Notes for "Our Homemade Safety Nets"
Apr. 26th, 2026 09:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThese are the Notes for "Our Homemade Safety Nets."
"We’ve all done this -- created our mix-and-match families, our homemade safety nets."
-- David Levithan, Two Boys Kissing
Blainn has a long string of poems and stories that lay some of the background for this one, so I tried to find as many of the relevant ones as I could.
(Blainn's first appearance)
"Unu Hako Kverkon" 10-9-20 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Monday, February 15, 2016
Summary: A new teen in Mercedes observes the Esperanto Club and the Sankofa Club in an activist event against China.
"Choosing Trust" story bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2016
:: A few days after Blainn visited the Esperanto club, he bumps into Torrin on the way to the library. Instead of staying in the cold morning air, they both end up at Bennett’s tattoo parlor, with Torrin angling for homemade cocoa. Part of the Mercedes story arc within the Polychrome Heroics universe. Witten for the January of 2021 prompt call, from an idea suggested byysabetwordsmith, the story has been sponsored anonymously, with my deepest thanks!
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Primordial Idiom" 11-28-20 (outside fishbowl)
Story Date: Sunday, February 21, 2016
Summary: Fred walks around Mercedes and meets Blainn.
"Professional Development" story bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Friday, February 26, 2016
:: Immediately after the events of “Feverish Friday,” (link to part one) the stress level begins to ease. More fluff and care for Blainn, offered obliquely. Part of the Boss Finn story arc, in the Finn Family and Mercedes story arcs, all in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Saturday Special" story bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Saturday, February 27, 2016
:: The day after “Professional Development” (link to part one), Blainn goes to Bennett’s office to talk about risks and safety. Part of the Polychrome Heroics universe, including both the Mercedes and the Boss Finn story arcs. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Neighborhood Connections" story bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Sunday, February 28, 2016
:: Blainn is out and about when he is surprised to see Doctor Finn leaving a church. Of course, things with the Finns aren’t quite what they seem to be on the surface, and of course he gets pulled along for the ride. The story follows a few hours after “Sunday Surprises,” and was written for the January Feathering the Nest prompt call, from a suggestion byysabetwordsmith. Thank you to everyone who made the event a delight! ::
"Seeking Out a Friend" bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Sunday, February 28, 2016
:: After the conversation with Elisabeth Finn, Blainn heads straight to Bennett to talk. Sequel to “A Challenge Among Friends,” this is part of the Boss FInn and Mercedes story arcs, within the Polychrome Universe.
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
"Symptoms of Heartbreak" 2-6-21 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Thursday, March 3, 2016
Summary: When Blainn comes to visit, Joshua notices a lot of clues suggesting problems and tries to offer the teen some support.
"Make It Worth Their While" 2-26-21 (Creative Jam spillover)
Story Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Summary: Blainn meets Junket.
"Bus Business" bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Friday, 11 March of 2016
:: Rubin brings a group of professionals to Mercedes. Things shift to a personal connection between Rubin, Keelan, and Blainn. Part of the Polychrome heroics universe, the Mercedes and Boss Finn story arcs, and the LIfe’s Ladder story arc. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Clearing the Air" bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Saturday, March 12, 2016
:: The morning after Keelan’s misstep, she has a chance to talk to Blainn. Takes place the day after “Bus Business” and is still part of the Mercedes, Life’s Ladder and Boss Finn story arcs within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
"Over Cocoa" bydialecticdreamer / Sarah WIlliams
Story Date: Saturday, March 12. 2016
:: After the incident with Anthony and Shana, and the interview at the police station, Keelan and Blainn have an important conversation with Zipper and Rubin. Peter Rybokov and a surprise visitor stop in to see if everyone is okay. Part of the Boss Finn, Mercedes, and LIfe’s Ladder story arcs, all of which are part of the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Breathing Room" story bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Thursday, March 17, 2016
::Blainn shows up at the Tulls’ house with a problem. Nida had been overloaded, and the young man hoped that the Tulls could help. Written for the February of 2021 Feathering the Nest prompt call, from an idea suggested by fuzzyred, and sponsored anonymously. My deepest thanks to them both! ::
Shifting Foundations
Shakeup
Bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Part 9 of 43, complete
Word count (story only): 1653
[Saturday, May 28, 2016 3:45 PM (Memorial Day weekend)]
:: Torrin and Lucas are in transit, on the way back to Torrin’s house when the earthquake hits. They are near Blazing Star park, and Torrin heads toward it while Lucas calls his foster mother. The only adult in the park is struggling to put up the first aid tent, so the boys pitch in. Part of the Mercedes and Independence story arcs, all within the universe of Polychrome Heroics. The current story arc is now named “Shifting Foundations,” and the chapter title is now the first line of the actual post. ::
:: Pay Special Attention: an earthquake, part of the series called “The Big One,” strikes Mercedes right around 4 P.M. Locally, it knocks a few things off shelves, but damage is otherwise minimal. ::
Shifting Foundations
Shoals and River Stones
Bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Part 15 of 43
Story Date: Sunday, May 29, 2016 1:30 A.M. (Memorial Day weekend)
:: On the way back from returning Blainn and Mister Silver to his home, yet another complication arrives for Torrin and Loudmouth. Part of the Mercedes and Independence story arcs, all within the universe of Polychrome Heroics. ::
Shifting Foundations
Shaky Slope
Bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Part 22 of 43
Story Date: Monday, May 30, 2016 starting around 4 p.m.
:: Torrin is having a bad day. Blainn’s may be worse. Loudmouth calls Cash to help make the day better for both of them. Part of the Shifting Foundations story arc, which is a sequel to the Independence story arc. Also among the Mercedes set of stories, which are all within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Shifting Foundations
Friction Pile Construction
Bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Part 23 of 43
Story Date: Monday, May 30, 2016 some time after 11 p.m.
:: Loudmouth’s plans are interrupted before they start. Torrin and Blainn get a glimpse of the streak of white in Loudmouth’s cape. Part of the Shifting Foundations story arc, which is a sequel to the Independence story arc. Also among the Mercedes set of stories, which are all within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
"A Sanctuary for the Homeless" 2-5-25 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Afternoon of Monday, June 27, 2016
Summary: Dr. G asks Blainn to show Bluescreen around Mercedes.
"Genuinely Sufficient Resources" 2-5-25 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Afternoon of Monday, June 27, 2016
Summary: Blainn takes Bluescreen to the food bank and Jaliya's Eatery.
Changing Seasons Arc begins here
"Familiar Unfamiliar Territory" story bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Friday, September 30, 2016
[Four months after the last story with Blainn.]
:: Blainn is holding himself together, but is now busy enough that he needs better ways to track his time and work. Part of the Mercedes story arc, this takes place four months after the last story with Blainn (to make the amount of work and his growing reputation more realistic). This story was written for the June 2024 Feathering the Nest prompt call, from an idea suggested by ysabetwordsmith. I’ve added to it in part to apologize for the delay in posting. Thank you to my wonderful readers, and enjoy! ::
(Bennett shows Blainn how to make a capsule wardrobe.)
"A Moment and a Half" story bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Saturday, October 1, 2016
:: Welcome to the “Changing Seasons” story arc. Blainn’s life in Mercedes has been somewhat uneven, but the meeting with Pros and Lily may have given him access to another group of potential friends. Part of the Polychrome Heroics universe. Blainn’s Saturday begins with disappointments and ends with a special moment. ::
(Zipper brings Jules home to visit, from travel year)
"Plans and Play" story bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: Sunday October 2, 2016
:: Bennett invites Blainn for breakfast because Jules will be home for most of the day. Part of the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Facing the Shadows" story bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Story Date: morning of Thursday, October 13, 2016
:: Blainn is making deliveries for Jaliya when things come to a head with the stranger who has been pestering him. Part of the “Changing Seasons” story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
"The Only Thing That You Absolutely Have to Know" 9-2-25
Story Date: Monday, February 6, 2017
Summary: Jules searches for the Nation's Library in Ankara, Turkey.
"Beneath the Sea" 1-6-26
Story Date: Monday, September 25, 2017
Summary: Jules gets a job offer.
FIRST STEP BACK (PART 1 OF 1, COMPLETE)
Friday, 13 March 2026 07:27 pm
First Step Back
Bydialecticdreamer / Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1222
[Evening of Thursday, 2 November of 2017]
:: A slow, introspective look at Jules as he packs for his last flight, finally heading home with his shiny new diploma and certificates. This is the first post of the new “Lodestar” arc, set in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Climate Change and Health Profile Report Merced County
California is unique in the United States and has a Mediterranean type of climate with a distinct dry season (May to October) and wet season (November to April)
which is modified by proximity to the coast or mountains and variable elevation.
The Different Types of Saws and When to Use Them
"We’ve all done this -- created our mix-and-match families, our homemade safety nets."
-- David Levithan, Two Boys Kissing
Blainn has a long string of poems and stories that lay some of the background for this one, so I tried to find as many of the relevant ones as I could.
(Blainn's first appearance)
"Unu Hako Kverkon" 10-9-20 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Monday, February 15, 2016
Summary: A new teen in Mercedes observes the Esperanto Club and the Sankofa Club in an activist event against China.
"Choosing Trust" story by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2016
:: A few days after Blainn visited the Esperanto club, he bumps into Torrin on the way to the library. Instead of staying in the cold morning air, they both end up at Bennett’s tattoo parlor, with Torrin angling for homemade cocoa. Part of the Mercedes story arc within the Polychrome Heroics universe. Witten for the January of 2021 prompt call, from an idea suggested by
ysabetwordsmith, the story has been sponsored anonymously, with my deepest thanks!(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Primordial Idiom" 11-28-20 (outside fishbowl)
Story Date: Sunday, February 21, 2016
Summary: Fred walks around Mercedes and meets Blainn.
"Professional Development" story by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Friday, February 26, 2016
:: Immediately after the events of “Feverish Friday,” (link to part one) the stress level begins to ease. More fluff and care for Blainn, offered obliquely. Part of the Boss Finn story arc, in the Finn Family and Mercedes story arcs, all in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Saturday Special" story by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Saturday, February 27, 2016
:: The day after “Professional Development” (link to part one), Blainn goes to Bennett’s office to talk about risks and safety. Part of the Polychrome Heroics universe, including both the Mercedes and the Boss Finn story arcs. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Neighborhood Connections" story by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Sunday, February 28, 2016
:: Blainn is out and about when he is surprised to see Doctor Finn leaving a church. Of course, things with the Finns aren’t quite what they seem to be on the surface, and of course he gets pulled along for the ride. The story follows a few hours after “Sunday Surprises,” and was written for the January Feathering the Nest prompt call, from a suggestion by
ysabetwordsmith. Thank you to everyone who made the event a delight! ::"Seeking Out a Friend" by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Sunday, February 28, 2016
:: After the conversation with Elisabeth Finn, Blainn heads straight to Bennett to talk. Sequel to “A Challenge Among Friends,” this is part of the Boss FInn and Mercedes story arcs, within the Polychrome Universe.
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
"Symptoms of Heartbreak" 2-6-21 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Thursday, March 3, 2016
Summary: When Blainn comes to visit, Joshua notices a lot of clues suggesting problems and tries to offer the teen some support.
"Make It Worth Their While" 2-26-21 (Creative Jam spillover)
Story Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Summary: Blainn meets Junket.
"Bus Business" by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Friday, 11 March of 2016
:: Rubin brings a group of professionals to Mercedes. Things shift to a personal connection between Rubin, Keelan, and Blainn. Part of the Polychrome heroics universe, the Mercedes and Boss Finn story arcs, and the LIfe’s Ladder story arc. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Clearing the Air" by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Saturday, March 12, 2016
:: The morning after Keelan’s misstep, she has a chance to talk to Blainn. Takes place the day after “Bus Business” and is still part of the Mercedes, Life’s Ladder and Boss Finn story arcs within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
"Over Cocoa" by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WIlliamsStory Date: Saturday, March 12. 2016
:: After the incident with Anthony and Shana, and the interview at the police station, Keelan and Blainn have an important conversation with Zipper and Rubin. Peter Rybokov and a surprise visitor stop in to see if everyone is okay. Part of the Boss Finn, Mercedes, and LIfe’s Ladder story arcs, all of which are part of the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Breathing Room" story by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Thursday, March 17, 2016
::Blainn shows up at the Tulls’ house with a problem. Nida had been overloaded, and the young man hoped that the Tulls could help. Written for the February of 2021 Feathering the Nest prompt call, from an idea suggested by fuzzyred, and sponsored anonymously. My deepest thanks to them both! ::
Shifting Foundations
Shakeup
By
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsPart 9 of 43, complete
Word count (story only): 1653
[Saturday, May 28, 2016 3:45 PM (Memorial Day weekend)]
:: Torrin and Lucas are in transit, on the way back to Torrin’s house when the earthquake hits. They are near Blazing Star park, and Torrin heads toward it while Lucas calls his foster mother. The only adult in the park is struggling to put up the first aid tent, so the boys pitch in. Part of the Mercedes and Independence story arcs, all within the universe of Polychrome Heroics. The current story arc is now named “Shifting Foundations,” and the chapter title is now the first line of the actual post. ::
:: Pay Special Attention: an earthquake, part of the series called “The Big One,” strikes Mercedes right around 4 P.M. Locally, it knocks a few things off shelves, but damage is otherwise minimal. ::
Shifting Foundations
Shoals and River Stones
By
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsPart 15 of 43
Story Date: Sunday, May 29, 2016 1:30 A.M. (Memorial Day weekend)
:: On the way back from returning Blainn and Mister Silver to his home, yet another complication arrives for Torrin and Loudmouth. Part of the Mercedes and Independence story arcs, all within the universe of Polychrome Heroics. ::
Shifting Foundations
Shaky Slope
By
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsPart 22 of 43
Story Date: Monday, May 30, 2016 starting around 4 p.m.
:: Torrin is having a bad day. Blainn’s may be worse. Loudmouth calls Cash to help make the day better for both of them. Part of the Shifting Foundations story arc, which is a sequel to the Independence story arc. Also among the Mercedes set of stories, which are all within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Shifting Foundations
Friction Pile Construction
By
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsPart 23 of 43
Story Date: Monday, May 30, 2016 some time after 11 p.m.
:: Loudmouth’s plans are interrupted before they start. Torrin and Blainn get a glimpse of the streak of white in Loudmouth’s cape. Part of the Shifting Foundations story arc, which is a sequel to the Independence story arc. Also among the Mercedes set of stories, which are all within the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
"A Sanctuary for the Homeless" 2-5-25 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Afternoon of Monday, June 27, 2016
Summary: Dr. G asks Blainn to show Bluescreen around Mercedes.
"Genuinely Sufficient Resources" 2-5-25 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Afternoon of Monday, June 27, 2016
Summary: Blainn takes Bluescreen to the food bank and Jaliya's Eatery.
Changing Seasons Arc begins here
"Familiar Unfamiliar Territory" story by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Friday, September 30, 2016
[Four months after the last story with Blainn.]
:: Blainn is holding himself together, but is now busy enough that he needs better ways to track his time and work. Part of the Mercedes story arc, this takes place four months after the last story with Blainn (to make the amount of work and his growing reputation more realistic). This story was written for the June 2024 Feathering the Nest prompt call, from an idea suggested by ysabetwordsmith. I’ve added to it in part to apologize for the delay in posting. Thank you to my wonderful readers, and enjoy! ::
(Bennett shows Blainn how to make a capsule wardrobe.)
"A Moment and a Half" story by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Saturday, October 1, 2016
:: Welcome to the “Changing Seasons” story arc. Blainn’s life in Mercedes has been somewhat uneven, but the meeting with Pros and Lily may have given him access to another group of potential friends. Part of the Polychrome Heroics universe. Blainn’s Saturday begins with disappointments and ends with a special moment. ::
(Zipper brings Jules home to visit, from travel year)
"Plans and Play" story by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: Sunday October 2, 2016
:: Bennett invites Blainn for breakfast because Jules will be home for most of the day. Part of the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
"Facing the Shadows" story by
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsStory Date: morning of Thursday, October 13, 2016
:: Blainn is making deliveries for Jaliya when things come to a head with the stranger who has been pestering him. Part of the “Changing Seasons” story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
"The Only Thing That You Absolutely Have to Know" 9-2-25
Story Date: Monday, February 6, 2017
Summary: Jules searches for the Nation's Library in Ankara, Turkey.
"Beneath the Sea" 1-6-26
Story Date: Monday, September 25, 2017
Summary: Jules gets a job offer.
FIRST STEP BACK (PART 1 OF 1, COMPLETE)
Friday, 13 March 2026 07:27 pm
First Step Back
By
dialecticdreamer / Sarah WilliamsPart 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1222
[Evening of Thursday, 2 November of 2017]
:: A slow, introspective look at Jules as he packs for his last flight, finally heading home with his shiny new diploma and certificates. This is the first post of the new “Lodestar” arc, set in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Climate Change and Health Profile Report Merced County
California is unique in the United States and has a Mediterranean type of climate with a distinct dry season (May to October) and wet season (November to April)
which is modified by proximity to the coast or mountains and variable elevation.
The Different Types of Saws and When to Use Them
