If Richard finds out about his rumoured fate from anybody besides Blue, will he thank her for wasting his last year of life without how he might have been prepared or emboldened by that information? He is already uncomfortable about how fate concerns him anyway and even a bad forecast might make him more comfortable. I say it would erase the sense of a shoe falling that he would be relieved to identify. Let him decide if he refutes the myth, or makes a plan even sceptically. Jessie believes in all of those things obviously. He would have found peace knowing the year's deadline, instead of a vague curse weighing on him day in and out. He would have told his family and spent the time that was left with them.

Not handing over everything we know and have heard, means that someone it is not about is analysing the matter without the right mind or feelings. Give the person it pertains to the right, control to feel or find a solution the best way THEY know how. You approach things differently, no matter how empathetically, when it is about you and when it is not your fate. If Blue isn't first to literally let Richard know, he might resent her in the time that is left. Rare is the time we are glad we weren't told something about ourselves. I don't want to hear about other negative stories I can't do anything about. I had better know everything about myself and the loved ones in my care. I say again clearly: it is interfering only if you did NOT put the information where it belonged. It is important to give a person ample time to settle on how they feel about rumours or myths and assimilate the details, so they can ACT. A person might be scared, sad, or angry but that is the only issue with handing details over.

I disbelieve in anyone being alive without God's involvement and approval. We often feel that some animals and people should not be gone and wish we had known how to save or prevent any illness or situation at all. We might sense that someone's "life blueprint" was still ongoing with more time available here, if things had not turned the wrong way. I do not think anyone is alive by mistake. They might be born and survive by miracles of course.

That question is nonsense. No one who is not elderly and ready for the second chapter, should die. Illness, accident, suicide, murder are unfair and wrong for anyone. I would rather see Noah cheer up his parents and siblings. Why is he clinging to strangers, unless he will help with this quest? Unless death myths are true, it is a pleasure quest only; a great project Richard and his companions have worked on.

Richard is a child who needs to learn not to question the breath of life we all have. The timing of my parents meeting was fortunate. After, I had a dangerous birth. Further, there was a dire prediction about danger for me in childhood that my parents worried about. It did not come true because it was wrong, or possibly, my parents' caution served us well. Instead, Mark was in peril four times. He was saved every time; once be me. It made him contemplate God in different ways but he came to a conclusion and put it behind him.

Richard was amazed about surviving wasp stings and hearing a voice at that time. He should grow up, be grateful, and seize his gift fully. I also deem it a stupid notion that when the quest is over, he should not simply revel in the accomplishment! When you reach a goal, reap the fruits and relax, or set another goal. He has many aspects of life like we all do that that will continue after a mystery is solved, which is a positive result! It is not a loss. He has education, family, friends, romance, hobbies, and the money to go after anything he wants - as well as to help others.

I did not find cleanliness jokes funny but easily concur that casual snapshots of friendship and musings and other hilarity is polish on stories that make them shine. In the first few pages, Blue appreciates that she is equal to the older friends. They know each other better but their level field was knowing Ronan less well. I need to remember where I laughed most. Yelling to Calla "I am going out for supper with a hit man" was a good joke. Yes, befriending Dean and his sharp, candid advice were assets to the story.

His evil former boss and Colin Greenmantle's selfish wife were disruptive nuisances that the story is better off without. Her effect was terrible. The novel felt more hopeful at least because negativity had far fewer pages.

We met a crazy person whom the story can do without as well, who leaves bad feelings instead of the awe that they might have contributed. Richard makes that point strongly. I do not feel there was as much wonderment and mysticism as I anticipated in this novel but we were appeased with action. The friends went into the forest once and caves a few times and ley line repairing is compassionate. Nature is strong but deserves our care. We are helpful, no matter how individual from forests and lands. I felt the same disappointment sharply when Richard & Blue had an unpleasant night and were too tired to enjoy the next spelunking trip. They found an interesting door after a straight, brief walk and Richard's reaction was "Is this it? So easily, when I am hardly interested today"? I felt for him and was glad it obviously was not the destination that is for the fourth novel. I like to make little things like planting our gardens and picking them momentous. We should be in top energy form and at the height of our eagerness, when we make a six-year effort come to a close.

I guess the discovery they made, which we can name after you have read it, had one use. Blue learned how to identify her abilities and more about how they worked. Putting her knowledge to use let her successfully, safely be the heroine in exciting, tricky periods of their quest. Yes, we have the pleasure of unloading how we feel about the story without listing details. I will conceal these closing chapters from Shirin. She will finish soon. After, we will shout out our exclamations about how things went and what remains for us to know about.

I am inspired by your reminder that legends or predictions are not guarantees and hopeful. It says there is room to sidestep or prevent negative events: that we do have a say in how everything in our life turns out. I am making a predictable guess that Richard will kiss Blue at a time when he wonders if he might die.

I am happy you enjoy the feedback I write, my friends. My enthusiasm for what you write next is the same, so please write everything you are thinking soon! Love, Carolyn.

Girls, I am glad you are reading what I write. I did not discuss outcomes. Knowing you were behind me, I kept my feedback general. We will keep on discussing Shirin's progress. I look forward her to being our topic leader.

You both see what I mean: there is a lot to remark on in as few as ten pages! I said I would prioritize your contributions to replies, if you have time for one of them. Brevity is fine. Your input is worth giving us the reward of finding something at this thread to read. It was amply inspiring and has me smiling.

Persephone must have poured time into her abilities, the old-fashioned way - hard work and practice and diligence.

You know my friend if I do not use her unique name. Common names are all right in conversation here. Spiritual growth gives the benefit of seeing a larger picture but does not mean the little things in life are not also beneficial and powerful. What laughing does for our health and as a shield to wither away fear, worry, anger, and sorrow is phenomenal.

My diligence and commitment to learning and mastering energy medicine is strong: Donna's way and any food or Qui-Gong way that will help from Chinese medicine. Thumbelina, Spirit, Marigold, and McCartney taught me to listen to them, do what they ask, and take care with my nursing approach. Desperation to save lives does not justify missing our animal's request and comfort.

Carolyn, I am happy to hike through forests, waterfall areas, the seaside.

I hope to have a good visit of Australia followed by New Zealand and that you accompany me on most activities and wonders. If we go to the beach, get in the water too! I can't missing anything, so if there is anywhere you are uncomfortable going, I'll borrow a parent or Aunt. Besides meeting you & your family, high on my list is Tāne Mahuta tree. I did not know trees could be 2,500 years-old and wonder if only a few special species reach it. I will remember his or her name because it reminds me of "Hakuna Matata".

I only clued into Orla's valuable traits after you had me considering it. I did not find her annoying but wanted her scenes to be short. Even though Orla's modernity keeps the present day setting clear and her social assessments are a relief of levity, she is an interruption to the friendship, romance, and mystery that are our priority. I also want villains out of the way rapidly. Orla is fine in small doses and I prefer her to Calla.

A friend from childhood pointed out whatever leapt to mind and it was tiresome. I backed away over years and she was offended permanently, when she was aware of it. I wish she had let me explain. Stopping quips about how pious or naive she thought I was, would have preserved our friendship. Many have misread who I am and as you know, that cannot endure. If people with whom you spent a lot of time, stick with the wrong image of you; get away and stop wasting your time. Correcting them is of little use. Their instinct was to gauge the clearest elements of your character incorrectly. You want family and friends in your major circle, who know you.

Her parents had a family of Shih-Tzus they adored. I have understood the love of family animals since I was a baby. I always petted them. I hated her thrusting them at me, saying "get her" pretending to bite. I knew they were harmless. What angered me is that when I backed away from the interruption to our affection, she found it funny. It was shitty to keep doing something she thought scared someone. Let me enjoy your dogs!

Tanya lived in Manitoba until our 20s. For fun probably after a break-up, we went to a strip club. I had had one or two boyfriends for a couple of years apiece. I like a bit of alcohol but am against being drunk. I was sociable but careful and smart never to get into cigarettes, crime, or drugs. I was one year younger. I had spiritual faith, so she regarded me as a nun; the sort who is upset by swear words or sex scenes. There I was, willingly at a strip show. Could she let me enjoy it? She was a loudmouth who yelled "This is her first strip club"! So I was put on a stool on the dancefloor while the guy unveiled all his assets directly to me.

How titillating was THAT for the two of you to read? I know you are pissing yourselves laughing and that makes me happy. If you are chortling to the point of showing people what I wrote, hey, it is a good story. Let's make more people laugh!

This is a friend who wants to have fun and we need that. She just had to tone down. I can take a joke. It is funny if you are not on edge every time, with dogs or some damn thing in public.

You guys know how much I care about celebrating my birthday and people and cats who love me enough to share it, right? I could do without calling out my birthday in a restaurant. I guess it is the slight embarrassment, which is uncommon for me, of everyone's attention startled to a group of clapping employees singing. They don't know me. It isn't the same overwhelming moment of family & friends singing for me out of love. Tanya would be the one to announce a birthday, genuinely for affection and a memorable party. I guess I did not know how to put "tone down" into words, even when we were in our 20s. I needed her to pay attention to being over the top; not assume I was shocked.

Yes, Blue pondered "obsession" in more than this novel. Orla commented on it. I have tried to diversify mine & Ron's friends, prior to breaking free of the pair we most frequently saw. You need different personalities and availabilities for support and fun. Having you & Shirin is lifesaving. I need family & friends to phone and visit in person too. Careers, home comforts, obligations, and us being an hour away by highway reduced our number. The Cousins who are fairly nearby have kids and after work activities. I am sure they are open to us integrating each other into some visits week-ends or special occasions. Without my parents, bypassing a difficult brother; I have to build a new branch of ties with my blood family. I have begun by mailing cards to Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins who had not received them before. Days after mailing them, Canada Post's strike held them hostage.

I found Blue's phrasing odd. She has solid new friendships, working on a major project and having fun. That is what I need. It is not "in love". You value having a group of people you can reach anytime and count on for fun and support.

The only aspect that needs resolving is Richard & Blue's hesitancy of dating. She wants to avoid kissing but they don't want Adam or Ronan left-out, or making jokes. Respecting Adam is minor because it was recent, not impassioned and watching Ronan's feelings. For example, you two would not be able to write as much if you had spouses or children. I would be happy for you but hope the friendship I value could continue. :)

I can't wait for your reactions. Shirin does not want us to hold back on releasing and discussing our emotional reactions, so let's have it! This is a good place to practice talking about something that I will understand, without naming it with specificity. Do that for reviews and you will not hide them again.

---> Continued from message #23. <----

I finished the novel! I was going to leave a little for the next day, out of respect for Ron's sleep for work. He drives an hour to provide for us. He returned to sleeping deeply and I took in the last chapters fast.

I will tell you my impressions: I loved it and was surprised and rewarded in many places. Having Blue's name as the title made sense when she suddenly took charge of a big role, solo! Besides that action-packed part which might have been out of "Indiana Jones", this is a story of all their families, personal education, and their collaborative quest.

It ends with a bang, that makes me wonder if we can hold off until January to read what is next. I want to pause a little, to not be done with our wonderful series instantly and it is my way to enjoy a selection of other authors and genres in between all of them. I am glad to report it is not a depriving cliffhanger. Storylines are resolved nicely but the novel ends there, without information about any of it or a portrayal of winding down from it. It is the way Anne Perry ends novels. Similarly, I wish Maggie had extended and discussed the action we race through.

My observation is: the first novel introduced friends and families, the exciting mystical setting, and they worked on the mystery. The second novel analyzed information, gave character background and development, and researched their next step. This third novel continued research, preparation, and personal development but went directly back to investigating the mystery actively. Interesting events ended dynamically.

"The Raven King" is going to have to be about providing answers about everything. It will entail using what the friends know to find the rest of the clues and finish the mystery. They will discuss the events and appreciate them; reactions and meanings I am eager to read. The fourth, next novel is the one that will tell us what we want to know about everything.

The adventure and atmosphere were not what I imagined. Some arrivals, departures, and characters were unexpected. I disliked some of them. However, this story was action-packed, enthralling, easily better than the previous one, and definitely earned five stars from me.

I will reply to what you contribute and ponder, without spoiling anything at all. I am happy to read from you and write to you, on the birthday of my dear Dad! Love, Carolyn.

Dear Kerri & Shirin,

I wrote that this day is my Dad's birthday, hoping there would be a word in e-mail or here. This means a lot to me, to share it with someone, so soon after he is gone. Happy birthday to you, my wonderful, loyal Dad! We always love you!

I thought Shirin probably went caving in a land I picture as being filled with mountains and shores. New Zealand's island geography has to have cliffs and we have SEEN the mountains and caves in "The Lord Of The Rings" films of the early 2000s. They were real, right, not built movie sets?

While all mountains, cliffs, islands, and caves are old; Shirin's country and its artefacts are ancient. Girl, all you have to do is show photographs of Iran and that is a worthy enough post for the day, to me! I forgot about associating your profession with geology. Yes, of course; no wonder you would love seeing caves too and likely more often and numerous than me! Please put the other two in our group photo album, with location details. They did not come out in our conversation folder. I love the one we see. How wonderful, that you floated through that beautiful world on a boat. I had the same experience in England.

Underground and anyplace people usually don't go; secret, ancient places invigorate me. I bought Ron a book about underground civilizations and must read it. I would comfortably but carefully walk through Paris catacombs and other subterranean sites that have been maintained to appreciate.

Kerri darling, where you live and what you have at your doorstep; I am beginning to have that rare feeling of being frustrated someone does not go after the benefits of your home. Caves, the ocean.... stroll, swim, explore, meditate! What wonders are around you both.

I think you did have a spiritual communion with trees. You spoke of that sacred place whose name I need to remember better, where everyone feels positive and calm peace.

Yes, humour is important. It is one of the advantages I value of present day stories. We sit comfortably in our own language, expressions, and we get the humour because it is ours too. Old settings are funny too but it is fresh and a relief to me really, to see our own society's personalities and mannerisms play out in a story. Anything that tells me it is our era is a relatable joy for being presently familiar. The boys fist-bump in greeting at school. When Adam didn't want to talk, Ronan sat beside him in solidarity and replied "What the fuck would I talk about"? What petty readers don't understand is swears are casual language nowadays. They are expressive and colour-in emotions. They are not anger or outbursts. For the casualness of swearing with humour and without insult, I thank Eddie Murphy when I saw "Beverly Hills Cop" in the theatre in 1984. I was a little girl and my friend's Dad warned us not to follow the language, ha ha. Eddie made it fun without any sting.

Joe Ditterly being unintentionally loud is endearing, honestly. It took a fellow Virginian like Blue (now that we know clearly where they are) to not be scared off by Joe's volume and see his moral character. Most funny, here is a man like them who also has familiarity with the paranormal as a common thing to deal with. He has intelligent perception too, of people and what they are wondering and feeling. I love Joe Ditterly.

You have me pausing to decide what I think of Orla. It is gratifying for someone else, a genial person like you, to be annoyed! Keeping her cameos small, I like Orla. We know what to expect from her and it is going to be smart and critical but not hurtful or negative. Her enjoyment of nail polish and looking gorgeous plant us in our modern decade comfortably (2014 is new among my reading material). Her prissiness takes the big deal out of the dark realms the friends and Sargent family handle. Orla will probably band together with them loyally in the last novel, certainly if she is asked to but outside of need; it impresses me that she does not take her psychic environment overly seriously. She might give a sincerely emotional family reading by phone, shake it off, and go out with a friend after her shift is over. She is a modern girl who is in a mystical family but is not all bangles, dramatic earrings, and Indian print dresses. Do you know what I mean? Orla has depth and belongs with her "save the world" family but does not let it get heavy. She also participates and belongs in our North American generation.

I have reminded my beloved angel-reader friend that she is human and to enjoy Earth. She spends a lot of her day accepting channelled messages from guides and that is valuable. But take a break and use what you learned, in our present day. Live, then pose questions once in a while if you want to. Don't only shake your head at society's troubles and walk around in a meditative state. She likely does not but I feel her interest moving away from fiction novels, movies, music, and games like she used to enjoy. It is as if she only focuses on big things and forgets the pleasure and purpose of entertaining pastimes. I like Orla more than Calla, even though she too is loyal and is providing parenting to Blue in her Mom's stead. Orla perhaps gives opinions where they aren't wanted but she is honest in her frankness and aims to be helpful. I groaned when she accompanied the friends on the boat but she ended up being funny and formidable like Blue; taking off exterior clothing and diving into the lake.

That is a fine point, about letting romantic interests get to know each other. You know what? I did not remember if Richard was told about Blue's myth and you two thought he did not. He does. Did you forget like I did, that he was foreshadowed to die regardless?

Richard didn't say it outright but he answered our question concretely when he pondered on a passionate evening: "Do you think it works differently if I kiss you"? That is funny, two Bluejays are fighting on gravel along the wall across from my window. I laid finished insects there, when cleaning the workshop. The gravel and flowerbeds around both our structures are oases beside a land recently covered in snow.

Yes, Blue knowing financial limits is familiar to most of us, who fit the portrait of middle incomes: comfortable, safe, provided for but careful. You are right that her friends would not hesitate to help her. Be as self-sufficient as you can and benefit from a boost for the rest. They don't need the money back. She need not struggle to remove debt of any kind. All that matters is they never make a remark like "remember the time we paid for university". They would not because there would be no weight to withdrawing $20,000 or so. Blue is probably family to them and might marry Richard. I disagree that they are obsessed with each other. "In love" is an odd way of putting the family and caring feelings they have built. I think the right word for their bond is loyalty and enjoying getting to know their different personalities, worries, and strengths.

I am happy to say which none of us will mind, that it does suddenly, clearly dawn on Adam that offering money is not pity. In a lovely moment you will be glad to read too, he gets that what Richard and Ronan are giving him is loyalty, the unshakeable kind of friendship. When Blue contributes $5.00 to the national park, he accepts it and is glad he is getting used to appreciating the lighter load of sharing resources with people who have goodwill for him.

It is nice to confirm that Persephone seems human and not invincible. Certainly advanced, intuitive, and experienced. I hope we learn more about her. Yes, work must have gone into her development, not only a natural gift.

I looked up misophonia on Wikipedia, which is why I said I saw about six names. I saw no interview. I am glad Melanie mentioned it. You already know I don't have the textbook annoyances, like eating sounds. Never whistle using teeth instead of lips properly!!!! I screamed in shock in a mall when someone did that and startled them into stopping. Don't cough or throat clear lightly, especially with phlegm. Don't say the few words I hate, that is all. Hard, useful coughing is fin. Unfortunately, I might the the weird person who can't bear the whistle or "have got" sounds in written words either. Hearing them is not the only issue. It is too bad some people have trouble with meal sounds, which we need to do daily.

Our cats are okay with lapping up CBD oil and Essiac powder (which Angel & Petal might not have tried). I made Petal wary by squirting it onto her food while she was eating. I should have done it first. It is expensive, so I see that they like their food selection first. The first few times, I ought to lay a little soft food on top. After, they are fine with CBD oil. I won't squirt it into them because it would be daily. Spirit, McCartney, and Marigold taught me that pushing food or liquid must only occur when they seriously need it. We know their favourite food and eat every day, seldom with any hesitation, so this is the time to let them reach oils, powders, or herb supplements in their meals naturally.

Richard did extensive research, for six years I think he said. With caution about not bringing attention to his quest, he definitely sought information and collaborated; as far as spending a year with Roger in England and Wales. He must have asked people about the first mountain, where they met Cabeswater. However, the pit, which you were right about being more than a detour, got them looking for a connected cave that was past it. Looking for a secondary mountain or cave was so new, Blue suggested asking residents before they searched for it.

The novel is clear that Artemis disappeared. It is a main plot of the novel that Maura felt the urge to search for him, even though he is not missed as a lover. She was right that he was stuck in something he needed assistance getting out of. You also meet a bonkers character. Maggie does not explain how people stuck for years go to the washroom, sleep, change, or eat but perhaps she didn't want to stall her creative momentum on those details. That is my problem with writing. Do I need to answer mechanics, or make up fun adventures and think the reader won't care; they will accept fiction as not needing logic everywhere.

It is appropriate to say we get no answers about Artemis or Richard. There was a lot of action about Maura. Bad people interrupted this story much less but I disliked any such intrusion obviously. Noah is in the background where he belongs. I agree that the one you save is not be a long deceased body. He should comfort his parents or go. These were not his pals in his living school days. You might be right that he has a purpose in their development. Seeing a spirit and being that comfortable with such a wonder is useful.

I am glad you love reading and considering my thoughts, Kerri & Shirin. I look forward to yours daily, even if it is answering posts, like Shirin does for now.

I am glad you are having fun, peaceful summer beach days with Izzy and your family. It is odd that we are opposite, not solely seasons a little bit out of synch. Your season is beginning while our winter is. The first major snowfall is today. Tomorrow, the first cold temperatures. The falling snow is magical and peaceful.

Different editions of books go without saying. Page number is about the same, unless it is hardcover or large print, to softcover. Giving our chapter locations covers it.

I have seen all I need to of Calla, a bitch, which I am sure no one disagrees with. There is a way to be strong, decisive, being likeable with manners. You should feel a warmth, even if they aren't the type to hug or sweet talk.

I look forward to knowing if Persephone is supposed to be mystical or merely a woman who mastered her psychic ability professionally. There is a natural gift in everyone. However, we need to practice and use what we aim to do.

Our girls will be healthier and cured of problems by eating real food, with energy balancing techniques used regularly. I do meridian clearing on them nearly daily, cleansing chakras, toothpaste gel, tissue salt tablets, CBD oil. I cooked the basmati rice and vegetables with kelp. We are doing what we learned!

Maura is about my age. I disregard what is unknown. I go along with stories and focus on what I know. The rest will be revealed. I do not analyze "hidden meanings". I read a story as written. If someone has something to say, say it. I am not a fan of vagueness.

Kerri, in what way were the friends communicating with time? They were conscious of its circular flexibility in the Cabeswater realm and planned not to get lost or disoriented by it. Thank you for explaining that not losing track of time was their concern in their spelunking (once again, the verb for "cave exploring", in case either of you did not know it). Have either of you visited caves or crevasses? I love it! I have in a few countries: Ontario, South Dakota, México, St. Lucia, and England.

Kerri, if you dislike authors recapping previous novels; do not read Susan Wittig Albert. See my reviews of hers. I was in love with her series for the first four novels I think, got annoyed with the next, then wanted to scream. She tried to market her Beatrix Potter working with animals series as "readable in any order" but did not craft them that way. All she did was recap the shit out of every past novel, which snowballed into gigantic detail dumps that were larger with every succeeding volume.

We praise Maggie for expecting fans to read in order. She only reminds us of the characters' statuses and goals, with compelling opening action. You have to be careful with book cover synopsis. It was obvious in Elizabeth George's series, that one of the best characters dies a few novels from now, which I am sad about. Another stupid reader spoiled that awhile afterwards, the chief gets his sergeant pregnant! I report spoilers like that.

I hope you got my meaning, Kerri, that no matter how brief you plan spelunking to be, you always bring abundant supplies. "Expecting a brief hike" is not an excuse any wise person uses, anywhere, ever. We are in the season where cars had better have emergency kits, which they should all year. We expect to drive easily to our destinations and home again. I used to unwisely only wear outer clothing that was comfortable for getting in and out of a car. Every Canadian is taught that you wear or bring, like I do now, clothing TO LAST IN COMFORTABLE OUTSIDE, if you needed to leave a vehicle or sit in a cold one. You can't keep the engine going for risk of exhaust poisoning, or running out of fuel. A kit needs a blanket, road flare, candle, metal tin, water, preserved food, and chocolate bar type boosts.

I am thankful to our good God that I have never had to use this kit. I am not driving or riding without it, though. Similarly, every mystery novel we have read with a secret tunnel contains unexpectedly eventful or long exploring circumstances. Do not go into the most interesting secret passage, without supplies like batteries, flashlights, candles, tins, food.

Thank you for your care and sensitivity about sharing what I have about our beloved Conan, other cats, and my dearest parents. I can relate to a lot of book characters after this life change.

I understand it is normal to resent or to put it in a lighter way, wish things went for us the way others do. I write beautiful reviews and put care into revising them until they are professional and full of heart. You know this. My profile is not anywhere on that insulting "best reviewer" calculator. I suppose it comes from 'like button' clicks, which is a given if people have 5000 contacts. They should take it down because they are not reading reviews and judging them on writing, non-spoiler, not recapping the synopsis quality! I have seen people receive more comments in a week than I do in years. Some of these people have the same contacts I do and fewer of them. Other people get comments galore and I am angry.

When it comes to people having more money, I am glad for them. I am okay with appreciating the goodness and abundance that comes my way. I recognize that I do not want to spend too many hours working outside the home, or for someone else. Many who earn large incomes hardly have time to themselves. You can't pay me to do sell my personal life. I am merely disgusted if people do not appreciate their abundance. I wanted a piano and piano lessons since I was a little girl. I did not like anyone having a piano they didn't use or lessons they complained about. I don't care about lessons now and have no room for a piano. However, if we made room, it would be lovely to play by ear and simple notes, like I have always done it.

The motor club was an easy job once you knew how and so is learning geography. The part I found hard which I disliked, was selling travel insurance. I loved handing out maps and brochures and helping people plan travel routes. Selling and renewing memberships was fine. I am grateful I excelled at geography. I did not in high school; that teacher was nuts. My parents and others complained about him. We had fun venting our frustration because his last name was "Veldink"!

Right, what you meant about caution in Cabeswater was not making unintended requests through telepathy. It was only Blue who put effort into avoiding that. Everyone but Blue and Richard had otherworldly comfort levels with the forest. Richard has a confident and sure attitude generally. Blue enjoyed that expressing wishes worked. She was not paranoid.

I don't think everyone wants different things. They will want Richard to continue living. This is what I love about original input! I am impressed with your hypothesis that Richard might approach medical death only temporarily. That is a positive idea to mull over.

Blue might want to rescue her Mom. As of my reading, she has not sentimental emotions about her biological Father, which surprised me. I am very reverent about heritage and if I were adopted, I'd want to meet my birth parents as soon as I could write or call. I cried when Spirit's biological Mom and Sisters went to Heaven, someone else's kitties. I was sad that I had hoped to bring him to visit them in Winnipeg and did not. Spirit, McCartney, and Marigold were highly sociable. Lovey & Angel are wary. Conan & Petal love people too. I know Conan is all right all this time and seeks help carefully, whenever he needs it.

Adam struggling to pay for rent, school, food, and car maintenance is an angle I don't want Maggie to rehash anymore. I merely wish Ronan and Richard would have a logical talk and say: "We know you want the accomplishment of supporting yourself. You have. We have more ready cash than we need and can make life easier for you. Take it and reduce your stress. Work one job and make it one you love, or that is convenient to do and finish".

About feeling that the Raven Boys' series is not "YA", it is not that they are mature teenagers. I say the novel is written like an adult novel. It keeps the fictional adventure solid and serious with humour and could have featured questers of any age. I deem it an adult novel, which happens to have youth protagonists. The others are certainly 40+ age adults.

I understand a building having water in one place, before refurbishing. They could bottle the water for cooking and drinking, in clean dishes. They could set-up a sanitary counter at a station they designate a kitchen, until renovating is finished.

I don't picture Blue's house, which I don't know is owned by Maura Sargent or jointly. How many rooms are there? Jimi & Orla are there a lot, or do live there. The average medium income home such as Blue's and mine, does not casually have bedrooms for Maura, Blue, Persephone, Calla, and the attic where Neeve was a guest. A sixth or seventh room is a generously large home. Adam slept on a couch after his psychic ability tired him.

I am happy that Blue does consider that all forests are sentient and speaking with us. We simply need to listen more carefully, with more concentration than Cabeswater; just as we wrote!

I think I answered Kerri's whole post and look forward to Shirin's own observations. Post first, reply after so that we benefit from input that is all yours. :) I have written enough today, using Word this time to properly write between Kerri's paragraphs. Being far ahead of our group, I don't imagine you minding me pausing new impressions. After a little TV, I will go to bed soon and jump back in! I left off on page 243.

I stopped where Kerri did, at page 100. I looked at the next chapter's subject for an idea of the next night's reading. I was swept away by a few chapters. I might well finish tonight or tomorrow. There are two more excellent novels that will be sublime for my birthday month pampering of myself. I will keep talking with the two of you just as eagerly, if I begin reading fresh paranormal mysteries. I can see you both being interested in them as well! :) Good-night, from Carolyn.

Miscellaneous topics that are not novel related.

I wonder if you should type first and answer after. If limited, I would rather see what you guys are thinking and feeling. It is fun knowing you could come back to add replies.

I didn't write my chapter at the beginning, to show you were free to read it. I was not revealing story specific details but sharing impressions generally, mainly derived from these awesome early scenes.

I will go on to sharing my reading diary after I have late breakfast. :) Then, I will answer Kerri, with the great pleasure that my friends' writing always brings. There has been a small amount of snow on the ground and surprisingly, still only -6 C temperatures for Manitoba in late November. Today is only -8 C and I have let out more ladybugs and little moths, into the space under our back door. I hope it is warm enough to burrow into gravel or hibernate in a hole. I drop them near a wall hole.

For the first time, there are major snowflakes falling puffily and slowly. :) It looks nice here and the winter magic feeling has arrived. If it is going to be colder in double digits by day and notably by night from hereon in, we might as well have snow cover. This is a time of year I wish you tropical girls could see and enjoy with me. With the light low as early as 5:00 PM for awhile, two hours hence, it is easy to lie down to reading. Hugs to my understanding, patient friends, Carolyn.

Carolyn's second impressions.

Like you both did, I read a little on November 24, scooched up to page 62 on November 25, and zoomed to page 100 last night. I went to the washroom. Ron was sleeping nicely, resting for work. I peeked at the next section to know what I would open the book upon next. I hit page 180 before going to sleep with Ron. It is chapter 19.

I intended to describe my bubbling excitement as soon as I had read those exciting opening pages but we did recaps and asked questions. It is my pleasure to continue. Nothing I am going to write will spoil anything; my fine, intelligent friends.

Thank you for appreciating how much I find solace in friends and reading after hard years; recently getting used to my last parent leaving Earth. It is a strange world without the people who love you more than anyone else does. Thank you too, for BEING the loving, loyal, comforting friends who hear me out, give me advice, and share a space for me to have fun with you! November 29th will be my dear Dad's birthday. He would be 81 years-old, so he was halfway on August 15th.

When we open this novel together late this year, I relate to Ronan, Noah, Blue, and Adam missing our parents for different reasons. Adam might not be able to have a relationship with his Father. Blue hopes her Father is alive to meet and misses her Mom. Noah's body left Earth. He does not visit his folks, unless it is off camera and readers aren't told about it. Ronan misses his Dad but thankfully has awoken his Mom. Only Ronan, Noah, and I are away from one or two parents permanently. I am happy reuniting is a possibility open for the rest of them. Like all of them, having friends stops me from feeling alone more than the little bit that I do once in awhile, like around my birthday.

Do either of you relate to these characters in various ways? It is sweet that horse stories have built an idea of Virginia for Kerri.

I know North American geography better than most because of the travel job I used to have. Canada is only spaced out into 10 provinces and 3 territories (North West Territories, Yukon Territory, Nunavut); however most people outside of here can hardly name a few of them.

The United States has 50 states and a few other territories or districts. Many people have heard of famous regions like California, Florida, and New York. Few can name all 50 of them. To pass three levels for my job, I had to identify all Canadian provinces and American states on a blank map: by name and the shape of their location. So I am a good one to consult about North American places. :)

How many provinces do Iran and New Zealand have? Perhaps I will learn those too. I just learned that similar to Canadians Arctic are in the north, the middle of Australia is desertous and scarcely inhabited. Almost everyone lives at the coasts all the way around the country, which is also a contient. I keep forgetting the name of New Zealand's content. I wish Gmail would easily transfer those wonderful letters Kerri wrote to me about several things.

I admit hating the term "tension" regarding stories. We hate it in real life and I don't credit it for being a positive element. I think "suspense" or "worry" is what is meant, which is how Kerri elaborated on it. Anyway, I disagreed that they were worried about the forest. They were very confident they have visited, learned from it, communicated with it and it worked. They were understandably nervous about the hole in the cave and what they might find concerning Blue's Mom or Dad.

Yes, my guess is that the third sleeper is the Raven King. It was beautiful that ravens flew out of the hole and miraculous that they were there. You expect bats, sweet creatures I don't mind meeting either. Bat fly around our yard lamps in the summer, chasing insects. I think Artemis is one sleeper and Neeve another? Do you have others? The mission is to waken the Raven King, so do you think it is he that there is a warning to leave sleeping?

Persephone is very interesting and a positive figure, whose age we don't know. She remarked on suddenly noticing that Adam was young and new; perhaps in reference to past lives. It is said that the more you have lived past lives, the more in tune and aware you become. Most of us remember no past lives. I have had deja-vu a few times but do not remember being anywhere else. Those of us who are comfortable with mystical things, interested in them and open to learning about them, also those of us with *a little bit of* sensitivity to the world around us; are said to be less new on Earth.

However talented or old, current or past life wise; Persephone is human and I don't view her as perfect or infallable. I will enjoy it if Maggie avoids a one dimensional cardboard cutout, by not making Persephone right about everything.

I think book four is going to be a difficult, emotional story of choosing what wish to grant, if it is okay to awaken Glendower (a-ha, I remembered his name). Does the group only get one request, perhaps the person who directly awoke him? It is no surprise that Richard wants Noah to be alive but Blue might ask to save Richard's life.

We have focused on hoping Blue kissing a lover will not have a negative myth in reality. I don't know about you but I forgot that Richard is said to die anyway. He was among the names her family wrote on list, at their vigil to see who would pass away that year. I forgot Richard was on that sad list and that the time was short. He & Blue are my favourites hands down, so that makes me sad.

I believe in letting people know what information there is, so they can make decisions about things that pertain to them. Maybe there are things he wants to be sure he does before he goes: kissing Blue could be one of them. Blue told Dean that her family tells clients if they appear on that list, so they can prepare themselves and their families. I do not recall knowing that detail in the first book, that they tell whomever they can.

I liked Adam a lot, except that he needlessly considers it an insult to accept the relief of a boost of money his friends have an amply supply of. Richard's parents wanted to give him money, pay his school, home, and a much better car. I have no trouble appreciating whatever help comes my way. You have $1000.00 you don't need, which would pay for something in my humble, simple life? Thank you, sincerely!

Ronan doesn't make himself likeable. I root for him and recall Richard saying he was sweet before their Dad's shocking death. I don't picture that swearing fighter as adorable as Matthew is but I picture him halfway between Matthew and Declan. Those short stories, one of which I read before trying these books by the way, were misleading. Declan was the protagonist in one of the Christmas adventures. I am glad he does not figure in the stories because I like him less than Ronan, except in that short story.

I have compassion for Noah but have scant interest in him. He should not be hanging around when his soul is free to go to the afterlife. Either comfort your family for awhile, or get going. I would not use a wish on someone already gone, whom his friends did not know alive. They accept he is a spirit, with a limit to interacting. It makes sense for his parents to get him back, if they could or reverse the death entirely, in a time change. Ronan might wish for his Dad back, or for magical relatives to be free to live on Earth all the way.

You are going to meet an old farmer type, where Blue's talent for knowing her people comes in handy. She is unafraid when he has a shouting voice, because there is no relationship to take personally and she judges right away, that his size makes volume normal for that man. I have not laughed much yet, only admired the way Maggie worded a few thoughts but I laugh at his dialogue.

Blue feels integrated into her friendship circle, not because she made big strides but because Ronan changed so much, they all equally need to relearn him. That was observed uniquely. I like how Blue marvelled at Richard buying used gear; then understanding that HE had used it and had experiences before he met them. He is only a little older than Blue is. If she turned 18, he must be 20.

Their ages are the only thing that follows the 'YA' categorization. I feel this book is very adult, because they are all mature and the quest is well written, to be serious and complex. Do you feel the adult atmosphere too? When it is called 'YA' or 'fantasy', I feel annoyed. That sounds like millions of other books. We must not downplay how rare and original this 'paranormal mystery' is.

I finally laughed when Maggie put this farmer's dialogue not only in all caps letters but also in a font bigger than the rest of her text! He seems like a giant yelling, when he is quite polite and decent.

Where I left off, the friends are seeking another way into the Cabeswater cave, from another part of the countryside that will be on the other side of the hole.

Yes, it was a moment of awe for me that the group asked the forest: "Who are we to you"? I wonder what the answer is. They are viewed as friends of Ronan. I think they are also welcomed as good and respectful people, whom the forest knows has questions and a quest there. They want nothing except safely travelling and answers and guidance of their goals.

I wondered what Richard was afraid of; maybe only remembering the threat of hornets. Was it nearly falling that made him think of the past danger, or did something remind him of hornets? I am glad I was unharmed when I was stung by hornets or wasps several times, a few years ago. It was unpleasant and I avoid them weaving nests near our house and library in the spring. I finally thought it was worth asking them mentally, to stay away. They did! Insects are old life forms, among all animals for whom language itself is telepathy.

This leads to one way I relate to Blue. She thinks she has no spiritual abilities except to boost other people or nature. I do understand I have sensitivity that I am working on strengthening and tuning. We all in our present day, have dormant psychic muscles we can put back to good use. That is the only difference.

Blue & I both know how it feels to have friends or family with otherworldly experiences or skills. We have both been taught how to do some protective or healing things, we have tried it, and it worked! That is one of my favourite parts in this mystery. Blue tried something her Mom taught her, so Noah doesn't get carried away, or leave her feeling cold. I also enjoy how Blue & Richard look forward to hearing each others' voices at night, even though they don't say much.

Yes, Shirin, I love how the friends stick together; including Ronan not hesitating to hold onto Blue when Richard slipped. We all love this story better than the others and as well as we hoped, don't we! :-) This is a wonderful, rewarding feeling. Some bad guys are in it but as I differentiated for Kerri; it is not taking up page space from the glorious feeling of friends, family, and their adventure.

Here is a fun question: do you think the pit is a place they need to find, for clues or the route to their mission? Do you think the subterranean lake that Maura discovered is there? Or is the pit only something to move around, with the goal past it?

Having Roger in town is supposed to be helpful. I winced when the boys brought him to their warehouse home. The man could have had a hotel, or stayed at the Lynch's ranch. He would have little time to peer into barns and that family's secrets aren't obvious.

Richard and Ronan could certainly afford to get a kitchen built, or use the manufacturing plant as an office lab. Buy a decent residence to share elsewhere.

Do Jimi and her Daughter, Orla live at Maura Sargent's house, or only work there on the psychic phones?

Carolyn's first impressions.

My first reading introduction went to 29 pages. I knew we would all love that we quickly get back to the point of the series and are acquainted with what our character friends are doing next. I agree that it was immediately engrossing to flash through short scenes of Persephone teaching Adam, Blue very understandably missing her Mom, Calla & Blue working to find her, and Richard and Ronan ready to work on their quest.

It is wonderful that readers confirm Maura Sargent is all right. I don't think she is detained, lost, or trapped. I think hiking for the whereabouts of Artemis is taking longer than she thought and she sees merit in proceeding while she is in the right place. I would like to confirm she brought spelunking supplies ("cave exploring", one of my favourite subjects): good clothes, food, and tools.

Yes, it is wonderful that this single woman and Mother of 18 years is confident, cautious, and unafraid. Her impressions of a subterranean lake, surreally mirroring the stalactites above, were glorious and riveting. I learned how to choose between the terms "stalactities" and "stalagmites" if anyone needs the neumonic reminder. The logic is: those above are "tite" against the ceiling. Lose below "mite" reach the celing someday if they grow tall on the floor.

It is hard for Blue's family and friends to not know where she or shen she will be back. Only readers are relieved. Thank goodness for a family's capability to perceive and have faith that Maura is alive and well. I wish Conan had returned after a few weeks of pushing this faith and awareness past fear. Certainty that our loved-one is alive and well and also returning to us, is hard to hold tight to after 7 years. Every time a loved-one like my Dad enters Heaven, I know he helps encourage, send, guide, and protect Conan home: along with all of our prayers and our other helpers.

I think our first scenes of Richard and Ronan are gathered at the enchanted old forest with the rest of the Lynches. Maggie excelled at "showing" where everyone is and reminding in or clarifying what we need to know. There is no deluge of information, even though it interests us. The best way to reorient ourselves an be informed is to jump back into the delightful, beautiful atmosphere of our action!

We are reminded that Mrs. Lynch has to stay at Cabeswater if she wants to be awake, because her dream retriever died. I left off in the novel at chapter 19. Ronan reveals to Adam his hope that there is a way to bring an element of Cabeswater home, to awaken the multicoloured, sweet little cattle. If he learns how, his loved-ones can live at home whether their dream retriever is alive or not and can move anywhere, with good, full lives.

I know we are following Maggie's invention of how nature and spirits work. I only disagree with this one forest being recognized as sentient beings. All forests are sentient fellows who communicate with us. All we need to do is learn to listen to and understand them. I write it again because I consider it an important message about our world. All animals and plants are equally sentient to us. Only our language, biological needs and roles, and perspectives of spirituality differ. One plant or animal being more intelligent or capable than another is a fallacy that comes from measuring sentience biologically, by brain size or visibly demonstrable responding.

I am willing to believe in sacred places, where communicating with animals, plants, or spirits is more obvious and easy to an average person. That is a well pondered subject of "active paranormal locations", like spirits. I don't think I have experienced it strongly at any of the "haunted places" or sacred nature spots I have visited.

Like Adam, many of us are developing our peceptive awareness of other ways to communicate with the life around us. I feel a little awareness everywhere; no huge experiences yet. My only obvious moments are good ones: sacred communications with family who recently left bodies.

Kerri wondered if the friends were nervous about building trust with this forest. It was clear to me that they were sure: taking nothing and visiting often just to enjoy and acquaint it, keep the forest comfortable with them. They had its permission to visit whenever they wished, even without Ronan's presence. I agree it was a lovely, wise consideration of nature as their host. I said my favourite quote gave me good feelings early, on pages 14 - 15, a description of their relaxing environtment.

“Blue lay her cheek against a boulder covered with warm moss. She thought about birds singing. It was a thought turned on its side, a door in her mind. She was getting better at telling when she was doing it right. She longed of leaves rustling. Overhead, leaves formed whispered words: Avide audimus.

She thought of a spring flower. A lily - blue, like her name. A blue petal fell into her hair. Another dropped onto the back of her hand, slipping down her wrist like a kiss. Richard's eyes opened. Petals landed lightly on his cheeks. As his lips parted, wondering, a petal landed directly on his mouth. Adam craned to watch the floral, fragrant rain drift down around them, slow-motion butterflies of blue. Blue's heart exploded with joy: It's real! It's real!”

Recap responses.

Hi Shirin and Kerri! We knew last year you liked the challenge of Joe and perhaps other violent aspects. My messsage is that here for a change is a series about adventure, wonderment, friendship, self-confidence, nature, psychic talents, and minimal romance: all in a rare, refreshing modern setting. Shirin reads dark content but felt the same. I would have rathered no Joe but what I hope you understand is, the threats and ugliness took up superfluous space.

In this beautiful setting a violent parking lot, abusive parent, murder revelations, and hit men were too much. The sour notes took up more chapters than "a challenge from different sides". Instead of relishing the reading, I wished they were over. Shirin called it sparkle, I called it bliss and these following adjectives. The downers went too long and interrupted the joy and exhilarating pace of a quest that is fun and inspiring. It was only challenging to intellect and patience.

I love characters using their minds, hearts, talents, and ideas. I love communicating with nature. I love seeing a girl make new friends and wealthy boys helping or respecting those shorter on finances. I loved everything about this novel, except the negative things and I felt that the authoress went too far and squashed the magic of her novel. A filler novel taking a break from the exciting quest asked enough patience of readers. There were short scenes of magic at the Lynch home, the Sargent's, Adam's new abilities, and the warmth of the Ganseys. Calla is a bitch and I will freak out if Maggie describes anyone with "a small voice" again. Those chapters provided just enough pleasure and intrigue to give the sequel five stars from me.

We covered what we liked and disliked about volume two. I thought it was interesting to mull over WHY we liked the tone and content less, including Kerri I think. We have had time to ponder how we felt about the story and I recently saw Shirin's review, along with rereading Kerri's. I am happy we all answered questions for one another, as we stride into "Blue Lily, Lily Blue".

Interestingly, at about page 80, the state Virginia is supplied a few times in a row. Maybe the book heard us wanting a refresher. ;) It sounds like Adam and Noah know about the stupid myth about kissing a lover (a romantic couple is not stuck on sex as a definition). Thank you for all your input.

If it helps any of you, I remembered that Ronan gave Dean (the Gray man's first or last name) one of Joe's untraceable vehicles to leave town in. He needed to protect the Henrietta families and avoid Colin Green-whatever, the greedy former boss who had sent Dean's brother to attempt killing him.

We hoped the next volume would be excellent and go back to the fun, Welsh mystery, and positive adventure. We wanted the awe and excitement in the forest and communicating with nature. We know volume three does answer our hopes, hip hip hooray! My first impressions follow.

Shirin, don't worry, I decided to read as much as I want and just enjoy it all! Kerri, don't slow down either. I did not imagine we would. Ha ha, I see even Shirin saying "I have until the week-end for that library book".... Let's go! :-)