“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.
We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”
~~ Albert Schweitzer

Hi all,

I hope those celebrating had a nice Easter and blessed Passover!  I can't believe it's almost May!

This is a bit of a hodge podge of stuff but I hope you enjoy!

God bless,
Jenni


I discovered I had a few questions that Shirley and Sierra had sent for "Ask Andrew" well over a year ago that I never got around to getting answered.  So here's Andrew addressing them now!
Ask Andrew: The Relationships Edition

What does Andrew think of Monica, Tess, Sam, Adam, etc.? Does he see them more as his friends and siblings than any of the other angels, or is he supposed to care for everyone the same amount?

Andrew: As an angel, I'm called to love everyone.  But I was also created with a heart and a soul.  God understands that we feel differently about someone we work with versus, say, "Ezekiel" in Search and Rescue who I've merely heard about.  I love Ezekiel because he's a wonderful creation of God... just like all of us.  But he's never sung a song for me.  (Hi, Tess!).  He didn't teach me how to be an angel among humans.  (Hey, Sam!)  I haven't enjoyed countless cappuccinos with him.  (Monica!)  And I'm not in a band with him.  (We need to schedule a practice, Adam!)  If there really is an Ezekiel in Search and Rescue then, maybe, one day we'll meet and build a friendship.  And that'll be great.  But God values genuine connection and certainly doesn't expect everyone to feel the same about everyone else. 

As for how I see my friends... sure, there can be a sibling-like aspect to it.  With others, I think it'd be more like a student/teacher relationship where they keep checking up on you long after you've graduated and you genuinely care about them as a person.  God made everyone to be unique so it only follows that every relationship would be unique, too.

Who was Andrew’s favorite person to take Home?

Andrew: Hmm...  Now this is a little different since, unlike with the question above, we're not supposed to have favorite assignments... in theory.  But, like I said, we have hearts and souls and they aren't necessarily logical or obedient.  I do have a special place in my heart for Abraham Lincoln since he was the first person I took Home as an official AOD.  Otherwise, I'll just say I really enjoy taking Home those people who are excited and happy about Heaven.  Sometimes in my line of work, joy can be scarce.  So when I come across it in my assignments, I relish every moment.

 Does Andrew have a favourite assignment?

Andrew: I'm not going to list any individuals... especially considering I live with and celebrate holidays with some past assignments.  ;-)  So, instead, I'll talk about my favorite types of assignments.

I love assignments that give me an opportunity to spend some time in the beauty of nature.  While the assignment you probably know as "The Pact" was very challenging, the setting itself was gorgeous.  That lake... those trees... the starlight...  And it was great to be with Monica, Tess, AND Rafael. 

I also love assignments that immerse me in a culture or religion.  Those are great learning experiences.  Even though I love everyone, I don't always understand everyone.  So I welcome opportunities to meet with people from cultures or religions that I'm not regularly immersed in.  Culture and religion greatly impact a person's view of death so the more I know about them, the better I can serve a variety of assignments.


Asking... You!

So I thought I'd take the opportunity to do something a little different and maybe get some feedback about the JABB newsletters so here goes...

1.  I've noticed that in fanfic, podcasts, etc., "trigger warnings" are becoming increasingly common.  Would it be useful to you if the Dyeland stories began with those?

2.  Are there any features in the JABB newsletters, not counting stories, that you particularly like?  I think it's safe to say the stories will continue as the mood strikes me.  But with other features, I can be sort of ambivalent so some direction would be nice!  Otherwise, I'll just keep winging it.

3.  Is there anything you'd like to contribute to the JABB site or newsletters?  Or do you have any questions about doing that?


Correction

So back in JABB 535, I said I was going to avoid writing any "big issue" stories this year.  It was a nice plan but, ultimately, a flawed one.  During a recent sleepless night (which I blame on Joaquin Phoenix for reasons), I brainstormed a story that, unfortunately, became all the more relevant in the wake of recent religiously-targeted shootings.  I'm working on that now and have no idea when it will be done but it has caused me to reshuffle when I thought the stories mentioned in JABB 535 would happen.  So just a heads up to any Dyeland readers on that.  If anyone would like to be a proofer or beta reader, please let me know!

And finally... in honor of a movie that I've not seen but that it seems like everyone else is flipping out about...


Five Things I Promise Will NOT Happen in Dyeland's Eventual Endgame

1.  Someone snaps and half the characters disappear.  Apparently, it's been done.  And OMG do people on social media have feelings about it.

2.  The final story opens with a TBAA writer waking up and it being revealed that the whole of Dyeland was a dream they had between the third and fourth (or was it fourth and fifth?) seasons when they were supposed to be brainstorming that frickin' Andrew-on-trial episode.

3.  The final newsletter is sent by a version of me who is not still at least a little ticked off about said murder trial episode... 

4.  In the Dyeland finale, Andrew unleashes all his pent-up verbal rage at Monica and Tess for continuously taking him for granted during the years 1996-2003.  Would it be therapeutic for yours truly?  YES!  Would it be in-character?  No...

5.  The final story reveals that Andrew isn't an angel at all but, instead, a Skrull who decided he really liked the Dyelanders and wanted to hang out with them so chose a form they'd appreciate.  Kinda cute, to be honest.  But no... 



This newsletter is dedicated to John Dye for giving me something nice to focus on during this weekend's unwelcome and demoralizing cold snap.

JABB Portal
 JABB TOC
JABB 543
(Photo Credits: The photographs used on this page are from Touched by an Angel and owned by CBS Productions, Caroline Productions, and Moon Water Productions.  They are not being used to seek profit.)