InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Llama llama DUCK."

Robert Hilliard (robsconfessions) wrote in vrrpg,
@ 2018-09-22 11:22:00

Entry tags:

char: pandora montgomery, char: robert hilliard, time: 2012 09

Owls: A Continuation of Acquaintancing
Who: Robert and Pandora
When: The week of Sept. 16, 2012
What: Robert owls Dora.
Warnings: Likely none

Dora,

I had a lovely time conversing with you last night, but I enjoyed our letters so much that I hope you don't mind this rather than a text message. (Though it is nice to know the option is there should the need arise.) And I do hope that I'm not intruding. As a self-proclaimed introvert, I know how frustrating it can be when someone keeps pestering you when all you want is a moment of peace to yourself to recenter.

I realized that you never did get a chance to answer my question about dueling, though I'm assuming it's because we ran into one another in person before you had a chance to pen a reply. Though if it's because you didn't care to answer, I won't be offended if you tell me to bugger off about it. I was just curious still if going back into the dueling circuit was a goal of yours.

Robert

(Read comments) - (Post a new comment)

pandacharms
2018-09-23 12:01 pm UTC (link)

That does sound quite fun thing to do as a child. I don't believe we really did that. But we were raised to write letters and it's still my preference, even if I have tried to adapt to the times.

I don't want to do anything my children might end up suffering for. Perhaps... If things were a little different. But I don't feel right risking myself so much when I'm the only parent they have left. I never thought I would have children, so they're even more precious for it.

I could take an apprentice for either, really. It's a matter of finding one who wants it enough to settle for me. I've worked hard on improving it but my past still makes it difficult to attract certain things.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-23 07:37 pm UTC (link)

I think my sisters have done it with their oldest children, as well. It's a nice thing for kids, I think, broadens their world view or some such thing. What do I know, though? I'm just the weird uncle. (I say that in jest, of course.)

That just means you're a good, dedicated mum, in my opinion. Not that I had any doubt about that. Your children are lucky to have you, though.

Sometimes I wonder if I ought to have pursued a more academic or magical career path, but I love being an actor. Besides, it gives me an odd schedule with large blocks of time off for me to pursue other things that interest me, which is always nice. I think part of it was that there were just beginning to be whispers about You-Know-Who returning not long after I left Hogwarts, and my family have strong ties in the Muggle world though both my parents are magical, so it made sense for me to slip away there. Perhaps I should have stuck around and fought, it would have been the honorable thing to do, but I'll be honest in that I've never been much of a fighter. I do hope you won't hold that against me in this new friendship.

Though I will point out that you have more than proved yourself an intelligent and capable witch, so any who would hold your past against you likely aren't the sort you'd want to work with anyway. I do hope you'll find someone to mentor who will be a good fit, though, if it's what you want.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-23 07:50 pm UTC (link)

I'll have to keep that in mind for mine when they reach an age it can be done. I do not want to see all of our traditions gone. Texting is wonderful for what it is, and for convenience, but letters... those can be special.

Thank you. I do not always think myself a good parent. It is often trying, and I admit it is difficult being alone in it. Everyone helps, a lot, but ... in the end, it is me, even if my children call my brother their father much of the time, and he fills that role as best he might, generously.

I think it is best to do what you love. While I love dueling, though, I at least have another thing to love, and charms is endlessly diverting, if not as cathartic in nature. Your schedule is enviable, though, so I would definitely count it as a blessing.

[inkspot where the quill rested] The war... is a complicated thing. I was involved in it, as I'm sure you might have heard. But I can tell you now, it is not something I would wish on anybody. Perhaps a decade ago, [spot] I might have been angry with you, that you had not fought, but I was angry and foolish back then. Now I would not wish it on anybody, and I am glad you were spared, for it never, ever leaves you. ~~The scars never go away.~~ So no, I do not hold it against you. Fighting is not for everyone, in any case. ~~It's best left to sharp, angry people like me.~~

And yet there are fools everywhere. Sometimes, when I am feeling generous, I cannot blame them. But then sometimes I see them make a sign towards my children, or whisper, and I know my darkness will make the bigots think unkind thoughts even about my babies ~~and I hate them for it~~. I do think it would be nice to have another hand around the shop, at least. Or perhaps someone to make dance around the ring.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-23 08:05 pm UTC (link)

My parents managed to give us a lovely blend of tradition and progressive ideals, I think. It is good to see the value in some traditions as long as it doesn't blind you to some of the downfalls as well.

As enviable as my schedule sounds, it can be downright grueling during filming, so there's definitely a trade off there. I honestly couldn't tell you how many times I've fallen asleep on set because I'm so exhausted from the schedule. But even so, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I won't lie or feign ignorance. I know enough of what's public record of that time to know that the war was not kind to your family, but more specifically to you. My parents encouraged all of us to essentially disappear from the magical world during the war, though. My mum's a Muggleborn, you see, and she worked in the Muggle world after Hogwarts as an actress all throughout my childhood. We worried for her, of course. And my younger sister's last year at Hogwarts ended with Professor Dumbledore's death, so when things really came to a head, we were all out of school, and it was safest for us to disappear.

I realize, though, that talking about the war is probably difficult for you, so we can stop talking about it, if you'd rather.

For what it's worth, I do not think you should spend the energy to be generous with them or to be angry at them. They don't deserve to have that sort of hold over your emotions. And anyone who would hold your past against your children or treat them as anything other than the beautiful, innocent beings that they are deserve a long walk off a short cliff.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-23 10:39 pm UTC (link)

My family was quite progressive in their own way. Not nearly like some of the other pureblood families. But they were protective and I didn't see the muggle world until I was pretty much grown.

I can believe that. My training schedule for dueling could be quite grueling, even in the off season. But it did help me sleep.

I think I would have fought regardless, but back when I was young I wanted to be an auror very badly. I've always been an aggressive little thing, as my family might say. If I could have hidden my siblings, though. I would have done that gladly.

I remember your sister. I believe we did some projects together. I am glad to hear she's done well.

It isn't the easiest discussion material. But it's easier this way, I think, than if we were face to face. It can be a hard subject. Sometimes it's still too close to my skin I suppose. But I do not mind this way, I think, when I can walk away for a moment without causing offense.

It's hard not to be angry. It's an emotion I'm simply too.. entwined with, I suppose, even if I've learned to be more zen.

For instance, when I was pregnant with Cin, I did end up punching someone who touched my belly one too many times. Fun facts.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-24 12:11 am UTC (link)

That seems a shame to me, to have been isolated from the Muggle world until you were grown. Of course, this comes from a perspective of having been raised in both worlds. As much as my mum loved (and still does love) magic, she wanted us to know the other part of our heritage as well. Nothing can compare to magic, but the Muggle world does have plenty else to offer to make up for it.

I feel like I'm trying to sell you on the Muggle world, which is ridiculous, I know. I just think a lot of the fear in the magical world of the Muggle world stems from ignorance. I'm not one of those idealists that thinks we should out ourselves to the world; I just don't think there's anything wrong with knowing and experiencing and participating in it while maintaining the statute of secrecy. Which is entirely possible, as I and many others have proved.

Was she in your year then? I'll have to ask Elaine if she remembers you too. She was in Ravenclaw like me and has always seemed to have adored her experiences at Hogwarts.

Well, I'm not sure there's much more for me to say about the war, but if you ever do want to talk about it, I'm happy to be a quiet, supportive ear. Or eyes, as it were. And I would never hold it against you if we were talking in person and you needed to step away for a moment, just so you know. Despite the fact that I am a man, I do actually understand tumultuous emotions, and I was raised not to repress them but to process them in healthy ways. Do I always remember to do so in practice? No, but it's a good thing to keep in mind, I think.

And anyone who touches another person without their permission deserves to be punched. Just my opinion.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-24 12:24 am UTC (link)

These days I can understand why my mother was so protective. Her job had her see a lot of awful things in both worlds. Plus both sides are primarily purebloods, so .. it simply was that way. I have learned my way around somewhat though.

No need to sell me on it, though I don't know that I'll ever be completely comfortable in it. Perhaps you'd have to see me in it, but I fit there even less than here. Even when I went dressed appropriately to visit my father on the campus he taught at, I still attracted too much attention.

And with young magical children, it isn't very safe until they gain some control.

I believe she was. I was a prefect and I had a sibling in each house so I got around, so to speak. I spent the most time in the Hufflepuff common room but I did go to the others, though the Gryffindors were not very nice when my brother wasn't around.

You are a very understanding person and I appreciate it. Emotions and I are not always friends at all.

Ha, glad you think so. I ended up being fine thanks to people stepping in for me, luckily. And people largely stopped touching my bump after that. As I've said, I was not the best pregnant woman in the world.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-26 12:04 am UTC (link)

I have a feeling you would draw attention even if you weren't magical, Dora. You have a powerful personality that I don't think is only tied to your magical prowess. Is there anything in the Muggle world that you enjoy doing, though?

Have your children already shown signs of magic? They're so young! I don't know the average age for that sort of thing, but most of my nieces and nephews have shown signs between 4 and 7, I think.

I didn't spend much time in other house common rooms. Gryffindor was never my favorite to visit, though. It was always far too loud.

Well, it is incredibly rude to tough a pregnant woman's bump without permission, so I don't think that makes you not the best pregnant woman. But then, I didn't know you when your pregnant, so it is perhaps a faulty opinion. Or at least a not fully informed one. Either way, I don't think you're as awful as you claim to be, and this opinion comes after spending an evening in person with you. I'd even go so far as to say I'd enjoy spending more time in person with you.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-26 12:17 am UTC (link)

You flatter me, good sir. Though perhaps it is simple that I'm more intense than some. I do not rightly know. As for things I enjoy.. I'm not sure there's anything exclusive to that world. I think I like hunting up antiques and projects almost anywhere.

They have. It's not too unusual in our family, I think. Ainsley and McKay started showing small signs sometime after Cin's birth -- i think they were a bit jealous. Unconscious little bids for my attention. And of course, Cin can't not do what they're doing, so he recently showed a few signs too. Ainsley is notorious for summoning things for her and her brother though. She takes good care of him. Honestly I do rather wish they'd waited a bit; it's a lot of extra work, though I'm happy to say the house is very fire proof. Just in case.

I practically lived in Hufflepuff half the time. But I enjoyed visiting. It's odd to think that I actually used to like people. (Individuals differ from people as a whole.)

I was.. very unhappy, for various reasons. I am very lucky to have them all, but it was very hard on me my body, and that was part of it. ~~It's probably for the best I likely won't have any more.~~ I might, perhaps, have a slightly skewed opinion of my prickly self, but I did enjoy spending the evening with you as well. I admit my non-child time is limited, but I wouldn't mind either.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-26 07:36 am UTC (link)

I think when it comes to finding things to enjoy in the Muggle world, it's more a matter of finding the magic in not actually using magic. Take amusement parks, for example. The mechanics they've come up with to create thrilling rides is ingenious. Have you ever been to one?

That sounds like Ainsley, at least, has already got a measure of control over her magic. That's quite impressive.

Hah, no problem. I can't say I dislike people as a general rule, but I do definitely need my time away from them.

Well, there's always the chance we might run into each other at the park again. I know the weather is starting to turn, but I always enjoy spending time with my family there. The point is that I know you're a mother, and if we're to be friends, it's important you know that I'm not bothered to interact with you while they're around.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-26 01:28 pm UTC (link)

I have never been to one, actually. I've heard of them of course, but I've never been.

She's a very determined child. Gods bless my mother for the poor thing is a lot like me.

I've had enough experiences to sour me on the general population. Individuals make up for some of it.

I do go running almost every day, though I often switch up where I'm going. And I bring the children various places though the weather does influence it. But I'm glad to know you won't mind the children. I've come to realize that most people do, if they're not already attached to them somehow. So feel free to come over if you see us around.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-28 10:39 pm UTC (link)

Well, we're quickly leaving the season for those sorts of things in the Muggle world, but I'd definitely recommend it next year when things open back up again.

Why would most people mind the children? Though, I suppose if one wasn't raised in a large loud family like I was, it could be a bit overwhelming. Regardless, I don't mind children at all.

You know, my mum has been making noises for ages that it would be brilliant to get a children's theatre going in our world, she's just been too busy to take on a project that big herself. I haven't really got the time for a project like that either, but it's something I've been think about more and more lately.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-28 10:52 pm UTC (link)

Good to know there's a season for such things. That's the beauty of magic, you don't always have to wait.

Because they're tiny and demanding little beings who interfere? Not my opionion but I've heard it said. Personally if someone can't stand my kids, that end sup being their problem. I'm glad you don't mind though.

A children's theatre would be great for the kids. But definitely very demanding. If she ever wants to pursue it though, talking to people like Viktor Krum and Genevieve Vipond would be a good idea. Viktor started the little quidditch league and Genevieve runs it now, so they would have the proper connections to help start something. They might at least have some ideas of where to start. I probably even know some people who would throw money at it. I do enjoy going to the theatre, but I could definitely never perform unless it's dueling, which is more... freeform in a fashion, and also in earnest for me.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-28 11:08 pm UTC (link)

But that's the beauty of the Muggle world. The lack of instant gratification makes things like seasonal amusement parks more special.

Building a network of contacts would definitely be the first step, so I'll keep them in mind if it becomes something she decides she want to get off the ground. Or if I do, honestly. Though considering it would be a children's theatre, I think you'd be safe from being asked to perform.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-28 11:22 pm UTC (link)

I suppose so. There is a delightful edge added by waiting for some things, at least. Though generally these days it's managing to eat a dessert or something without having to share it. I swear they can hear a wrapper through a silencing spell.

Or the moment one tries to take a bath. Or as the other day, the moment you get tangled in a sweater and literally cannot go to help them with something this instant.

If you ever do, I can put you in touch. I know people even if I act like an antisocial hermit.That's true, but somehow I don't see my children when they're old enough letting me get away without doing something. I have a feeling that McKay at least is going to want something other than the Little League. It's hard to tell with Cin just yet. Though he does love it when Uncle Hype takes him on a broom ride ~~something Ewan would never have allowed even at the snail's pace they go~~.

So if you did something besides acting yourself, you think it would be something like that?

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-28 11:56 pm UTC (link)

See, it sounds as if the children haven't learned the concept of patience yielding rewards just yet. All in due time, I suppose, as they are still quite young.

Thanks, Dora. Though, you know, even if there is a children's theatre and your children want to participate in it, you wouldn't have to perform yourself. There would be plenty of other ways you could be involved, like helping with costumes or sets. You'd probably be brilliant at it, with all of your charms brilliance.

Now? Yes, if I decided to stop acting, I'd want to get involved in something like that. Before, if I'd never become an actor at all, I probably wouldn't have gone the community theatre route. I'd have probably pursued something with Astronomy. It was one of my favorite courses at Hogwarts.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-29 12:02 am UTC (link)

Not just yet, anyway. Or not enough just yet. Though I do think they know if I tell them something I will follow through with it. Just perhaps not as fast as they would like.

I know. And set work would likely be a good spot for me, as you've said. As it is, I'm very good at parties so long as you don't want me to be the one who sparkles. But I'm devilishly good at making glitter get all over everyone else. Best part? I don't have to clean it up.

Astronomy, huh? That's an interesting one. I always did enjoy it, though I didn't pursue it very hard. I do love star gazing still though. And someone showed me some of the pictures that that big telescope in space takes in the Muggle world, and I love them. If my life had gone differently, I would likely be an Auror now, pursuing things much like my mother in many ways, I suppose.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-29 12:33 am UTC (link)

I could tell you were the devious sort, but glitter? Really? That's just cruel! Though I do know children tend to love that stuff. Just wait until the children start throwing tea parties and from my understanding there is always glitter involved in tea parties, if my nieces are to be believed.

Oh yeah, I've always loved stargazing. I imagine I might have pursued an education in the Muggle world in astrophysics after Hogwarts if I'd not gone into acting. The Muggles, as I said before, have been rather brilliant in many ways, and their space programs are definitely one of them. Did you know they've been to the moon? That's something I would love to do someday.

You have mentioned having wanted to been an Auror before. Is that something a part of you still wants? If you don't mind my asking.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-29 12:42 am UTC (link)

Why thank you, I love when people notice my stellar evil qualities. Glitter is my grade A evil deviousness, so beware. If you have glitter loving nieces and get on my bad side, I will send them an envelope full just for you. [doodle of an evil face]

I don't have the math talent for anything like that, from what I understand it does call for a lot of that. But it is interesting and that is one thing I've read a bit about on the Muggle side of things. Fascination with far off worlds and such, I suppose. But nothing I'd be good at, just fascinated by. And I would love the ability to go to the moon, though from what I understand they don't anymore. I mean, that's such a waste! I'm certain you'd be brilliant at it all though.

I suppose not anymore, and it is an impossibility anyway. My record precludes me doing so, though I've worked alongside the aurory a time or two at the shop, making specialty items for those who suck it up enough to come ask me for them. It was the dream of a child ~~and that child died when she was young~~. I do enjoy what I do now quite a lot, and keep it varied, so I'm content enough. It's much more than most people get out of life, and I'm grateful for it.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-29 12:53 am UTC (link)

I will make my best effort to not get on your bad side, then.

It does involve quite a bit of math, but I do enjoy that as well. More than one person told me I was wasting my brain by becoming an actor, but I suppose that's the trade off for following one's passion. I have studied it a bit on my own, but not enough to make me an expert on the topic by nay means. And no, they don't go anymore, though I think it's more to do with the costs not outweighing the benefits. Besides, I think they're more focused on figuring out how to get a manned mission to Mars at this point.

I think getting to enjoy what you do is the very least people should try to get out of life.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-29 01:02 am UTC (link)

I enjoy it, I'm just sorely out of practice, I suspect. I always did enjoy Arithmancy and Runes, and that did contain a surprising amount of math. But I don't think I"m up to the level they have for that sort of thing. It is quite amazing.

It's not wasting your brains. A bit of a trade off, as you say, but you're still using it, just in a different way. I think people underestimate that kind of thing in people who are drawn to the arts. That's not a mistake I make, in general. Being creative is not an easy thing.

Ah, Mars. And wouldn't that be quite extraordinary? A whole other planet. I wonder if magic would work on it the same way it does here, or at all. Can you even imagine? I've read a few ancient treatises on going other such places, though of course as far as anyone knows, no one has actually made it there (or if they have, they did not survive it). I keep waiting to see if the Muggles discover old bodies of wizards who got there and died or some such.

This is one of the rare times I admit I find the Statute limiting, as I don't think one side or the other can do it alone.

Very true. I know for many it's less a matter of choice than need, and I've been in that position too. The kindness of others has always been a great boon, as awful as it has made me feel on occasion.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-29 01:53 am UTC (link)

I did very well in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes as well. I loved the core magics, of course, but those subjects took the theory behind magic that much further, which appealed to me greatly. It still does, honestly. I'm more than just an awkwardly handsome face.

Well, I appreciate you saying that, but it is something I've been told many times. Though I do agree that people often seem to underestimate those who are drawn to the arts. I definitely think there should be more value placed on them in general. They bring the world to life, giving the world color and beauty and passion.

It would be quite so. And I agree that it's something that likely will only be achievable if we could get both worlds working together on it. Even if they did so without sharing it with the public, so respecting the Statute as much as possible, would probably bring about some brilliant advancements. Perhaps if your mum gets elected you can start whispering in her ear about it. And yes, it would be fascinating if human remains were discovered on another planet. Imagine the stories people would make up of them!

I don't think it should ever make a person feel awful to need help. We all need it from time to time in a variety of ways. It's not a matter of weakness or ineptitude but simply a part of being human. But that mindset is also a part of why I'm so dedicated to humanitarian efforts when I can squeeze them into my schedule.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-29 02:07 am UTC (link)

I use a good deal of Runes and Arithmancy with more advanced Charms work, believe it or not. If you like those, you'd probably appreciate some of my projects. Even the tents use a bit of it, the poor boring things. I rarely try anything too new without having done equations to make certain it's not going to literally blow up on me. I don't fancy being exploded.

I've never thought you only a handsome face. Granted, I'll give you that you definitely have a handsome one, but I don't think even if we hadn't been conversing, that I would think you merely that. The true Idiots have that dead-eyed look to them, even the handsome ones, and then they open their mouths, and even that is ruined for them. I'll never deny admiring an aesthetic but it has to hold up to something more.

It's a pity they say such things. Personally, I'd punch them and they'd likely stop saying it, but you probably shouldn't take interpersonal advice from me. Though your pretty face could probably get you out of it [silly face doodle]

I'm definitely wary of breaking the Statute, for many reasons, but I think I would for that. That would be a project to work on. Even if it never happened in my lifetime, that would be a project. Ha, I might have to whisper to my mother about it. I doubt she'd listen, but what a lofty goal to aspire to.

I would definitely read a story like that. Or watch a movie. Imagine the muggles trying to explain it away. I sometimes wonder, after reading some novels, if some of those "ufo" things and aliens were really just the magical world.

I am not very good at accepting help or being weak. I much prefer to be able to give people things, instead of taking. But I've been in both positions. These days I can afford to give back when I can, and I try to. Nothing big or anything, just what comes to me at any given time. I think it's admirable that you do the same when you can.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

robsconfessions
2018-09-29 02:21 am UTC (link)

I have no doubt that I would be fascinated by some of your projects. Perhaps once I have some time off, I'll come pester you in your shop and take a look at what you've got going on. But yes, please don't explode yourself.

Awkwardly handsome. Let's be realistic here. I know mine isn't a traditionally handsome face, and I'm okay with that. But thank you for recognizing that I do, in fact, have more going on between the ears. And I won't be punching anyone. First, anyway. I'm not much of a fighter, but I'll defend myself when I have to.

It would be brilliant. If you do manage to whisper it to your mum, you'll have to tell me how it goes.

Hah! It's entirely possible. I think a lot of the things Muggles have conspiracy theories about involve magical incidents that have been covered up.

Well, perhaps if you remember that other people likely feel the same way, preferring to help than needing help, it might make it a little easier to accept in the future? Like accepting their help is also doing something positive for them. And paying it forward is always a good thing.

Robert

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

pandacharms
2018-09-29 02:31 am UTC (link)

You're welcome to come by my workshop sometime when you have some spare time. I can always pull out one of my more interesting endeavors for you to look at if I have nothing out at the time. And I will endeavor to stay in one piece. I've enough scars as it is, anyway.

I think you underestimate yourself. You might be a bit awkward with the fans, particularly the ones who try to plaster themselves against you in a bar, but the looks are quite there. Personally, though, that traditional perfect polished look is not the most attractive anyway. It's the imperfections that make one more fascinating, I think. But I am perhaps odd in that manner. I've never had purely typical tastes ~~which my husband proved, though I thought him very handsome in his own way~~.

Well definitely. I couldn't leave you out of a conspiracy like that.

That is likely true. I am not very 'up' as someone said the other day on what the conspiracy theories are, but I can guess that wizards and witches have managed quite a lot over the years.

It helps only somewhat. I have rather more pride than is necessarily needful in any one individual, possibly as it's the only thing I did have at certain points in my life and I cling to it vociferously. I can at least admit that flaw in myself. But the last few years have taught me a fair amount about accepting help, at least from those I love.

I just manage to grumble like a bitchy witch about having to do so. I keep trying to convince my brother it's one of my more charming aspects, but all he does is laugh at me.

Dora

(Reply to this) (Parent)

(Read comments) -