My darling children,

I am deeply saddened to announce that I am leaving Oasis permanently, effective now. I wish I could explain why, but I can't. They are too complicated, and very very personal and painful.

I removed Tophat's post to/about me with his permission. As I pointed out to him, since no one knows the history of our relationship, much of that post could easily be taken out of context. I keep everyone's personal shit to myself, which is one of the reasons you trust me. I expect you all to give me that same discretion.

I have severe tendinitis in my right arm, so I am going to be forced to drastically curtail my computer time while I'm in Maine this next month. I'll still be keeping an eye on you all (so behave), but I just won't be able to respond as much until it's better. If you need me to comment on something, just post as usual and then PM me and let me know.

HUGS,
Pat

It's been awhile, and we have a bunch of new members, so I thought I'd remind everyone that when I'm not giving sage advice to angst-ridden teens, I write books about angst-ridden teens. And for you, my darlings, they are always available free of charge. I have them available as PDFs, and also as MS Word files. To get them, you have but to PM me and ask. I send you a link to download them (or read them online), so you don't even have to give out your email address. Am I awesome, or what?

I can finally share this very strange occurrence with you guys. About a week after Jon died, I was looking for something on my computer, and I found this mpeg file with a filename that I didn't recognize. When I played it, I found that it was part of a vlog that Jon had been making. I remember he had sent me this piece for feedback at the time, which was, I think, back in 2007. he never did finish it, and as far as I know, this is the only existing footage of him, though his family may have some that I am not aware of.

Raja, my best friend and constant companion these past 13 years, passed away a few minutes ago. There was no fear or pain. He was in his own home, lying on my pillow, covered with a warm blanket, listening to me tell him how much I love him. It was a sad, beautiful moment, and one of countless wonderful memories of him that I'll keep forever.

He was sweet, loving kitty, and he always took good care of me. I don't know what I'm going to do without him.

I love you, Raj.

Okay, so I started reading all about the sexual culture of pre-Meiji Japan, and soon discovered that, just like one has to have some notion of Greek culture to really understand the evolution of Roman culture, the same holds true with China and Japan. So I am going to start everyone off with an article on homosexuality in Pre-Communist China instead. I don't think you will be disappointed, though, because it is really fascinating.

I’m Gay

starting out on the road
helpless: but not alone,
two loving strangers
looking upon creation

hopes and dreams of
careless parents.
A lovely wife,
the terror of children

The teenage years...
A terror.

then the cute boy in german class.
My own terror...
"A boy?"

"A boy?"
"A boy?"
"A boy?"
"A boy!"

"Mom, I'm gay"

Starting out on the road
alone but not so helpless

Jonathan D. Oswald
January 2009
--------------------------------------------------------------

Today's "to do" list includes working on my article about homosexuality in pre-Meiji Japan, "Safe & Bound", my M/M erotica short story, finishing my current chapter of Numen's Trust, the last book in my Chronicles of Firma trilogy, and the content coding for my Young Offenders websites.

My work days may be ridiculously long, but they are never boring.

Jon

http://bit.ly/6M8fkm

I reach to the sky
And call out your name
And if I could trade
I would

I love you.

For those of you who don't normally read Adam A's colorful posts, please take a look at the latest one (1/12/10) entitled מיאוו (meow) (I know, they're all entitled "Meow". That's wjy I put the date there, sillies). In it, I reply with one of my now-famous (infamous?) lectures - one on a topic very near and not so dear to my heart that i'd like you all to read.

Thanks & hugs,
Pat

Just wanted to let everyone know that my e-books are still free to Oasis members. If you enjoy them, and have the means, I hope you will buy copies so that I may eat. If you don't, it's okay though. I'm on a diet anyway.

To get the link to a free copy of Orphan's Quest, just PM me and ask. If you need the next one, Scion's Blood, same deal. The third will be on the way soon (knock wood).

I do like to hear nice things about my books, so if you like them, please let me know. If not, well you know what they say: If you can't say anything nice...

Happy reading!

Hugs,
Pat

Thought I should write you guys a letter before i jump back into commenting on your posts. It's long. I know. All my letters are long. I'm a writer. Writing is what I do. Just read it and hush up.

In case any of you missed the post on Friday by his brother, Jon Oswald, known on Oasis as Commander147, passed away on December 27th. He had been fighting cancer for some time, and now the battle is over. His birthday was in March, so he was almost 22.