SPOILERS
The dialogue between the twins was so natural and true and it made me feel sad for them. They are still being affected by their parents' history, and the repercussions on their mother's life continues in her second marriage - and that, as well as their father's marriage, can't help but skew their view of relationships and romantic love - in a good and a bad way.
Thanks,
Marie
and here is... chapter 2
http://louisev.livejournal.com/257181.html
and here is chapter 3!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/257368.html
that is Wayne - he should have a t-shirt that says 'Wearing the Patience of Saints'
... So much tension and desperation.
and here we are with chapter 4:
http://louisev.livejournal.com/257537.html
...... and has no context for understanding.
... Colson should get himself a big dose of empathy, he could use it.
Because he is feeling guilty of course although he's trying to conceal it by by being mad at her.
SPOILER!
whew! I am glad that you readers seem to know what I am trying to do - to portray the rest of Colson's family's lives. While it may be immensely convenient for his ex wife, who did divorce him a decade ago, to be far away, out of sight and out of mind, the pain they all endured is still there lurking, and will emerge during moments of crisis and transition in the lives of their children.
One thing I,m finding hard to understand Louise is Lauras reaction to this. This is her daughter who has been raped. And not only does she not seem to give a damn, she seems to think her daughter is just some cheap slut who asked for it!! If, God forbid, that were MY daughter, no force on earth could stop me from going after the guy who did it and cutting his balls of with a rusty chainsaw!! >:( >:( >:( What is her problem? Another thing is Pams reaction. She seems to be very calm at the moment. Now bear in mind I know nothing, thankfully about rape or effects of rape, only what I read. Is she going to remain so calm, or is it suddenly going to hit her like a ton of bricks and cause her to break down completly?
Lauras reaction disgusts me to be quite honest, I could slap her. I can understand her attitude over Colson, fair enough, but her daughter? She needs her mother, and right now Laura is being a heartless bitch, IMO. >:( >:(
and... chapter 7!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/258358.html
Once again, I feel very bad for Laura. Someone should show her a bit of sympathy. I hope Edna does (after she knocks some common sense into Laura and Colson too of course).
Colson's anwer to Laura was/is running away, he wants her to run away now too. He gave the same message to his girls, thinking that all will be well as long as they're not around their mother anymore. I'm giving Laura credit for sticking around. They can't keep doing this, with all the hurt and anger between all four of them.
And I have to say Ellery is handling this well.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
Thanks Louise!
Once again, I feel very bad for Laura. Someone should show her a bit of sympathy. I hope Edna does (after she knocks some common sense into Laura and Colson too of course).
Colson's anwer to Laura was/is running away, he wants her to run away now too. He gave the same message to his girls, thinking that all will be well as long as they're not around their mother anymore. I'm giving Laura credit for sticking around. They can't keep doing this, with all the hurt and anger between all four of them.
And I have to say Ellery is handling this well.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
Thanks Louise!
and here is chapter 8:
http://louisev.livejournal.com/258808.html
I can't get enough of being told how much you love my stories, Fabienne!! so don't worry about repeating yourself!
I'll try to make the next chapter worth skipping breakfast for!
The world needs more Ednas! :)
SPOILER
Yes, and Edna was doing SO WELL up till that point! I guess she isn't going to be running for president after all!
... It feels good to be writing something that feels completely, entirely NEW.
..but I am sure EVERYBODY knew this was coming!
SPOILERS
Well, I see Ellery and I have the same opinion of Mr. Forster! LOL! But I am worried about his blood pressure again, and he doesn't need to see any more of the "ex-wife show," as he so aptly describes it. But, when you're married to someone with an ex and children......
I wonder if Wes will be bothered that Edna spilled the beans about the ceremony? Although at this point, so many people know I guess it hardly matters.
I'm glad the talk about accompanying Colson and Ellery was quashed quickly - the whole point of the trip is to get away from it all! It's clear that having the girls in town is going to be an interesting adventure for everyone, that's for sure!
Thanks,
Marie
.. I think Ellery would send them off to a vacation on their own anywhere else in the damn world to avoid a Grey Family Vacation!!
LOL! This is true - what is the furthest geographical point from Puerto Rico?
and here is chapter 16! http://louisev.livejournal.com/260700.html
(I took a break from Obamania!!!)
and here we are!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/261045.html "Chapter 17"
I was rather proud of the "Pro what?" Ellery loses track when he starts using big legal words and doesn't realize that Colson's eyes start crossing about then!
okay folks, the next phase of the drama!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/262431.html Chapter 21!
...Let's bring Kelly to town-she sounds like a lot of fun...
and now, more of our pair of pistols, and Daddy pistol as well!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/263352.html 'Chapter 24'
“I think that Paula Samuelson’s got somethin for men in uniform if ya ask me,” Katie Ann said from behind Ellery.
Well, that's one thing I think we all saw coming ......Paula wouldn't appreciate that at all, Katie Ann (although Paula really must learn to keep her cards closer to the vest when it comes to her Ellery infatuation, as understandable as it is!).
And Pam's and Katie Ann's remark about Ellery were disrespectful, in my opinion. They really shouldn't say things like that (even though they're all true of course!) to someone they just met five minutes ago.
Edna's going to have her hands full with these two! :)
Yep, I thought it was disrespectful, too - and immature. 20 is young - but it's not that young! These girls have a lot of growing up to do, for sure. I think Edna already has her hands full - no wonder she breathed a sigh of relief when Colson and Ellery arrived!
Marie
If everybody acted grown up there would be NO FUN AT ALL in Tourmaline, ladies! That is why everyone is so badly behaved!
Thank you Marie; those girls being immature is something I,ve always thought, and had heated discussions over in the past lol.
I think Wes needs to make them write an essay! ::)
But on the topic of 'letting something slip', well, a lot of people have let things slip in Tourmaline. Edna talking to Laura about the wedding, Colson talking to Wayne about ties and all that, just to name a few.
Maybe it's something in the water! ;D
And the next meeting between Paula and Ellery should be interesting - and awkward.
Marie
I think the homily of the day that applies here is "Need to know basis!!"
Can you tell I grew up in a household full of sisters?
Oh, yes definitely. Is Ellery going to 'let it slip' ;D that he knows what she told the girls and what the girls told her?
Awkward indeed.
... and I like the way Edna reminds them of their manners, I would too, although probably a bit more forcefully than Edna lol. :laugh:
LOL! It would have been great to see you at the Browns' dinner table the other night, souxi! ;D
Marie
last night I was out for a "goodbye" dinner with a colleague and didn't have a lot of time to do anything, so hopefully I will be back on track today with a new chapter!
the Rereaders Clinic! Or the archives of the commentaries that you can find right here in the Creative Writing Forum!
It seems the girls (I remember Colson referring to them as a 'gaggle of girls' in The Long Way Home :laugh:) are driving everyone 'up in the curtains' as we say over here. ;D
Next in line: their neighbours to be Jeremy and Nicky. Are they ready for lots of female silliness? Hmmm, I doubt it.
and now, chapter 28: http://louisev.livejournal.com/264317.html
which might rightly be titled 'Friday Night at the Fights'
someone may have to! And call the exterminator!
Here's chapter 29: http://louisev.livejournal.com/264617.html
SPOILERS!
Yes, I'm afraid the resentment lies deep, and perhaps it was only a matter of time after Colson found his own life and his own way that Laura would figure out that his relationship with Ellery wasn't a passing thing and that it would continue to irritate her. But her daughters' desire to abandon ship was not expected, and with their pushing to get away from her, that has to hurt really badly.
And now it is finally coming to head, under the worst possible circumstances.
SPOILERS
I've been waiting for the Teddy Eldredge connection to be made and now it has been. I'm glad Pam has Paula in her corner.
I'm glad Wes was able to ease Colson's mind a little. But I'm wondering what kind of ideas he has for putting the reins on Laura....I think Wes should answer the phone the next time it rings, he seems to be the only one Laura's been intimidated by so far!
Thanks, Louise!
Marie
Let me at her Marie, I,ll bloody intimidate the old cow with one of my famous Souxi glares. Apparantly my sons mates are terrifed of me, they think I,m well scary. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Chapter 37 for the changeup!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/266698.html
and finally, chapter 39!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/267048.html
a little humor.
I really needed that, Louise! I'm dealing with my own Amos-type and I've been feeling as stressed as Ellery.
Marie
:o
Oh, poor Marie!
Now let's see what we can do to help you relax a bit more...
hmmmm, how about a nice sunday roast made by Edna
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/Belbbmfan/other/Sunday_roast_-_roast_beef_1.jpg)
accompanied by a side of ...
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/Belbbmfan/other/sides_biscuits.jpg)
and afterwards, enjoy a little
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/Belbbmfan/other/how-to-cope-with-back-pain-2.jpg)
while sipping on a
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/Belbbmfan/other/images-5.jpg)
and if all else fails, just stare at these for a while.
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/Belbbmfan/other/hugh-jackman.jpg)
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/Belbbmfan/Hugh_Jackman_001.jpg)
How's that working for ya? ;) ;D
Hang in there! :-*
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m312/Belbbmfan/other/hugh-jackman.jpg)
they CHANGED THE NAME AGAIN?
First it was "The Tourist"
Then it was "The List"
now it's "Deception"?
And was it you who said that they were debating having it go direct to DVD?
at last, another chapter!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/267455.html Chapter 40
Chapter 41 popped up on my f-list this morning, so I'll post the link! :)
http://louisev.livejournal.com/267654.html (http://louisev.livejournal.com/267654.html)
SPOILERS
I think Laura needs to be taught a few words and phrases. Blackmail is a form of extortion, which is a felony. Interference with a criminal investigation is also a felony. Obstruction of justice is also floating around in my mind. She's pathetic, desperate and ignorant and I understand that, but if she wants to play hardball (and apparently she does) she needs to learn the rules of the game. (Can you tell I've had a bad couple of weeks and I'm not in the mood for b.s? LOL!)
I hope the Glenfiddle helps, these boys needs some serious relaxation!
I can't even guess what the next chapter will bring ....
Thanks,
Marie
Chapter 41 popped up on my f-list this morning, so I'll post the link! :)
http://louisev.livejournal.com/267654.html (http://louisev.livejournal.com/267654.html)
Ah, the perfect way to start the day. A new chapter and a cup of coffee. Thanks, Louise!
I second that!
SPOILERS
“Don’t you understand?” Laura looked at her as if Paula were stupid. “This is all a big whitewash an you been dragged right in the middle of it. She made the whole thing up, an this is all ta make sure those girls end up down here by Colson an they don’t got ta grow up an be responsible for themselves!
The saddest - and scariest - part is that she truly believes her own words. Fueled by the difficulty of accepting the idea of Pam being raped and her resentment and jealousy (interesting that she believes Ellery is the puppet master here, and that Colson and the Browns are following his lead) she's lost touch with reality. She needs serious professional help. I'm afraid that by the time Laura has her own "rude awakening" it may be too late to salvage her relationship with her daughters.
What a poignant portrait you've painted, Louise - really wrenching.
Thanks,
Marie
What gets me is, WHY can,t she accept that her daughter WAS raped?
Sure maybe it is painfull for Laura, but think how much more painful it is for poor Pam, she was the one who was raped. I think Laura is a selfcentred hateful bitter twisted old cow. She thinks about no one but herself. Her daughter has gone through one of the worst things a woman can possible go through and she needs her mothers love and support. Laura is going to end up a very lonely old woman, because she,ll drive everyone away from her at this rate. She,ll have no one to blame but herself for that. I'm having a bad week and I,m right out of sympathy, can you tell? :laugh:
okey doke, chapter 44!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/268486.html
This might be the last chapter I can get done before leaving town so it's extra large!
Well gang, here it is, my last day at my job in California, and I am going to be packing up and getting ready to go when I arrive home. My cable modem is packed in a box ready to go back to Comcast and I have to go pick up a prescription as I head out of town, so I won't be writing anymore before I go.
I hope things have got to a comfortable "pause" in the story so you can wait a few days, because I have to go off and drive all day for the next four days!
thanks for your patience and as always, for the wonderful comments!
My goal was not to make Laura a caricature but rather a relatively typical woman of limited education, background and means, dealing with situations that are far beyond her ability to comprehend or appreciate, with a big chip on her shoulder about men, based upon her poor relationships with both husbands, one of whom cheated on her with a man in secret, the second of whom is cheating on her with a woman - something of a step up. And her only real 'milieu' is her children, from whom she gets most of her social strength. As such, her resentment and lack of understanding of someone as sophisticated as Ellery, particularly considering his wealth and education, makes her resentful and insecure. But I don't consider her unusual in any respect. She could be one of my aunts from Vermont, who thought it perfecty acceptable to take a broom to a daughter to teach her a lesson about wearing her skirt too short. There are a lot of people who are like this, and I think they represent a relatively 'normal', using the statistical meaning of the term, rural mindset.
P.S. Isn't Katie Ann's car a Monte Carlo?
Just to clear things up a bit... the note Colson found in the tack room was left by Laura when she was at the ranch, before she returned to the motel, and before she was served with the restraining order.
So no, she didn't violate the restraining order.
And Soux, while it might make for some excitement in Tourmaline, I think an enraged Englishwoman might not fit in too well unless it"s Jeeves' sister from across the sea!
new chapter!
It's Deposition Day!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/269571.html
...Amazing what my characters do when I wasn't looking.
But when Chief Cantrell gets ahold of this information he won"t be happy, and that's for certain.
Ah, it is good to have our boys naked and in bed after a long dry spell...LOL
Ah, it is good to have our boys naked and in bed after a long dry spell...LOL
That Ellery, he's a caution.
well if I have a chapter on Wayne eating a mouse I think that will be the end of my reputation, Marie!!
and a Memorial Day chapter!
Chapter 50: http://louisev.livejournal.com/270333.html
Okay....I've just read the first paragraphs of this chapter and LOUISE!!! You should definitely think about putting in an 'do not start to read this while you've having a drink in front of your computer, you might end up spitting all over the screen because you're laughing so loud' alert.
I mean, really, OMG, I can just picture this...'Daddy!!' Daddy??? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
*off to read the rest, now that I've calmed down a bit*
:)
well gee Fabienne I thought as a veteran of the Greenlea Tales you had already learned that lesson!
Workin in a coal mine!
and at last, chapter 53:
http://louisev.livejournal.com/270931.html
Yes, of course, everything is easier said than done, souxi. I totally agree with that. But that doesn't mean it can't, or shouldn't be done.
If I recall correctly, Colson doesn't have an "Earl and Rich" type incident in his past (unless we just haven't heard about it), so I while I sympathize with his fears, I don't put them on the severe childhood trauma level of, for example, Ennis's. I'm not saying his fears aren't genuine and deep, I just don't see him as deeply traumatized in the psychological sense. Besides which, someone has "come to his door," more than once now - and he's survived. He also made a commitment to Ellery, which he seems to have forgotten about (playing house? >:( >:( )
I also don't lay the blame for how Colson's been behaving on Laura's head. In fact, except for the fact that she is in total denial about Pam beng raped, I think they've both been behaving selfishly. I don't see where Colson has the right to moan about Laura not being able to let go of the past, when he can't either. He can't let go of his fears and she can't let go of her resentment and she has just as much right to be resentful as he does to be fearful. Why are his feelings more valid than hers? They're not - and they're making him act like a jerk.
He tells Laura that he never loved her and never wanted her and has the nerve and insensitivity to ask her why she doesn't have faith in people. He tells Ellery - his husband! - that they've been "playing house" and that he doesn't want to be "pushed." What about Ellery's feelings? What about Ellery's fears? He has them, too! He acts put out about having to sit through dinners with the twins and Wes and Edna - when the Browns are the ones who've been stuck with his girls more than he's been! He didn't ask Pam one word about how her deposition went - as it relates to her and her feelings. He didn't ask one little word about a plea deal and how Pam might avoid the trauma of a trial - because he has his own set of blinders on and he's thinking about himself. So if he's going to complain about Laura, maybe he better take a good look in the mirror first because although he believes Pam was raped, I haven't seen hm displaying much concern for that fact lately. Neither Colson nor Laura are pulling themselves together for the sake of their own daughter - and Colson actually believes she was raped! And it hasn't escaped my notice that Colson has a strong support system surrounding him of people who love him and understand, people he can talk openly to - something that Laura doesn't have.
I'm not making excuses for Laura, but those words you said about "old habits" and "easier said than done" apply to her as well as Colson. I love Colson, but I'm disappointed in him right now - and angry with him, too. And I'm very curious about Wes and Edna's reaction to all this.....I know they love Colson, but Ellery is the son the never had, and if someone were treating my son the way Colson is treating Ellery right now, I'd be none too pleased.
Woo Wee, Louise - you've really got me riled! :laugh: :laugh:
Marie
Louise can I please please please have a walk on part ...
You tell himEdnaMarie!!!
:laugh: :laugh: Wouldn't that be a blast if we could plop ourselves down in Greenlea County and give everyone what for! We'd put that town in order in no time!
souxi, you're right that this time, Laura's actions (with no small amount of coaxing by the very unscrupulous Yavapai County police detective and prosecutor!) have caused Colson's fears to resurface. But there are always going to be people out there for him to fear. Laura isn't the cause of his root fear - that's something that is inside of him. In "A Small Circle of Friends" he learned that maybe he can't control his feelings of grief over Adam's death, but he can control how he deals with those feelings, how he acts upon them. And that's what he needs to learn with regards to his fear. A psychologist would have a field day trying to figure out why Colson didn't run away from Ellery after looking down the barrel of Worrell's gun, after being shot at, after being kidnapped, and after being harrassed by Bunny Ruskin - but wants to run now. Perhaps it's because when he unravels the entire ugly knot of what's happening to his family now - he sees himself at the beginning of it. Maybe what he really needs to do is find a way to forgive himself. Or maybe I'm just overthinking the whole thing. :laugh: I don't know. But he can't go on the way he has been. This can't be doing Ellery's blood pressure any good, and that doesn't seem to have occurred to him either. :-\
:laugh: :laugh: I'd love to - I doubt that Edna would go on such a rant!
Marie
I think that half the reason Colson wants to run now, as apose to before, is because Laura has got the police involved in looking into him. Even though Ellery is a policeman the law still pretty much terrifies him doesn't it? The thought of his past/background being investigated must be scaring him beyond belief....
Hmm, doesn't Edna have a rolling pin? Didn't Wes make a comment about that once? ;) ;D
This is preying on my mind about now so don't be surprised if you see an update again quite soon! After a hectic 14 hour Friday things have settled back down at work and I am doing a lot less actual technical thinking so I might just be able to pull off some during-the-week updates! Stay tuned!!!
and here it is, without any ado whatsoever!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/271409.html Chapter 55 !
.. LITTLE BIT TIED UP...
now for the good news: the implementation went okay, and in another two hours the system I was hired to bring to live usage will be going into use. It was stressful but ... the important thing is, it was successful! which means, once I am off this damned night shift I might be able to get more writing done!
I haven't even gone shopping, but I did get my hair washed. What a lost weekend!
Louise, I'm a firm believer in making hay while the sun shines, and if it's great for your pocketbook, all the better!
Hmm... ya know, this reminds me of our favorite rookie and his naughty sailor! I wonder how they're doing...... (am I being obvious enough? LOL!)
Thanks for the heads-up!
Marie
We're leaving for Italy next wednesday and I won't have access to the internet for 2 and a half weeks (cold turkey for me :o). I'll look for all the goodies here when I get back.
Tied up hunh? Oh, you bad Marie! ;D ;)
Good to hear the project went okay Louise! Otherwise it definitely would have been a lost weekend.
We're leaving for Italy next wednesday and I won't have access to the internet for 2 and a half weeks (cold turkey for me :o). I'll look for all the goodies here when I get back.
That's a great expression. I hadn't heard that before!
Tied up hunh? Oh, you bad Marie! ;D ;)
... some grade-A fancy mansex!
Yeah, and real good sex too. I needed that for a Saturday afternoon. Thanks, Louise!
L
hahahah Marie, can I outthink you? That is the question!
And I figured since I have been so remiss recently - being a reader rather than a writer, that I should somehow make up for it.
I am hoping to do some more writing tomorrow and not leave you all in such suspense!
ok now did I manage to outthink anybody? heheheh
Chapter 60: http://louisev.livejournal.com/272882.html
I know Colson and Ellery won't agree with me, but it's so nice to see Jeremy again!
stealth chapter!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/273334.html 'Chapter 62'
Dang! Are they EVER going to get some peace and quiet? :-\
Thanks Louise!
er, no?
come on now, I have been giving hints in the past ten chapters or so about Ellery's chest!
well lookie here, it's chapter 63!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/273647.html
SPOILERS
It's hard to explain why I love this chapter so much. Even though Ellery is in bed with his rib problem, it still has such a nice, comfortable rhythm and such a sense of serenity about it. I think Jeremy's presence has a lot to do with that. He is such a steady rock and a true friend. It also brought back some nice memories. Those early chapters when Colson put up the bird feeder were always some of my favorites and it was lovely to re-visit that and see him take pleasure and comfort in his little friends.
And I especially love that Jeremy has a chance now to be the one to give advice and support, in the same way Colson supported him when he first met Nick. And what great advice - an out-the-door I love you, a kiss on the cheek, a pat on the ass. Yep, those little things can make a world of difference.
“What the hell do you two get up to that he pops a rib out of his chest?” Jeremy asked, disbelieving.
LOL! And so funny how Ellery kept yelling stuff from the bedroom!
A classic chapter, for sure. Thanks, Louise!
Marie
P.S. I'm glad that Colson's been thinking about his conversation with Laura at the motel - too late to take back the words, but it speaks well of how far he's come that it's been weighing on him.
and the next chapter 63!!
http://louisev.livejournal.com/273865.html
change up!
Chapter 65: http://louisev.livejournal.com/273970.html
He may be Mr. Please and Thank You but when his man is hurting, Mr. Coyote can be gruff!
.....Besides... I got plans.
we are getting near the end here folks!
Chapter 69: http://louisev.livejournal.com/275147.html
And yes, I have plans. I have to let them stew a bit though!
One thing I can tell you is it will be a complete break from the plot lines of the Greenlea stories we have had so far. In order to write another story I have to get on an entirely new track and time frame.
don't get too excited until I start WRITING!!!
But the really good news is that if you are following my blog, the future looks pretty rosy, and when I go back to California I'll have a long period of prosperity and nothing particularly interrupting the flow of life!