Quote by JustPassingThrough

Fortunately, virtual bars are exempted from self-isolation. Good afternoon. 24 hours ago I tested positive for You Know What. Felt like hell most of today but perking up as we get into evening. Hopefully this is the worst of it. My wife was only a day ahead of me and she's recovering nicely.

No booze allowed when you're doped up so a iced tea please.

One iced tea coming right up.

Will send virtual caring hugs as I can't give you real ones.

@Kimmi, it's a painful journey finding out where you came from. Sometimes you make new loving bonds and sometimes you don't. My mom went looking for her birth parents when she turned 50.

She found them in the end. Her parents were very young when they had her and weren't married. They gave her up to have a better life than they could provide. They later married and had several children.

My mom didn't want to meet her siblings, it's hard to find a way to introduce yourself without conflict or drama. Mom didn't want to meet her dad either, she just wanted to meet her mother. To tell her, she made the right choice. That mom had loving adoptive parents , a wonderful life and was a mother herself. Alas her mother died 2 years before she found them.

Mom told us later, that not knowing where she came from , felt like a piece of herself was missing. Now she was complete, after finding her origins. Going further would just have brought pain and confusion to everybody, including herself.

So I hope your sons journey brought him peace. With your unshakeable love and the missing piece of his past, may there be nothing to keep him from achieving his dreams.

@Emma, I'm so sorry to hear that my dear. You have all my sympathy and love during this painful time.

May the Goddess wrap Her loving arms around you and all who mourn. She knows well the agonies of grief, for She lost Pallas who She truly loved.

I will sing of your loss to Luna and ask Her to be with you through this difficult time. To shine in the sky so you are not alone with your grief.

I will ask my Sisters beyond the Veil to guide him safely to journeys end. That you be reunited in the Summerlands, along with all who loved you.

Be with us now and ever more, oh Goddess. Your Will in all things, Most Blessed Be.

Good afternoon my dears.

Happy late Solstice to you all.

Goodness things have gotten dark in the US at the moment. Sad to see decades of hard fought progress undone by close minded people.

Still, tomorrow is another day and hard earned freedoms won't be given up easily or without a fight.

On a less upsetting topic, I see we've new scribes in our midst and fresh tales to be read. You're incredible people, always supportive, always inspiring and always willing to talk shop with other scribes.

May the Goddess bless you all, now and always. Most Blessed Be.

Rachel, lovely to see you my dear. Sending much love to you, Kate and the furr babies.

Donna, it's a lovely surprise to see you here. I haven't seen you in so long. I almost thought you'd been consumed by your novel and ended up as an appendix in the book itself. Be ever well my dear friend and may the Goddess protect you from harm.

Elyse, come sit on my lap for a comforting cuddle. You've been through a lot and more than earned some loving hugs.

Ape, call me a Silly Goose but you always impress me with your calm dignity and grace. You're a fabulous addition to this old dive. May we always have you with us. Many blessings on your house.

Kimmi!!! I hear you've been teaching that page a lesson with a flurry of micros. Lime watching a fencer whittle an opponent with swift deadly strokes. You always leave me dizzy with admiration at your talents. Keep being your special self.

Much love and supportive hugs.

Carl, a expert at killer tunes and a big dazzling smile. You're a Prince beyond words and you make me glad I'm a Leo.

Happy roars, dearest friend. May the muse be ever mind to you.

Annie!! Lovely to see you. With a toddler on the loose you must be trying to see the back of your own head so they can't escape your sight. May the Goddess stand with you always, protect you and your family. May your days be ever filled with joy. Blessed Be.

James, I hear whispers in the trees about how well you're getting on with the Dryads. They can be wilful creatures but you're doing so well with them. Perhaps your fabulous voice charms even the magical folk. May the Goddess bless your new home. Keep you and yours ever safe from harm. A day we get to see you is a small blessing. Blessed Be.

I'm sure I've missed someone, blame it on me being a blonde and never a slight. The Rumps Family is a beautiful thing, drawn from all across this lovely planet. United in peace, love and friendship. May the Goddess bless you all and shine Her Light on you always . Her Will in all things. Most Blessed Be.

Good evening my dears, I hear our resident bear is hosting a pool party.

Such a wonderful idea, what with the Summers warmth making us all hot and sticky.

Perhaps a small blessing is in order, just to mark the event.

Oh Goddess, bless this pool. May its waters refresh tired bodies, wash away negative emotions and be a sanctuary for those that need it.

May this place inspire laughter not anger, unity not division, and may any harsh words spoken here be easily forgiven.

As we are all Your children, be with us always when we enjoy this place. Protect this place from those with malice of intent.

Teach us that difference is a beautiful thing and something to celebrate.

May our joyful cries please You always, most noble Goddess.

Your Will in all things. Most Blessed Be.

Hope that wasn't too rambling, it's lovely to see you all and share a moment of joyful friendship.

May the Goddess be with you all, Blessed Be.

Good morning my darlings.

Just thought I'd pop in for a few minutes and see how you all are.

James is doing a great job keeping things running. Seems the dryad is very sweet on him too.

Carl, my big handsome lion. Spinning the tunes and making us all dance. Never change you fabulous man.

@JustKim

My dear friend, thank you for sharing that painful memory and how it lead you to the woman you are today.

I'm so proud of you for your strength and willingness to share that part of your life with us.

Sending you so much love and support.

May the Goddess be ever with you and keep you safe from harm.

Love you always.

@fruit4passion

My father in law has cut down far too many people who felt the sky had fallen in and crossed the Veil by their own hand.

From my own perspective at some point in our lives things just get too much to cope with.

From losing your job, being afraid you can't pay your bills, the shame of not being what you "should be", the guilt of being a failure and the almost overwhelming despair.

In my culture women are viewed as emotional beings, certainly more emotional in visible ways then men.

If I burst into tears it's a clear sign of emotional distress but it doesn't make me less of a woman to break down.

Men aren't viewed the same. They're supposed to be providers, emotionally tough, mentally solid and dependable.

There's a toxic culture of not admitting when you're upset, of "suck it up and get back on the horse".

Is it any wonder with the huge economic turbulence of the last decade that the traditional ways of doing things simply don't apply anymore.

It takes courage and strength to tell the people closest to you that you need them. That maybe cash will be tighter for a while, or you're feeling overwhelmed by feelings.

Far too many of our brothers don't feel able to sat those things, or to even admit to themselves that what they feel will pass. They just need to let people who can help them know they need a little help.

The men in my life have told me they sometimes buried their darker emotions so they didn't have to deal with them. That if they just kept pushing through they'd be OK. Sometimes it's just a temporary thing, like losing your job. You get another one and things regain their own balance again.

For some it's been swept under the carpet for too long and it's just too much to deny the situation.

I'm glad you opened up to someone who can help you. We both know it's a journey and it takes times to get through these difficult times.

I will whisper your name to Luna and ask Her to watch over you. She listens to me when I share how my day went, the good and the bad. She always forgives and She always exchanges my pain for Hope.

May the Goddess be with you, now and always. May She keep you safe from harm and fill your heart with Love. Most Blessed Be.

Be well and safe my dear.

Kimmi dear when I end up having to scrap a tale, I use it for spare parts. Maybe there's a lovely bit of dialogue or some descriptions that can be recycled.

Sometimes all it remains is just an incomplete scribble. That's ok too, beats when the muse is silent and you chew the pencil to the stub , eating it in frustration.

You're more than a match for the page and the pencil . Take your time and before you know it that seductive whisper will be in your ear with another tale to tell.

Sorry you're grieving for your mom. I will say a prayer for you both.

Oh Goddess watch over our grieving sister. Fold Your arms around her and let her feel Your compassion. You know all too well the pains of grief when You lost Pallas. Make our crossing of the Veil as swift and painless as the blink of an eye.

May those who mourn feel Your presence with them. That they may bear the scar of their loss but not be overwhelmed by it. Make their sleep be deep and untroubled. That their strength be renewed that their burdens shift from being almost more than they can bear to something that comes with them on their journey but weighs as little as a shadow.

Be with our sister Kimmi, may she feel Your arms around her and draw strength from You.

Be with us all oh Goddess, and shine Your Light on us all. Your Will in all things. Most Blessed Be.

Umm Ape ,damn I remember having a proper name for you once. Always a delight to see you with us. As someone who has danced on a bar top a time or two, a treat to see you do it too.

You have such an eclectic taste in tunes too, always good to have that rarist of spices, the completely new.

I kept a tin of your special tea blend too, do enjoy a damn good brew.

Jeff, the rebel raison flicker has returned. Laffs. Jolly good to have you with us. Body horror in a contest? You have been listening to your muse when they're being very creative. By all means write it up, I'd read it even it doesn't make the word count for the contest. I find your work has a distinctive voice and very moreish. But that's just my twisted taste, I'm sure.

Do make yourself comfortable.

Elyse, I know you're around here somewhere darling. Either watching Jane or just dreaming of her. Be ever safe my darling, and if you ever need it. I'm always willing to give you a hug, put you on my lap and let you tell me your troubles.

Daisy, you always add a touch of class to wherever you go, even this worn down dive.

Do enjoy your goodies and I think I spotted a rocking chair in that corner too. Maybe one of the boys did a little woodwork to thank you for being a True Southern Belle.

James, that's how you handle a dryad. They're silly little buggers but quite cute.

Now you focus on your packing while I get things set up.

Remove the grit, fresh coffee. Invoke water to fill the boiler. Flick the switch to start it going and give the nozzle a little pat for being a good boiler.

Hot chocolate, herbal teas. Ooh mini Marsh mellows. Aww and the dryads brought my scones from home. With the home made raspberry conserve too.

Goodness.

Right folks, what's your poison?

Morning my darlings.

James, here's a little acorn whistle. If you blow a long whistle on it the dryads should come running. If you wear it around your neck it translates for you also.

If you want them to do personal things, just remember they're connected to their trees. So give the trees a good liquid feed, prune away branches to let the air flow through and keep fungus at bay. The healthier the tree, the stronger the dryad.

If you really want a happy dryad, sing to her tree. It makes the tree feel special and that flows into the dryad.

Annie, elections are important things but they sure do generate a blizzard of information. From press briefings for the media, who said what on the campaign trail, the bottomless pit of public money they seem to find to get elected that seemingly vanishes the moment they're actually in power. The newspaper editorials and the constant verbal sparring and preening for attention.

We have one of ours brewing. You can always tell when the local paper suddenly gets stuffed with articles on just how dedicated those hard working public representatives are. 6 months before they barely appeared, election season and they're all over the place.

Ours at least gets the counting part over in a weekend then a couple of weeks of horse trading before finally forming a government.

I don't envy you all that double speak and heavy suggestions as to who will or will not work with whom.

Will keep you in my prayers darling. May Australia be ever strong, stable, rich and free.

Serafina, there's food at the polling stations? Bloody Aussies have all the good ideas. Course ours tend to be when the weather isn't fabulous and we'd much rather get home, jump in some sheep dip and wash the stink of politicians off us after voting. They're greedy, back stabbing, treacherous, thieving bastards. But the one I voted for is MY greedy bastard so I gain when he lies.

The joys of an Irish election. When you vote for a scoundrel in the certain knowledge there's going to be kickbacks to the area to vote them back in again.

Do look up the Healy-Rae's the absolute Kings of vote management. Two brothers ran in a general election and they managed to divide the county in 2, so both topped the poll and were elected in a landslide.

Strangely when any roads get built their company leases the equipment to actually build the things. Kerry gets nice new roads and they make coin leasing the equipment.

Bastards. Why isn't my shyster as under handed as them. Just jealous.

MNEK -Where did you go?

Hello my darlings.

Sending much love from a tiny , windy, rainy little island.

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

James my dear, you're doing a great job in keeping the bar running. Did I remember to leave you an acorn whistle? Those dryads could give you a proper hand to clean up.

Carl, you always have the most amazing tunes. I can see my boots behind the bar tapping their toes to the rhythm. Thank you for always bringing the warmth of the Kansa planes with you.

Kimmi, I'm not surprised out elders have plenty of wicked fun. They've less people distracting them and filling their time.

I know of at least one woman in her 70s who started Domina training. Who says you can't keep a toy boy when in the Crone stage of life.

I thought I'd leave you a little slice of cheese to make the sap rise in your veins and send the touch of summer sun to your days.

Goodness I've been reading back over the last few pages and I'd like to make a few comments, if I may.

Firstly there's always been a difference between light hearted conversation and the cut and thrust of debate.

By all means mention serious events, but be prepared to have your discussion diverted to more frivolous topics repeatedly.

If we were to be discussing our favourite cakes or how we spend a particular special date; then if a different topic drifted into discussion there's little difficulty following both or not as we wish.

If however we're debating a serious issue I prefer that to be in a single focused thread. That way I can more easily follow the different view points and the general direction the debate is going.

To keep to my examples I'd get a little annoyed if people kept bringing cake topics to a debate on a serious issue or serious issues to my light hearted chat about cakes.

I'm not a Moderator, I'm just a bar tender who has been away from the bar for a while.

If I'd been on duty I'd have respectfully suggested the matter being debated move to the Think Tank where all involved can more easily follow the discussion.

I'd also like to say I don't interpret what James said as meaning you have to have personal experience of something to discuss it in the bar, but that not everyone enjoys finding a place they'd like to hear cake related discussions and other light hearted topics only to find a fiery debate about an emotive issue.

So this humble bartender suggests perhaps it might be better to take the heavy artillery to the Think Tank and have the hardened debaters in there join the debate.

I wrote you all a little blessing for Beltane.

May the fires of Beltane drive away the darkness that ever seeks to consume us,
May its light remind you the sun that Winter almost conquered has returned,
That Life is strong and will always endure.

By this fire may the shadows of Despair that have been so much a part of our lives these past few years be consumed by the flames and become Hope.

May your dreams be ever within your grasp, those you love be close at hand.
As Summers warmth defeats winters cold,
So Love defeats Hatred , Hope defeats Fear, Joy defeats Sorrow, and Forgiveness defeats Guilt.

Though we come in many forms, speak many languages and call many places home. We are all Her children and She loves us all the same.

May the Beltane festival bring you the gifts of friendship, compassion, creativity and a renewed sense of self worth.

As the sun's light is a reflection of Your eternal Light,
The Summers warmth a reminder of Your loving embrace,
The burst of life around us an echo of Your laughter.

We thank You for the gift of this season, the brighter days and Your eternal Love.
Be with us now and always. May we always make You proud.
May all things be according to Your Will. Most Blessed Be.

I put it as a status thing but I can't see them unless someone leaves a comment. Bloody odd but that's how it goes.

Happy Beltane to you all.

Oh Harley it's OK to be afraid and a little angry too. It will all change sooner than you think. They tried to ban stem cell research until their elders needed treatments that needed stem cells. Suddenly stem cells weren't really people and the research could continue.

They can ban abortion, close all the clinics. Gloat in their victory. Then their daughters will tell tearful tales and in desperation they will seek to remove the problem. Or the big employers will see people who can move to their rivals , do so and state that women's health care is a major reason for doing so.

For all they pretend Faith decides what happens in America, the almighty dollar is stronger still. People can always vote with their wallets and the places that give money to people who want to wish us away can suffer a lot if people stop buying their stuff.

But I'm only a European on a tiny island still battling to drive the church out of our health care.

Hello my darlings. Yes I'm still kicking ass and walking tall.

I've missed you all so much while I've been away. I hope you're all helping James and Carl keep this place in order. I've left a dryad or two around to keep the level of rubbish down a little bit. Hope you're all doing well, the writers spinning gold out of thin air and the readers transfixed by your talents , showing their appreciation with huge piles of cash or at least a high rating. I've starting working in a hospital, doing much the same as any other large organisation. I'm still finding my way through the sprawling campus and seeing just how many places this fancy badge will let me access. Turns out even operating theatres will let me through the front door. Though I'd never dream of opening it without a damn good reason. Still that's life in the glamorous world of IT. Big hugs to you all. Keep being your amazing selves.

To a Prince among men, who appreciates the many exquisite delights of a good cup of tea. Much love, grateful hugs and many good wishes.

Keep being your glorious self.

Happy birthday!!!

Good afternoon my lovelies.

Goodness I've been away far too long, nothing dreadful just little things that needed to be taken care of.

I'm hoping to start a new job soon, if the papers ever get processed of course.

I've missed you all so much, I hope you've all been keeping James busy. He gets restless if the place isn't trashed every few days.

So tell me darlings, have I missed oodles of goss?

Evening all. I've been a busy bee lately and finally grabbed a few moments to vote visit. Hope you're all doing well and having fun.

The competition entries look awfully good, here's hoping the Rumps crowd continue their run of making their own brand of magic.

Now who fancies a nice hot drink and a good Goss?

Oh Carl you look so handsome in your winter wear, why I could give you a kiss on the cheek.

Assuming you'd let me. Wow that looks cold out there.

Kimmi, squeee! So good you managed to wrangle someone to keep you happy.

Now I want all the details girl. What exact colour were those cuffs? Bare metal or with a covering?

What's that? Oh the only thing he needs is a pulse and to keep you smiling. Once he does that, he's a prince.

does a happy dance

Kistin, sweetie that pencil of yours must be burning up. You're making the magic happen and I'm living for it.

Do give Miss Pixel ...an affectionate ear scratch...and maybe a patronising..who's a good kitty.

See I'm not risking my delicate fingers in that little storm.

You're a wonderful woman, a talented writer and we'd be lost without your talents in stall 3.

JPT, That sounds like you're a member of my little fan club. Calling me a priestess, I blushed just to hear it.

I mean I am an all but not everyone remembers that. So have an extra something in your drink for being charming.

James, I Really do have to learn how to bring the style with the same ease you do. All I got is boots, a rapidly emptying coffee mug and an itch in the back of my head. Seriously though, you're a very special bear. So glad you liked the walrus, now tell me. What do you get a 12 foot carnivore that lives in the arctic?

Ask me nicely and I might turn the hot tub on again. The first touch of frost and those bitchy little dryads all moan about it being cold. It's not like we're in Alaska or something. If they don't behave will get me some woodpeckers to sort them out.

You're all such lovely people. Yes I do miss you all when I'm not here. Yes the dryads and squirrels try to keep me informed when things happen, it's just they don't always understand what actually happened. So I get very excited messages about new shoes, or a fab new lipstick, but less on the details. The dryads are better assuming they're not busy playing with Terance.

So tell me darlings, what wicked things have you been doing, somebody has to have been invited to an orgy or something.

Stomps into the bar, twigs caught in my hair. Boots knocking bottles and debris out of the way. Slips behind the bar, swift fingers checking everything is properly in its place, moving things around on autopilot until it's all in order. Slides across to Big Bertha, pops the lid open to check the state of the coffee machine. Twists the filter out and empties Big Bertha, keeping the sludge for Carl and the caffeine junkies. Refills with some Italian Medium roast beans, and lots of mountain fresh water. Places a soft kiss on BB, and polishes her nozzle for being a good girl. Cleans out the big kettle and refills it, setting it to boil. Switches the sign from The Witch is OUT to IN. Puts two fingers in her mouth and gives a long high pitched whistle. A dozen squirrels run into the room, through the front door, the back door, down the chimney. Where did they all come from. A single snap of her fingers sends them racing all round the room. Bottles are rolled out the back door,neatly put in rows. Trash is picked up and carried out the back door. Slowly the floor becomes visible and a few snoring bar flies are sprawled on the floor. A second short whistle results in the tinkling sound of a cascade of bottles being thrown into a recycle bin. The waste bin is being filled with a torrent of trash. In a few moments everything is cleaned up, the bins slam shut and the squirrels return to the bar. Excitedly chirping and looking at the bartender, who reaches into her smock and scatters handfuls of nuts to the squeaking squirrels. Who gather up every crumb and retreat to the top of the bins to soak up the sun and nibble on their feast.

Good morning my lovelies.

It's a grey, wet fucker of a day.

It's lovely to see handsome Carl back with us. I missed his shaggy mane and emotive tunes. You're a magical person and we're so glad to have you home with us again.

Kimi , I recall you were on the dating scene , walking like a Queen and making men try not to swallow their tongues at your amazing beauty. So did you wrangle a hottie back to yours and cuff 'em to your bed?

James, what a charming bear you are. I hope BB has been behaving. She has been known to get cranky at times.

A dryad tells me you bribed your way into the top 10 of the last comp. The bribery was to not win, so the others have a moment in the sun. You're sure a talented writer and gorgeous polar bear. Oh, how was the walrus I left you last time?

The place I got it from swears it's a big hit with polar bears.

Kistin, darling you've been feeling your art and producing some outstanding stuff. I hope Miss Pixel hasn't been scowling at you too much over it. She's a cat so I reckon she scowls if it isn't cat related.

A big shout out to our very own AngelWorthy. Mod of the month and all round rock star. I know we're all fans of her work and want to properly celebrate her achievement.

So just for today the old special 1 for the price of 2 on all drinks today. Get the bartender drunk enough and all your drinks could be free.

James my dear you are a delight as always. Now a dryad tells me you could use a brushing. I didn't think you'd like a brush being used but perhaps a glove instead. So I can give you a belly rub and a back rub. Get all those knots out of your fur and make you feel good.

167

Well my dears it's been a tough 24 hours for some of us.

Carl my dear, I added a little prayer to your wall so you'd know what I would have said.

Sleep in my arms with your head on my lap. I will watch over you while you sleep and keep the nightmares away.

Morning all, you're all look fabulous to these old eyes.

I hope you're all feeling wonderful and the days are being extra kind to you.

I've been tinkering with graphic arts and bot herding, so I'm way behind on the deeds of this crazy place.

JAmes my dear you've been taking great care of the place so I brought you a special reward.

I got the dryads to drag a whole walrus out back for you, just what any good polar bear would wish for.

You're a wonderful man and I'm so proud of you.

Good morning my dears. That bear is awfully fast, or I'm getting slow in my old age.

@JPT, nothing wrong with a little romance. Write that makes your pencil happy, and the magic tends to flow,

Good morning my darlings. I've been a busy bee lately, all that rugby to watch and the winter games too.

Phew. I should be a good girl and get the bar set up for today, so James doesn't growl at me again.

Yes he's so cute when he's angry but it's not a good thing to provoke a polar bear.

So while the Dryads get cracking on sweeping the floors, I'm going to get the coffee maker ready.

Goodness knows we need the good stuff.

Since Carl is back will keep a little of the molasses at the end, it made the dryads hear in colour which is disturbing enough.

Right filter changed, stream water in, and what's the coffee for today?

Panamanian blend... ok. Fill the hopper.

Give the nozzle a polish and give BB a kiss for good luck.

Fire up the motors and lets's see what I get..oooh looks like coffee.

Better get the teas and chocolates properly arranged, the squirrels make such a mess.

Finally we don't have any raisins in the coffee maker. Maybe the Hex had the effect.

So my darlings, bring me your troubles and I will give you a pastry.

Give me a smooch, and I might give you two.

So how are you wild creative types this morning.

CARL!!!!!!! You handsome lion you. So good to see you again.

How have you been sweetie?

glomps you

Morning all. I'd better get this bar together or the bear will grumble again.

What? Who has been putting nut shells in the coffee filter again?

Can't have been James, and I don't see a dragonfly about.

Must be those bloody squirrels.

Finish the bag of Kenyan blend from yesterday, another bucket of stream water.

Flick the boiler on, and wait for the coffee to brew.

Be nice to be BB I'm a blonde without caffeine, and that's never a good blend.

Right, I hear there's been all sorts of news.

Kistin has a birthday and didn't get her special birthday cuddles. I'm livid I missed that opportunity.

Lucky has a new Daddy to mind her. Sneaky girl never tells me when she gets collared. Girl, I was planning on a cake an everything. Oooh I'm so going to blow icing sugar on those wings when I see you next.

We've got new people too. Hello to you all. This place wouldn't be the same without new faces, so welcome.

Pull up a stool. Maybe give it a dust first, this place needs a good clean.

James probably gave you all the tour so I won't go through that.

I'm Michelle, the witchy bar tender, Miss if you're kinky, and Skald if you need a Witch.

Yes I cast spells and everything. Though most of my Hexes tend to be on the annoying side.

Oh the last bitch that stole my parking space got cursed to always have her make up run. Try being all snobby when your mascara keeps running down your face and you got panda eyes. Humpf.

Anyway, I got drinks, pastries, and a listening ear. So don't be a stranger.

JAMES!!! Who nicked my witch sign?

Bloody squirrels. Can't get the help these days.

Happy birthday Kistin darling. I'm having the dryad who should have told me about this dunked in warm honey and chased by angry squirrels for not telling me about this one.