It's a demanding thing to be a mod.

There's always a stack of material to approve or send back for corrections.

Some people need hardly any guidance and some need a lot of hand holding. Certainly to get their first piece published.

You're a fabulous group of people, who work so hard to give others a fair chance to shine and celebrate their work.

Legends one and all.

This humble bumbler would never have completed the amount of work I did without your tireless help.

May the Goddess bless you all and keep you ever safe.

Quote by Ensorceled

Hey all. I haven't been around lately at all. My apologies. Even more rudely, I am here to promote something.

I'm doing a Meet a Writer thing here next week, with the ebullient Molly D! When: November 20th, 12 AM GMT (7 PM EST & November 21st 10 AM AEST) Where: The Lush Chatrooms (There will be a "Meet the Author's Event Room" accessible from the Lounge). We'll talk about writing, share a few stories, chill together. Show up and ask me an embarrassing question! I'll answer!

I'll buy a round for the house since I'm here.

Oh tush. You're always here even if you're just sitting in the corner watching us all behave like idiots.

So glad to see you taking up the pen again. Will keep an eye out for your next piece.

You're a star.

Quote by JustAnotherSapphic

Thanks for that; I really needed it. Been kinda blocked lately, writing wise, which sucks cause I have more ideas than I know what to do with.

...and in other news, I fell down the Tom Petty rabbit hole back in March and I can't get enough. He gives my soul a rush and I live for it.

Best tip I can give for that is to write what I call bread crumbs.

Little fragments of story idea, dialogue, character description.

That way when you have a piece of the story you can find other little bread crumbs to mix together to give you an idea for a story to tell.

Always remember that you've already written a story so you know this is something you can do again.

It might flow together in the next five minutes or take much longer to all come together.

I know you can do it, when you're ready you're going to make something beautiful.

I'm proud of you, I believe in you and I know how talented you are even when you doubt yourself.

Quote by sprite

hey, you. good to see your face. it's been too long. ❤️

My dear rachel.

A delight to see you still with us.

You're an inspiration to this humble scribbler and a fabulous heroine for us all. May the Goddess watch over you always.

@JustAnotherSapphic. Just because you're not sitting on a stool here doesn't mean you're not still part of the family. Keep being your beautiful talented self.

I believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself.

@Seeker4. Always lovely to see your handsome face about the place. Always makes me smile when you order tea, and drink it with such decorum. An example to us all. Keep being your classy self.

@JamesLlewellyn. Such a fine handsome bear you are, always there with a l shoulder to cry on, a ear to hear another's troubles and a mischievous grin.

Never change dear friend.

@Carl. I'm daft, blonde and forgetting people's names again. A very forgetful dryad tells me a horse stepped on your foot. Bloody painful thing a foot injury and maddeningly slow to heal. I'm red faced and very embarrassed that I didn't send extra prayers right away when you got hurt. So will double the prayers and blow you a kiss or two to make it up to you.

I heat dear Kimmi is taking a break. Will dispatch a dryad to watch over her. Dear friends are hard to find and deserve a little minding

@Kistinpencil. Kistin my dear you're more beautiful then a sun rise, more talented then Cher and more fun to be around then you can put into words.

Always be your amazing self. I'm always star struck when I get to see you. You're an icon and a personal heroine.

I'm sure I've forgotten someone and for that I can only blame being blonde and daft.

I love you all dearly.

Now I'm parched and need an early grey tea and one of those delicious pastries. Anyone joining me?

Oh Kistin, I hope the world has been super kind to you and that gorgeous cat of yours.

My cheeks are burning after that kiss.

Evening all, hope you're all doing well.

I've missed being here, chatting with you all.

You're amazing people and totally wonderful.

Hello my darlings. I've been taking a little break from the world and recharging in the winter sun.

I hope you've all had a wonderful Yule and New Year.

May the Goddess watch over and Bless you all.

Happy birthday beautiful Kis.

Hopefully Ms Pixel will allow you to have an extra special day. You deserve it.

Quote by JustAnotherSapphic

Writing? Yeah, when I can.

Confidence? Not so much, especially thanks to Drew. I fall to pieces over him (go look at some of my previous posts and you'll see what I mean) but I'm not complaining.

Well I believe in you my dear. Especially when you doubt yourself. You're more talented then you imagine and I'm proud of you.

Oh my dear friends, I have missed you so.

Kimmi, sure he's not got what some people deem attractive, but he isn't going to say hurtful things, cheat on you, or eat the last slice of cake. He might be a keeper.

Ape, you're so kind. We'll done on finishing your trilogy, I'm so proud of you.

You're so disciplined and talented. Bravo.

Well I've been voted onto a union committee so been rurning up to tedious meetings, resisting the urge to knock foolish heads together. Some people can be so stubbornly stupid.

Buried my father in law this summer after a brain tumor took him. He went very quickly in the end.

My wife is starting radiotherapy next week. Its a relief after all the delays to actually get the treatment started.

Switched my plodding old diesel for an electric. A moss green Kia Niro. Please type of pep when you need to overtake, lots of gadgets on-board ,which I'm still getting used to. Costs about €12.50 to charge from 20-100 and takes about 8 hours.

So far for the same price I'm covering 1500km for the price of 600. So saving lots of cash too.

My magic pencil has been giving me very disapproving looks of late, I've not been doing much scribbling.

Next project is to get a metal fence put up. I don't seem to have the right tools, rather then making mess I'm looking for someone with more skills then I do to help. Bound to be a handy gal around to help me.

Lysari, it's been ages since I've seen you.

You've grown a lot while I've been away.

A much more confident soul, and you've been writing too. So proud of you.

Hello my darlings. I've been away much longer than I'd planned.

Since we're almost at Halloween, my favourite time of year I thought I'd bring some treats.

To James, you're such a fabulous fellow. You've done so much good work looking after the bar. You're one in a million and even though you probably don't feel like you are, you're often a shining light of Hope and Positivity to so many people.

Keep being your lovely bear self. This witch adores you.

To Karl,

I know that feeling. That caged in part that struggles to be free, but isn't something you can let run wild.

I know how much energy and strength it takes to keep that part contained. The price it takes from you, but the darkness that lifts when it's kept under control.

I bookend my days with a little prayer for your safe travels and that you're going to be here sitting at the bar, spinning tunes and being your precious self.

This servant of the divine is proud of you and sings of your goodness to the spirits that hear me. Be proud of who you are, the challenges you've overcome and the lives you've enriched with your presence.

My handsome warrior lion.

My memory is a little patchy of late, so I won't name everyone I think of these days.

Just a little mental nibble to chew on.

Whether it's your first time at the bar or you're a regular visitor.

This is a place where conquered stories are toasted, writing ideas are freely shared and tall tales are told.

A place where everyone can feel part of a community that accepts them as they are, comforts them in dark times, celebrates in joyful ones and loves you as the person you are without judging you.

May the Goddess shine Her Light on you all, keep you and yours safe from harm in these difficult times. Remind you that we are all Her children and we are loved the same. Her Will in all things. Most Blessed Be.

Quote by Seeker4

Nice to see you, Michelle. Hope all is well in your world.

More tea, please.

I seem to be in one of my less ambitious moods. Toyed with my SS entry but that's about it for writing. May just do housework this aft and pick the writing back up tomorrow.

Have a fabulous cuppa, and even a small short bread biscuit.

I find myself muttering plotlines to stories when I do the housework. My wife finds the fragments she catches slightly bewildering.

Quote by sprite

i just submitted mine. it's kind of weird. like me. lol

Rachel darling, you're not weird. You're a beautiful, unique spark of the Eternal Beauty of the Goddess.

I notice the way he moves and his stance.

People move in a way that expresses their nature. If you take a moment to look at it carefully you can usually tell if they're being their true self or who they think you want them to be.

Goodness the Bear is back, Carl is back, and Ape is with us again.

May the Goddess shine Her Light on all my beloved Rumpie family.

You're all very dear to me, and always in my prayers.

I see there's a new competition too, I'm sure the Rumps contingent will pick up the challenge and bring their best to the contest.

Quote by sprite

sadly, i've updated - after a couple of very real real-life death threats (i partly blame my wife - seriously. she's been actively engaging in politics lately) and as a response to some of the anti-lgbtq+ violence in these, our united states, i bought a gun and am putting my CCL to good use (technically, that is - i have yet to actually take it out of the safe and carry it - i just find the entire thing distasteful, but at least i have the option now. yay me. ).

Rachel my dear, I'm so sorry to hear you feel you need to carry a weapon. I'd much rather we lived in a world where that wasn't necessary but whatever it takes to keep you and Kate safe is a necessary evil.

From this distance all I can do is say an extra prayer that you're kept save, and double up the prayers of protection for my queer kin. That there's so much hatred and violence in the world scares me.

May the Goddess place Her Aegis between you and those who mean you harm.

May Hecate turn Her face from them, that their every step leads them further away from the Harm they seek to cause.

May the Furies take to the skies, bringing Divine punishment on those who would strike you down.

These days there's so many people I'd like to knock some sense into their thick skulls.

Using sharp words to stir up hatred so they can profit from it and the chaos they create.

May Nemesis give them the arse kicking they so richly deserve.

Hello my darlings. I've missed you all terribly. Hospital has started ramping up again, lots of icky respiratory viruses floating around.

I'm hoping to get my pencil out and scribble another tale soon. I've some time off scheduled and I'm planning on doing some writing during it.

James, my dear do be safe on your travels. May the Goddess bring you safely back to us again.

Gracie, lovely to see you darling. Looking more beautiful then ever.

I do trust that hunky man of yours is taking superb care of you. Sending lots of loving kisses.

Elyse, goodness you look fabulous today. You're really growing into the person you want to be. I'm so proud of you. Sending big squishy hugs.

Ape, I hope all is well with you and Team Blue. Sending lots of love and inspiring thoughts to you all.

Rachel!!! So good to have tou with us. I know you do impossible things every day. You're a properly bad ass woman and my inspiration to keep going when the world tries to slow me down. You're one in a million. Happy ear tickles to the furr babies.

Didn't know you were a fan of electronica. Kraftwerk are superb.

Carl, sending a special prayer of protection to you and those fabulous critters in the barn. You're always in my prayers you handsome fellow. Be safe always.

Quote by sprite

i suck at the pix, so i don't even try

I don't think with your immense output that you suck at anything you put your mind to.

Lovely to see you with us Sprite. May the Goddess keep you ever safe.

James. Get a covid test, get lots of rest and check with a medic if it doesn't improve. Don't make me hex you for being careless with your health.

I never know where he gets them, most of mine don't have an image at all. Clever fellow that he is.

Myrrh, walk your path in safety, go where your feet take you. When the wind blows through your hair, hear the words of encouragement from all who hold you dear.

Find yourself, remade by your travels and rediscover the fire in your soul . You are ever in my prayers, return when your journey is done. Sit at the bar and tell us all the things you've done since we last met.

May the Goddess watch over you, shine Her Light on you and guide you safely to us. Her Will in all things.

Ape, what you can can feel pointless or even without meaning. Just never mistake that for you being without meaning, value or purpose. The world is a brighter place for having you in it. Never let someone take that from you. If your fire loses its brightness, you can always relight it with some of mine. Be ever safe.

Kimmi, how so like you to champion a new writer. I know how life changing having someone like you who believes we have a gift worth sharing can be. I will certainly read these new suggestions from you.

James, what a nice selection of bottles. I'm damn well not giving them a polish. I suspect a djinn or two hiding in that stash. You're looking very stylish in that t shirt of yours.

I hope this Samhain was a wonderful time for your family and not too many sugary treats were eaten. A terrible thing to go to bed with a tummy ache from too much sugar.

Jeff, lovely to see you. I hope the muse has been whispering in your ear and helping you spin gold from the tip of your pen.

I gather our dear Sprite was a little poorly. Will send her extra large hugs to help her feel better. One who can see the starlight of Wonderland is someone I admire beyond words.

Fuzzy!!!!! You're back!!!

When I heard you were missing I cast more than a few healing Spells to but strength on your bones. My sweet handsome lion, so good to have you with us.

Kimmi, you always make me blush with your kind words. You always inspire such wonderfully creative thoughts and big belly laughs too. Keep being your lovely self.

Now I thought I heard the sound of a disapproving cat slinking under a chair. That must mean Kistin is back with us.

I hope Miss Pixel hasn't been making too many complaints about the state of the bar. May the Goddess fill your mind with oh so many wonderous tales and keep you ever safe. Most Blessed Be.

Even a Skald knows when she sees a truly magickal pencil and that's the one in your pocket.

Ape! Sorry to hear your fingers are causing you pain. May I suggest something called Otter. They use it in medical clinics here if the patient has hearing issues or language issues. It creates automatic transcripts from conversations. May be worth a look.

I might be getting the inflections wrong but. OOOK! OOOOK!

A delight to have you with us. I trust all is well with Team Blue.

Donna, sweet Donna. May the Goddess whisper the words of your third novel in your ear and ever inspire your muse.

You were the one who guided me to this place what feels like a lifetime ago. A gift I can never repay. Be well always dear friend.

Now anyone got a good roibos tea blend behind that bar?

As we head into Winter, I know some of us feel their mood dropping as the light levels decrease. This Samhain I lit a candle for you all. So when the nights get dark , and things can feel overwhelming, there's a little light to guide you. Remember the Dark cannot defeat the Light. Spring will return once Winter is spent.

So if things are tough, stressful or depressing. Remember you're not alone, you're not without support. Things will change for the better and you will get through these hard times.

Keeping you all in my prayers, sending you lots of love and cheering you on.

May the light of my candle keep the light of Hope burning in your hearts. May the Goddess shine Her Light on you and keep you ever safe from harm. Her Will in all things. Most Blessed Be.

Happy Samhain to you all.

I hope you all had a fun one.

Kimmi, you're a talented writer with a superb grasp of language. Trust your instincts, your creative vision and your muse. You're terrific.

James, you're looking even more handsome then when I saw you last. You're doing a great job keeping the bar.

I hope the dryads have been behaving and earning their keep.

A dryad tells me several of you have got some outstanding entries in the competition and published recently. I really must read then all.

You're an incredibly diverse and awesome group. Keep believing in yourselves, keep writing and keep being your gorgeous selves.

Goodness I need a drink, anyone else need one?

Happy birthday dear Emma.

Sending lots of love and blessings to make your day extra special .

Quote by fuzzy1954

Hello Rumpsters

I must ask for forgiveness, I've been away but I've also been "ghosting" Rumps. There been a lot of goings on.

My excuse is a 6 time deployed Iraqi veteran called and (thank God) I was available to take his call. I sat and LISTENED as he felt his pain was to much to bear. Luckily for both of us, he was able to get into our local VA hospital. Yesterday (Saturday) was a extremely hard day for myself, for it was his day of going to group without any outside help. I turned off my phone and "escaped" to our ponies. I didn't listen to any of our local college football games or talk to anyone.

I returned exhausted and tired and was in bed by 6pm.

I want to reach out and thank my Rump friends that gave me support.

Nikki, Kimmi, Kat and James you four are great friends. Thank You All.

Time to end this.

I've missed morning coffee, tea and sweets.

Music is a whole different story 😄

Carl my dear, whenever you feel like things are just too much. Take a break, escape into nature and let the winds take all the negative emotions away.

Remember you're a special part of the Rumps family and there's so much love and support for you here. I've kept you in my prayers, and asked for a special spirit of comfort to be sent to you. You're one of the strongest, bravest, sweetest men I know. Have a big warm hug and feel how loved you are.

Evening my darlings. I've missed you all so much while I've been away. You're all such lovely people. I hear there's another competition in the offing and I'm quietly confident the Rumps posse will make a strong showing.

To those who had a birthday I missed, a belated happy birthday and a birthday kiss on the cheek.

To those who had good times to celebrate, have a drink on my tab. May you have many more of them too.

To those having a rough time, I will keep you on my prayers. Ask for healing, protection and guidance for you to get through this time of trials to a better happier place. Because dash it, you deserve it.

The Equinox has passed, the nights draw in and nature prepares for its Winter sleep.

At this time of change, a little prayer for you all.

May the Goddess watch over you and those you love, keep you safe from the evils of this world, renew the bonds of love with those who are in your hearts and fill your autumn days with the warmth of good friends. Her Will in all things. Most Blessed Be.

Be well my darlings. I'm going to work on being around here more often, I miss the sight of all your faces.

Happy birthday wonderful Sprite. May the Goddess shine Her Light on you and your lovely family. Sending much love to you all. Have a wonderful celebration with those you love and cherish they memory always. You deserve it. Be ever well.