I want to thank everyone for their wonderful comments. I am not really a writer. I have not written anything except reports and scientific papers since I was in junior high school and I am 62 years old. It has been very emotional reliving these events in my life. Yes, all events that will be depicted in this series did happen to me. I may embelish some what here and there due to a weak memory or to make it a better read. I hope to put a chapter on a week but, since I have never done this before, I can not guarantee it.
Hilltopper

It would be interesting to see an Exell style graphic representation of the stories on BCTS. It would not need to mention names or titles, but it would be interesting to see number of votes, reads, and comments on one axis and perhaps the time on the other.

I know that we have people getting well over 100 votes on some stories, but I am thinking that may not be the average at all. It may be that the average is somewhere around 30-40 votes.

I also think I saw a significant jump in votes when the vote box was moved to the bottom of the story.

Based on Erin's suggestions, I've reworked my new logo a bit. Here are four versions of that, please let me know what you think (Even if you don't read Venus Cursed!).

I just couldn't stand it and had to post this chapter instead of waiting another day or two. I am really very proud of it. This chapter brings us to the second major event in Cyndy's life. Her transformation being the first one. Please let me know if you like what I did. There are still two chapters remaining in Part 1 to try to straighten this mess out.

:) Portia

Please note that due to adverse comments and because of the subject matter, I have regretfully decided to un-publish the story.

I may return to the story at a later time, but at the moment I will not do so.

I apologise to all my readers as I hate not finishing the story which was to be one of resistance and fortitude but I am aware of the current sensitivity about minors in stories and I have taken the decision not to continue.

Hugs
Sue

I've only now learned of the departure of Margaret Jeanette, a prolific writer whose work appears on FM. I have, on occassion been entertained by her work and am saddened that our small community has become somewhat smaller, and dimmer.

She passed on Feb. 4th and requested that her body be buried with a smile, and that laughter permiate the celebration of her life. I urge those who might be interested to read the details at the beginning of her last story.

Lil Kelly

I ran accross this nugget:

http://community.feministing.com/transgender-issues/

A commentary on the proposed changes to the DSM-IV for the new DSM-V, dropping the "Identity Disorder" from the name tag and reduce the stigma of it being a mental illness.
It would become "Gender Incongruence"
Also for the posties out there, good news! They want a fully transitioned person to be diagnosed as fully cured. This can be an issue in several career paths.
They wish to remove the sexuality aspect from it as well, gender incongruence and sexuality being two different issues.

I hope you have a wonderful day. Always remember: Carpe diem= seize the day.

Do I have to explain: Carpe cakem? I didn't think so. Many, many more, my friend.

Hugs from my heart,
Catherine Linda Michel

Dick Francis, author of dozens of popular mystery novels has died. He was 89. Most of his stories were set in the world of racing, where he had once been a champion jockey.

I have on the table beside my computer, two Dick Francis novels I found in a used bookstore that I have never read. His latest book, co-cuthored by his son, Felix, (I think it is called Silks), I also have not read. I may have missed a few more, here and there over the years but will doubless find, read and enjoy them as I have all of his work.

When I set out to tell the story of Bob Isle and Mattie Grant in I’ll Grant You My Wish I decided to draw heavily from my youth. In my original outline, Bob’s a twelve-year old boy who is dragged into femininity by a domineering Mrs. Grant who is seriously disturbed by the loss of her own daughter. In the end, Bob decides he has to stand up to Mrs. Grant and rebels. Since he is basically a nice boy, when he puts his foot down it is done quite gently.

I pray the Lord, my soul to keep.

If I should die, before I wake

I pray the Lord, my soul to take.

this is not a suicide note. it's only me, trying to deal with more loss than anyone should have to.

I'm tired, and I want to sleep...that's all...just sleep. Don''t call. Don't message. Just let me sleep. at least in sleep, I can dream I've not lost.

goodbye.

Hey Everyone!
The next chapter of Once the Hero is up! I had to post a little early given that if everything goes to plan I'll be busy Valentines Day. So here is an early gift for you all!

Hugs!

Grover