#I've seen 'seaman' but that's like. also just a word.

[22degreehalo]

So, I've gotten an entirely random new obsession: The West Wing.

Yeah, the tv show from the early 2000s about the White House. :') (er... no current political relevance intended. We just started rewatching in my house since we'll be going to Washington D.C. later this year to visit family...)

I watched it the first time a few years back but I absolutely do not remember very much of that, lol. I suspect I just wasn't paying a whole lot of attention? I enjoyed it somewhat, but around the end of season 3 I kinda got tired of it, so we gave up.

But I had no fandomy interest in it whatsoever. My one attempt at that was, after falling for Joey Lucas, looking up Josh/Joey fanfics on Ao3, and being immensely disappointed to find very few :') at which point I wrote off the fandom as having bad taste

Wellllll I had another go at it, and have developed an appreciation for some ships! :) Leo/Jed(/Abbey) is an easy one, but I've also been reading a Lot of Josh/Sam. NGl, at first I felt... weirdly guilty/embarrassed about it, because it felt very much like a 'pick two conventionally attractive men and smoosh them together' kinda ship, and I'm continually ashamed that I am in many ways the generic fujo who just always favours m/m.

But... I am in fact enjoying myself :') Josh and Sam are both great characters in their own right - Josh with his canonical trauma and guilt complex, Sam with his earnest vague autisticness, and I like the show and it's always fun to dive into canons with really unique settings/styles, and the pairing offers many many MANY opportunities for pre-canon canoodling, pining, and secret relationships (and optimistic glimpses into the future!), soooo I've been reading a lot :')

I still don't feel a HUGE amount of attachment to the ship itself - it's something obviously non-canon, and doesn't have a lot of depth to its dynamic in the canon (aside from those flashbacks in In The Shadow of Two Gunmen), and neither really have anything much to point to in terms of queerness (though it is interesting they've both had an episode arguing in defence of queer people). I still feel a bit... cliched fujoshi shipping two random man characters with nothing going for them.

But. Maybe I should just accept myself on that one? Is liking 'basic' m/m ships really that much of a crime?

Anyway. We're on season two and I just got to the episode where everyone's needling Josh about asking out Joey buuuut the writers had already realised that Josh/Donna was gonna be endgame and torpedoed JoshJoey just so they could support this will they/won't they that WON'T for at least another like 5 seasons >:( JoshJoey had plenty of time to get together and be fun and cute before ultimately parting ways for career reasons or whatever!!!!!!!! I know the writers couldn't have known that but idk they should have been psychic. And in the meantime I have my JoshSam lmao.

[got-ticket-to-ride]

Wanted to know your thoughts on this, but for what I've reading on John it really looks to me he really got worse post Paul and post Beatles, like his saddest songs match the moment he started to have issues with Paul, he wasn't really having much contact with anyone outside Yoko, he wasn't doing much music, he wasn't being that funny either, he even died without being able to fully overcome his heroine addiction (addiction that started in the Beatles fall out right?), and idk i believe his involvement in the whole peace/art movement looked more like an escape (like some people do with religion) than actual interest.

So what you think, was John at his worst after he got out the band and cut his relationship with Paul or was it was always like that?

Hello @lord-pain

thank you for this ask! I hope I'll make sense. I think the White Album was definitely the start of John's "sad songs". Happiness is a Warm Gun, Yer Blues. Subsequently, Dig a Pony sounded so desperate to me and Because which is yeah, post India, post breakup?

There's so many different accounts during that period. Some narrators might be unreliable because you never know who these "historians/journalist/"acquaintances" have their allegiance to.

During the 70s it was said that John was miserable, became a violent drunk (who believed in astrology). He was quite unhappy with how things turned out in his life due to his choices but he was too proud to admit it.

About drugs, Fred Seaman said John stopped with heroin in the last half of the 70s in this video.

Due to differing accounts that are out there, I just concentrate on John, what he wrote lyrically and how clearheaded he was during his last interview. He was trying to be better. I think that is the most important detail despite everything that went down. Also the part where he was going to work with Ringo and had booked a studio with Paul for January 1981.

His activism was partly a distraction for him. Beatle John dabbled in it, but he became very aggressive about politics after the break up. He was anti-religion when he released Imagine (1971). But went back to believing in god when he wrote "Grow Old With Me" (1979?), which I have so much thoughts about but I haven't even had the courage to voice out.

While there are glimpses of John's mental anxiety visible in his song "Help!" (1965)

"Help me if you can, I'm feeling down, and I do appreciate you being 'round",

he was trying to be positive about it as seen in "Strawberry Fields Forever" (1966):

"It's getting hard to be someone but it all works out, It doesn't matter much to me".

And was still holding on during the conception of "Across the Universe" (in February 1968) with his mantra:

"Nothing's gonna change my world",

which I think might've been a result of Paul's engagement in December 1967 to Jane.

Across the Universe (February 1968) > believer God (1970) > anti-religion Imagine (1971) > anti-religion (he made a satire song which I did not include here) Grow Old With Me (1979) > believer

During his alleged break from music from 1975, he was still making home demos and was writing Skywriting by Word of Mouth.

I think John and Paul being apart was just not good for them. The general opinion was that Paul left John and had moved on. (I don't believe that's true). It was John who made the decision to leave, it was this push and pull thing, and Paul continued to reach out to him (and we don't know what happened during all those times they've met up). Some accounts say that John was practically begging for a reunion but then again Paul never stopped reaching out to John (see 1976) so I personally think, regardless of all these details that are out in the open, there is still a missing piece we have not considered yet and that can only be told by Paul himself.

To summarize it, John probably had depression (since his teenage years) but Paul was a constant positive thing in his life that he needed and that had helped him through it, "the girl who came to stay" until something happened...

John Lennon was definitely at his worst without his buddies by his side in the 70s.

[thewardenofwinter]

Literally shivering me timbers as I type. I actually recently added to my personal pirate literature collection. I also already use all of these websites myself! My only qualm is with Wikipedia because quite a few of their sources are incorrectly linked but it's a pretty good overall source for basic info, just don't dive in too deep like me and spend 3 hours looking at the sources behind Black Bart... Also sorry for any misspellings it's quite late and I don't fell like running this through spell check.

Since Nopal so graciously already provided some great websites, I will instead recommend other forms of media to check out.o here are my favorite books/authors/youtubers.

Books:

Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates by David Cordingly- Best entry-level pirate history book in my opinion, formatted well and sensationalized just a tad to keep your attention. Does a good job of discrediting pirate myths while at the same time educating you on the real history.

The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down by Colin Woodard- The same as the book above but focuses more on specific pirates/pirate hunters.

The Pirate Hunter by Richard Zacks- This book shows the true colors of the notorious pirate hunter Captain Kidd and is riddled with historical details/facts concerning the man and the environment he worked in.

The Sea Rovers Practice by Benerson Little- Details the particular methods behind the madness of seaman and their craft.

The Golden Age of Piracy: The Truth Behind Pirate Myths by Benerson Little- Much like Under The Black Flag, Little uses this book to disprove myths and restate the facts behind these men of the high seas. Though I much prefer this book for its credible information and glossary, it reads almost like a textbook and can be a little hard to get into for the casual reader.

The General History of the Pirates by Captain Charles Johnson- Published in 1724 by an unknown captain, this is the book that started it all. Robbers of the high seas, pillaging, plundering, rebellious ladies and gents fighting for their spot in the world. If you can get over the old-timey language, it's a super cool read. But, that being said, this book is seen by most pirate historians as an exaggeration of true facts to entertain readers and relies a lot on unreliable eyewitness accounts. Still, some do consider it credible, just not in its entirety.

Piracy: The Complete History by Angus Konstam- Overview of the history of piracy from ancient times to the present. Since it covers so much time, Konstam doesn't go very in-depth as I would prefer but for a historical lesson outside of just the golden age, this works quite well.

Authors:

Benerson Little- A former Navy SEAL and historical consultant on the hit STARZ network show Black Sails. Author of a few novels above, which are my personal favorites due to his in-depth bibliographies in the back. He has his own historical fiction novel called Fortunes Whelp that I haven't yet finished but so far is quite good. He also goes on a few podcasts and does interviews detailing his knowledge if you wanna check those out too.

Angus Konstam- With his plethora of military and naval knowledge from his time as a naval officer, Konstom has written hundreds of books, many concerning the history of pirates. I've mentioned one of his works above, but he has many many other books that might pique your interest

E.T. Fox- Fox is a historian with his M.A. in maritime history with numerous published works (also has a piratey earing so I trust every word he says). I didn't mention his work above because I haven't finished it, but he has two books called Pirates in Their Own Words that I've read bits and pieces of, so I would recommend checking them out. He also has a book on Henry Every which I am trying to get my hands on.

Nigel Cawthorne- While I have read 2 of his books (Pirates and A History of Pirates) and find most of the info to be passable, for the life of me I cannot tell if this dude is a serious author or not because he has so many bloody books on so many bloody things that have nothing to do with each other. I mean, at least he cites his sources...?

Youtube channels:

Gold and Gunpowder- Gold and Gunpowder covers European colonial sea roving between 1630 and 1730. The legal ramifications of piracy and the societal attitude towards it were unlike any other period of history. My personal favorite channel when it comes to longer in-depth videos and cited information, check his descriptions for his sources.

The Pirates Port- Another channel that focuses on the golden age of piracy and proving/disproving well-known facts. Shortform videos packed with information, and most of his sources are credible from what I can tell personally. He's also coming out with a book soon that I'm stoked to check out!

There's also this great podcast called The Pirate History Podcast that I've listened to a couple times if you prefer audio content.

Hi, I am @writeblr-of-my-own. I am having troubles with finding informations about piracy and you are probably the person most expert on the topic I know here on tumblr, so I was wondering if there were any books or other resources you would recommend/you used while writing.

Thank you very much in advance! :)

Hi Sam! Thank you for the sweet ask! don't mind me wiping the literal tears out of my eyes thank you for thinking of me! 😭

Here are some of the resources that I've used in the past/use now!

https://www.thepirateking.com/index.htm: A great little one-stop-shop type of website I came across some time ago when I was looking for pirate movies other than POTC! There are some pretty good resources regarding terminology, ship types, weapons, navigational devices, and more! This is still one of my fave little corners on the internet for pirate stuff!

https://goldenageofpiracy.org/ : This one is a little more narrow as compared to the one above, but it's still a good place to start your research journey as it hits on a lot of the ships and people that we typically think of when we think pirates!

https://guides.loc.gov/golden-age-of-piracy/print-resources: I really like the Primary Resources listed on this site. From what I can recall, they are available via electronic copy and free! Most of them aren't like what you'll find as far as Wikipedia article-type information that is easy and quick to digest. Most of them are journals that tell the story of travelers who came and went during the Golden Age of Piracy and who may have brushed with pirates at one point or another. They are very interesting to read and some of my faves to set the mood if I'm feeling a little uninspired!

National Geographic's Special Edition Magazine on Pirates: This one is an Amazon link to buy the hard copy of the magazine itself, but there are some really fantastic articles in here and lots of pictures of historical artifacts! Another great place to start your research and just a cool little item to flip through for inspiration or to have on your bookshelf. I happened across my copy of it at my local Target, but I've since spotted it in a few bookstores and magazine shops!

Wikipedia: This is perhaps my favorite resource of all, not just for the pages themselves but for the footnotes and works cited. Once I finish reading something, I always scroll down to the bottom to see the resources they used as reference material. Those have led me down some fascinating rabbit holes of research!

Of course, my pirates are in a fantasy setting, so I've taken liberties with historical accuracy, but it's still important to know the history itself to see what you can actually take believable liberties with!

I will also tag @thewardenofwinter, who I know is a bit of a pirate historian herself and pretty passionate on the subject!

[dionysianfreak]

hello! i have a question if you wouldnt mind answering it!

i don't know who to go to, so apologies in advance if you dont have the answer, ive seen conflicting answers while searching around myself!

would honoring persephone only as a chthonic goddess while she is in the underworld be acceptable? would i have to honor her as kore otherwise? i know everybodys relationship to the gods is different, but the ritual differences matter to me and i just wanted to ask someone else.

thanks very much!

howdy ! never apologize for asking questions, we are here to support each other.

haha absolutely, Kore is a very unique Goddess in my opinion because there's not a single polytheist who will honor Her the same. the views on Her journey to the underworld and Her overall role in the world vary greatly. I've never met anyone who has the same views or praxis as the others around them. I'll speak a little on my relationship with Her and then say a few words on how your views can translate into your practice.

i honor Kore in all Her spring and fruitful aspects even while She dwells in the underworld. She's the daughter of Demeter first in my worship and the wife of Aidoneus second. I see Her only in the greens and flowerings of the earth around me and I struggle to connect with Her dank, underworld aspects. this absolutely doesn't mean I don't acknowledge them or respect them, but those aspects are not relevant to me and my current path.

I already worship many underworld Gods. Dionysos, Hekate, and Hermès I strongly connect with the underworld already so i honestly don't connect Kore with such as much. a side note that I also (almost exclusively) call Her Kore for the same reason I will only speak Aidoneus's name as Plouton—those names are very esoteric and sacred to me. I don't emphasize it as much in writing, but in speech I have never uttered Their true names. i only call on those aspects when it is necessary because I deal with Them so little. I bring this up because, like you mentioned, this is ritually important to me. it's a sacred distinction in my practice for myself. this aspect of my worship makes my relationship with Demeter, Kore, and Aidoneus very personal and individual. it is right for all of us, and that is what matters.

I think this is a good reminder that helpol isn't a religion where you must put your all into every aspect of every God you worship. it was very common for people to petition or worship Gods for very specific things even without a consistent personal relationship with Them. a good example is patronhood. seamen would worship sea gods (especially Poseidon) as the patron of their work. they would focus on His seafaring aspects because those are the aspects that were most important in their lives. I doubt your common seaman would be at the temple of Poseidon worshipping Him in His horse-caring aspects the day before sailing away. there was also no human religious authority or regulation in helpol so religious beliefs and rituals were very different between polis.

when She came to me, She asked I call Her Kore. that I honor Her mother with Her and care for myself as They care for the earth. focusing exclusively on those aspects has brought a lot of healing in my inner child and my relationship and past with my own mother. if I had focused on Her Kthonic aspects I may have ended up alienating myself more. forcing myself to go against what felt right for us would have ruined the lessons that came along the way. it is very important to listen to yourself and Their individual role in your life.

if you are called to connect to connect with Kore's Kthonic aspects in the winter, listen. even if you don't have an answer as to why you feel you should follow that path, you can only find out by walking it. after all, your worship is there to fulfill you and help you grow your relationship with yourself and Her. worst case scenario, you'll change your mind, and you'll grow based on what you learned about yourself and your relationship with Kore. if you feel nervous about going down a path you won't stick to, don't ! I've done it, we've all experienced it in some form. you'll evolve and come out with more wisdom than when you went in.

i hope this helps. have fun and may your relationship with Kore blossom 🌼

[tigre-edi-rawr]

The beginning.

November 9, 2021. All it took was a simple "Heyaa" in a private message to start it all. I made a joke about how a Ramos from the past had previously wounded me, and you responded jokingly, "change name na ko." Then I discovered you're a seaman. I knew right away that I shouldn't develop romantic feelings, that I don't do long-distance relationships, and that I'd told you that. You didn't reply after that. You left my messages seen for four days.

November 13, 2021. I saw your message. "Gooodmorning. Naalala kita hahaha dumaan ako ng cabuyao. Dito me Nuvali ngayon" then you asked "Can I see you before going home? Daanan lang kita." I was weirded out tbh haha, but I refused politely. "Okay maybe some other timeeee just wanna make myday meaningful." I realized now that if I agreed to meet you at that time, we wouldn't be able to talk for long. Maybe I'll lose interest if you give me the impression that you're looking for a relationship and I'm not. Or that you're so into me that it's creeping me out. I was talking to several men at the time, and I didn't even notice you that much. My focus is never solely on a single man.

Everything happened so quickly. I can only recall how I began to like you through chat. The more you speak, the more I want to know you. The more I learn about you, the more I see myself wanting you. You're one-of-a-kind. You're a giant mold of all my desires. The way you think, the words you use, your life perspective, and the way your brain works. I've never met anyone like you. It's astonishing how genuine you are while also being perfectly suited to me. It's driving me insaneeeee!

I remember wanting to try ukay-ukay shopping, and you said you'd come with me. At the time, I imagined us wearing matching outfits, acting silly together, and laughing. I was ecstatic to be able to do so. I was even planning what to wear because I wanted to look nice.

Then, it happened. Us.

November 20, 2021. It had been a long day. I went shopping for our home's supplies, cooked meals and did my laundry. I remember being so sleepy because I was exhausted. But then we started talking about going to the beach, and you invited me to join you and your friend's outing. I was feeling a lot of emotions... thrilled, elated, and gratified. I was also concerned because I could feel my body heating up. I'm not sure if it's safe or you are somewhere I can be safe. But I knew I wanted to come because I wanted to see you. I want to get to know you in person. That's why I agreed; I was waiting for a concrete plan. However, plans have changed. We were going on our trip, just the two of us. At a hotel resort, I never even heard before. It was crazy. I was feeling a lot of crazy. But I was ecstatic as fuck.

An hour of jeepney ride... I can't help but think about what would happen, or maybe I should sleep during the ride to rest my brain.

When the jeepney dropped me off at SM Calamba, I looked everywhere, but I couldn't find you. I walked around, checking everyone, and you're not there. I remember thinking maybe it was all a prank, that I should head back home. My phone died so I can't contact you. I figured I'd give it one more shot and find somewhere to charge my phone. I was about to walk upstairs at the time when I thought I saw you inside SM Calamba. I looked again, and there you were. We were both smiling as we met halfway. I was embarrassed and didn't know what to say.

You're astonishingly tall. I'm not sure why I can't stop staring at you; maybe it's because I'm used to being the tall one. You look so neat, so young. You're so close I can smell you. Don't even get me started on your voice, which is both cute and manly. It sounded gentle but manly. I recall feeling unkempt when I stood or walked next to you. It was a strange sensation as if I were ugly.

I'm not sure what it is about being in a grocery store with you that makes me happy. The spark was present. We did buy food, mostly yours because I only chose one snack. But I want to remember the best moment I had with you in Calamba. You treated those tricycle drivers as if they were your friends, and you knew how to make them laugh. It felt good. I knew you were a decent man, but it left me speechless. You come across as cool and entertaining.

[duketheman]

Generation 4 Part 4

Skipping ahead seven months

Sunday November 24, 2019

"John Ross comes home for the Holidays"

It's 4:30am & I'm finishing up my cup of coffee & Mary is asleep as she's getting close to the Delivery date & I want her to rest. I'm sure she'll be up before I get back from the Airport with JR! His flight is scheduled to arrive at 6:00am & I'm being cautious as to have plenty of time to park & meet him at the gate! We don't miss Church, so we'll attend evening service tonight! It's 4:45am & I'm on my way to Miami International to pick up JR. Mary is so excited & as for Kellyanne, I've asked George to bring her to the house later! JR wanted to surprise her, so we didn't mention him coming home yet! It's 5:30am & I've arrived at the airport. I park in the Garage & walk across to the terminal to the arrival gate! I go to the coffee shop & purchase a Cinnamon Bun & a cup of coffee, sit down & wait for the flight to land! Ahh, his flight is landing! It 6:15am & late. But no matter, it's here, safe & that's what counts! The airport is just starting to get crowded Thanksgiving holiday & all! It's 6:40am & JR is just getting through Security! I tell: ~JR!!!!~ He sees me & walks towards in my direction. First words out of his mouth: ~Dad, how Kellyanne, God I miss her! Oh you to Dad, how have you & mom been, Is she showing big now?~ I reply: ~We've been fine & yeaaa! She showing real big son! Did Kellyanne tell you she's got a baby sister coming around the same time as you new baby

brother?~ He replies: ~Yea, that's something, isn't Dad! Weird but I like it. They can be best friends! Let's go home Dad, I really want to to see Mom. I miss her so much! Sometimes when I was down & stuck on something I thought I couldn't do; Mom encouraged me & told me I can do anything if I put my mind to it! Just like when I was a kid! She called me allot Dad!~ I reply: ~She's that way son. Always has been. She loves you more than anything! Let's go, she's probably awake & cooking us breakfast as we speak!~ We pick his bags out from the Baggage Carousel, left the terminal & walked across to the garage where my Beamer was parked! It's 7:55am & we're headed for home! We're pulling into our Driveway & it's 9:00am. JR darts for the house! He really missed his Mother! I get the bags & carry them into the house! I open the door & the two of them are hugging each other like it's been years! My wife is crying she's so happy to see her little man! I walk by them with the bags & carry them upstairs to JR's room! I smell food & I welcome it, I'm starving! She's got Bacon, sausage, Biscuits, white gravy, eggs & grape jelly on the table. Grape is JR's favorite! We have Orange juice, milk, coffee & apple juice for Mary. My wife says: ~You boys dig in now, while it's hot!~ Nobody has to tell me twice, I'm hungry! I'm finished eating, & I get up, pick up the table & clean everything up. That gives time for Mary to catch up with JR! Afterall, at 12:30pm, Kellyanne will be here & they're going to be spending an awful lot of time together! I'm done with the dishes, those two are still at it, so I go into the library & read up on seaman regulations! They're constantly changing! Wow, two hours & my eyes are killing me, I need a break! Doorbell is ringing, it 12:25pm. It's George, Lucy & Kellyanne! I invite them in & before I can say anything, Kellyanne sees JR. She yells out in Joy: ~John Ross! 'O John Ross, I didn't even know you were going to be here! When did you get in?~ He replies: ~I wanted to surprise you! I got in early this morning! I've missed you so much Kellyanne!~ She replies:

~John Ross, I've missed you terribly! I'm so happy you're home! How long are are you home for John Ross?~ He replies: ~ I have to leave on January 2, 2020. I'm here until after the Holidays!~ The go into the other room so they can talk! Man, I can't tell who's belly is bigger! Oh well, next month the new ones will be filling everybody's hearts with joy!

Skipping ahead to November 27

It's 7:00am & Mary, myself, JR, George, Lucy & Kellyanne are getting ready to board a flight to Valdosta Regional Airport Headed to spend the Holidays with my parents! Mary's Parents & Julia's Mother will also be joining us at the Mansion! We've checked our luggage & it's 7:30am. Our flight leaves at 8:00am & we're going through Security now! It's 7:55am & we're boarding the plane! The trip is expected to be smooth & take approximately 4 hours with 1 stop. We should be landing at about 12:00pm! I will be happy to see my parents & JR certainly will enjoy seeing all of his Grandparents in one place. This will probably be the last time he'll see his Grandma Rachael! She's been in poor health lately. I'm glad she'll have time with JR! It's 12:05pm & we're landing. We disembark the plane & run through Security. It's 12:45pm & we're heading towards the Baggage Carousel! The ladies are seated so not to put strain on them. They are just about a week from due date! My Father has sent a Limousine service to pick us up because of the amount of people! I spot the Chofer holding a sign with our name on it! I signal him to come & give us a hand! We get a Baggage cart & load the luggage onto it & head for the door. The Car is parked at the loading zone. We help the ladies in the we get in. The Chofer loads the luggage in the trunk! We're on our way to Madison County, just across the State line. About 30-35 minutes from here to the Mansion! It's 1:30am & we're pulling onto the Grounds of Newport Mansion! George says: ~Dang Harry, dis place be beautiful! I ain't neva seen a place be like dis!~ I reply: ~It's just a place to live George! Too big for me!~ My Parents are both outside waiting for us as we pull up! My Mother is quite famous for her Sweet tea & Lemonade! My Grandma Nippy's recipe! She welcome everyone. She kisses me on the cheek & my wife & says:

~We've missed you!~ She shakes the hands of George & Lucy & says: ~You're most welcome here, consider yourselves part of the family. My name is Candace, you may call me Candy!~ She looks at Kellyanne & says: ~Now, who do we have here child? Such a Beautiful young Lady!~ She replies: ~My name is Kellyanne Mam, Pleased to meet you! Mother replies: ~ So polite! Well then Kellyanne, you can call me Grandma if you wish. ~Now everyone, this is Charles, my husband Harry's Father!~ She turns to JR & says: ~Now John Ross, come here my boy & let you Grandma give you some love!~ He walks over to Mother & holds out his arms & my Mother gives her Grandson a hug to remember! She says: 'O John Ross, I've missed you so much! I'm so proud of you & I'm so glad you could make it & spend the Holidays with us!

Rachael, will be flying in tonight, Will & Laura are driving & should be here soon! Our family keeps growing! Now for you two expecting Mothers, arrangements have been made with Madison County Memorial Hospital! I have a Dr Jameson on call in case of an emergency! I believe your Doctor is Kleinpeter? Dr Jameson says that he knows him!

Dr Jameson has with your permission agreed to take over while you're here? Both Mary & Lucy simultaneously say: ~Of course, & thanks Mom, Mary adds!~ Mother calls for Huntington: ~Huntington, please show our guest to their rooms!~ He replies: ~Yes Mam, (looks at us) right this way please?~ George asks: ~Harry, a Butler, well day beat all! Dis place be Beautiful Harry!~ Mother says loudly: ~We've had a late lunch prepared for you, if you're hungry!~ I reply: ~Yes, thank you Mother, I'm quite

hungry!~ George adds: ~Me too, me belly be achin, really achin! Me be thirsty too! Harry, Rich people drink beer?~ I reply: Yes George, my Father was born in Texas. He enjoys a cold Bud once in a while! But he quite likes his Brandy!~ He replies: ~Me too!~ I leave my wife upstairs to change & come down to say a real hello to my Father: ~Hello Father, I've missed you!~ He turns to me & says: ~Son, I've missed you too! I'm so happy you came to spend the Holidays with us!~ He hugs me & says: ~ I love you Son!~ I've always been close to my Father! He's a Good man & has always done his very best for his family! I ask: ~Father, will my Sister & Brothers be joining us?~ He replies: ~Jaime had to make a choice! She's spending Thanksgiving with Bill's parents! They'll be joining us for Christmas! You're Brothers have to work through Thanksgiving because of some bureaucratic meddling! They'll be joining us this weekend!~ Everyone is coming downstairs, let's go into the Drawing room, Huntington will be serving a late lunch! Just some horderves & little stuff like that to hold you over until dinner.~ We all enter the Drawing room & Father asks: ~Drinks anyone?~ George is ready: ~Bud please?~ Father replies:

~Of course George, Would you be a Seaman by any chance my good man?~ aye, Me would Sir!~ Both our wives reply: ~Sprite if you don't mind?~ The kids have already got Coke! I request: ~Scotch on the Rocks~ In comes Huntington: ~Horderves!~ He's serving us one by one! Shrimp, Caviar, Olives, Rolled Ham, & other various treats! Kids ask him if he'd just make the a couple sandwiches & he happily agreed! We sat, enjoyed each other's company toasted the expecting Mother's & my Parents as well as Mary's & of course Rachael! It's nice being around family & friends. I'm really glad we made this trip!

4:00pm & Mary's parents just arrived from Raleigh, NC. They've got to be tired, that's at least a 11 hour trip; allowing stopping to rest & eat! Straight through, mmmmh, I'd say 8 1/2 hours! Either way, it's hard on them at their age! Mary & Mother & myself meet them at the car, & I get their luggage out of the trunk! Laura looks at her daughter & begins to cry out of happiness! She places her hand on Mary's belly, giggles & says: ~I can feel the little guy kicking in their!~ Mother walks up to Laura & says:

~Welcome my Dear Friend, we're so glad you could join us for the Holidays!~ She replies: 'O Candice, we appreciate you guys so much. I wouldn't miss it for the world, & besides; my Baby is having a Baby! Now where is John Ross?~ I reply: ~He's somewhere around here with Kellyanne!~ She replies: ~Kellyanne? Our Little man is not so little anymore, is he?~I reply: ~No Laura, he's in love!~ She remarks: ~Well, that sounds serious!~ I say: ~Yes, it is!~ Mary hugs her Father & kisses his cheek, hugs him again & says: ~'O Daddy, I've missed you so much! How have you & Mom been doing? Have you stayed well?~ He replies:~Yes my Dear, We've been well! I get quite bored with myself since I retired from the University, but it's worth it to spend more time with your Mother! We've missed you too!~ Candace he says: ~Where's Charles?~ She replies: ~Charles has gone to the Airport! Rachael's flight is scheduled to arrive at 5:00pm from Dallas! They'll be pulling in before you know it! Let's go inside?~ We all go into the Mansion & Mother calls for Huntington: ~Huntington, please show my Dear friends to their room?~ He replies: ~Yes mam~ She adds: ~Will, Laura, We'll let you freshen up! We can talk after!~ Huntington grabs their bags & shows them to their room! It's 6:00pm & Father's arrived with Rachael! Mother & I meet them at the car. I open the rear passenger door & help Rachael out. I hug her & say: ~Mom, I'm so glad you could make it! The Holidays wouldn't be the same without you!~ She replies: ~I almost didn't come Harry, I was hurting, but I want to see you & my Grandson one more time before I join my Baby & Jimmy in Heaven! Where is that boy?~ I reply: ~I'll find him for you Mom! He's around here somewhere, he doesn't know you're here yet!~ Mother asks: ~How was your trip Rachael? How are you feeling?~ She replies: ~The trip was fine Candy, I'm just a little tired! How are you doing?~ Mother replies: ~I'm doing pretty good for an old Lady! Come inside & rest, I'll have Huntington take your bags to your room!~ They go inside & I'm in search of my son! There they are, on the swing! I call out: ~JR! Your Grandma Marcantel is here! Go see her!~ He replies: ~Grammy's here, come on Kellyanne, you'll just love her!~ He takes Kellyanne by the hand & heads for the house to see his Grandmother! She has pancreatic cancer & it's spread beyond control! There's no more they can do! This is the last time he'll see her! She's all that's left of Julia besides my son! I go back to the house & go inside! Everyone is sitting in the Drawing room talking & getting to know each other! I ask George: ~How's it going Buddy, enjoying yourself?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, ya be havin a huge family ya be Harry! Me like very allot!~

It's 7:00pm & Huntington announces: ~Dinner is being served in the Dinning room!~ We all go towards the Dining & are seated! George's eyes have doubled in size! I haven't seen this table filled in years, since my Wedding! The food looks Delicious. Tomorrow is the Big one, Thanksgiving! Mother goes all out! We finish dinner & retire to the Drawing room. It's 9:00pm & my Father offers drinks. The kids are drinking soft drinks. The ladies all, except for Mother, request just water. Rebecca needs to take her meds. The remaining four of us have Brandy! We sit & visit & we are truly family! It's 10:00pm & we're all tired! Rachael calls me over & whispers to me: ~Harry, please take me to see my Julia in the morning?~ I reply: ~Of course I will Mom! First thing.... We say Goodnight & retire to our rooms respectfully! My poor Mary, her legs are swelled up, so I run her a warm bath. I wash her back for her, I love pampering my wife! I take a shower & we both get into bed. I rub her legs for her to make them feel better! We lay down & I put my arm around her, resting my hand on her belly! I can feel the baby moving around inside of her, God is Good! Goodnight all!

Thursday, November 28

Thanksgiving Morning

Julia's Grave

It's early, 6:00am, & My son & I are up drinking coffee! The others are still sleeping. I promised Rachael that I would take her over to the East side of the property to see Julia's grave! JR wanted to come along to see his Mother's grave & asked if he could come along! It's 7:00am & Rebecca has come down stairs. I ask: ~Coffee mom?~ She replies: ~No, but thank you Harry! Coffee doesn't agree with me anymore. Maybe some juice diluted with water?~I reply: ~Sure mom, Apple juice okay?~ She replies: ~That will be fine Harry, Thanks!~ She takes out this pharmacy of medication out & begins to take them a few at a time! She asks: ~Harry, can I have a piece of toast, no butter? Just to settle my stomach!~ I reply: ~Sure mom, I'll fix it for you now!~ I give a plate with toast & she nibbles on it until it's gone! 

It's 8:00am & I borrowed my Father's car! We're enroute to the East side of the property where our Family Cemetery's located! It's about a twenty minute drive. It's 8:25 & we've arrived at the cemetery. I help Rachael out of the car & the three of us walk over to Julia's grave. Rachael puts her hand on the Gravestone & talks to her daughter with tears in her eyes: ~I'll be with you & your Daddy soon Baby! We all miss you so much! John Ross is here! He misses you too Julia! But he's doing fine! You'd be so proud of him, he's grown into a fine young man!~ She closed eyes and said a prayer. JR took hold of her hand & prayed with her. He said: ~I love you Mom, I've never forgotten how you use to hold me! I never will Mom, I promise!~ I too had my own private talk with Julia, I shall keep to myself! Rachael asks: ~Harry, what a beautiful Headstone! I've never quite seen one like this before!~ I reply: ~Julia always loved the Dolphins! I only thought it right to have them watch over her!~ She replies:

Thank you Harry for that! She always thought they were the true Mermaids of the Sea! She had a whole shelf full as a little girl!~ I place an array of Julia's favorite flowers on her grave! I say: ~Mom, you know we all love you. You know JR & I love you. My Parents love you! Mom, we'd like to move Dad from Shreveport & lay him to rest beside Julia with your permission! Mom, we've a spot here for you too! She's got tears in her eyes & replies: ~Harry, we have nobody in Shreveport! Yes, of course you have my permission! Harry, our Julia loved you very much! God Bless you

Harry!~ We get back in the car & ride back to the Mansion! Throughout the day we all had time to catch up. Later that evening......

Thanksgiving Dinner

6:00pm

Huntington rings a bell: Dinner is being served! May I offer my Heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Mother announces: ~Today is Thanksgiving Huntington, & you are considered part of this family. You'll be eating with us tonight Huntington!~ He replies: ~Yes Mam, thank you mam!~ I've never seen Huntington smile before, but he's smiling now!

The twelve of us all go to the Dining room & are seated as such: Mother & Father at each end. Rachael is seated on Mother's right & Huntington on her left. Kellyann is seated next to Rachael & JR next to Huntington. Lucy is seated next to Kellyanne & her George next to JR. Mary's Mother is seated next to Lucy & he Father is seated next to George. Mary is seated on my Father's left & I on his right! My Father says Grace over the Thanksgiving Feast. Amen. The table is set in a Formal matter & with a Feast fit for Royalty, everything anyone could imagine. My Mother always does it right!

We eat drink & be Thankful for the food, love of Family & all God has provided us! God is Truly Good! God Bless us all!

We're finished with dinner & all retire to the Drawing room for Drinks & conversation! Mother decides that it's time that we put some Christmas music on! Tomorrow she will be putting up a tree! She has a 21ft Douglas Fur being trucked in from Atlanta in the morning.

We're singing Christmas Carols, we've only 27 days till Christmas! It's 11:30pm. Rachael looks tired. She needs to rest, I help her upstairs to her room! She's in pain & I ask: ~Mom, is there anything I can do?~ She replies:

~No Harry, It'll pass! I just need to rest! Thank you Harry, for everything! I reply: ~Goodnight Mom, Sleep well!~

I go back downstairs & join the rest of the Family! It's 1:00am & we decide to end the night & retire to our rooms.

Mary's Water Breaks!

We say our Goodnights & go upstairs. While in the bathroom, Mary calls me in: ~Harry, it's time,my water broke!~ I reply ~Darling, it's too early!~ I'm quite anxious by now! She has a bag ready & I proceed to take her downstairs, only stopping to knock on Mother's door to let her know & Mary's parents, who's wanting to accompany us. They'll drive since their car is here! Mother's calling Dr Jameson to meet us at Memorial!

We make Madison County Hospital & its 2:15am. Professor Covington drops us off at the Emergency entrance & I grab a wheelchair & wheel Mary in. I'm going out of my mind & Mary is cool, calm & collective. We get her admitted & Dr Jameson arrives. He examines her & says: ~How are you doing young lady?~ Mary replies: ~I'm having a Baby!~ He turns to me & asks: ~Your the Father, Are you going to be in there with her~ I reply I can be there too?~ He replies ~Yes, of course, better hurry & get ready! She's almost fully dilated, it won't be long! He tells the nurse to have me wash my hands, get me a gown & mask. He has Mary get in a gown & lay on a gurney. The wheel her I to the delivery room & I follow. They transfer her to a Delivery table. The Dr asks: ~Want an epidural?~ She replies: No Doctor, I want this to be natural!~ The nurse says: ~She's fully dilated Doctor~ He replies: ~Good, I want you to breathe!~ I'm watching this as he reaches between her legs, gently grasp this little head coming out of my wife!

Friday November 29, 2019

Time of Birth: 4:11am

Harry Jr. 7 lbs 13oz

He's crying as he comes out. I always thought they had to swat the rear end. I'm evidently wrong! He hands him to the nurse who places him on my wife's belly as he cuts the umbilical cord & cleans the fluids out of his mouth & nose! They wrap him in a blanket & hand him to me, while they clean Mary up! He's perfect & healthy & his Mother his okay too. God is Good, thank you Lord!

They're done cleaning her up, I kiss her & say:

~I love you Mrs Newport, he's perfect. ~ She replies: ~'O my Harry, I love!~ They hand her the baby & she's as proud as she can be! She crying & says: Harry: ~His name is Harold Joseph Jr.!~ She named him after me!

They tell they're taking her to the room & will let me know when I & the Grandparents can come in! I go to the visiting room & give Mary's parents the news. They are ecstatic that they have a new Grandson. It's 5:30am & I call my Mother. I spoke to JR & told him he has a new baby Brother. Everyone is excited to hear the news & are making ready to come to the Hospital. It's 8:00am, my parents, JR & Kellyanne arrive to visit Marry! The Baby is in the Nursery for now & can be viewed through a window. George & Lucy will visit later when I come back to the Hospital! Rebecca is not feeling well & is resting in her room. Mother has hired a nurse to stay with us as long as Rachael needs her! It's 10:00am & I kiss my wife, tell her I love her & I need to go get a couple hours rest & check on Rachael! We'll ride home with my parents & I'll return this afternoon. We head home & Mary's parents will follow so she can get her rest. We get home, it's 10:50am. I go upstairs to check on Rachael & find she's in pain. I ring for the nurse & she explains that she just gave her a shot of Morphine & anymore would be dangerous! She get some cool towels so to bring her temperature under control. I ask: ~Mom, how are you doing?~ She replies: ~It'll pass son, thank you~ She told me to get the envelope out of the Nightstand next to the bed: ~Harry, that letter gives you my Power of Attorney to handle any & all my business if necessary! I'm leaving the house to John Ross! It's his Mother's Childhood home! Please see that it's taken care of?~ I reply: ~Mom, you're not going

anywhere!~ She replies: ~Sure Harry, please do as I ask?~ I reply: ~I will Mom!~ The Morphine's doing its job & she falls asleep! She's a good woman & when she's gone, JR's only link to Julia will be too! He loves his Grammy & she loves him! Cancer took Julia, her Father & now it's taking Rachael!

The Christmas tree’s Delivered

It's 11:35am & The delivery truck is here from Atlanta with the Christmas tree. Beautiful tree Mother has them bring it into the house & set it up in the Grand Foyer. She loves to go big! I'm going to lay down for a couple hours so I can get back to the Hospital! It's 2:30pm & I'm headed back to the Hospital, George & Lucy are accompanying me! Lucy's looking pretty tired & I hope she's okay! George is getting excited about having another child! It's 3:00pm & we arrive at the Hospital! We park, go inside & we pass Mary's parents on the way out! Laura says: ~The Baby is perfect Harry!~ Professor Covington adds: ~Yes he is, congratulations my boy! We're going back to the house. See you there!~ I reply: Thanks, I just want you to know, I'm really glad you could be here! Talk to you when we get back!~ We go up to Mary's room, she's breastfeeding the baby! George is immediately embarrassed so she covers he breast & he relaxes! Lucy say: ~How are you feeling Mary?~ She replies~ Alls well Lucy, the baby's healthy & is a perfect little guy! He looks like Harry~ She smiles & winks at me! I'm so happy they're both okay! Mary asks Lucy: ~How are you Lucy?~ She replies: ~Oh, I'm Ooooo, ahh, I'm doing, ohhhhh, George: I think it's time~ as she holds her belly... George replies: ~Time for what me luv? Oh, Oh naw, now?~ He runs out in the hall yelling for a nurse. Lucy calmly walks out & sits in a wheelchair. Mary says: ~Go with them Harry, until he settles down! I'll be fine, not going anywhere!~ I tell George to settle down, & I ask the nurse to call Dr Jameson! Lucy's water just broke & now George is frantic: ~Calm down George, everything is fine. That's supposed to happen! Weren't you there when she had Kellyanne?~ He replies: ~Me wasn't here Harry, Navy, on a

Ship!~ I reply: ~Okay old man, everything's good!~ He settling down, Doctor's here & he takes her into the exam room! Been fifteen minutes & the Doctor comes out & asks George: ~It's time Mr Richards, coming?~ I say: ~Go with the nurse George! She'll show you where to wash your hands!~ He replies: ~Fer what? I reply: ~So you can be in there with her!~ He replies: ~Me, in der, me can be wit me Lucy? Ohhh, Okay, Me be seein ya Harry!~ He looks awfully nervous, I sincerely hope he doesn't faint! I tell him to let me know when the baby comes. I go back to my wife's room, she's holding the baby! She hands the little guy to me. He's grabs my pinky finger. His grip is strong. Just like when JR was born! I'm holding a miracle in my arms, a new life. I'm worried about Rachael too, I don't think she's got long. She says she's ready, she wants to be with Julia & The Rev!.......

Friday, November 29, 2019

Time of Birth: 7:03pm

Anabel 6lbs 2 oz

It's 7:15pm & George comes into the room: ~Me little girl be born at 7:03pm. She be Beautiful Harry, but Me need a beer!~ I ask: ~What's her name George?~ He replies: ~Anabel Josephine Richards, after me Mum!~ I reply: ~That's a Beautiful name George, is she in the Nursery?~ He nods his head Yes, & we go to see the Annabelle! She's really quite a beautiful baby. George says: ~She got me mum's eyes~ I reply: ~She's Beautiful George, Congratulations old man!~ He replies: ~Well then, Me be thankful to God, & Harry, ifin ya not be mindin, Me & me Lucy be wantin fer ya & ya Mary to be da Godmuder & Fadder, dat is, ifin ya not be mindin?~ I reply: ~George, we will be honored!~ Next he takes me to see Lucy, she had a rough time of it. She went natural too, but was in labor four hours! She's doing well now! George says: ~Me neva see nuttin like it Harry! Dat der Doctor reach down der & he pull me little girl out! Harry, she be so little, when I be holdin her, be like a bird! Awhh Me be Lovin her Harry & me Lucy too!~ I reply: ~I know old man! You call Kellyanne yet & tell her she's got a new Baby sister?~ He replies: ~Nay, Me ferget Harry! Me do now!~ I tell him I'm going back to Mary's room, there's only twenty minutes of visiting time left. Both our wives need to get their rest. Mary & Harry Jr are scheduled to be released tomorrow. I'm back in Mary's room. The nurse just gave me a ten minute heads up! I say: ~Darling, you sure gave us a Beautiful baby. I love you with all my life!~ I kiss & hold her in my arms for a minute. It's 9:00pm straight up & the nurse reaffirms it by telling me, Visiting hours are over. I say thanks, kiss my wife & tell her I will be here at 8:00am to sign her & the baby out! I meet George out in the hall, head downstairs & to Father's car! We head back to the Mansion. It's 10:00pm & we arrive, followed by my sister Jamie & her husband Bill Langley. They drove in from Little Rock! We step out of the car & greet them. I introduce George & fill them in with the news. Been a busy last couple of days. Jamie asks: ~How is Mary & the baby?~ I reply: ~They're doing well & Jamie, Little Harry is absolutely perfect!~ She hugs me & kisses me on the cheek: ~I'm glad Harry, you two deserve all the happiness in the world!~ Then she turns to George & says: ~How are your wife & baby doing?~ He replies: ~Good, me be thankin ya fer askin~ We go I to the house & our parents are waiting for me. They didn't know that Jamie & Bill were coming in tonight? Mother sees Jamie, & is surprised: ~Jaime, I wasn't aware you were coming in tonight! She hugs & kisses her hello, hugs Bob, he's a man of few words! Jaime sees Father, & like a little girl, runs into his arms: ~Daddy, 'O I've missed you Daddy! How have you been?~ He replies: ~Quite well Jaime! I've missed you too! I wish we could see more of you!~ They hug & my sister is reluctant to release him. She's always been a "Daddy's Little Girl". Mother calls for Huntington: ~Huntington, please show my Daughter & Son in-law to their room?~ He replies ~Yes Mam! He takes their bags & shows them to the room! Mother says: ~Tomorrow's the first day of December Son! Everyone will be here, the girls will be home from the hospital & we're going to decorate the tree!~ I reply: ~Yes Mother, I'm bringing Mary & the Baby home tomorrow morning. Lucy & their little one should be getting the next day! Right George?~ George replies: ~Right, Sunday!~ Mother replies: ~Good then, this is so wonderful, I just love Christmas time! God has graced us once again with two new lives, what can be better than that?, Goodnight you two! We tell my mother Goodnight & she goes upstairs! My Father says: ~You both look like you can use a drink! I reply reply: ~Scotch please Father?~ George replies: ~Me too, please, Me be thankin ya fer it Sir!~ My Father says: ~Very well~ He pours us both a Scotch on the rocks. We toast each other, drink our drinks & say Goodnight! Its been a long couple of days but we're Blessed!

Continued