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I've been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love I've received after posting the last chapter of " A Year in the Hollow," so I wanted to just say thanks to everyone. And I'm very happy that a lot of readers have already accepted their invitation to the wedding! Of course, I have plenty of other ideas to keep me busy over the summer, so don't be surprised to see my name pop up from time to time. And Eledgy - I'd say the check is in the mail, but my bank account isn't robust enough to pay you everything you deserve. If it wasn't for you, I don't know if I'd even still be writing, so I owe you big time! Thanks again to you all.

We're on a roll, people. Eledgy updated her Variations in the Key of Luke! Chapter 36: Promise Made, Promise Kept

If you need a genuine laugh, go read the latest story from this multi-talented author and pop reference queen, Fish Bag: What's in a Name?

Count me in as believing Beverly is our leaker. I hadn't thought about her then swooping in to receive the undying gratitude of Deacon's fans, but I bet you're right. Didn't we see her saying something like "It shoulda been me!" an episode or two ago? Her death stare at Rayna was probably supposed to be "I'm gonna show you now!" Looks like they are going the flatline route for the season's cliffhanger. Can we hope it's Beverly and not Deacon? I hate, hate, HATE what they've done to Juliette. Blech. I fully expected our spunky diva to strap the baby to her in a sling and go off with Avery to make music. I wanted Rayna to give her advice gleaned from her own days of nursing babies in the backroom of the Grand Ol' Opry. And sorry, PPD or not, believing that a savvy star like Juliette would not have a nanny hired and ready to go is ludicrous. (But then, this is Nashville...) Very disappointed that Avery didn't get to sing with the Exes. Also disappointed that Teddy is still walking around with a whole liver, that Tandy is apparently going to get trashed, and that Jeff is still drawing breath. Hey - there's another liver not doing much good! On the other hand, that scene of comfort between Deacon and Rayna left me very, very happy. More of that, please.

Need a pick-me-up for a Thursday? Go read this funny one-shot: Who Does That? by DSLeo.

Java, I bet you're sorry you pimped me now, aren't you? ;) Oh well, things will be fixed soon! At least now I know what it felt like for the Dixie Chicks...

Can you handle the truth, people? Can you at least handle it better than Lorelai? New story by Fish Bag: Little White Lies

Here's a door I'm sure you'll want to open! New chapter up by Eledgy: The Trouble With Opening Doors Chapter 35 in her Variations in the Key of Luke

Now, none of that, Eledgy! I have so much proof that you're the best beta ever!

My dream team performed: Deacon, Scarlett, Maddie and Daphne! I was completely over the moon. Now if they could just get Wayne Brady to stop by...

She doesn't do it very often, but when she does, it's always a treat! New story from Fish Bag: Bon Voyage, Sayonara, Arrivederci Please tell her how much you love it so maybe she'll write more!

This episode made me happy. The singing combination I've wanted the most (if I can't have Wayne Brady) is Deacon, Scarlett, and Maddie. Aw heck, throw Daphne in there, too. Even let her stand in the spotlight once or twice. Call it "Deacon's Girls" and you're all set. I'm always amazed at how easily these people are able to find a venue to sing in, and how easily they can add or subtract the people up on stage with them. Does that really happen? No one needs to rehearse, or at least set the spotlights, (maybe that's how Daphne was cast into the shadows!), or hook up the microphones correctly? When Rayna went into Maddie's room - the night before, yes? - and told her she was going to be singing the next night, she was all smiles. But in real life, every teenager I know would have been "MOM! I have nothing to wear! I have a zit on my chin! You can't spring this on me like this!!!!!" Hee. At the very least, what about homework?!?! I'm getting a completely different view of Luke's son, Kohlrabi. Maybe he's not all bad after all. What happened to his sister, Cilantro? And DMC, thanks for the chuckle, Luke indeed has 'the depth of a cookie sheet!' Jeff and Layla has me conflicted. The age difference squicks me out, yet they amuse me together. And I remember that the show began with Deacon and Juliette together...ick. I thought that when she told him not to meet up with her, his smile was one of satisfaction, because she was beginning to be strong enough to dish it out to him. What happened to Scarlett's stage fright? It's just gone now? Or at least as long as she can sing with her two exes? I like that they're making her stronger and I like that she not only asked Dr. Cutie out, she went back the next day and clarified how she felt about him. I think there was more I wanted to comment on, but frankly, those few moments of Deacon in the glasses sort of pushed everything else out of my brain. I had no idea I was that shallow.

If you're looking for a great way to kick off your weekend, there's nothing better than a long-anticipated new chapter to read! From Eledgy, Chapter 34 in her brilliant Variations in the Key of Luke. Family Shifts

ElectricBoogaloo, this comment has made me happy all week. I'm never going to be able to see Scarlet's braided tangle again and NOT think of this! My one hope still is that Deacon is going to learn that his mama had an affair and he's got a half-brother out there that he knew nothing about. And that long-lost brother is going to be played by Wayne Brady. Please, show, please.

I have a bittersweet announcement. I'm very happy to say that CoffeeDrinker has posted a new chapter of The Past in the Present... Chapter 8 ...and I'm very sorry to tell you that it's the concluding chapter of this great story.

A lovely, moving story from Fish Bag: The Funeral Grab a couple of tissues and go read this tender story.

Ha, Gooey, that was priceless! Thanks for the sweet sentiment!

CoffeeDrinker updated The Past in the Present today! Chapter 7

Hey, is it cold where you are? Want to feel warmer? You could – Go put on a sweater. Drink some cocoa. Start a fire. Or… Go read CoffeeDrinker’s latest! I absolutely guarantee that you’ll be fanning yourself by the end! Dream a Little Dream, Chapter 2 (And make sure you heed the warning!)

I have no claim to 'write, write, write.' LOL. My advice would be to write a story that makes you happy. There's no guarantee that anyone else is going to read it, or review it, or 'get' what you're trying to say, so it's crucial that YOU are getting joy out of the writing alone. Speaking of joy, I found a story that made me chair-dance, it's so well-done! My Ernest to Your Fountain Head, by citigirl13. It's Rory/Jess, but it's so good I don't even care. Also, Iscah McKrae updated EverFixed Mark.

Blackbird wrote a lovely tribute to mark the loss of Edward Herrmann, Saying Goodbye. (I found that FF is behaving strangely this morning, so if you can't get to the story immediately, keep trying, because you'll definitely want to read it.)

Wasn't that just the best story by Eledgy? I may have to read it about a dozen more times, just for the Jess/Luke section, if nothing else! And here's a wonderful way to ring in the New Year! CoffeeDrinker has updated The Past in the Present, definitely one of my favorite stories! Chapter 6 Thanks for the holiday treats!

'Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the Hollow, Dear Eledgy graced us with a delightful chapter to follow! Variations in the Key of Luke: On the Couch Be sure to write her a thank you note after you unwrap this one!

Cute Christmas story from one of our new authors: Candy, Coffee, and Christmas Morning by KellyKelly08

Here's a story that looks like it's going to be an enjoyable one! Bonfires and Bon Mots by KellyKelly08 Four chapters up already. I've only read the first one so far, but it was very cute! Remember, if you read it and like it, leave her a little review to encourage her to continue. And Java -- thanks for pimping me the last few chapters! It's appreciated!