Steven Keiths

Very nice, very vivid.

Okay, okay, I'll answer. I'm not crazy about all vegetable pizzas, but will eat them. No anchovies for me. Other than that the sky's the limit. But you asked for favorites. Hmmmm? Sausage with mushrooms, plenty of cheese and deep dish crust. My favorite place here in Sacramento is Zelda's. I also like a meat combo pizza. Pepperoni is down on the list as I find it too salty. I have no objections to the Hawaiian style with ham and pineapple. I will have to agree, garlic can enhance almost any dish used in moderation. Mash potatoes with a a few cloves of garlic blended in is great. (toss the cloves in with the potatoes while they boil, drain water and mash away). Okay, Betty C and I are done now.

I'm capable, so I said yes, before I read all the rules. I'm capable, doesn't mean I will. I thought it was a trick question.

Brings a whole new meaning to roasting nuts over an open fire! OUCH!!! I guess I shouldn't be making light (no pun intended) of the poor man's condition.

I want to say Thank You to all who have written. I enjoy writing these short pieces. I do not know where my brain was at--probably don't want to know either--but I didn't know this section of AD existed. Now a new realm of reading has opened up for me. Thanks Cole. There are so many talented writers here and at similar sites--I'm constantly amazed by the gifts given to us in the form of words here.

Hell, Bart, you don't want a niche. They're too confining. Just keep writing. This is beautiful.

I just wanted to add my 45 cents--inflation you know. I love the visuals I experience as I read your piece(s). Many of the sentences are so beautifully constructed. And you threw this together in minutes? Very nice, Brandon.

Des, always thinking of the environment. How noble. I, however, do not think I'll be participating, maybe watching, but no hands on for me on a public transport. Hell, I have to hide my Teddy bear, I'm so shy.

Hmm, Cole were you being slightly facetious? I interpreted it to mean in the same place or proximity. Somewhat related, perhaps. Am I taking you too literally in your reply? Hiney, god, I haven't heard that in a long time. I remember my grandmother asking me if I wanted her to spank my hiney. Then she would, don't know why she asked.

I didn't find it sad or depressing, nor did I find it filling me with elation. I did find it very realistic. I can say 'been there, done that. Nicely presented Kapitano. Look forward to reading more of your works.

The Tree House by Steven Keiths - November 2008 A gentle breeze tousles my now graying hair. The faint sweet aroma of the meadow clover greets my nostrils, stirring memories. I stand and trace the crudely etched heart carved into the oak's rough trunk. I recall, though it was long ago, the difficulty carving through the thick bark to keep the letters within the heart legible. I cast my eyes upward, squinting as the sun sparkles through the swaying and dipping leaves. There nestled in the tree's gnarled and twisted branches is the tree house, our tree house, with its weathered wood, graying from the elements and time, boards warped and hanging precariously from rusted nails, defying gravity. A pair of meadowlarks flits about, chirping as they play, flying in and around my memories. It was to this tree house we came to retreat from reality when we were hurting. Lying on its rough-hewn slats, we gazed into the night skies. The twinkling stars, and the full moon's silver glow, bathing us, while we pondered the unfairness of a teacher, the unrealistic expectations of our parents or an unkind remark made by a friend. Within this tree house, my best friend Jeremy and I fantasized great adventures. We'd be on a sailing frigate, traversing an ocean, bucking swells and withstanding gales to visit strange new lands. Or on a jumbo jet soaring over snow-capped mountains and unexplored jungles, lands we would one day rule. The place we played with toy soldiers that conquered evil empires, where we read between the pages of worn comic books of our favorite superheroes, debating which one was the most powerful. I can still hear his voice in my head. "Joey," Jeremy had said, "Batman is way cooler than Spiderman. He has all that money and besides he's got neat gadgets." I remember his words exactly. This is where stories were fabricated, dreams were dreamt, hopes for a great future were nourished. As I grew older, it is where I learned about sex; where I had my first awkward romantic experience. Where I fell in love and professed my devotion. Where I experienced my first heart-wrenching breakup. Where with tearful elation we made up. Where my commitment for a lifetime of love and happiness was forged with my childhood friend, Jeremy. I feel a soft touch on my shoulder, bringing me back. I don't want to come back. I don't want to leave Jeremy. "It's time, Joseph," my father says. I nod my head. I bend down and pick up a jagged sliver of wood lying at the base of the oak. We slowly make our way down the sloping knoll to the small gathering of people standing around the newly dug grave. "...may you hold him in your gentle embrace and may he rest in peace." The preacher's voice is deep and solemn. Somehow it doesn't comfort me. As they lower Jeremy's coffin into the grave, my, our, adopted six-year old son grasps my hand. Tears flow as he looks up at me and cries, "I'm going to miss Poppa, Daddy." "I know, Bobby. We both will." I pull him close. We cry together. As everyone places a rose upon the casket, I place the sliver of wood I had picked up next to them. I have said my goodbyes to the man I had shared most of my life with, but have a few more words. With a bowed head, my eyes blurred by tears, I say softly, "I thought it only fair you take a piece with you of where our love began and grew, Babe. God, I miss you. You were my life." After the small gathering expresses their condolences and leaves, Bobby, still holding my hand asks, "Daddy, what were you doing up at that big tree?" "That is where your Poppa and I spent a lot of time, Bobby. We fell in love there. Here, why don't I show you." I pick him up in my arms and carry him up the hillside. It seemed like such a big hill back then. The grass was still the same height, but it came above our waists, and we would hide in it sometimes. Now it is knee-high, but still as golden. We see a flurry of flitting butterflies; hear the chirping of crickets and the lowing of a heifer in the distance, reminding me that this is still farm country. I continue walking, carrying my son, moving toward the sprawling oak that holds my memories.

I've decided I'm voting for the Rick/Fritz ticket. Thank you both for a lively post. Civil and thoughtfully presented. I base all my political choices on wardrobe and hairstyles--I figure it's the only thing upon which I can base a concrete judgment. Much of what is said is twisted; Much is said vaguely; Much is concession. No one can get elected if they are honest. Of course MHO; H=humble not honest!

Chapters 4 & 5 are wonderful. Chapter 5 specifically is a message that I wish all school administrators would some how get out to the students. It saddens me to see all the violence visited upon "the different child". It also disturbs me that some of those "different children" take revenge ala Columbine. Violence begets violence.(Yes, I know this is not the only cause.) Cole, this was a superb chapter. You beautifully wove in a very important and poignant message to this great story and maintained its Cole Parker story-telling quality.

I wish I could say somethng insightful when I respond in these topic thingies-threads? I always e-mail authors I read. If I have constructive critisism I mention it. If I read story in which I think the concept and story line has some promise, but isn't particularly well written, I will state I think the story has promise and suggest they employ an editor. I hope I am never harsh or cruel or that any of my remarks are taken that way. I am not much on analytical reading-unless I have to. (Though I like when people do that here.) I read for enjoyment. If the story touches me in some way, or I find it well written, I want the author to know that. Also, the reverse is true for me, if I write to an author, I would hope they respond with an acknowledgment of some sort. As far as my writing is concerned, I love when someone takes the time to write, be it much as WBMS stated, just to say you read it and liked, hated, enjoyed, threw up, etc. Afterall, I do have an ego, and it likes to be petted and stroked and...oh, what do you mean that's not me ego? Many good things were said, as usual. I loved the alphabetical listing. Even have experienced a few. Okay, I'm done.

The following is the amendment to the Constitution of Wisconsin: Article XIII, ?13 Marriage. Section 13. [As created Nov. 2006] Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state. [2003 J.R. 29, 2005 J.R. 30, vote Nov. 2006] Ital. for emphasis. Were in this amendment does it say it is illegal for to same-sex couples to marry or that it imposes criminal charges if a couple do marry. I read it to say it won't be recognized. Hmmmm?

I think perhaps because he, the perpetrator, used a gay slur before he threw the fatal blow. At least that is how I read it. Not that I disagree with your assessment Fun Tail. I Know no more than what I've read here.

I believe Initiatives can be voided by the California Supreme Court if they find them unconstitutional. And if it is decided it is an Equal Protection right that is being violated the Initiative can be nullified. It would be akin to 90% of the people saying it is okay to steal red cars on Wednesday. Doesn't matter if everyone votes for that. The courts would never allow it to become law. (I realize that is an absurd example, but...) I'm not sure, but I think it takes more than a popular vote to amend the Constitution. I'll have to look into that. I believe the Amicus Briefs filed by other states are a delaying tactic, which indicates to me that there is a tad of fear out there.

Well, think I understand what the topic was when this thread was started. I just wanted to add that I believe Altimexis does a great job of combining very detailed medical descriptions in his wonderful story "Love in a Chair", and at the same time keeping the story enjoyable and entertaining. My two cents. Now how do you turn on this light sabre?

It was meant very tongue in cheek. I am a great fan of Cole's. I'd read the phone book if he revised it, Yellow Pages included! I guess my sense of humor doesn't come across well. No offense was meant.

WBMS--uh, don't you have a story you could be writing Where in the hell did that come from? :rolf:

He did, did he--change/alter/revise his story? Well, being a C. Parker-ophile, I guess I'll have to put that on my list when I get back from Thailand. I too read the story at Nifty. I thought that "New" flashy deely-bobber just meant that it was a new posting here at AD. That was sneaky. I may have to file a very strongly worded informal complaint. I think the least he could have done is like Tide or Oxydol and word it thusly, "New and Improved", or something along those lines.

I too have read Tim for a second time. Sorry, Cole, I did it in two sittings. Ah, so this explains why I am the only member of the Cole Parker Fan Club.

There is this part of me that feels a great deal of pity for Ms. Kerns. I would hate to have to live with all that hatred and bitterness swirling around in my head. I feel for her child--gay or straight--to have been brought up by this very 'sick' thinking woman. I feel for those people she represents in her distirct. Which begs the question: What were they thinking when they voted this woman into office? Was this a sudden mental breakdown on her part, or was it the voters mental breakdown? I do not like to meet hatred with more hatred. I wish there really was a 'love potion'. Though it may take a gallon to thaw out Ms. Kerns. I wish I had a definite solution to reach out to people like Ms. Kerns. Alack, I don't. Is being hateful so much easier than being loving? Perhaps I'm just too old to waste my time hating and being bitter. Especially when the rewards of loving and acceptance are so much greater. It truly saddens me. After every Christian just celebrated the death of Someone who was so hated that He was flogged, thorns placed on his head and nailed a cross; well you'd think they'd get with the program. Of course He taught love and caring. Can't have that now, can we? He wept.

"In case anybody cares, I redid Chapter 13." Oops! I started the thread then I abandoned it. I'm late in thanking the Dude for replacing chapter 13. Now I feel terrible for my lack of attentiveness. Thanks, Mike.