MinervaFan

In the Break Room for a little while. Hope you are all having a great New Year's Eve. Luke and Tracy walk alone together in the snow, quiet, not really talking. She's wearing his coat, and he's got his arm around her shoulders. It's not really what either expected to be doing on New Year's, but it's okay. They're okay. They see the lights in the harbor, so many parties going on, so many people eagerly pursuing that greatest of all treasures...fun. She wishes she could be content with fun. She had been for so many years, recklessly shallow in her joy, caught up in the surface pleasures of life. It would make it easier somehow--a fabulous party, a fabulous dress, great food and more alcohol than any one person should consume in one sitting. He wishes he were more anxious, wishes his feet were more miserable in this one place where he's been for far too long. It used to be so easy to leave--his kids, his friends, his sad, familiar life. It would make things so much easier somehow--disconnected from his feelings, another woman in another bed, another city that meant more to him than the people in it. He's changed. And so has she. They walk together in companionable silence, hands reaching of their own accord to lace together. For warmth, of course. For connection. They can hear the beginnings of midnight rippling through the town. It comes in the form of music, and horns, and muffled party sounds from behind closed doors. "It's midnight," she says. "It's midnight," he echos. "Yeah." She looks up at him. It's the first new year they've spent together, at least at this magical moment when the entire world--or at least the East coast--seems to come together for one giant moment of joy. "Happy New Year," she whispers. Luke looks into her eyes, trying to be upset that he isn't more upset. Trying for force himself to wish he was elsewhere, like he always wished he was elsewhere. But she's lovely tonight, and that's good enough for him. "Happy New Year, Wife," he whispers back, leaning over to kiss her gently on the lips. She kisses him back, tenderly, a pretty response. She wishes she hadn't become so relevent over the last year. He wishes he hadn't become so comfortable. But it's New Years, and not all wishes are meant to come true. He kisses her again, deeper this time, and she doesn't refuse. All around them, Port Charles parties like there's no tomorrow. But on one lonely stretch of dock, two changed people find happines in their own private celebration. See. I TOLD you I was going to get my New Years Eve kiss!

I'll be in and out, but if anyone wants, I'll be in the Break Room: http://pub13.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/1049349012

My letter to ABC Soaps In Depth: I am beyond outraged at the rumors of Stuart Damon's firing from General Hospital. Not only is Damon a wonderful actor and a daytime legend, the character of Alan Quartermaine is a pillar of the entire General Hospital family. The decision to kill off his character is yet another ageist, short-sighted, and disrespectful act by an administration that clearly does not care about the history of the show, or the long-time fans who remain loyal to characters they've grown up with. I hope this is just a rumor and that Alan Quartermaine will continue on General Hospital. But if it's not a rumor, I truly hope that this decision to fire Damon, along with all the other veteran cast members dumped without respect or dignity, comes back to haunt The Powers That Be at ABC. DB Louisville, KY

To anybody who was in the Break Room last night--woot! I figured out the problem with the sound on my computer. To quote Keith--"Animals and computers. Oi." MsQ, saw Miracle. Loved the song MUCHLY. Not so much with the motion sickness from the video. (KIDDING, Stace. I know you--you'll take me seriously and send me virtual Dramamine.) Actually, it was really cool. In between working on the Birthday Zine, I was inspired to make this. It's a video to Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill," from her CD, The Whole Story. "Running Up That Hill" From: Hounds of Love Written by Kate Bush It doesn't hurt me. Do you want to feel how it feels? Do you want to know that it doesn't hurt me? Do you want to hear about the deal that I'm making? You, it's you and me. And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, And I'd get him to swap our places, Be running up that road, Be running up that hill, Be running up that building. If I only could, oh... You don't want to hurt me, But see how deep the bullet lies. Unaware I'm tearing you asunder. Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts. Is there so much hate for the ones we love? Tell me, we both matter, don't we? You, it's you and me. It's you and me won't be unhappy. And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, And I'd get him to swap our places, Be running up that road, Be running up that hill, Be running up that building, Say, if I only could, oh... You, It's you and me, It's you and me won't be unhappy. "C'mon, baby, c'mon darling, Let me steal this moment from you now. C'mon, angel, c'mon, c'mon, darling, Let's exchange the experience, oh..." And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, And I'd get him to swap our places, Be running up that road, Be running up that hill, With no problems. And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, And I'd get him to swap our places, Be running up that road, Be running up that hill, With no problems. And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, And I'd get him to swap our places, Be running up that road, Be running up that hill, With no problems. If I only could Be running up that hill With no problems... "If I only could, I'd be running up that hill. If I only could, I'd be running up that hill." ©1985 Novercia Ltd. *waves to ANGEL*

Break Room? http://pub13.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/1049349012

Proofreading already done on Fear Not. Clean versions of Luke and The Same Place would be GREATLY appreciated and a time saver! Thanks.

knh, I totally understand your feelings on the Frons thing. I'm of the "do no harm" variety, but then I think about all the jobs and lives his incompetence has affected, all the good and talented people who are being pushed out of their livelihoods by his decisions, and I wonder which is the greater ill--to wish him out of his job or to do nothing and let all those other people lose their jobs? But I've already signed it, so it's out here. Don't worry about the picture. Time is of the essence, so I've decided to go with a cover graphic. I've already begun the proofreading process on the stories I'm going to include. Once I've done that, I'll begin figuring out a format (trying to remember that this zine is being sent to a woman with 60-year-old eyes.) MsQ, I'm downloading your new video now. I've also sent you my beta on Chapter 89 of Oh, Baby. Question on the Tracy-Sam spoilers--when is this all supposed to happen? I've not seen a single episode of either GH or OLTL this week, so I have no idea what's going on. (Let me guess--somebody is lying about who fathered her baby, and somebody else is involved in a mob story? Am I close? Am I?) What I'm asking is, should I watch live on Monday? It will be the New Year's episode, and though I'm pretty positive (shut your eyes, Lainey) that I'm not going to get my NYE kiss, we probably will get at least a token Tracy appearance, right? Right?

Hey, lovelies! Anybody wanna sign a petition to have Frons fired? I realize it's serious karma for someone who spent most of the 2000s so far un- or underemployed, but I signed it anyway. In the Break Room, if anybody's interested.

MsQ, I absolutely love the icon, but unfortunately I can't use it in LJ. They have a size limit of 40K for icons, so it's too big. But thanks for trying. Think there will be any Tracy on today?

Crack me the fohrk up, MsQ. I never even thought of it that way. Didn't she also wear it the day Bobbie threatened to b*tchslap her all the way to the Canadian border? Or was the GREY dead animal choking her on that day? I didn't think she'd be on for 24 days in a row (gawd, I hate the "24" premise SOOOO much--what a gimmick), just that she'd be wearing the same outfit everytime she showed up during that month. And with Tawny Madison dressing them, it'll probably jungle prints and a babushka. Or an oriental print mou-mou with black slacks underneath. OH PLEASE let her come over from a business meeting at ELQ wearing her Olive!Suit!!!!!! I've been very good this year, Santa, and I won't ask for anything else ALL YEAR LONG.... ETA: I am so making a liar of myself. Santa, cover your ears. MsQ, is there anyway (pretty pretty please) that you could make a 100x100 LJ sized version of your new avatar? Or could I just steal it at the current size? I'm so madly fracking in love with it. Puh-lease? Santa, you can listen again. I was serious about that black business suit with the yummy skirt. SERIOUS, dude. And I've been very good.

OMG. GH is doing a "24" series for Feb sweeps? *thinking back to thehideous green animal that died around Tracy's neck during the Monkey Fever storyline* Please Please Please, Tawny Madison. If we're going to see Tracy in the same outfit for 24 episodes, PLEASE make it a sexy one! Or at least a flattering one? PLEASE?

ILTQ, I have no problem with venting. I do have problem with negativity that runs out of control. I have had to leave chats, stop going to boards, and even cut ties with friends on account of intense negativity in the past. There's a line between normal expression and seeing the absolute worst in every situation. This board is very good about it, but there are many boards out there where it's common practice to trash actors, bash characters, flame members, and just cause overall disharmony. FWIW, I suffer from clinical depression and have a tendency toward negativity. In my case, too much of it can be deadly. For my own peace of mind, I have to be diligent. I do not presume to tell other people what to feel or what is appropriate when expressing themselves. But I can and will monitor my own expression, for my health's sake. I will also remove myself from situations that become too negative, because my brain chemistry causes me enough pain without help from others. Just my two cents.

Welcome Back, Nex. I'm POSITIVELY happy to see you. Oh, and a fic update to those who weren't in the Break Room last night--the AU story has taken a spin in my head, and it's actually going to be longer than I thought. Marco and Tracy have put a spin on the storyline, and I can't go back now. At this time, the story is 87 pages long (38,800 words), and it's about 2/3 of the way through. I'm not sure how long the final draft will be, but it will be LONG, a short novel. Not sure how this happened, not sure why I'm doing this to myself, but there we are.

Just wanted to apologize for my negativity on the JE forum (in case anybody has read those comments.) I got less than 3 hours of sleep, and the spoiler speculation set me off. I'll try to maintain my positivity, guys.

Break Room? http://pub13.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/1049349012

OT: Got this off SZ: Ilene Kristen (Roxy, OLTL) Blasts Frons. She basically refers to Frons as a dictator, but not in so many words. I think TQ needs to stage a hostile takeover of ABC/Disney and clean house. First to go? Frons, and his winged monkeys. I also want her to put sugar in his gas tank, although we all know I would never suggest such an act of vandalism, even as performed by a completely fictional character. Never. She's not on today, is she? Of course she's not...

Re 2007 SPOILER..... To quote Tracy: I may puke. Oh, and I don't care how sweet dogs are when you're with them, at night, when you're in bed? Dude, they're all a bunch of wallet-emptying hoodlums. Mid-morning ETA: I should take this as a good thing. If they're attaching Jane to all these IT girls (Sam, Lulu), then it means they want her on screen and working. But SPEW! Sam? SAM? Spew. Last time I saw Tracy and Sam in a scene together, Sam clocked her. AND got away with it. I want payback. I want Sam in a noose...erm, neckbrace. /end spoiler

News: I FINALLY saw Monday's episode!!! Damn, it was like Tracy was a real character, with lines and stuff! Don't tell TIIC--they might notice that she had something to do and put a stop to it. MsQ, I will agree that our girl looked great--I like the natural-looking hair. It looks like she's lost a little weight in her face, too--not too much, please. I prefer her with more weight than rail-thin like she was in the 80s, thank you. Oh, and while we're discussing her appearance, was that shirt camouflage? Maybe it's been throat-deep in hunting country, but it definitely looked that way to me. I really actually liked it--I loved that she was wearing something that fit rather than floated on her. As for the actual scenes, YAY. YAY YAY YAY YAY! Tracy being Tracy again--smart, funny, observant and ignored. She's Kassandra Quartermaine, you know. She tends to be the one who figures things out, the prophet nobody ever listens to. I'm absolutely sure that if the family increased their "taking Tracy's advice" ratio to, oh, maybe even 10%, they'd have significantly fewer disasters. But like King Priam's daughter, Tracy's cautionary words are never heeded, and her observations are ignored. And now the empire Edward and Lila made seems to be going the same way as Priam and Hecuba's Troy--straight down the toilet. I seem to recall a prophecy Tracy made in a clip back in the late 70s.....(flashback music and effects)... And unto you shall come one called Frons, Who shall bear promise of great riches and power. This is the mouth of the serpent, which shall hiss and charm, Bringing only death and destruction to the House of Edward. Upon his ascent to power, the Snake will destroy all that is strong And raise the weak to power. Good shall be hollowed, and Wickedness raised next to the shrines of the Gods. All fire and devastation will rain down around you, Yet the minions of Frons will dance and sing in futile merriment. It is the end of things. It is the end of all things. I am certain I remember that scene--oh, wait. Maybe it got cut, just like most of Tracy's imporant scenes were destined to become cut....when the Great Serpent arrived at the gates of Troy...erm, Port Charles. Okay, since I am apparently feeling creative, guess I'll go work on the AU story before getting ready to go over to the grandmothers' house.

A Night in the Museum: Good movie. The Pursuit of Happyness: GOOD movie, but sort of a bummer on Christmas Eve. Dinner for Two at The Melting Pot: Mmmm...expensive, but oh-so-satisfying. Having online friends like you guys?: Priceless. I have been working out the plot of the AU story in my head all day, and guess what? I may have figured out a way to finish it before Christmas 2010. Woot. Have a great Christmas, ya'll. Be safe and be happy. Fey and I send our love.

Yippe-tie-yie-yay! Christmas Eve greetings from Bronco Deb, the biggest, baddest cowgirl on the Tracy Quartermaine Lovefest. LOL. Five of The Redneck's horses got out of the pen this morning, and guess who helped get them back in? Actually, I stood there with a bucket of corn guarding the three that didn't leave while The Redneck and Fey's mom ran out to try to "corral" the five hooligan equines. They are so busted. Oh, and I'm slowly watching the Carrie scenes from Guiding Light. She's totally freaking me out. Keith hit the nail on the head--it's the voice. Tracy (at least now) uses her chest voice; it's lower pitched and fuller. Carrie (and young Tracy) uses head voice--much thinner, reedier quality, higher pitched. Also, Carrie bounces. She's downright...dare I say it...perky. Keith assures me this just proves JE has a great range as an actress, but it still creeps me out. I don't even want to consider a ... perky ... Tracy Quartermaine. That would hurt my psyche to the point where a team of Johns Hopkins psychiatrists couldn't straighten me out. Oh, and Carrie with that scarf wrapped around her head (I think it's part 3) looked SO much like a young, pre-Cagney and Lacy Tyne Daly. It's weird, huh. ETA: More on Carrie--she was beautiful in the gown. But the music on this show sux. Seriously sux. The 50s sitcom music they play when Ross is on camera is just annoying. I'm so spoiled. Oh, and I still haven't watched Monday's show.

wow. Wow. That Christmas episode...with the exception of Ned's scene with Alexis...was...lame........ Lame-OH. Serious with the lame-i-tude. Man, it's so lame, it's got me talking like Spinelli. This is not good. Still haven't seen Monday's ep, but please tell me it's better than the Christmas episode. ETA: Watching YouTube on dial-up is slowwwww..... It gives me lots of time to be freaked out by Carrie Ross. I mean, whoa, are we talking the anit-Tracy or what?

Anybody interested in the Break Room? Probably won't be on for long... http://pub13.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/1049349012

Zanne, I love your Q's Hostile Takeover of General Hospital scenario. Where do I sign up? I've already shot off an email to Frons and Phelps. Who else should I target, and do you have an email address? Any suggestions on the tack I should take to be more effective? It looks like I'm not going to havea lot of computer time for the rest of my life...erm, I mean, for the rest of the holiday season. I will be on as much as I can, but let me just take a moment to wish everybody a great holiday--Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Yule--whatever you celebrate, or even if you don't celebrate anything. I hope you have a great couple of weeks while the madness whirls around us all. And I STILL have not seen either of Tracy's episodes this week.

PinkPopsicle has a David and Dorian site. I'll see what I can find. ETA: Here is the link for photo page on PinkPosicle's D/D site: http://www.daviddorian.name/pictures/index.html. Any of the pics would be okay. Thanks for doing this--Fey will be thrilled. At least Tracy is on....but no dialogue? *kicks imaginary tv* Come on, morons. The woman can act circles around half the cast with her brain tied behind her back. Give her something to do, already!

Dude...I'm having an Alexis-Spinelli moment--my boss made brownies with CHOCOLATE BARS in the middle! I'm totally munching out. Leftovers definitely to the break room. Hey, Fey wants to know if you'd make a David/Dorian banner like your "All I Want For Christmas" banner for her? If you need pics, I can probably get some. She's like, WHO DID THAT COOL Luke/TRACY banner, and how can I get one with D/D? I'm like, MsQ, and I can ask. Jeezhes. I do sound like Spinelli, don't I? ILTQ, loved your poll on SZ. No ambiguity there about the Q's, huh? Yes's down the board. I'm telling you--Frons and Guza and Phelps are on C-R-A-C-K. And it ain't pretty. Tracy today? Please. I still haven't seen Monday. I went to sleep last night, rather than stay up and watch. I'm soooo tired all the time.