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

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

Recap conclusions.

Good day, girls! For challenges, I set a guaranteed book number, so that the Goodreads badge doesn't dismay me with a "behind" estimate. I added up short stories and comics like Shirin did. Racing to reach any quantity is not how to enjoy life or reading.

I might want to savour something slowly. The last Elizabeth George mystery happened to be big - 1000 pages! We get busy, or upset about events in life. When I started "The Time Machine" in April, Dad was sick and I went to Winnipeg to take care of him.
I tried energy healing and it helped. Afterwards, he was normal at home 1 1/2 month.

Dad was in the hospital from June to August and his life finished. I visited a few times a week. Then I began grieving and brought belongings home from his apartment. I was not reading at all.

Rising to 82 books was easy by adding short stories and comics. I don't stop at the easy estimate. Now my goal is 90 books. If it is a show-in, I will switch it to 100.

I wrote in my recent review "The Parish Church Of St. Mary Dedham", identifying a geographic location renough that readers see it, is important. Henrietta is mentioned but I think the state, Virginia was named once, in the first novel. I like knowing where I am reading about.

Thank you for confirming Richard does not know the myth. I call it a myth and do not think a curse is real. Richard is really respectful and a cool boy, to not know the reason and adhere to minor physical affection! I wish she would tell him so they can disprove or resolve the myth together, instead of alone. Do you know the expression "Two heads are better than one"? Letting someone add their ideas is much more successful, with broader options. One person's thoughts and ideas have limits. I love collaborating with family and friends.

Yes, that is astute, Shirin. Maura was "a woman without a boyfriend" and was willing to romance Mr. Gray. (We learned his name later in our previous discussion. We should check that thread or the end of the prior novel). That is good evidence that he is worth knowing or weaving into the story.

It is impressive you are reading full novels in English, even though you claim you can't pronounce it. I hope you acted on my urging to practice English a little regularly. A little makes progress, versus not trying. Yes, Maggie's writing is spectacular and maybe a translation would not convey it as marvellously.

It sounds like you are almost done, Shirin. I looked for something else to read but this fantastic mystery adventure is too compelling. This is my birthday month: I must have fun and be happy! :-) You will join us soon, so I am going to keep reading this novel. The next time I come on-line, I will post my early impressions. They are joyous and invested in everything. Ha ha, Shirin! Yes, the prologue was an interesting introduction to read and stop, to think about while we are asleep.

I hope you & Kerri post your first impressions before I do. If not, write everything you think. Do not get stuck on topics that come from me. It is fun for me to see where your original minds, feelings, and tastes take us! Love, Carolyn.

Henrietta, Virginia: now that I am focusing on it, I will remember it! Washington state is below British Columbia, Canada; nowhere near Virginia in the middle southeast United States. They probably meant Washington city in District Of Columbia, which might be an okay drive from there. In Patricia Cornwell's novels, I learned Virginia is where the CIA school and bases are, which would want to be close to that nation's capital.

Oh yeah, I see on a USA map jpg I have, that Virginia is right next to District Of Columbia. I pictured it a little further south but I guess both North & South Carolina, before Florida, make Virgina further north.

Yes, of course Mr. Gray (whose name we used at the end of our "The Dream Thieves" discussion) outlasted his psychotic brother. He built on his relationship with Maura afterwards. He grieved her disappearance along with Blue, Calla, and Persephone.

Shirin is memorable for using the words "lacking sparkle" but that is what I said all along the way and afterwards as well. The magic was not there. The only place I disagree with Shirin is how to fix the bleakness of the second novel. While informative and a little funny as usual, felt most of the time for me like the fun was interrupted. Did you feel that way too, Kerri? Shirin & I both felt like we pushed through uninteresting or unpleasant chapter, in a series that was special for being entirely mysterious and positive. We did a lot of waiting for the GREAT moments to resume

Shirin suggested that adding some of the magic would have made the second volume better. I granted Maggie the wisdom of letting her characters plan, consider, and regroup to guarantee success. Since Aunt Neeve and Maura disappeared, as well Mom & Daughter deciding it was time to find Blue's Father; exploring the forest and caves properly extended the Welsh quest to a rescue mission. It was serious, not for fun anymore.

I prefer that the least enjoyable things were gotten over with in one book and that the GREAT exploration, events, and personal bonds are saved for the book we are reading now. This novel will be all about the GOOD stuff! What I think Maggie needed to do improve "The Dream Thieves" was reduce some of the negative shit.

Adam escaped an abusive parent. We learned about Noah's murder and state of decease. Mr. Gray spent most of the story trying to kill children and was previously ordered to kill Mr. Lynch. His brother hoped to kill Mr. Gray. Did we need this new boyfriend of Maura's at all? I guess that will be clear shortly. I would like to have done completely without Joe Kravowski. Ronan could have learned and developed who he was, without discovering another dream controller. Joe was a terrible one, not thinking of the welfare of the forest in which he was a rare guest. If ugly characters contribute to the main quest peripherally, we needed much less of them.

We are however, on the book we all want to read most! I already love it and can't wait to tell you about my first 29 pages, which are sublime and exciting with exactly the focus and positivity we want! It does "expand beautifully" as you wrote compellingly. I will write my impressions soon, a lot so soon but am always happy if one of you writes before me. It was nice to take care of our recap musing and questions in the meantime.

I don't know if I will read something else as I suggested, when we learned Shirin has one or two books to finish, last I saw. It is my birthday month, so I won't deny the pleasure if I want to keep reading! All that matters is that I keep posting and answering both of you bit by bit. :) Good-night!

Conversation starter #1: a recap and questions.

We all enjoyed the previous novel at four and five stars. I reread your reviews on it and commented at yours, Shirin because it was not written when I looked for updates. You & I feel the same way about everything.

Kerri seems to be at peace giving high scores to whatever she appreciates. Shirin enjoys horror and fantasy that has darkness and cruelty. However, Shirin & I are alike in pleasure diminished by too many pages on unlikeable characters and negativity. We want 90% of a story's focus to be on the chief mystery, goal, action, fun, and beautiful moments.

I enjoyed enough of this novel to give it five stars but liked it much less than the début. Shirin & I hope the public will push for a 10 star scale, so high scores go to books that are complete bliss. She is right that part of why I gave volume 2 five stars is contemplating how it stands up generally. Her review aptly expresses that a weaker story in this series and our other favourites, is superior to most novels.

We agree "The Dream Thieves" was an important filler novel, for introducing us and the friends to everyone's families. Shirin & I disliked the disruptive quantity of chapters about a hitman and violent boy, Joe Kravowski. We are glad Adam left a violent Father and helpless Mother, while everyone learned what happened to Noah. However, this was a lot of unpleasant content. Even though it was smart to plan and research so that investigating Crabewater forest was successful and informative;
chapters of an awful kid disturbing the beautiful place was not what I wanted to read, after I knew the happy feeling of visiting it.

Readers and protagonists learned about each others talents, and hopes. Private relationships corrected, by closing and starting with someone new. I don't know why either of you liked an angry, swearing, unapproachable character that Ronan is. I accept him as part of the group but it seems nuts to call him a favourite. Blue is the main protagonist, Richard is sweet and intelligent. Noah and Adam are good-hearted but have issues to deal with.

Having established this, I think finding a reason to like Ronan is the best outcome of this novel for me, besides teaching us what we need to know about everyone's talents and families. Sensitivity for his Mom & Matthew, missing their Dad, and caring for all creatures including baby mice is a personality I can get aboard.

There are questions I am asking your help with, ladies. I need to be reminded of which American state this story is in. I thought Mrs. & Mrs. Gansey or Richard mentioned driving distance from Washinton but perhaps I am confusing that with "A Wrinkle In Time". The new Goodreads book pages are terrible for many reasons: not quickly and easily loading our friends who read or added books, not providing the ISBN, and not showing - or not loading for rural internet like mine, the setting's location.

I also wonder if you ladies remember if Blue finally told Richard why she tried not to kiss anyone. At the end of the story, they held their faces together. Did Richard know why, or only accept Blue's request not to kiss? With this summary, I will give you both a few hours to answer if you are on-line in your time zones. Then, it will be my pleasure to add my first impressions of our third novel: "Blue Lily, Lily Blue"!

Hi Kerri, I am happy Shirin is joining us. Reading this series and the second stories that follow it, would not be the same without her. I don't know why "Enegy Medicine For Animals" was not set as finished weeks ago. I eagerly look forward to your feedback on "Callendar Square".

As I expressed in message #3, "Blue Lily, Lily Blue" yields a lot of excitement to chat about from the first page, in short introduction chapters. I will write my questions, recaps, and impressions. Then I will let this glorious, vibrant return to Cabeswater and our talented friends simmer.

I will read an artbook or something small and watch Shirin's progress of two novels she wants to finish. If they are good too, I understand wanting to focus on all of them singly. When Shirin is back to reading, we can be horses running out of gates! I hope I continue to trot at a gradual, scenery gazing canter. However, we will have free reign to gallop through the land if that excitement carries us away. Xoxo, Carolyn.

Hi Shirin, I am glad you saw this and will join us! My dear friend, there is no rush on letters. I was only hoping you did not stop after one letter. Sometimes, we would start to write, then you were gone for a year. Knowing we are continuing conversations whenever we are ready and in the mood: take as long as you want. :)

Also Shirin, I am enjoying this novel very slowly. Finish your others, which the short notice you received. I do not want to rush this marvellous world that we are excited about. The first few pages have so much information, in an entertaining and atmospheric way, I have a lot to write today even though I am only at page 29!

I will look at an artbook or something short, for a couple of days. Update your profile progress so we know where you are in your current books. I really want to make the thrill of volume 3 last. We are finally back to the mystery adventure and everything is ethereal and mysterious! I hope you have a copy in Persian, to savour all of these beautiful words and details. I have a favourite quote already on page 14. Hugs, Carolyn.

Are you ready to continue our 'paranormal mystery'? If Kerri or Shirin are with me and anyone else at this spot in Maggie Stiefvater's series, I will bring “Blue Lily, Lily Blue” to bed tonight! Raven Cycle #03 from 2014 is great for my birthday month extravaganza. I pamper myself with the authors and genres I love best and friends who share it with me!

To clarify: asking your availability is my effort to avoid the excitement and pace ever dragging. Available means we post our progress in small doses every day. Checking again the same day for friends' updates and replying faster, is what I hope for! Guessing together as we go along is more fun and discussing a little bit at a time is easy.

Reasonable interruptions are understandable but we are choosing a period to minimize this. Friends or relatives visiting? They won't mind 15 minutes for what we usually do in the morning (me), afternoon, or night. Suddenly busy? Discussing a chapter or two of a book is a nice break.

When there are only two or three of us, it is up to us to prevent a lag. Being availalble means unless our computer or internet are off, our communication is ON until we finish talking about this story. :) I look forward to it.

Our favourite exception to "a little every day" is our freedom to breeze through, if we have time and love the story. In that pleasant scenario, we do not mind big updates and do not hesitate to post them. We name our chapters at the top and if we are not that far, we reply to everything else. See you tonight! Love, your friend, Carolyn.

Hi Kerri! I am glad to continue our conversations. It keeps me boosted and entertained at the hard time of missing my dear Dad. No one loves us like our parents, which is true even with a caring, well-meaning spouse. It is sad to be in a world without them.

The hardest thing at this moment is how badly I want to show them the family video I made. It is for them and the unfortunate thing is: THEY WOULD LOVE IT. They of course know everyone on it better than anyone, being made for them. They would marvel at the time I took to find all the right photos and place them just so, up to our most recent family. I keep wanting to invite them over to see it and tell them about it by phone. I often have to remind myself that I can't. That hurts.

Enjoy every second with your Nan, parents, and animals. With a distant brother and a belligerant one to avoid, I feel alone. Thank goodness for other nearby family.

Anne created a Sister they were all distressed to lose and a Grandmama they could do without.... who is still alive many volumes later so far in my reading. Since you read more historical fiction than I care for myself, I enjoy you pointing out things I did not know. Is Anne special for not making instant super sleuths and modern ladies dropped falsely into old settings?

Yes; Charlotte, Emily, their Mother, and Aunt Vespasia resolutely hear what crime the world has and do what they can to combat it. When they cannot vote or join a senate, they send good men to do it.

You felt that your Mom read little or is that your Sister? I am happy she & her Mom might be keen on these. I rarely shared books with my parents, who preferred other genres but it is a beautiful feeling when we do. It is great fun to have things in common. One of my favourite recent memories with my Dad, is laughing at him turning his nose up at the Robert Service CD we gave him. He was a fan of the poems but did not commend the author's reading. I have that CD back. Who shall it go to next?

Yes indeed, we have many books to choose from. You are loving Lyn Hamilton and will be free to jump into more Anne Perry after. I will leave you to buy non-Canadian or popular authors. I will look for more Lyn Hamilton and Charlotte MacLeod spares.

I have heard of "Afterlife" and think someone else does a somewhat funny show or film about grief. It might be Daniel Radcliffe. Listen, my PVR is busy as it is. I enjoy nighttime talk shows but never watch them because that is reading time. I now tape all of them: Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and the handsome Stephen Colbert.

I am also recording the new seasons of "Ghosts", "Abbott Elementary, "Still Standing", and "Murdoch Mysteries"; which I notice the Dad from "Kim's Convenience" has joined. It works out fine that "Young & Restless" got too ugly and weird to like anymore. Instead, I peek to see if "Drew Barrymore" is doing an interview, than dip in to the vast collection of recordings.

I enjoy Kylie Minogue and want to try more of her songs. The popular CD I bought (with "Can't Get You Outta My Head"), does not work on our computer. Only the stereo will play it and I want albums I can make digital copies of. It is in my sell pile but I might as well listen to the songs at least.

Kerri, I am glad you wrote because it looked like our conversation was finishing weeks ago and I wanted to finalize that. It is almost wholly personal, so we might as well answer these items e-mail letters. I enjoyed everything you wrote: about our helpful cats, women deciding on our lifestyles, confidence, hobbies and talents being important, and of course honouring your birthday and the sacred ascension that precededit. Let's e-mail to continue that and I look forward to it.

If there is anything you want to continue about the Ann Brachares characters and subjects relating to them, you just need to say so. I will reprise our Anne Perry thread when I have time and I have one for TV shows and music, where we might debate about Britney Spears a little. I fault her a lot less than you do, which could make for a colourful subject. Love, Carolyn.

Hi Kerri, working on writing, photographs, and music for our dear Dad is healing and is another means of communicating with our parents too. I hope relatives and friends enjoy the long tributes and also comment at my blog. I replied to your beautiful comments and hope you see it. I like doing things with care, such as consideration of photographs for every family member and close family friend. I am excited and grateful about the photographs I have. I only need one of one uncle and aunt. I will test an unlabelled version of the film and see where I can upload and store it easily. Next, I will see how easy it is to label photographs. There are over 100.

I concluded that you answered messages 8 and 12 but much more briefly than the stories I told. I would enjoy indepth comments but if you wrote what your reaction was, that is good. You usually discuss taking pleasure in our stories, so that is all right.

I value knowing that all people must be self-assured in some social environments or confrontations and wary in others. Sociological and spiritual educators too easily wave the advice about, that awkardness or fear get in the way too much and that is true. However, it is not simple to wave it away. Caution and taking time to think about why we hesitate and deciding what to say are teaching moments too. Truly good, helpful advice should include acknowledgement of the rush of feelings and difficulties in the experience of being human. Some guy deciding he prefers spending life in a robe listening to sitar music, is blocking regular life; not balancing it with the courage of being a part of it. I am far better encouraged and emboldended by knowing the wariness and small form of fear is common. I am glad I heartwarm and encourage you, Kerri! It is true that we decide if we should muster up the boldness to say something or decide we can do without objecting to a difference of styles or goals.

What town does the novel's story take place in? I guess all four girls are confident, due to having families and friends to support, love, and understand them all their lives. Carmen and Tibby need to calm down. I think her Dad could keep a tennis match without stopping at a soccer game and while postponing a conversation with his fiancee. Your suggestion about saying: "Don't worry, you are a priority too" is lovely and made me feel warm and happy.

We discussed Lena and the misunderstanding. Lena's Grandma should not have asked Lena to avoid it but Lena only needed to circumvent an invitation and just say: "Nothing is wrong. I was surprised but the boy did not follow me".

Amy was bitchy in her early days of "The Big Bang Theory" and prefer when she became more normal. She still had self-deprecating anecdotes about her past and quirky ways. She stablized and improved Sheldon. They were like robots when they were both unfeeling and used formal dialogue. It doesn't sound like you watched "Young Sheldon". It comprised Sheldon narrating his childhood. It ended recently, with Amy & Sheldon making appearances in present day and their colourful but loving partnership was sweet.

I am happy you are enjoying "Corner Gas". I don't know if you have "globophobia" or the name Davis told us but no one likes a popped balloon. I have no fear of snakes but no one would be comfortable with them surprising us around ourselves or our homes. I see them regularly, thankfully elsewhere in our yard! They are small and shaped differently from us, which makes us hope they never sit in places they should not be. I pray to never close anything or step on them and harm any living being.

Last night, Petal meowed constantly enough from the kitchen to awaken me and I took her seriously. I had sen a photograph of an animal hero hall of fame I visited with my Brother & Sister-in-law in Toronto and was refreshed about the importance of listening to what animals tell us. Petal had found a little frog in the house, perhaps in the kitchen or she chased it there and I am grateful. She did not harm him or her but the little frog did not want to move to tempt being chased. I saw her or she was alive but possibly dry from being in the house for a day or more. I carried the young frog outside to a flowerbox, in case she needed to moisten up and rest without encountering any creature. This morning happily, she was gone on her way.

"Mr. D" is funny and sometimes inappropriate in its own ways, like Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute are but he does not resemble them. He is always confident and honest about saying what he thinks to students, staff, and friends. He is sometimes inappropriate but is a good person. I root for him and like some of his fellow teachers even better. The funny thing is that one of the actors is a famous Canadian rapper, "Maestro Fresh Wes", as I told you. I didn't see that it was him until I noticed that his name is shown as "Wes Williams". He is superb; everyone's favourite, handsome, loveable, huggable teacher. He does not resemble a rapper and is very well spoken.

A fun thing I noticed, like you did with Hank Yarbo, is that the Jocelyn Schitt actress appeared a few times! She has a completely normal demeanour and hair, which took a few minutes to recognize. I guess on "Schitt's Creek" she was zany or frazzled.

I am happy and excited we both love doing things when we feel inspired to do them and do not need to make a class out of them. I understand you need classes to perfect a music instrument or sport for career use. If I see my writing, reading understanding, and photography improving - which I joyfully sure do - it confirms that learning on my own terms works well. Oh yes, small classes or home schooling is the best. You get by anything holding you back in commuting, preparing your attire, the time of day and environment where you learn well, ease of discussion and extra study, no peer conflict interfering. You will deal with people enough in the world and get plenty of practice in it. I suggest letting the home schooling years preparing you without handicaps or distractions. If I know what to say to mean people before such situations occur, it is better. Also, knowing how to act in an emergency that we pray does not occur, is important.

With my in-laws or people who do not know what to say, it is superficial for someone to only ask where we work, where we studied, or whether or not we have human kids. There is judgement for someone who does not check-off those three boxes. I finally understood what to say and bolstered Ron with the information, who was bugged by his relatives and co-workers about me being based at home. Simply: the time has arrived to stop judging women. In the 1940s, they filled jobs while men were in a war. Women who liked careers gained the right to have one. It did not remove anyone's right to remain home based, to have artistic careers, or be homemakers. Until the 1980s, women were frowned upon if they did not quit jobs upon marriage, sometimes whether or not they bore children. In the 1990s, women were frowned at for putting children in daycare.

It is lunacy for anyone to object to women being home based! It must stop. I do have a career goal that must be built from home and ideas for making money from home as my career opportunities build. However, the judgement needs to stop either way. We pay our way of course but MAKING A LIFE is what is important, not earning a monetary living.

I happily tell people what I enjoy doing and am working on and how much we love our cats. What we do for pleasure is the best way to understand who most people are. Fewer people have jobs that are their passions, than those who use convenient skills to earn incomes. Ron would far rather do something else but stayed where he has a good income, benefits, and holiday time.

It would be handy if you learned how to download TV shows, not wait for streaming companies to offer it. I recently joked that I don't want to know how much time I would be on-line the first little while that we have good service! I have done a little reading and have enjoyed a good mix of TV. Ron & I need to resume Donna Eden's video course and have a wealth of music albums to enjoy together.

Happy birthday, my special friend! God bless you always, dear, wonderful Kerri! Love Carolyn, Ron, Angel, Petal, Conan.

(Part II after message #21).

Yes, Dwight is much smarter than Sheldon. Both actors are marvellous but Sheldon had too many weaknesses and unlikeable traits. He loved his Mom and Siblings but dismissed his roots. Dwight is too passionate and hardcore about his but their oddities are part of the humour. I just noticed that Sheldon lacked a comedic counterpoint.

Penny and Bernadette were bitches. Amy was like him but normalized after a few years. Rajish was useless and should not have been on the show any more than Penny should have. Leonard and Howard poked fun.

Jim made Dwight funny and they slowly became best friends. I loved the few shows in which Dwight was manager and Jim had fun being his assistant and afterwards, his best man at his wedding. I am happy I am a proficient storyteller at letting you envision my reenactments and giving you laughter, Kerri dear. :)

My present interest is a Canadian show from 2012 to 2018, successful to not have heard about it. "Mr. D" is a sports graduate who covets a gym teacher's job but got a job as a social studies teacher. He does not try to learn it and skims by, waiting for a chance to run the gym. There are a lot of interesting characters. Like in "The Office": sometimes you cringe at the awkwardness or dullness of a story or scene, sometimes they go too far, and sometimes they are so brilliant and entertaining, you absolutely relish it. There are a lot of musical episodes.

The teacher is often lazy and has a bad attitude but is funny similiar to Dwight Schrute and Michael Scott, for being frank about saying whatever he thinks, or too uncomfortably bizarre to stand. I like his confidence and I dislike the staff writing him off as being useless. However, there are many nice characters and friendships. I digitally record several stories on each week-day.

You wished for my current books to entertain me. I loved Anne Murray's autobiography. I am glad I read Britney Spears' but was sad about what she went through, the way I felt sad for Elvis Presley being used for money.

The natural cat care and Chinese relief books are paused. I was loving "Pretty Little Lies" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, except for her stupid use of "backwards / towards" without an S. I look forward to reprising it. It is smart, unique, and makes me laugh.

I closed Protonmail a day ago and haven't tried opening it since but you know where else to reach me. At Prairie, let me know which newspaper URLs worked for you. Each is at the bottom of my Parents' tributes, further to two options of Mom's I e-mailed prior to finishing Dad's. Your comments at my blog meant a lot and I hope others chime in on the condolonces chorus.

I have received two wonderful sympathy cards. Please know I am late on all birthday mail from spring onwards. This is personal stuff meant for e-mail which I am saying in one go. I will delete this paragraph once you have read it. Love, Carolyn.

Hi Kerri, I am working on honouring my dear Dad in print, writing, photographs, and music. For the first time in two decades, I have not read for about three weeks. It is okay. It is annoying that the year you are reading much less, I have put it aside but there is no race.

I glanced at messages 8 & 12 and think you might not have replied to everything in them. If you wouldn't mind breezing over them too, let me know if you answered everything that interested you. For now, I am taking pleasure in answering your most recent conversation.

I love reading your thoughts. It is nice that we agree on items we criticized. Any novel you generally enjoy appears to get five stars, so it was a pleasant surprise that you agree as much as you do. Other areas receive more of my understanding than you expected, which will be fun to talk about. Your point is excellent for everyone considering sex with someone, new or not and at any age, that cravings or curiosity does not mean being ready. I don't wait until the time or person is right. I have no interest unless I am in love with a person. I appreciate everything that comes with choosing an intimate partner, my monogomous mate.

I will never believe anyone lacks control, even though hormones differ. We all feel attraction and sexual passion but I am not like a moron on television or in a film, where kissing leads to undressing; especially dating someone new. Even if I felt elevated desire, I have no trouble leaving off until we reach a commitment of being in love. When you do see someone undress, you are comfortable and in a secure relationship. I can't fathom the awkwardness of being next to someone after sex, with whom there was nothing but temporary passion. Bridget was overwhelmed by the strangeness of intimacy after she cooled down and I don't wish that on any child.

Something really nice about aging or at least the confidence that is building in me over time, is the ability to clearly know that people are glad to joke with you, if you invite them too. For a short time, Ron & I tried a spiritualist church when we understood that the mainstream gospel sounded askew to us. Soon, there was a Christmas feast and party and we went to it. Only a few people recognized our faces, so when we entered the hall, there was that real western saloon reaction of us marching in with our winter boots and the sound in the place simmering down. All heads swivelled to us as one and I was glad of my veteran experience as a temp worker, perhaps, for removing any timidity from being the new person walking into a new place. I smiled at everyone and joked "Hi! Who are these guys, right? I can see you all wondering"! Everyone laughed, went back to what they were doing, the sound resumed all through the world, and absolutely any seat we chose was met by delight to welcome the sassy new Christmas guests.

I feel for anyone who does not have self-assurance for friendly uncertainty like that was. I can't attribute the rest to a temp career but I have no problem rising to speak, sing, dance, act and even entered an African dancing competition. Lygia's Mom was there, which made it so funny, hearing her call out my name and knowing my sassiness so well since I was a child in her home. She proudly declares that I came in second place because the winner was the "Folklorama" pavilion's African queen! :-)

In areas that affect my home life, I am shy. I hold my breath the occasional time I had to work up the courage to talk seriously and sensitively with Ron, a neighbour about a noise complaint, and a boss about a rude colleague. Having justification doesn't alleviate enough of the nervousness. it is about praying it will go right and well because it is important to your relief and freedom to enjoy home and work afterwards.

We agree that Tibby and Bailey were bossy, unpleasant people, even though they have good qualities. Seeing Tibby with her bunny and her friends are sides I like. I seem to be a natural at remembered teaching moments leaping into my view. I remember Phoebe on "Friends" wanting to break up with one boyfriend so she could be a couple with one person. She liked them both and decided to release the manlier guy, in favour of the softer man. His reaction was to sniffle and rush off, saying he needed to write in his journal! It was funny. You didn't picture that of him, just as you LOVE seeing a man be an animal rights protector and vegetarian.

I also truly love a man who is a pianist. Everyone plays guitar but to see someone sit down to a piano is gentle and passionate, to me. It is like you are really into music and not using a macho instrument like a bass, drums, or saxaphone. conversely, brava to women who play saxaphone, drums, bass, or electric guitar.

I love Bridget and Lena for the confidence to walk up to anybody outside their circle of family and friendship and invite them to socialize. I really do try making other friends beyond the few I have locally since I went country. Many people my age are keen but making the time takes awhile, unless children they have are grown enough.

No matter where I lived, it was a bitch to get together with anyone into sports. I hate the wasted time more than whether or not I could ace the physical and mental skill of it. If we were blessed with a dream come true of you visiting here, we would bring you to an NHL game: the Winnipeg Jets. There is something special about hearing "O Canada" sung, then seeing players so talented, the excitement of the fans, and feeling and smelling the ice in person. Most sports are better in person, although they are still like watching grass grow for me. Not major league hockey. However, even that on television is not my bag.

I recognized decades ago that I hate schedules and must go by passion and motivation. No matter how much I love anything: cats, books, flowers, music.... I do not want to drive anywhere on a certain day of the week. If I want rest that day or if a friend invites me to visit, I put that first. I am not a club or team person, in terms of schedule. I am a "team person" in the definition of being dependable, loyal, and happy to help someone.

I like learning on my own time, not from a club or classroom. I object to the word "expert" only referring to someone with a degree for spending time in a classroom. What is better than gaining skill and knowledge out of your own desire in regular life?

Doctors and vets know less than you & I do about some important aspects of health and healing. The worst pet peeve that has arisen nowadays is skeptics throwing a tantrum with the word "anecdotal" and spinning it as if firsthand observation were a negative. Tell me, what what proof would you feel more assured about? A statistic on a chart, or someone personally telling you that they witnessed that something worked?

I see Carmen as confident but she is touchy about race and sees judgement in places where there is only curiosity and the chance for friendship. Taking note that someone new we have met is dark skinned is no different than noticing they are petite, rounder, athletic, tall, red-headed or blonde. My radar breezes past appearance and considers whether or not someone is likeable, approachable, sincere, and fun. I experienced being different when I visited friends in the Caribbean but it was warm, kind curiosity and it was okay. I think I have a photo of a group of children wanting to touch my soft hair. They were used to pretty, natural curls. Growing up with a black best friend, we could see that I enjoyed being a little darker at summertime and she liked sitting in the shade.

Some challenges were fine popping in and out of this sweet novel. Ann Brachares needed to ladel it out less thickly. Lena could decline to date anyone while she befriended her Grandparents, Greece, and painted memories there. Bridget need not make a mission out of being sexual with a young coach. Carmen could discover a new family. The least the authoress should have done was not waste the one reserved day for Al and his Daughter. It was like a predictable, stupid sitcom for their private time to hinge on one day, then for him to visit a stepson's game, and finally for his fiancée to topple the outing. The same goes for Tippy, her beautiful bunny, and Bailey's young life.

Kerri, it was funny when you said you would watch when you put a comma in front of "and" or "but" because you did it as usual immediately. It is your style. You don't have to change unless you are curious about an old rule, or to see if you are able to, ha ha. I was told several years ago that I pronounced a few words incorrectly and I was able to switch them. It is a matter of wanting to and of course thinking you need to.

I am glad you know me as a balanced person, the way I recognize myself, Kerri. Thank you for seeing me for who I am: a lovely compliment! You are too. You seem sweet and gentle but when you suddenly vent or use profanity, it is a treat. I am professional as a writer on everything, including book reviews. If not for that, my language is that of a city girl. I'd be "what the fuck" in casual conversation, ha ha. Maybe you are likewise.

A comment I want to pick up is on interests or talents: Carmen - if partners keep a tennis date, Lena's painting, and Bridget's soccer. You wondered if these would develop into careers or be hobbies. It is important to me, a believer in strengthening and learning skill at home, to refute justifying anything with a career. I also refute minimizing a passion or gift by calling it a hobby. I think you must know what I mean, as a home student and embracer of the tableau of life similar to me. "Tableau" in French means blackboard. Our talents and loves are who we are, not for money, institution credit, or a certificate as proof.

I differ from many by disliking formal education. I would home school children if I had them. I know many experiences are important socially and dvelopmentally further to the material. I would send children to high school also for teachers at that level. However, I am an ideal example of an intelligent person for whom an early, repetitive schedule, and focus on mathematics did not draw greatness out of me. An "expert" is anyone who knows a subject well! I know cats better than typical veterinarians and biologists.

I saw "Ugly Betty" but was uninterested. I hated the title even if the content was warmer and there are better "underdog does her best" shows. I am intrigued in many, after you foisted Graham Norton on me. I shudder to think about what I might do with my days the first while we have a decent speed of internet. Films, TV shows, music, audio novels - oh my! A quote from "The Wizard Of Oz" of course.

I don't think I got an answer about whether or not you were familiar with "The Facts Of Life". Oddly, although the tomboy character Jo was my least favourite, I am intrigued by the actress. She was just on "The Drew Barrymore Show" with her gal pals and has a 1990s television show I want to try out. It could be corny but I saw a lot of it as a child. Everyone's favourite story is when Stacy Q was a guest. She & Tooti sang "Two Of Hearts", which was a hit at that time. I liked "Dancing Nowhere" and "We Connect" better, which sound similar.

Leeanne, thank you for mentioning in our public forum for starters, that you read and appreciate them. Posting the links is for more visibility to get people there. I hope to gather condolences where I maintain and save them, please. Hugs, Carolyn.

My dearest Dad rose to the afterlife three weeks ago. It has dawned on me that my blog is the best place to maintain and preserve the family history I wrote for him and other loved-ones. Condolences are welcomed honouring them all from any time. Here is it. Sincerely, Carolyn & family. https://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2024/0...

My dearest Mom rose to the “second chapter” of life in 2020. It has dawned on me that my blog is the best place to maintain and preserve the tribute I wrote for her. Here is it. Sincerely, Carolyn & family. https://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2024/0...

I believe I answered these stories on the private side, in letters, Kerri. If there is anything to follow-up that you asked or wrote generally, let me know in e-mail. We are done here. :) With love, Carolyn.

Ah, fresh perspectives, Kerri: this is why I buddy read! I had not thought of comparing the girls' personalities. I would say Lena & Tibby are solitary but confident. Only Lena has a talent hobby that she actually practices with gusto and lets her focus flow into. I love putting work into something that is coming along so well, it does not feel laborious or time consuming.

I made a start in ways that were easy: moving books into shelving from my Parents. I love doing it and it flew by. Ron sees some placement between our kitchen, livingroom, laundry room, bedroom, bathroom, office, and library that is going to flow and look good. I am relieved Ron is so pleased with the space in our bathroom from moving books to shelves in this office. He has ideas that did not occur to me, moving his shaver out of the medicine cabinet. It will be nice to see what he does with the wooden shelf.

Reading books we like is another obvious example of hours going by in pleasure. Tibby spends time on film projects but only has ideas, unless Ann Brachares did not show it properly. You saw that her lack of clarity made me think Mimi was a baby Sibling. Maybe because Tibby spends time between her varied age family and her best friends, she is not alone to develop a talent. Bridget is obviously an athlete star, not only at soccer. Physical strength, endurance, and drive are the right attitudes and combinations for her to "get in the zone" for jogging too. I am not a jogger and early negative experiences probably turned me off from team sports, although my interest was never there. The good thing about school gym classes is trying a whole range of sports that many of us would not do otherwise and I am glad to have tried them.

As a Canadian, I had millions of opportunities to play street hockey with my Brothers and did a couple of times. I own one hockey stick but it is pristine, not taped as active players do. I dislike skating, so playing in boots suited me. This was well before the distraction of computers and even then, I would rather read or play music. I love things as a group but prefer board games, singing, and dancing: mostly pleasures and exercise of my mind.

I enjoy social gatherings much more than you and my Dad do, especially having friends at home with me for personal, cozy visits. Going to a friend's home is lovely too but not making a drive is preferred, as a homebody. The flexibility of declaring myself unavailable for temp jobs in the summer was wonderful. I wear no watch unless I am working or travelling.

I recognize myself as an example of balance. I am sociable but need time to read e-mails from dear friends like you in the morning and books at night. I must read at night the way some people must exercise by day. I love all kinds of things but the idea of scheduling them or having to drive elsewhere for them, is a turn-off. I do walk-ins, with a courtesy call to most businesses: chiropractor, hair dresser. The rare time I set an appointment, I am a bit apprehensivesleeping prior to it. I need to make my writing career and be successful at selling books at home too. Awakening by a clock and leaving home all day to dress a certain way and work somewhere else, was hard for me, as was school and certainly an aversion after years being homebased in the countryside.

I have pondered different reasons for my make-up. Mom suggested that the Aboriginal part of us is not focused on clock time. We flow with the seasons, sun and moon, and as the desire and need compel us. Many black actors joke about arriving at parties late or deciding not to go, which is true of my friend! We differ there, maddeningly. If I say I will visit you, I look forward to it and gladly go. She must be like us.

Something else I consider is that I was about 28 before I had my own home with Thumbelina. I was an adult who needed to feel like one in my own space, so I stayed over with friends or boyfriends on week-ends and went out a lot. When I had my own place, I felt right enjoying the home I had built. I have preferred not going out much since then, paired with hating schedules.

What is also at play is not being a morning person but I vary there too. I got up with Ron at 7:00 this morning even though I planned to go back to bed with Petal, who is sweetly and beautifully sleeping there now. I might nap to enjoy the loyal kitty who loves snuggling with me! However, my routine of looking at e-mail and writing to you at Goodreads is easy and pleasant, comfortable in my housecoat. If I had to rise to go anywhere, I would have felt reluctant. I will have an early sleep tonight but stayed up, so that I go to Winnipeg earlier and get that literal load off of my mind. The sooner I bring our Parents' items home, the sooner Mark & Jennifer can clean. A friend will help Mark with big furniture sometime this week. The medium and little pieces will do us at lot of good in our home, like Ron's bathroom space. :)

I need to get to know Carmen to decide if she is outgoing or not. She loves tennis and being with her friends. What is her talent and passion, I wonder. Does she prefer to be at home, including when she is with her friends?

I was never interested in the television show terribly called "Ugly Betty" or its premise. I can't bear seeing unshaped eyebrows. America Ferrerra is well known besides that show and I like and admire her. She would look like my picture of Carmen and do great. She was fantastic in "Barbie". I saw her family story on "Finding Your Roots" or "Who Do You Think You Are" recently too.

I peek in on a variety of talk shows, although much less than previously, so I know who North American stars are. On the other side of the pond, you are getting me acquainted with new faces in "The Graham Norton Show"! I continue to love people, shows, films, and music I had not heard of. I need to sell CDs I don't need to keep as it is.

I think I can counter your observation about stories keeping families in the background, with my preference for limiting characters and narrators. Fewer are better. You can have well developed characters without giving description and dialogue to external ones. If they are superfluous to the plot, keep those backgrounds short. I replied to you in our Anne Perry conversation and therein, you wrote astutely that she fills in a lot but no word is wasted. Thomas needs help from Charlotte and later Emily, Aunt Vespasia, and even Caroline Edison. We also get to know the interviewed neighbours, only because they are important to the story that unfolds.

Al was in Carmen's story as were Lena's Grandparents and Sister. You indicated that others are highlighted in sequel books. I have no liking or interest in Tibby, even though she cared for and mourned Mimi and Bailey. It it changes, it will be nice. If it does not, there are three other protagonists who are entertaining to me. Tibby was not left behind. Each friend was without all of them. Tibby simply spent her summer in their home city. She could have done something fun outside work. She ended up having a nice project.

It is especially for my dear cats that I prefer to be home. I am happy and touched to add that Petal came out of the bedroom, to sleep beside me in McCartney's & Angel's chair here. :)

Similar to disliking the Will Ferrell and James Spader periods of "The Office", where I prefer Dwight, Michael, and Andy as managers in that order; I can't stand the early seasons of "Friends" or "The Big Bang Theory". Penny is a bitch and too ditzy about science and academics as a cliche. Great Scott, you & I had no trouble discussing "The Time Machine", "A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth", and "The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde". We thrive on "Back To The Future" and I have no bachelor of science.

In a television conversation thread, I feel inspired to propose that Dwight Schrute is more intelligent than Sheldon Cooper and a whole lot more street smart, culturally savvy, and comfortable with who he is. It is only Sheldon's so called memory skill and science aptitude that make him look more brilliant than anyone else. Dwight knows all about fantasy, science fiction and nature and is confident to boot.

I am glad I made you laugh in writing alone! It bodes well for me as an author, Kerri! Your delicious reaction made me think of another funny moment with Dwight. When Pam did art in New York after she & Jim began their romance, they were talking on the phone. Knowing his deskmate was hearing him, he turned a glib remark into: "Dwight says hi"! Dwight leaned in and corrected: "Pam, that is false. I do NOT say hi to you"! I love it: who would do that and who would care? Dwight has an innocent driving force to be truthful similar to Sheldon but Dwight is socially self-aware and not oblivious to how he comes across. It was touching when Pam, married and pregnant, realized: "Dwight is the only one who will tell the truth about how I look".

He similarly warmed up to Erin, who had unsuccessfully flirted with Dwight at Robert California's pool. Honesty was right for her too, when she whispered: "I am trying to make Andy notice me". He replied: "How? Do you want make him jealous by cozying up to a superior male? I'll do it"! I am noticing my good memory, sharing many delightful lines like these. Take that, Sheldon Cooper. On his show, I only like the seasons after Leonard & Penny are married; after her hair regrows. She is more loving and participates in his interests more. I have no patience for her remarks about wanting alcohol.

Most of all, Kerri, thank you for appreciating family members I share of my beloved Parents and cat children. There are many poignant, heartwarming, happy memories between all of them and I am comforted and strengthened by that now. I don't think we grieve loved-ones as badly until we have to discuss them at a memorial. Afterwards, with the activity and attention from comforters settled down, and normal life slowly returning; we begin to miss them the most strongly. We are very glad for the family & friends who keep on missing our loved-ones along with us and those who comfort us anyway. Love, your friend, Carolyn.

I love hearing about your cats' personalities, Kerri and look forward to those of your family in letters. I was upset Kimmy did not have her emboldened freedom longer. Are they tattooed or microchipped? Here, tattoos are free when animals are spayed / neutered. Your prayers, support, and encouragement mean the world to our family.

No one important to us has done anything but believe and support our certainty that Conan is alive and will get home somehow. The very few doubtful people had to be left out of our life. Alive does not mean Conan is instantly here again. The warning I observed myself with Galaxy and another cat, is the tendency to think an unknown animal must be a neighbour, taking a walk. A cat who is there again in the morning, to caring people, or who shows up at various times of day, rather than certain periods of being let outside are signs to watch for.

Light from behind or photograph a tattoo that is hard to see, on your vision's part or the animal. I asked Conan to let people read the tattoo in his ear, if he needs assistance on the way back to us. If you do not see a tattoo, ask neighbours about an unfamiliar animal, take their photo, and physically print it for the nearest store bulletin boards as well as rescue groups on-line.

Take note of the animal's gender, whether or not a male is neutered, and tattoo or collar status. Many people kindly reported "orange & white cats" to us, which could be just about anyone. I was shocked and angry at the lack of thought for not noticing gender, neuter status, and tattoo status - even if you cannot read the digits. Narrowing the possibility of it being your cat or not is a must. We drove to several places to stake them out for days, in case it was our dear Conan. Eventually, a person or two was observant enough to have more knowledge and even a photograph, of a busy neighbour cat or different one, to confirm it was not him.

One broad place, a senior's community of houses and trailer parks, widely saw a cat that looks a lot like him. We asked around, looked, and posted there for years; which is hard to do if because they do not advertise for outsiders whom to post an outdoor notice and who posts at their indoor activity. It was by daring to ask area campground owners that I eventually learned they themselves, have a kitty who might look like Conan's twin to those who do not know him intimately and "Joker" is among the rare country cats around here who is tattooed.

Grateful for a lifetime of mystery reading, it occurred to me to ask if they had seen an orange & white cat in addition to their own. The Daughter did not know. She was running the campground while her Parents were on vacation overseas. She phoned them to verify this important detail on our behalf, God bless her! I knew it could not be him, when they confirmed that they had seen no cat resembling Joker. You have to push, try, pray, and telepathically encourage Conan that we are still waiting for him, to stay safe and careful, and that we SHALL help him come home any way we can.

"There Is Another Way" sucks and so does "Energy Medicine For Cats" by Madison King. I am surprised you forgot because it is a compelling title, which I said at least has a few methods that are worth knowing but is most valuable for the cat & dog meridian lines. I am glad to remind you of it. They arrived together, both thin, and were likely shelved together. I am happy you dove into it. After a break from helping my dear Dad, I have two healing books ready to go, sitting on my profile as "being read" to highlight them for public awareness.

Thank you for your own beautiful, strong, compelling light; intelligent tips and suggestions, and for everything you do to help our whole family. Do continue reading what you can of Conan, tune into him, and help encourage him to walk home or close enough to consult someone else. Love, Carolyn.

I had not thought of Lena & Bridget balancing each other and will consider that for awhile. It is certainly nice to think about. We all know our Parents, Siblings, and variety of friends if we are so blessed to have a good blend, fill in traits and talent gifts that help and restore us. I had not pictured a balancer.

I certainly asked my Dad to sign papers with low grades because he didn't get mad at educational mediocrity. When it came to friends coming over, or arranging outings, Mom was keener in her first reaction. Dad loves people but similar to Angel, prefers being around family. Dad and perhaps all of us, need time to veg. I do not allow the schedule frenzy in our home life of some people I know. Not to sound like I don't believe in community and outside exposure, I was glad when Ron stopped joining sports teams. It took a lot of personal time, especially living here and he himself likes being home as much as possible. When we do go out, it is fun, stimulating, special, and refreshing.

Like me, once Dad got visiting, he enjoyed most people. Most people think he is sociable because they see him warmed up to it, not complaining about going somewhere earlier in the day, ha ha. Although Dad and everyone in our family has a good variety of lifetime friends, he differs from Mom & I by putting blood first and not equalling anyone else to family. He thinks if there came a choice, they would put their biological families ahead of anyone else but that reasoning came from only considering people with the same perspective as him.

Among my family and friends, I know who is a good listener, who makes it easy for us to finish saying everything, who understands us best without rebuttals, who poses questions which is highly gratifying to me, and who will go certain places with me when we visit. There are a variety of spiritual beliefs and none among my friends.

My dear university friend (whose unusual name I'll keep in letters, like my other beautifully named friend) was not someone to join me for dancing or bars of any kind. I might have gotten her to a family wedding social to be supportive but there needed to be worthy conversations if you did not dance or drink. She appeared at my dearest Mom's service without asking and I went to her Mom's, at the worst time in my life.

I am glad Bridget's family will join her stories and the other protagonists' families. I no longer want to see the films, at least the first, if Lydia or her children are curt. So rarely does an author avoid that stereotype of jealousy or impoliteness, that it is a letdown for the novel not to keep that positivity at play.

I had zero interest in a story about Kostos over any more pages than it was and certainly won't watch a film exaggerating it. Here, Ann refreshingly also gave us the rarity of subtlety and minimizing content of romance. Filmmakers need to see the gifts of stories and keep those elements shining for audiences.

You added an interesting proposal about Tibby. We said she should acknowledge the boy's kindness with an outing, get to know more about him than his hair products, and they could be pals instead of dating. I shared that I had platonic guy pals, or intended to say it. Did you? Your suggestion is new, that Tibby only needed to reconsider the boy on a calmer day. That is right. It is too bad if she declined a nice chat or a new friend, for turning answering at the wrong moment and sounding like there was no opening for them.

I am going to vent a quibble that will feel good to get out, ha ha! The way I learned grammar, words like "and" and "but" have pauses built into them. You do not put a comma in front of them unless you are finishing a list of more than two items. I only wanted to take a Phoebe Bouffay moment and exclaim: "My eyes! My eyes!" to see commas in front of them. Gack! Obviously, we write however it naturally comes for us but I admit I clip all the "non list" commas if I copy text to work with or save, by authors included.

I side with protagonists when I read and except in stories where multiple protagonists works well like this, I do not want the narration of anyone else. Because Lydia is an unintended roadblock to Carmen's joy and freedom with her Dad, I did not care about of imagine what she might think. She read like a villain or issue to overcome. I like what you proposed, about the book's original Lydia liking and welcoming and valuing Carmen. As you do, I wonder too, if she thought Al could handle honesty, preparedness, and feelings much better. Would she keep it to herself, because Carmen was not a part of her life yet, or would she privately clue Al in on Carmen's thoughts and feelings. We both agree that the youths were nice too.

Yes, Dad was happy to know I recognized how he filled in for Mom. I thanked him honestly every time he wrote a birthday card for our cats, even if I asked him and helped. I encouraged him to send Christmas cards to us and his Sons. Dad very sweetly suprised me by choosing and writing his own birthday cards for me too. He was as excited as a kid to give them to me as soon as he was out of the car. I laughed and appreciated that aloud with him, too. When it occurred to me that he acted for both parents, different words than keeping up things Mom usually did for us, I was glad for the chance to express that train of thought too. He thanked me for the praise and love and returned it.

I don't only enjoy "The Office" for humour. My pleasure extends to the actors. I will enjoy what they share of themselves as people. I look forward to seeing extra details of the shows. It will be awhile before I have a box set, or downloads of the later bonus scenes that succeeded the DVDs. As someone who looked at the pictures, books, plants, windows, desk items, and everything to see; I will relish those additional minutes of acting!

At the end of "The Big Bang Theory", it became obvious that their kitchen table had a bottom layer. Now that I know of it, I see it in many episodes. It is fun to see what they put there. I am satisfied with a short glimpse. I don't record the show because it is on every day and similarly to "Friends", I don't care for the old seasons. I do like seeing special shows again but prefer certain periods and characters.

I have been laughing, often thinking about one of the last scenes I watched of "The Office", which was especially hilarious. When I tuned in, the late seasons aired beginning with Michael's resignation. I wish we had seen his & Holly's marriage. Afterwards, it restarted after Pam & Jim first dated, which is exactly what I wanted to see. I noticed more details than ever before by seeing episodes from the beginning and in order. Things that only looked funny, became informed by a background that was insightful for me. With the randomness or isolation gone, I remember the shows much more. However, to my pleasure, Kerri, there were many shows in this early dating period that I had not seen at all! What fun that was to indulge in.

Near the end of the run of the period I was finishing, Jim & Dwight were rivals but knew each other well. Jim wrote out a Valentine's Day card for Dwight, who saw that before Jim handed it to him. As if he were a lady standing up for propriety, he exclaimed: "That wasn't meant for me. You just wrote it. I will not be your Valentine"! How funny and literal is that!? To this, Jim quipped "Aw, nuts". Those show openings are good to see.

I look forward to what you add about your reactions to this first volume. Did you react to anything we have not written about? I am glad to know this popular story and will have fun reading the next one sometime.

The long week-end of our four kittens' first birthday, I was moved and glad to help Galaxy get back to her Daughter and human Momma. It additionally inspired me to see that the animal rescue and animal rights circles I had been in so long, starting at Myspace, imparted tips to me that really work.

It is very warm and stirring for you to say that Galaxy sensed who would help her. Whether it was the love of our spirits or light of our camp fire, Galaxy meowed with relief and ran up to us. You really moved me with your impression of what we meant to her. Maybe Conan felt like that, even though he chose to go on a holiday. I have prayed and trust that he knows how to choose good, safe, honest, caring people.

On behalf of cats who need help going home like Galaxy and Conan, I feel pushed to make clear that it was easy to assume we were seeing a neighbour's cat. I soon noticed she was visiting at any time of day or evening. Being unfamiliar with her was the first clue.

I asked a few people. They were seeing her but did nothing about it. I said if she came to our house the next morning, she was not a visiting neighbour. She did and I leaped up to feed her and give her water. If you wind up feeding a sociable neighbour's cat, that is an acceptable "worst case". It is most important that someone in need receive food and confirm that they can safely trust you.

I looked for a tattoo and Galaxy let me see it. If a cat is not sitting still, take a digital photo of their right ear, until there is a clear view. Shining a light behind an ear helps too. I think body scans are more popular for now but that requires a cat letting you drive them to a vet or shelter to read it. A tattoo shows a finder that this cat has a family and home to get back to.

I must add a warning about "humane societies": a poor choice of words for an organization that kills those they profess to help. Never bring an animal there, unless you make it clear that you only want them scanned to find ID of some kind. Insist on taking them back with you until their family is reunited. I only phoned our nearest "humane society" to obtain the information from Galaxy's tattoo. Afterwards, I had to forcefully clarify to the second person I spoke to, that I would NEVER bring an animal there and said NO such thing to the first person.

On another note, shelters stretch space and finances. Individual people do not. We are better off to care for animals indoors or somewhere comfortable outdoors, until we find their families.

I pray someone is instrumental in helping Conan return to us now, if he needs assistance or guidance, for their fourteenth birthday in two weeks.

It occurred to me that I might show Petal & Angel that same peaceful power at Gimli Lake. However, Angel is uncomfortable around people at first meeting and has seldom been at anyone else's house. She even freezes at the veterinarian to get it over with and hides immediately after. She could manage with a closed room the first day with their familiar dishes, a blanket from home, litterbox, and a fun view. Then she might mingle with Mark, Jennifer, Timmy, Andrea, Uncle Fred. Most relatives and family friends only met "Marigold & her family once or not so far. She comes for treats, with time to relax in a secure place with all of her first needs.

An outing and more socializing would do her good. A cat is safer around a lake: one direction we can't go in, few trees. I have leashes for Ron & I to help them walk around if they want to, or sit out in a scenic, comfortable spot. Petal would walk around chatting, eagerly peering out every window, and serving appetizers. In case of urgency or not seeing where they are, all of our children have always been trained to come when they are called. However nervous they might be in a new place, we would draw them back and probably be called by them until we see them. Ron & I might not stay nights and instead, keep doing the 2 hour drive. I would think he will take holidays to go often when my Brothers set the week.

Spirit, McCartney, and Marigold were social butterflies too. Love was only a little less wary than Angel. Conan is another social butterfly, which is another reason we know he is all right and gets whatever assistance he needs, away and to return here at home now. That is our prayer, that is our faith, what we envision, and what we trust. Amen!

I am pleased to see you react excitedly to Anne's first series with the words: respect, excitement, gifted writer, special, compassionate, and unique angles. What kind of angles did you mean? I am fascinating to know. Anne is definitely unique but as a rare 'historical fiction' or reader of England, I wondered if that was the impression of someone who sees her setting less often.

I think all 'historical fiction' writers want characters to be relatable, usually by making them ahead of their time. I say Anne succeeds at being relatable because she writes from the point of view of feelings, even within that timeframe and thankfully extinct English class culture. What you love about her not wasting words but smoothly fitting in a full spectrum of story characters, I appreciate highly too. Her endings could let us soak them in more and later novels do.

Swiftly, humorously, Anne fills me in on one-hundred year-old, English culture by observing how Thomas Pitt is answered at a door and how his well bred speech surprises them. She teaches us why Charlotte & Emily need to speak carefully but can still make their point known; the funniest parts. You will love it when they move out and deal with their Grandma more directly. Caroline changes a lot and when she feels well seated to tell her Mother-in-law off, it is gratifying and triumphant.

I am happy you identify that Anne wrote full stories that are much more important and rounded out, than the mysteries in them. This is why Louise Penny is special too: you get an education about people and the French Canadian culture. You are shown the duality of Anglophones, Francophones, and bilinguals like me living in it. I was mad that Charlotte's Dad did not think the unpleasant reports of newspapers were acceptable for his Daughters or even his adult wife but understood the milieu.

It becomes very fulfilling as Charlotte, Emily, and the future Aunt Vespasia for you to love learn about the difficulties Londoners face from Thomas. They cannot vote but Aunt Vespasia gradually convinces good men to run for the senate and create life-saving bills of rights. You see, these are no mere entertainment novels. I detected no soapbox because we are emotionally shown, not told a variety of stories.

Yes, the four ladies' eventual involvement in this series' premise as a whole, is crafted in a plausible way. Thomas is assigned high profile crimes to solve and has the perfect assistants to gain information in fancy chambers.

I disliked the pompous, frivilous Emily at first but it seems that one's environment and life exposure raises one's character. By the time Emily went undercover as a maid and was inspired to make her staff's living quarters and work schedule better, she had my heart. She is funny soon enough.

You know how in their day, they had to send messages by mail or a carriage driver? It is so funny, that Emily is so curious about Thomas' cases and wanting to use her intelligence to help him, that she can hardly stand to wait for Charlotte to give the details. As soon as Charlotte sends a message asking Emily to come over, there is no thought of greeting manners. She waltzes in and immediately asks: "What is it!?" Oh my goodness, Emily's reactions make me laugh more than anything else in these novels.

I happily reassure you that the cast we love is fixed. There are some things Thomas wants his wife, maid, and Sister-in-law away from for their safety. For the most part, this is not an authoress who tediously has investigators waving away the help of protagonists whom readers look forward to seeing.

When I think of constant characters, I smile about those of Kate Carlisle. She is an exemption rarity for me similarly, in the 'cozy mystery' gem. Focused on comedy but with another original series premise, her Parents and best friend appear in most of her stories, with pop ins by some of her numerous Siblings. What premise? Brooklyn grew up on a commune, that subsists on a vineyard and she is a bookbinder.

Oh, although I could do without her, a frequent cameo is by Brooklyn's enemy, a rival bookbinder jealous about Brooklyn's contracts but not at her quality of crafsmanship. She gets in the way and had to be saved once but seeing Brooklyn openly retort that she is a bitch is vicariously funny. How often do we feel able to repel anyone as directly as that? Moving from Kate's profanity, it is fun to talk about Anne Perry's well mannered books with you, Kerri.