The Rosenberg Institute

[EasierSaid]

About four years ago I spent a summer in a tiny Civic with no air conditioning touring battlesites with someone who loved, loved, loved the Civil War (did I mentioned loved?). We're talking Time/Life series of books, Ken Burns documentary (complete with the CDs of music for the car), silly blue cavalry hat... Quite the experience. Ever since I've had a strong affection for the era, and I love what you're doing with it.



What a great idea, outstanding setting and wonderful characters. I crack up every time someone calls Anya 'Harris' and I'm very intrigued by Buffy (er, Anne). Willow as the enterprising, industrious, cross-dressing scientist and Tara as the shy-yet-bold narrator (love that we're seeing things through her eyes, btw)... what a phenomenal playground. I can't wait to see where you go from here (time between updates doesn't faze me , because a fan is a fan is a fan, and I'm a well... you know). As everyone has said before me, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, yet am very inspired by your inspiration (your words in your note were lovely). Great work pips (and so sorry it took me so long to tell you how great I think this sucker is)!

Edited by: EasierSaid at: 12/2/04 8:11 pm

[behindhereyes]

I'm truly sorry to hear about the loss of your sister-in-law, I hope you've been able to find comfort in the time since her passing.





I love this story, you've created a world I couldn't have imagined... it's wonderful.



behindhereyes

Kim

"To the world, you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the world"

[Rhiannon9891]

Pipsberg, I am so sorry for your loss. May the strength in Rachel see you and your family through all that lies ahead, my deepest sympathy to you.



I have been in awe of this story. I love the civil war era. You are able to capture the language and mannerisms so well, plus you have me laughing and wanting more. Just how will Tara be able to keep her hands off Willow? I know I couldn't. Please do continue.



Rhiannon

[wimpy0729]

So sorry to hear about your loss.



I was very happy to see an update, and it was just delicious. Loved the "wanted to crawl inside her and never leave". Wow...what a statement in many ways.



I'd have to say I'm lovin Willow's pants too...and poor Tara having to try to keep her hands off...key word being try.



Take care. More soon please.



Wimpy

[hermitfish]

I was very excited to see a continuation of this story...thanks for finding the time to share this with us. The sensualness of our leading ladies is really unsurpassed...there is such a wonderful slow burn quality to it. The historical background is unique and convincing and delightful and...well I could go on and on.



Aside from the story, I add my condolences to the ever-growing sentiment during this difficult time for you.



~Cyd

---

What is love but whatever my heart needs around

~Trespassers William

[nika]

Wow! Who knew pants could be darned sexy?

[Dazed and Confused83]

This story intrigues me alot! I had to read a few novels set in this time period this semester, and it's fun to imagine Willow and Tara there. I see so much opportunity for angst here... (Which is good as long as it's accompanied by happy parts too ) Can't wait to read more...



~Tiffany

Edited by: Dazed and Confused83 at: 12/3/04 3:08 pm

[Artemis]

Hi Pipsberg. Well, first I owe myself a big smack in the head for somehow managing to miss the first paragraph of your earlier post, otherwise I'd certainly have offered my condolences before now. The way you write of your sister-in-law it's obvious she was a very dear friend, and you're feeling her loss equally keenly. I only hope you continue to treasure what you learned from her as you seem to have been doing so far.



Now, on to the update, and the word that's been rattling around in my brain since I read it is 'charming'. It's also beautifully written, very sexy, passionate and touching, but above all I think it the charm of Tara's thoughts, and her and Willow's interactions. You meld her 1860s 'correctness' (if that's the word) so well with her very real passions and desires, it really is a joy to read.



Willow does sound like she puts on an impressive show as a man, doesn't she? And lucky Tara, she gets to discover the joys of staring at Willow's bottom, in spite of the scarcity of pants for women in those days I wonder whether anyone at the Institute might be trialling jeans for everyday wear? Just a random thought, but you can see where the idea came from, with the two of them enjoying their pre-expedition grope. Tara likes Willow's pants indeed How is she going to keep her hands to herself all night? Or will she and 'Will' have to find a secluded spot at some point?



I'm eagerly looking forward to more, and I hope you continue to enjoy writing as much as I'm enjoying reading this.

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

[pipsberg]

Thanks for all your thoughts for Rachel guys! I never know what to say. I just miss her and it's really damn hard for my family. On to the feedback...



BFR from Paris - That's funny that you should mention 'Tipping the Velvet'. Sarah Waters is a huge influence for me because she is able to take a historical setting and keep it genuine while letting a lesbian romance unfold. I don't think I write like her, but I do share her focus on detail and time. Have you seen the BBC miniseries version of 'Tipping the Velvet'? If not, you must check it out post haste. Thanks for reading and I'm glad you thought it was hot!



frau rosenclay - Thanks frau! I'm glad I'm back too. I like doing this.



JustSkipIt - Thanks again for your sweet words. Wow, erotic. I hadn't really thought of my writing that way but I am flattered that you feel that from this update. Hey, is that your little boy in your avatar? He is just adorable! I'm a surrogate Aunt to my best friend's son and I am just in love with him. In fact I babysat last night so that they could have a date night. Makes me want my own!



Mary - Thanks so much for your thoughts on my loss. I do feel stronger which I like to think Rachel gave me. Thanks also for the great feedback. I love hearing that you are infatuated with my story. I feel that way about the characters... I also feel that way about certain stories on the board so that is a high compliment for me. I love Anya too. I always look forward to her being written well. You are right about the formula that is usually associated with her - *insert rude sexual comment here*. I think that is kind of hard to avoid since that is the way she talks, but it can be done well. I'm happy to see I am measuring up! You also definitely uncovered some more plot twists that will be coming up. As Willow and Tara become more involved, it is clear that they are letting their "secret" be more open. It's not on purpose, it's just human nature. So far, other than Harris, nobody has really seen anything. However there will be some attention to this idea. I also haven't laid out any angst at all yet. If you'll remember back to my initial post, I mentioned this was going to be along story.



Anna - Hey, thanks. I'm just glad you like it =)



Blue - It's not selfish to be pleased that I wrote! I would feel the same way. I appreciate hearing from you and I am so happy you like bold, sensual Tara.



Cameron - Thanks sweetie, she was uncommonly remarkable. =) I was happy to see you post here again. I always look forward to your comments. You brought up erotic again. How exciting. I always think of Tara as the aggressor, mainly because Willow's insecurities and anxiousness always make her second guess her actions. Though Tara is more shy and reserved, she makes decisions and acts on them without doubt. So while Willow may say "I like your boobies", Tara would just grab them. Hmm... yeah Chicago in February is very very cold. They'll have to stay mighty close all night.



Kim - thanks for your thoughts for me and reading the story. Glad you are enjoying it.



Rhiannon - thanks for your thoughts and sympathy. Your "awe" is high praise indeed! I love historical settings as well, and the fact that you find my language and mannerisms well done keeps me writing!



Heather - hey, I hope you are doing as best as you can today (and your entire family). I've never done the Civil war reenactment or tour thing, but it sounds um... neat? I'd rather read about it I'm glad you like the era though. I'm also flattered to hear that you like my characters so much, given how amazing of a writer you are. And not being fazed by the lack of updates is good, because I am nothing if inconsistent Please know that I am thrilled you're even reading RI, the feedback is a bonus. Hang in there Heather.



Wimpy - thanks as always for your feedback. You, unlike me, are very consistent. I appreciate that! Thanks for your feedback and thoughts for me. I love that you use the word 'delicious' to describe this update... that is very nice indeed.



Cyd - thanks for your condolences and your feedback. Slow burn is a great description of what I am going for. Well said. I appreciate hearing how much you are enjoying this!



nika - Well if I was a lesbian in 1860 and have never seen Willow's hot ass in tight pants, I might pass out. I made a point when I wrote this story to throw out what I know now, and pretend I was there... what wouldn't I have known? Women in pants and how yummy they look is just one small example



Tiffany - I am glad to have intrigued you! Thanks for the feedback and I hope you keep enjoying the time period.



Chris - hey, it was great to see you post feedback. I always anticipate a lengthy and thorough response and you have never disappointed. =) First off, no smacking yourself please. I need you in tip top shape for more wonderful writing. I appreciate your thoughts for me. I love your description of the story with words like charming, passionate and sexy. Makes me feel hmm hmm good! Jeans are a great thought lol. It hadn't really occurred to me. I don't know the exact year they were invented, but I don't think it was far off. W & T keeping their hands to themselves will be sooo fun to write in the next update. I am looking forward to writing it as much as you want to read it... thanks again Chris!

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

Edited by: pipsberg at: 12/4/04 10:32 am

[JustSkipIt]

EasierSaid - Given your experience touring the battle sights, I highly recommend a book by Connie Willis called Lincoln's Dreams. Actually I even more highly recommend her Passages and Bellwether. But for the Civil War battleground touring, definitely Lincoln's Dreams.



Pips - Sorry for hijacking your thread for a second.

Quote:

---

Hey, is that your little boy in your avatar?

---

Sure is. That's Ash and I in the Ashvatar. I've got a new one but I don't know how often I want to bug Washi to put up a new one. He's a doll and has enriched my life in every way and every day. We actually went to see our first movie last week (The Incredibles) and my brother baby-sat. Woo hoo for your giving your friend a break.



Debra

Sign the ACLU Refuse to Surrender Pledge

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Martin Luther King

Edited by: JustSkipIt at: 12/4/04 3:15 pm

[sacinema]

Dear Pips,



just read your story in the last few days. And than I had to go over your post to understand what happened. I'm very sorry for your loss. It's hard to loose someone who is very close. I'm feeling with you and your family. Wish you a lot of strength and maybe you find some in writing.



Your story is amazing. I like it a lot. I love AU-Fics very much and especially the historic ones. And at the moment I'm also very interested in the american civil war. Love how you empathize into the characters. I can imagine that women could have acted and think in the way you describe both Willow and Tara. Oh and I so love the idea of Willow as a tomboy. Had to think of Tipping the Velvet. And Anne (aka Buffy?) is a very interesting person also. Think she has some secrets hiding. Anyway I'm looking forward to the next update.

[shuyaku]

Pips,



First off, my condolences for your loss; my mom is lucky enough to be a cervical cancer survivor, so while I can somewhat understand your struggles; I can only imagine your pain. The strength that you garnered from Rachel and continue to gain is a true testament to the light she brought to your world and your family’s.



Now for feedback: The last chapter was HOT! (Yes, all capitals and an exclamation point). I mean, damn! All we’re talking about is a quick jaunt into town, but before we know it we’ve got extra sexy Willow in a blue pants suit – with just enough info about how nicely her ass looks to make us all crazy – and super shy Tara realizing how mighty nice pants suits can be. The actual trip to town is going to be fun – I can hardly wait



Of course at this rate, Anne will know everything about their relationship before the end of Tara’s first week. But none of it comes a crossed as too soon or rushed. This is the time of war and death, hardship and tribulations where waiting can mean never. So yay for them for finding each other and not waiting…



-shuyaku

Oh God, Willow—you’re giving me the gift of Karen Carpenter. Just when I think I grasp the full extent of your love." - Tara

"Why do birds suddenly appear? It’s because, you are queer…" - Willow (Gods Served and Abandoned by AntigoneUnbound)

[pipsberg]

Oh my god, two in a week!Wonders will never cease... I'm in Dallas, a little bored with work, a little tired from flying and a little restless from being away from home.Translation - a small update.

Enjoy!


Debra
- No hijacking detected here.I only sense good intentions.I haven't seen the Incredibles yet.If your son liked it, I am sure I will love it!


sacinema
- Thanks for your kind words.I really appreciate them.I also love seeing you posting on my thread - first time I think?I am happy to see you feel that I am being true to how gay women would act and react in the 1860s.You are like the 3rd person to reference 'Tipping the Velvet' and I am utterly flattered that the thought even crossed your mind.


shuyaku
- Thanks.That is amazing and wonderful to hear that your Mom survived cervical cancer.I believe it is lovingly dubbed "the silent killer" because it hits so hard, fast and quietly.Re: the update -- yay for HOT!with all caps even!!

Hmmm pants.I love a girls ass in a nice pair.I guess I'm not so much a breast girl lol... I am glad you don't feel the relationship is rushed... but yes you are right, Anne (especially being perceptive and protective) won't stay blind to it for long.



• Title: The Rosenberg Institute
• Author: pipsberg
• Feedback: This is my first W/T story, so I would love your honest and constructive feedback. The more encouragement I get, the more I am bound to write!
• Distribution: Please ask me first.
• Spoilers: This story is completely AU and unless you consider the Civil War and events leading up to it to be “news”, you won’t find any spoilers. If I have ruined the history of the Civil War for you, I apologize deeply.
• Rating: At least R, possibly venturing into NC-17 territory. I will give ratings and notes for each part as needed.
• Pairing: W/T
• Summary: As events hurl the United States towards an imminent Civil War, young Tara Maclay accepts a position as a science assistant at a secret teaching institute.






The Rosenberg Institute, Part 13





Rated – PG

After catching our breath in my bedroom, Willow and I quietly exited the floor thorough the back staircase.As we passed Anne’s room Willow reassured me that she was tied up all night with Harris going over some finances.She also noted that while she had once been involved with these meetings after her father and brother had died, she was subsequently asked not to come back when her large charts and graphs frustrated and annoyed Anne and Harris.I could picture Willow in my mind; writing on a portable version of her shrewdly invented white board with various different colors of wax.Though charming, I could see how her detail could get in the way with Anne and Harris’ personalities in the room.

We held hands as we descended the dark staircase; it was a small luxury.I wished that it wasn’t so illicit.When we reached the bottom floor, Willow retrieved my large winter coat, hat and gloves for me and helped me put them on.I smiled at her lovingly as she carefully buttoned my coat up and made sure all my vulnerable skin was covered.Her rapt attention to my comfort was adorable.I then helped Willow with her own overcoat, which I found to be very dashing on her.

Exiting the Institute from the back staircase put us along side the building, where the stable entrance was conveniently located.The freezing night air was an immediate shock on my face.I took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the darkness, lit only by a cloudy moon filled sky.Willow had already arranged to have a small coach ready for us; it was just large enough for two people to comfortably sit in and was pulled by one horse.It was a beautiful gray mare.As Willow double-checked the reins and leads, I gently approached the horse to pet her soft nose.

“Tara!”Willow harshly whispered, “Don’t get too close, she’ll bite your whole arm off!”

I stepped back slightly and looked back and forth between the mare and Willow.

“Is she mean Willow?Why would you use a mean horse as a coach lead?”I wondered aloud.

“I have no idea if she’s mean, I try to avoid getting close enough to her mouth to find out.Horses are just plain evil.”Willow was completely serious and her stern look in the mare’s direction was so plantative that I had to hold back a laugh.

“I’ll be careful Willow” I smiled at her and she smiled back, taking my hand to lead me towards the step of the coach.She held my hand and helped me step up onto the small bench.

I almost jumped when I sat down.I had expected the bench to be ice cold, yet it was warm.I exhaled in a puff of steamy breath and took off a glove to touch the seat under me in wonder.Willow was just finishing climbing in next to me and arranging the leads on her lap.

“The bench is warm Willow!”I stared at her in wonder.

“Oh!That’s the from the hot water compartment you’re sitting on.It’s pretty neat.See, look at the valve over there,” she leaned over me to point to a small covered opening on the side of the coach “A few minutes before you depart, you have steaming hot water piped into that opening which goes into a copper tank.It’s wielded out of the thinnest copper I could find so that it distributes the heat more effectively.There’s a layer of thick foam padding above it and then the leather of the bench.Instant butt warmer!”

Willow was grinning proudly.I shook my head in wonder and leaned close to her.Confident that nobody could see us in any detail in the dark night, I kissed her on the cheek and sighed into her ear.

“I love you Willow and you are just amazing.”

Her grin grew impossibly wider and she squeezed my hand where is still lay on the bench.

“You’d better put your glove back on Tara.And if you think the butt warmer is special, wait until you see this.”

Willow then leaned forward to her left and uncovered two items under a small tarp.One was a lantern, fastened to the outside edge of the coach.She had rigged it in a similar fashion to those in the house, but had added a shield behind it so that all the light was reflected forward.She rolled the flint to turn it on and grinned at me again.Then she moved to the second item she had uncovered.It looked like a small wheel split into two parts.On it each part there was a very small handle and rope wrapped around the wheel portion.She patted it lightly and smiled at it like it was a small child that had just done something precious.

“It’s a crank for the awning!”She exclaimed.

Clearly not sure what she meant, I stared expectantly.I was just waiting to be amazed yet again by her ingenuity.She unlatched some kind of switch on the left handle and began to turn it slowly.I started when there was a scratching noise behind me.I turned in my seat to see a coach’s awning being slowly raised to cover us completely.When Willow was done turning the wheel and the awning was completely in place, she flipped the same switch and then did up two buttons to keep the awning attached to the coach on either side.

“Amazing,” I sighed and my eyes flickered over her face.I was filled with such pride and love for her then, that I had to touch her.I ran my gloved hand down her cheek and repeated myself.

“Amazing,” I signed again.She smiled back sheepishly at me “And cozy too Willow!”With that I snuggled up next to her side, linking our arms and resting my head on her shoulder.She sighed in what I assumed to be contentment and picked up the reins.With that, we started off towards downtown Chicago and the apothecary in a warm, well-lit and covered coach; my dapper lover at the helm.






-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The HoursEdited by: pipsberg at: 12/7/04 6:42 am

[tarawhipped]

Holy fast updating, Pips. What a treat!



I'm so happy to have read this before I go off to bed, cause now I'll fall asleep with happy snuggly thoughts of stolen kisses and touches and...butt warmers.

Quote:

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I wished that it wasn’t so illicit

---

Oh, but that makes it all the more delicious!



It was such a brief description, but I could totally picture Willow standing up with a pointy stick referencing her helpful charts and completely missing the flames shooting out of Anne's and Harris' heads. The horse-fear moment was wonderful, and it's nice to see more of Willow's ingenuity at work. *sigh* Smart chicks are indeed hot, and it's cool that Willow doesn't seem embarrassed by her abilities (a la the show), but takes a childlike joy in impressing Tara.



Can't wait to see what's next. Safe travels, Pips!

-Cameron

Edited by: tarawhipped at: 12/6/04 8:42 pm

[EasierSaid]

Shoot, how sad is it that, from the sounds (or reads) of it at least, Willow's ride is nicer than mine. She's so ingenious, I really like this Edison-like side of her. I'm sure having Tara around, whilst perhaps distracting her somewhat (okay, alotwhat), will help her think of all sorts of fun new inventions. Loved the care Willow showed, both by buttoning Tara up and warning her about the arm-eating mare, and dashing Willow in a nice overcoat... now that's a fun sight for the mind's eye! Great little update, can't wait to see their adventure in town (or, if that's not what's next, whatever you have planned!). Thanks pips!

[meretricious]

ok, i knew the institute was outside of chicago, and i knew they were going into town, but i didn't realize they were actually going into chicago. i guess i was picturing a village at the foot of the institute. did anne not know they were going? I was a little unclear whether she was completely in the dark, or if they were just avoiding rubbing her nose in it.

anyway, most of the roadtrips to chicago i've been on were a blast, this should be, too. sorry you're bored in dallas, but glad of the result~mary

let's do it let's do it let's jump
in with both feet~julia fordham

[photographer02]

I find this recent update somehow cute...awww.....nice way to win Tara's heart?



Please update soon!



photographer02

[hermitfish]

Wowsa...another update already and it's short but sweet. Nice to see Willow's intricate attention to detail showing up in her attentions to Tara. Let's all go to town...Willow in her pants and Tara on her arm...I can't wait to see where you lead us next.



~Cyd

[Artemis]

Willow's gadgets are just adorably Willowish Given her anxiety over horses, I'm surprised she hasn't come up with some kind of proto-automobile It really is sweet how she takes so much joy in being smart, and how Tara appreciates her. A short chapter, but a very sweet one.

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

[Rhiannon9891]

Pips,that was just a wonderful update,and so descriptive.I love ingenious and dapper Willow.

more please.



Rhiannon

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Pips,

The Incredibles is great although I liked it less than Monsters Inc. or Finding Nemo. But the message is wonderful and of course the animation is spectacular. Asher didn't go; he got babysat and Rachel & I went and took our nephew.



Wow, I can't believe another update. What did we do to deserve this? And a lovely update it is too. Much tenderness and touching and gazing at adorable Willow. I'll have to go back and reread to remember if Willow has said that she loves Tara yet or if it is just one-directional at this point. Willow does seem to be the very embodiement of: necessity breeds invention. Well done.

Sign the ACLU Refuse to Surrender Pledge

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Martin Luther King

[behindhereyes]

Wow... quick update. I love Willows inventions.... brilliant and practical . The butt warmer... very cute !





behindhereyes

Kim

[Willow18]

Wow. I just read your story in one sitting and you have sufficiently impressed me with your story. Where do I start?



Crossdressing Willow. How is it that everything that she does is cute?? I think that is a major part of Alyson's/Willow's charm. I can totally picture Willow doing this. (As a sidenote, people usually write W/T weddings with them both in dresses. I wonder if Willow would actually go with a tux? Somehow, she'd manage to look adorable in it.) I like Willow's reason for the crossdressing. Also, the "You went to Boston?!?!" comment had me ROFL.



Tara as the Southern belle. I can totally hear her with the accent infringing on her speech patterns as well a picture her in the period dresses. I like that she has not freaked out by being captivated (and in love with... YAY! ) with Willow. I also like that you have her telling the story.



Harris. OMG. You have taken Anya and placed her in a very stuffy time peiod and still made it tangible that she belongs there. That is a feat unto itself. You have her dialogue spot on.



Brilliant Willow. Well, what else would I expect? I just had a funny thought. Willow, the computer hacker. I just picture her trying to create some early form of comuter-y type system. Or as someone else mentioned, proto-automobile. It would be such a Willow thing. I really like how you show her ingenuity with the white erase board, lamp, and the "convertible" coach.



I am looking forward to your next update with Will and Tara.

[TromDeGrey]

*sigh* God how I love this fic. You know I'm a sucker for the language and you just keep churning it out so beautifully. I'm looking forward to their public excursion together and wondering how Tara is going to keep her hands to herself. I couldn't! I especially like Willow the Inventor. Or maybe the Innovator is a better word. Her extreme intelligence was something wonderful that became so lost in the show. I'm so happy to see it being put on display in this wonderful, wonderful fic. Thanks so much for sharing this!

Trom's Brain: Rubbing the World the Wrong Way

[babyblue]

What an unexpected treat to get two updates in a week! This is a lovely update. It felt very tender and cozy to me, which is ironic given that W/T were heading out into the Chicago winter. (Love the city. Hate the bitterly cold winds that rip across the city like a gash.) I don't think I've mentioned this before, though many others have: I'm so pleased that the story is being told from Tara's perspective AND that this Tara isn't weighted down by ill-use at the hands of her family. She's quite recognizably Tara, but this woman has clearly grown up in a loving family that has sought to encourage rather than diminish her.



I am, I suppose, a little taken aback at the ease with which she accepts her desire for Willow. At the same time, though, Tara has, like Willow, grown up in an environment that prizes independent thought and reason, notwithstanding the prejudices of others. And she lives in a time period where verbal and physical expressions of friendship between women were quite common (no, not *those* kinds of physical expressions. Well, maybe those kinds of physical expressions--with a bit of care, who'd know? But I digress.) Such a woman might well, when confronted with her own desires, simply embrace them (so to speak).



I do love this story. Thanks for deciding to continue it.



--blue

[tarasgirl2]

Yes! I can finally post a message about this amazing fic!

This is just the most gorgeous story pip, thank you so much for writing it! I love the olde worlde setting and the way you write Willow's joi de vivre is stunning. I have been hanging to reply to this fic for ages and guess who finally got off their ass and re-registered? Oh yes, yes I did. arty

Now of course I have to add my name to the list of kittens impatiently awaiting yet another update - we will not be denied Willow's cross-dressing adventures in town!

...y'know, that has a catchy ring to it...

*Sends inspirational sparklies to your creative subconscious*

Bring on the update!



tarasgirl

"No dancing naked, huh? Sigh. It just won't be the same." - Willow

"That's all right, we can save it for later." - Tara

(Wilderness Part 1 by Amber Benson & Christopher Golden)

[Tempest Duer]

Butt warmers! Yay! I'm even more in love with this fic than ever before.

I got bitten by a drunk lesbian! Does that mean I'll turn into one?



~my friend Mary

[pipsberg]

Dearest Kittens,



Well, with the holiday season upon me and a flurry of work travel, I haven't had the time or focus to finish an update. However, I have a great deal started. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and New Year. Hopefully I will post again before 2005!



Cameron - Holy fast feedback Camster! Hmmm, snuggly thoughts before bed are the best. I am glad I gave you some to contemplate. Isn't inventor Willow cool? I always loved how her mind worked and I can just imagine her distinguishing herself in 1860. So... we both apparently have writers block and I am too busy to think hard enough to finish the part I'm working on! Yet, I have enough time to kill a few hours chatting aimlessly. Go figure. See you tonight?





Heather - Thanks for stopping by again. I'm so happy that you love ingenious Willow (They're like action figures... Ingenuity!Willow and Distracto!Tara strike again!!). I just read your newest update this morning and haven't had a chance to leave you feedback yet. I feel the same way about your Tara though - her amazing talent as an artist really shines through and makes her so wonderful to read. Anyway, I am sure I have said it before but I am honored that authors like yourself and Cameron and many others constantly support me with feedback and encouragement.



mary - Yes, into Chicago they go. They aren't exactly rubbing anything in anyone's nose, but Willow is very independent and used to going wherever she wants when she wants, no matter what Anne thinks. She's somewhat impulsive. I'd like to think that Tara is too taken with her to really care what the repercussions might be. However, there will be more in this direction later. Glad to see you on the boards!



photographer02 - Yes! They are adorable. W & T make me go awwwwww every time!!



Cyd - Glad to see you're still enjoying the show!



Chris - Hey! Good to see you posting here, as always. I love that you really appreciate the inventor side of Willow. I thought a proto-automobile might be a bit much, but it is a cool idea. I know the update was short... hopefully I will have a longer one pretty soon now.



Thanks Rhiannon!



JustSkipIt - Hmmm, me thinks you have picked up on something here. Willow has not said 'I love you' to Tara yet. More on this later. Thanks for the constant feedback!



behindhereyes - Hehehe, I think it's great how everyone loves the butt warmer! I used to sit at one when I went to football games with my dad in the Midwest. Leave it to a random childhood memory to spark a funny moment.



Willow18 - Wow, thanks for the first time feedback! It's great to hear from you. Aly/Willow's charm is indeed effortless. Just watching her facial expressions makes me gleeful. Thanks for your compliments to all the characterization, especially Tara and Harris. I'm looking forward to hearing from you moving forward.



Steph - Dude, where's my Laundry fix? I'm jonesing!! I loved what you started with. Are you continuing that thread or starting another? Hook a kitty up! I'm glad you still like the language I'm using. I find that it's hard to not slip into modern speak, especially since I feel like I am recycling so much. Yay for Willow the Innovator!



blue - Have you seen 'Old School'? Your nick made me think of it and I just started laughing. Anyway, thanks for the feedback. I take your point of Tara so easily accepting her desire for Willow. It's definitely unusual. However, as you pointed out, both of them are extremely out of step (ahead that is) with their time. Don't worry, it won't go unaddressed!



tarasgirl - Hey there! I'm glad to see you got registered and all. I'm thrilled to see that you are loving the story. Thanks for letting me know.



Tempest Duer - Butt warmers always make the girls swoon...

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

[Tempest Duer]

What about hand warmers? I'm an expert on those.

I got bitten by a drunk lesbian! Does that mean I'll turn into one?



~my friend Mary

[Irishgrl3]

Wow, I just love "Inventor Willow", you can just see the look on her face as she is working out the ideas in her head and again as she shows them to Tara. Way to impress the girl!

A night in town should be interesting, can't wait for the update.