Grasshopper - Awesome Author    Grasshopper
 Jamie has "retired" from writing
 Fourteen Recommended Works
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A quick word from Jevic
     Grasshopper caught my attention a long time ago. It was 2012 to be exact. Grasshopper (Jamie) has since retired to move on to other things. Be sure to read is goodbye mesage at the bottom of this page. I am just glad Grasshopper left some absolutely wonderful stories behind for us to enjoy over and over again.
     Jevic, The Tarheel Writer

    Recommendations are presented in alphabetical order.

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"Beyond the Rain"
 by Grasshopper
 Beyond the Rain by Grasshopper
Link verified to Iomfats.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Story Notes: Adult Friends
Not Rated
9 Chapters with an Epilogue (26,259 words)
Completed 13 September 2005
Added 20 September 2024 (archived/word)
    When I was about eleven, I began to realize that I zoned out on the teacher because I was watching Teddy Gleason draw little cartoon figures on the back of his notebook. Now, that in itself is nothing because a teacher talking about energy pyramids and food chains can only hold your interest for so long. A kid's attention span is about as long as a gnat's tongue. But, what began to bother me was that it wasn't really the little figures Teddy was drawing that got to me. It was his hand. The way it closed in around his pencil and then the way he'd shove his hair out of his face with the other equally attractive hand. Why was I watching Teddy's hands? I would cruise my attention over to Marybeth Kelly and watch her twist her long red hair around her finger and wait to feel the same little tingle. Shouldn't her hands interest me more than Teddy's?
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"Dreamchasers"
 by Grasshopper
 Dreamchasers by Grasshopper
Link verified to Iomfats.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Story Notes: Adult Friends
Not Rated
20 Chapters with an Epilogue (112,973 words)
Completed 5 April 2005
Added 29 Sept 2012 (archived/word)
    Dreamchasers takes place in New Mexico and the story revolves around Jase, a hunky veterinarian, his 10 year old son Davy and a Native American Indian from New York, Cody. It's a story of murder, multiple murders in fact with a plot so twisted that you'll be hanging on every word. Put this story on your short list!
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"In a Heartbeat"New Suggestion!
 by Grasshopper
In a Heartbeat by Grasshopper
Link verified to IOMFATS.org/Grasshopper/ on 18 December 2024
 Story Notes: Life, Wonderful Fulfilling Life
Not Rated
1 Chapter (16,849 words)
Completed 6 July 2005
Added 9 June 2024 (archived/word)
    "David made wrong choices and then have to live with them. He had let people arrange his life, from his job to his sexuality, and the frustration of it all was eating him alive."
    Marcus slammed his laptop shut. What a bunch of whining drivel. He didn't want to write about himself. There was nothing to say. If he kept this up much longer, he'd never ever get his novel written. He was just putting his frustrations on the screen. No one wanted to read about his screwed up life.
    Thanks Rigel, for the recommendation! I have no idea why I waited so long to add this from my Short List. Well, here is it and it's by Grasshopper, so you know it will be awesome.
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"In the Blink of an Eye"
 by Grasshopper
 In the Blink of an Eye by Grasshopper
In the Blink of an Eye by Grasshopper
Link verified to IOMFATS.org/Grasshopper/ on 18 December 2024
 Story Notes: Life, Wonderful Fulfilling Life
Not Rated
1 Chapter (6,712 words)
Completed 8 May 2006
Added 5 December 2006 (archived/word)
    Something happened by the river that day. Two strangers became friends, two lonely boys found a kindred spirit. Like the little birch trees, they turned their faces towards the sun for the warmth. Like the saplings, the boys felt the first nourishment, not from soil and water, but from knowing someone liked them just for who they are.
    Life really does pass by in the blink of an eye. Read along and follow the path of life with Billy and Simon. The things they dreamed of when they were young, the fear that kept secrets, going different directions ... it's all here in this wonderfully told story.
    NOTE: 17 July 2018 - Just read this story again and the tears are rolling down my face. I'm a sucker for this type of story and Grasshopper certainly has filled the bill! What an awesome story of love!
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Just Hit Send Series
 by Grasshopper
 Link verified to Iomfats.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Story Notes: High School, Young Adult
57 Chapters in 4 Parts
Completed 14 July 2006
Added 29 September 2012
    I was fooling around on the IOMFATS website and stumbled onto the stories by Grasshopper. So I gave it a go. Two days later I emerged totally drained. I had gone through four boxes of Kleenex and had gone without any sleep whatsoever. So if you just click the link, hehe, be prepared. This is one awesome story! In fact, everything written by Grasshopper is fantastic! Read! Jordon, the main character and Danny go through an ordeal that will take your breath away. I won't go into any details 'cause that would spoil the story. All I can say is that this story (and all Grasshopper's stories) are highly recommended.
Just Hit Send PART ONE
"The High School Years"
 by Grasshopper
 Just Hit Send - The High School Years by Grasshopper
Link verified to Iomfats.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Not Rated
Story Notes: High School setting
19 chapters
Completed 5 July 2003
Story added 29 September 2012 (archived/html)
    Jordan plugged the power cord into the huge battery operated surge protector, sat down in his cushy new chair with the movable arm rests, propped his long legs on the Altec sound box and pushed the 'on' switch.
Just Hit Send PART TWO
"The College Years"
 by Grasshopper
 Just Hit Send - The College Years by Grasshopper
Link verified to Iomfats.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Not Rated
Story Notes: College, Drama
11 chapters
Completed 23 September 2003
Added 29 September 2012 (archived/html)
    Jordan leaned back lazily on the park bench watching his son rough and tumble with 3 other little boys, their game of soccer more resembling a free for all in a monkey cage, rules somewhere between counting to 1,2,3 and wheeeeeeeeeee!! The day was cool, the sky clear with just a few fat clouds scudding across the wide expanse of blue.
Just Hit Send PART THREE
"The Interim Years"
 by Grasshopper
 Just Hit Send - The Interim Years by Grasshopper
Link verified to Iomfats.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Not Rated
Story Notes: Drama, Angst
12 chapters
Completed 26 December 2003
Added 29 September 2012 (archived/html)
    Jordan sat on the edge of the bed, his hand gently stroking Josh's cheek as he told the story his little boy always asked for. "Prince Happiness loves Prince Sadness with all his heart. That's why he went away."
Just Hit Send PART FOUR
"The Happy Years"
 by Grasshopper
 Just Hit Send - The Happy Years by Grasshopper Link verified to Iomfats.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Not Rated
Story Notes: Drama
15 chapters and a Valentine Interlude
Completed 26 December 2003
Added 29 September 2012 (archived/html)
    He could feel Jordan. Smell Jordan. His eyes popped open. He could see Jordan.
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"Just One Starfish"
 by Grasshopper
Just One Starfish by Grasshopper
Link verified to Iomfats.org/StoryShelf/Hosted/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Not Rated
Story Notes: Young Adult
17 Chapters with an Introduction (64,880 words)
Completed 20 January 2006
Added 21 September 2024 (archived/word)
    Midnight Blue is the feeling you have late at night when you already feel like shit. You've been shown in the deepest way possible that you're worthless and there's nothing anyone can do to make it better. Gabriel is midnight blue.
    Sunrise Gold is the feeling of anticipation when you wake up full of energy going out real early in the morning and the sun comes bursting over the trees filling you with hope. Brian is sunrise gold.
    Crash these two feelings together and you don't know what will happen, Which feeling is stronger? Experience going three rounds with innocence?
    Who is the starfish and who is the surf dancer?

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"Promises to Keep"
 by Grasshopper
Promises to Keep by Grasshopper
Link verified to Iomfats.org/StoryShelf/Hosted/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Not Rated
Story Notes: Young Adult
9 Chapters and an Epilogue (24,109 words)
Completed 20 January 2006
Added 29 Sept 2012 (archived/word)
    Grasshopper continues to be one of my favorite authors. Trip and Brandon live in Wyoming. Grasshopper explores how it must be for two men to fall in love in the middle of homophobic America. It's a story of responsibilities ... responsibilities that become a prison. And it's a story of love so strong, that it never gives up. Both men think it has, but it hasn't. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and you will too.

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"Red Lollipop and The Sex Machine"
 by Grasshopper
 Red Lollipop and The Sex Machine by Grasshopper
Link verified to IOMFATS.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Story Notes: High School setting
Not Rated
1 Chapter (10,493 words) Completed 21 January 2005
Added 9 March 2005 (archived/word)
    LOL! Yeah, I'm sure that title got your attention! Let's just say they're AOL Instant Messenger Screen Names. Now, take two gay guys who don't know the other one is gay, mix in one straight girl who's determined to get them together and you've got a hell of a good story. In fact, ready ANY story by Grasshopper and you will be pleased.
    NOTE: 21 July 2023 - Just read this story again. Awesome read!
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"Turn Around, Bright Eyes"
 by Grasshopper
 Turn Around, Bright Eyes by Grasshopper
Link verified to IOMFATS.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Story Notes: High School setting
Not Rated
1 Chapter (3,131 words) Completed 8 March 2004
Added 9 March 2005 (archived/word)
    You've been friends forever ... since grade school. You've shared everything that two friends do ... a grandparent's death, finding your dog run over in the middle of the road, getting your braces caught in Mary Ann's ponytail as you dove in for a kiss and that first duo circle jerk. Yeah, you're gay and in love with your best friend, who happens to be straight. Read along as Grasshopper weaves his tale. OMG, this guy can write a story!
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"What Ya Doin' in the Dumpster?"
 by Grasshopper
 What Ya Doin' in the Dumpster? by Grasshopper
Link verified to IOMFATS.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Story Notes: High School setting
Not Rated
1 Chapter (5,927 words) Completed 8 November 2004
Added 9 March 2005 (archived/word)
    Ever been intrigued by the one person no one talks to ... the outsider ... the guy from the wrong side of the tracks? Most people assume the worst. In this story, you'll find how wrong most people are. Read. Learn. Enjoy. Anything by Grasshopper is worth reading.
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"Whispers from the Past"
 by Grasshopper
 Whispers from the Past by Grasshopper
Whispers from the Past by Grasshopper
Link verified to IOMFATS.org/Grasshopper on 18 December 2024
 Story Notes: High School setting
Not Rated
1 Chapter (18,195 words) Completed 10 July 2006
Added 20 September2024 (archived/word)
    This is for two cowboys who found the love of a lifetime under the branches of an old cottonwood tree. I'm not sure which one of them is Frodo and which one is Sam, but I know they've watched each other's backs for a lot of years and one couldn't have made the journey without the other. I tip my Stetson to you because you are what we all strive to be. GH
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A Goodbye Message from Grasshopper

My Name is Grasshopper and I'm Left-Handed
 February 12, 2006

Hey Y'all, my name is Grasshopper and I'm left-handed.

I know, I know. The shame of it! I'm here today to talk to you because I've tried and tried to change, to be like 'the rest of them', but my brain and my body just keep fighting me. If I try to eat with my right hand, I'm a pig. If I try to write with it, it's practically illegible. 'Normal' scissors, dial phones, needlenose pliers – all spaz in my sinister (Latin for left) hand. You righties out there; you just don't know how easy you've got it.

• In Indonesia, it's only polite to use your left hand in the restroom.
• The Romans tied a boy's left arm to his side until he learned to use his sword with his right.
• Eskimos believe a left-handed person is a sorcerer.
• In the 18th and 19th centuries, people were beaten for being left-handed.
• In Africa, boiling water was poured on a child's left hand and his hand was buried in mud until the nerves were killed.

When I was in the 2nd grade, my teacher sat us all in ABC order and I was in the last row on the right side of the room. She taught cursive from the front board and, try as I could, I had to 'hook'. I tried to change; I really did, but there's no way a leftie can learn proper handwriting on the right side of the room. I'd go home with a dirty hand and I got little piggy faces drawn on my papers.

13% of the world's population is left-handed. I guess that means in a room full of people that might be just me. Me, feeling different, feeling alone, hoping no one would notice, wondering if it showed.

I look at lists of famous lefties and it makes me feel better: Michelangelo, Mark Twain, H.G Wells, Kurt Cobain, Judy Garland, Jimi Hendrix, Faith Hill, Eminem, Joshua Jackson, Angelina Jolie, Colin Farrell, Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Jim Henson, James Marsters (Spike), and lots more. All these people who were born different. Maybe it's not just me. Maybe I'm not alone.

There's total left-handed (me), there's ambidextrous (using both hands) and there's all those other people out there, all 87% of them, that go along happily, lalelalalalalaa, being right-handed. I've actually had people watch me and then say in amazement, “You're left-handed!' Well, duh!! I guess they wonder if it was caused by my genes or my upbringing.

Okay, you're wondering where I'm going with this, right? Nah, if you're here then you're smart and you've figured it out already. I could beat myself over the head with embarrassment or shame for being left-handed, but what's the point of that? I'll still pick up my pencil with my left hand. So, I'm cool with it.

We all live on so many levels of our world. Which hand do we write with? What color is our hair, are our eyes, our skin? Are we tall and skinny or short and chubby or any other combination? Do we fit in or have trouble making friends? Are we good in math or totally suck? Do we laugh out loud, huge belly laughs, chuckle quietly or roll our eyes? Are we pigeon-toed, slew-footed, bow-legged, knock-kneed? What did we inherit from our mom – what from our dad and what horrid thing from our great Aunt Myrtle? Do we turn the dial to country, rock or rap? All these things add up to you; the special you that lives inside your mind and peeks out at the world. None of these things are controlled by you, chosen by you (except the tunes); they are just part and parcel of who you are. Oh, I forgot one other small part: Are we gay, or bi, lesbian or somewhere in between, or straight? But see – it's just one other small part of what makes you – you. Be cool with it.

If it's really true that one in every ten people is gay, then tomorrow, count the number of people sitting in your cafeteria at lunch. Unless there are only nine other people eating that stuff, there are some other kids feeling the same things you are. Don't sweat trying to figure out who, either. Just be friends with as many people as you can and know that your time will come when you're ready.

You will find your place. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but up the road aways, you will become the total person God made, the person God loves unconditionally. Choose to be proud of yourself, choose to accept that everyone might not like it, choose to dig deep in your heart for compassion to show the ignorant. Never be afraid that you're alone – you aren't.

Isn't it funny? The opposite of straight is bent. I kind of like thinking of myself as bent; makes me feel kinda tricky and cute. I'm kinda like a rainbow colored Bendy doll. Now really, choose the cuter thing: a multi-colored Bendy or a wooden ruler. Both useful – in their way.

Have you ever thought backwards? I mean, what if our str8 friends had to come out of their ummmm, shoeboxes? (we own the closets) Can you picture saying to them: “How bizarre, did you always know you were str8? Was it genes or upbringing or what?' If any str8 kids are reading right now – Hey! Glad to see you. We're just alike, you and me, we just kinda like some diff things.

I was eleven when Matthew Shepard died. I didn't know at the time how much I would mourn him now. I was twelve when Columbine went down in history. How did it go that far without anyone noticing? I was thirteen when I got my first computer for homework and games and fourteen when I realized that I needed to find ways to express myself before I imploded. I was fifteen when I started writing my stories on-line. I write them for you. I write them for me. I write them in honor of Matthew's memory and all the kids out there who need to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that people care; that people love them, that there is trust in the world.

I write them hoping that just one kid will come on-line, like I did, searching for strength and hope and find it in my words. I hope for respect and compassion from you readers and perhaps a beginning of tolerance and acceptance from someone who came looking to condemn.

Raised in a rural southern town, I learned early that you 'go with the flow'. It's different for everyone and each of us finds our own path. I just hope that my stories make you know that, and trust me on this, someone else is having the exact same feelings as you, the exact same worries and doubts as you. At this very moment, a lot of kids are on-line blogging their feelings.

When I got my big Dell monster for Christmas that year, the first thing I did was punch up Word and type my name in huge letters. I would write to myself and then delete it, afraid someone would find it. I would type: 'I like to watch Larry McCandless tie his sneakers' or 'Jack Trivers has really cool hair'. It was as if seeing the words validated who I was and made my feelings not so forbidden. It was a while before I could put my feelings into a story for you to read, but once it started, I couldn't seem to stop the words.

Yes, I Googled. We all have. I was starved for words that meant something to me. I was starved for pictures that would make me shiver. But, you know, that got old kinda fast. I started searching for stories that would make me feel good about myself, not just sexually, but would make my heart smile. As I found sites that told stories about kids like me, kids searching for their identities, afraid that no one would understand, feeling very alone, I wanted to create characters from my own self, from inside me; characters like you and like me, kids wanting to be happy. Not 'late at night, alone in your dark room' stories, but 'light of day, that's me' stories.

I write fast – not watching spelling or grammar and I hate having to go back and correct. But, thank you, Mrs. Killebrew, for torturing me in 11th and 12th grade English. It paid off. I find that as I write, my characters take over and I lose control of the story. They drive it forward, looking for that happy ending; looking for it like you do, like I do.

I write from my experiences, from people I've known and people I still know. I went to school with the jocks and the cheerleaders, the druggies, the sk8rs, the geeks, the Goths, and all the other kids who just want people to like them, just want validation in their lives. Some of them are just like you, scared of feelings they don't understand. All of them are struggling with growing up.

We want acceptance from our parents, our peers, our teachers, everyone we come in contact with and so we conform to as much normalcy as we can, whatever 'normal' is. If you want to tell people you are left-handed, go ahead – or you can let them discover it by themselves. If you want to tell people you're gay, go ahead – ..or let that part of you evolve in its own time. Whatever you choose, it's your life. Take your time.

I got my pen name from that old TV show Kung Fu, where the little boy finds himself growing up with Chinese Shaolin monks. The Sensei, Master Po, says to Grasshopper, “To seek freedom in this world, a man must struggle. To win, he must choose wisely where and when he struggles — all else is like spitting in the wind.'

So, I guess I'll just end this by giving you a huge hug and tell you to choose wisely, love with all your heart and, like your grandma always told you, don't spit.

    Be Safe and Be Happy ~ I have faith in you ~ GH


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