With Many Humble Thanks
I decided to just do a single thank-you to each and everyone of you... for all your very sweet and supportive notes. I was most humbled by them. This story was ever supposed to be about the guys, not me, and I am really rather ashamed that I pitched my little fit and made it briefly about me (sigh)...
I see now, on retrospect, that the gods were truly directing my hand, as always. Some of what I posted in Chapter 35 (below) isn't the mithril that I think I crafted on the first pass but... it will do. I know that the words I lost were better than those I'm presenting here. But, on the other hand, some of what I'm putting up tonight is a vast improvement over that first chapter. Dave, most directly, benefited from this rewrite and he can thank the Valar for it!!
So, I'll creep back into listening mode and try to remember the next time I throw a fit that even exploding electrons can sometimes have a silver lining (tarnished though it may be!)
What did come out of this, though, is how amazingly supportive you all were. I knew you were great - that has been clear from nearly the beginning, I just didn't realize how great until today. And yes, bijouatweb, I've seen you sneaking around back there (GRIN) and it was okay you were quiet, not all have to speak up to make their presence known! So, consider yourselves all hugged back and then go read Chap 35... only 2 more to go and then we've made this long road, from beginning to end, together, my friends!
I see now, on retrospect, that the gods were truly directing my hand, as always. Some of what I posted in Chapter 35 (below) isn't the mithril that I think I crafted on the first pass but... it will do. I know that the words I lost were better than those I'm presenting here. But, on the other hand, some of what I'm putting up tonight is a vast improvement over that first chapter. Dave, most directly, benefited from this rewrite and he can thank the Valar for it!!
So, I'll creep back into listening mode and try to remember the next time I throw a fit that even exploding electrons can sometimes have a silver lining (tarnished though it may be!)
What did come out of this, though, is how amazingly supportive you all were. I knew you were great - that has been clear from nearly the beginning, I just didn't realize how great until today. And yes, bijouatweb, I've seen you sneaking around back there (GRIN) and it was okay you were quiet, not all have to speak up to make their presence known! So, consider yourselves all hugged back and then go read Chap 35... only 2 more to go and then we've made this long road, from beginning to end, together, my friends!