8/19/2010

A Wedding, A Marriage, An Anniversary

A milestone - five years ago Gus and Harley were married. Not only is it sad that they're not around anymore but also it's sad that they wouldn't be celebrating right now if they were. Even if Gus were alive, their marriage was still annulled or whatever. And they'd have a new anniversary. I always hoped they'd be unlike other couples by staying married for a good number of years. Their marriage only lasted for two.

I can't believe it's been so long since their wedding. Five years has gone by so fast.

Their wedding was beautiful, wasn't it? Beautifully simple. I think the best part was the vows. And that scene on the steps sipping champagne and talking name changing. So sweet!

I still hate that we didn't get a wedding night or a honeymoon. But oh well.

I'm thinking about and missing GusH on this day. I miss them a little every day. I will watch the wedding and episodes surrounding it later. I'm sure it'll be one big sob fest. Smiles, laughter, and sad tears. That's how it is watching the wedding nowadays.

Long live GusH.



2/09/2010

Imagine More (Rated R)

FINALLY... Part Two of the polyandry fantasy...strictly for Gus & Harley lovers... Includes sexual content. :)

You can read Part 1 here: http://harleyfan1.blogspot.com/2007/04/imagine-this.html

I don't mean to imply that whenever Harley has her days and/or nights with each guy, she has sex with them. That would be too much, LOL. Being a GusH lover, I had to write in some steamy sex for her and Gus. Of course!


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Harley leads Gus to the couch. They sit down on the couch, and he sets the dinner bag on the coffee table. She grabs him for a deep, hungry kiss. Both are breathless and smiling when it ends.

G: Wow. I think you like being with me most.

H: Maybe I do. We're really good together.

G: Yes, we are.

He leans in a plants kisses on her neck.

H: So you're not too jealous of Phillip and Alan-Michael, are you?

He pulls back.

G: No. We get along. I like sharing the boys with them. Sharing you isn't too bad, but it's much more fun having you all to myself.

He plants more kisses on her neck.

H: Gus, we're not having dinner if you keep doing that.

Gus pulls back again, grinning.

G: Let's get a bath together and we can set up our dinner on the edge of the tub. That way we can eat and be naked together at the same time.

H: A bath sounds really great, but how about we eat down here. We'll eat fast and not talk much. And we won't have dessert.

G: Good because for once I didn't get any dessert. But to me, you're dessert.

Harley smiles and moans enthusiastically.

H: I'll go get some beers, and you can open up the food.

When she returns with napkins and two beers, she hands one to him and sets hers & the napkins down.

H: This is exactly what I need after a long day at work - greasy burger and fries. Thank you. Only with you can I have this kind of food.

Gus: That's good, huh? You're happy. That means I'm happy.

They smile at each other before eating their dinner and drinking their beer without saying much to each other.

Gus lets out a loud burp after finishing his beer, causing Harley to laugh. He kisses her and stands up.

G: I'll get the bath ready for you.

H: For us. And I want candles.

They both smile, and she watches him disappear up the stairs. She finishes her beer and cleans up a little slowly, knowing it'll take a while for the tub to fill with water. She imagines them in the tub together and grins with anticipation. Gus always did treat her right. Not that Phillip and Alan-Michael don't, but sometimes Gus seems to be more romantic than them. She smiles, thinking of how unique her love life is, and to her it's not bad. After cleaning up, she makes her way quietly and slowly up the stairs. She finds a small note on her door that reads, "Don't come in yet. Wait until I let you in. - G". She grins and walks down the hall to check on Zach. Opening the door, she finds Phillip asleep beside Zach's bed. She walks over to him and tries waking him up.

H: Phillip, wake up. Phillip.

Phillip stirs awake and mumbles.

P: Aren't you with Gus... Don't you have plans?

H: Yes. I'm just checking on Zach, and you're asleep on the floor. Come on. Get up.

She helps him up, and he kisses her cheek.

P: Thanks. Enjoy your night with Gus.

Harley kisses his cheek and smiles as he stumbles out of the room, making his way to his own room. Then she gazes at her eldest son, trying to imagine the adventures he must be on in his dreams. She backs out carefully and quietly, shutting the door once she's back in the hall. She looks to her bedroom and sees the door open. As she's about to enter, Gus pops out from behind the door and grabs her, pulling her inside and shutting the door. He slams her against the door, kissing her wildly, making her moan. The kiss lingers a while before Gus breaks away. They're both breathless.

H: Wow.

She glances down to eye him up. He's wearing only a black robe. She smiles seductively.

H: You always did look good in a robe.

Gus kisses her again and unbuttons her shirt while kissing her neck as she grins, eager to be out of her clothes. His hands reach up her back and unhook her bra. She smiles at him as her eyes lock with his. He watches her remove her shirt and bra, staring at her gorgeous body. She undoes her slacks and pushes them to the floor. She steps out of them, grabs his robe, and drags him to the bathroom, gasping when she sees candles surrounding the tub full of water and bubbles.

G: Are you pleased with my work?

H: Oh yes. I just love how romantic you are.

She continues staring at the romantic setting as Gus kisses her cheek and slips her panties off. He throws them behind him, runs his hands up her thighs, and rubs her waist, making her smile seductively.

H: I like that, Gus.

Gus grins and looks towards the tub. He kisses her ear.

G: Ladies first.

Harley turns around and locks eyes with him again as she unties his robe and slides it off his shoulders, down his arms, and it eventually hits the floor. She glances down at his sexy naked body with much desire in her eyes. Looking back up at him, she kisses him passionately yet quickly, causing them both to moan.

H: You're sexy, Aitoro.

She smiles while turning around and heading to the tub, climbing into it and sighing at the feel of the hot water covering her body. She rests against the tub, tilts her head to see Gus staring at her intently, and watches him ease into the tub across from her. She closes her eyes and moans softly.

H: I like having you and bubbles at the same time.

G: Yeah, bubbles are fun.

He picks some up in his hands and blows them towards her face, making her laugh and open her eyes. She wipes the bubbles off her cheeks.

H: Bubbles are sexy.

She sits up and moves closer to him.

H: Don't I look sexy covered in bubbles?

G: Yes, you do. You look sexy in anything, especially your own skin.

H: Mmm, you like my skin?

They move closer to each other.

G: You have incredible skin.

He slips his hands on her waist under the water and leans in so their faces are mere inches apart. They kiss very gently before she pulls back and returns to her side of the tub.

H: Don't you just love baths?

G: Baths with you...yes.

H: Baths make me feel so good and warm. And bathing with you gets me so aroused...

She sits up again, and he moves towards her. Their eyes lock and remain open as they kiss with him pulling her against his body. As they moan, his hands move all over her back and hers rest on his shoulders. They kiss very lovingly and deeply for a while before it ends and she plants soft kisses on his neck. He sighs contently and rubs the back of her neck. They break away from each other, and her hand finds his under the water. She smiles sweetly at him.

H: Isn't it something how a romantic bath just makes you take things slow?

G: Slow and very loving.

H: Yeah. It's nice...

Their fingers interlock under the water. She leans in to kiss the spot below his ear twice. He runs his other hand down her soapy back while moaning softly. Her lips move to his shoulder as her other hand moves to his neck, rubbing it firmly. She then slides her hand down his chest, making circles with her fingers. She pulls her head up and smiles.

H: Let me wash your back.

Gus grins and lets go of her to turn around, still sitting on his knees. She pushes off any bubbles that are on his back and quickly kisses the back of his neck. She reaches for a bottle of perfumey body wash and pours some into her hands. Making sure she has plenty in both hands, she proceeds to spread the soap all over his back. She makes sure she gets soap on every inch of skin that's above water. She then reaches for a washcloth and soaks it in the water multiple times as she scrubs his back, rinsing the soap. Afterwards, she massages his neck, back, and shoulders very sensually and lovingly, making him moan a couple times.

G: You're good with your hands.

H: Oh, really? I can be much better...

She slides her hands down his back and around to his stomach, her fingers then making their way below his waist, stroking him erotically. He throws his head back and lets out a loud moan.

She kisses his shoulder and neck.

H: Mmmm, you like that, don't you, baby?

G: Oh, yeah... What happened to taking things slow?

Harley strokes him for only a couple more moments as he groans, and she rests her hands on his stomach.

H: I couldn't help myself.

G: Right.

Harley rubs his upper arms and slides her tongue across his neck, making him moan. She pulls away from him, and he turns around to face her. He leans in, planting his mouth on hers in a soft kiss.

G: We should switch sides.

H: Why?

G: You'll see.

He kisses her cheek quickly, and they make their way around each other to be on opposite sides again. He lies back against the tub and sets his hands on the sides of the tub. Harley smiles at him.

H: I think I see very clearly.

She moves between his legs towards him, turns around, sits on his lap, and rests against him. Her head lays on his shoulder, and she turns to kiss his neck. She closes her eyes as his arms move around her stomach. Her fingers run over his arms before coming to rest on his hands.

H: This is perfect.

She moans softly. They lay there together just like that for a while, only hearing the gentle sounds of their breathing.

H: I'd like to not fall asleep here.

Gus laughs lightly as she moves her hands to her thighs.

G: Maybe I should do something more stimulating.

He runs his fingers slowly over her breasts and up to her neck. She tilts her head back, allowing him to massage her neck gently. After a couple moments, his hands move to her breasts, fondling them softly and making her nipples hard. She gasps and moans at his touch.

H: That's good. I like that.

G: I knew you would.

She moans again, and he soon slips his hands to her waist and upper thighs.

H: Honey...

G: Yeah, I know what you want, babe.

H: Gus! You're bad!

G: What!?

They both bust out laughing, and he kisses her cheek.

G: I love being with you.

Harley smiles and moans contently.

H: Yeah.

Gus murmurs in her ear: Didn't you say baths with me are arousing?

She keeps her laughter in.

H: Yes, something like that.

G: Right...something like that...

He squeezes her thigh quickly, making her cry out with laughter. Her laughter subsides as he slides his hand up her thigh to her warmth between her legs. She gasps his name softly as he slowly rubs her.

G: Mmmm...I know you like that.

H: Yes. Yes!

Gus rubs her a minute longer, making her sigh and moan with pleasure. Taking his hand away, he rests it on her waist.

H: You're good, Gus.

G: So are you.

Harley turns around and wraps her arms around his neck. She kisses him passionately and slips her tongue in his mouth almost instantly. Gus holds her tightly and kisses back, his tongue mingling wildly with hers. They both moan multiple times as they become even more turned on and the heat between them rises.

In the midst of kissing, H: I need you.

Also in the midst of kissing, G: I need you too.

He breaks away breathlessly.

G: So much for being slow.

H: We were slow for a good bit. Now it's time for more. A lot more...

She kisses him again, causing him to moan. They kiss a couple moments, but he pulls away again and she moans in protest. He sits them up so they're not laying against the tub anymore. He sneaks a few kisses on her neck.

G: You want to get out and hop into bed so we can...you know?

H: What's wrong with staying here?

She arches her eyebrows suggestively while smiling seductively.

G: Good answer.

H: I want you right here, right now.

Gus moans and leans in to kiss her neck again, this time very hungrily.

H: Oh, that is so good.

His hands slide up to her breasts again, fondling them more firmly, making her nipples even harder. She gasps at his rough touch.

H: Gus! More!

She runs her hands up his back and holds onto him tightly. He gives her nipples a good tug as he bites her neck softly, causing her to gasp again. He then kisses up to her mouth, and they share a long, steamy kiss. They mutter words of love and desire as they kiss. Their tongues begin to wrestle, and their fingers become wrapped up in one another's hair.

Several moments later they tear away breathlessly.

H: Wow!

G: Yeah.

They take a couple breaths, look at each other, and resume their uncontrollable kissing. There is constant moaning for what seems like forever. They hold onto each other tightly. The kissing begins slowing down as Harley maneuvers herself so that she's on Gus's lap, her feet pressing against the tub behind him. They both groan when he slides inside of her.

They break away, needing air. His hands move down her back to her hips, keeping them there as they begin moving together gently.

Harley breathes heavily onto his neck before throwing her head back, and they move a little faster. His mouth lands on her neck, planting hot kisses all over. She calls out, "Gus," a few times before tilting her head forward.

G: Harley. Oh, Harley!

His hands travel up her back, holding her securely whenever she leans back. Her nails dig into his back as they move faster together.

H: Gus! GUS!

Gus slows things down and takes hold of her in order to move them around and pin Harley against the back of the tub. She spreads her legs, and he begins pumping her harder and deeper, making her call out with pleasure.

Gus breathes heavily into her neck and slips a hand down the front of her body. He rubs her with two fingers for a few moments, making her scream his name. He bites her neck before moving his hand back up to her waist. He thrusts into her much faster than before, and their rhythm speeds up.

G: Harley...

H: GUS! You're...SO...a...ma...zing!

They start panting, and she wraps her legs around his back, forcing his thrusts to deepen more.

H: OH, God... Baby! I'm so close!

G: Me...too, babe.

He pulls his head up and kisses her quickly yet passionately. She kisses back and moans fiercely. She runs her fingers up his back and punctures her nails in his skin.

The heat continues building between them from the sex & hot water, and they feel so alive with desire for each other.

They resume their panting, and moments later they begin reaching ecstasy. Gus feels her tighten around him when he plunges into her once more, and he yells her name as he explodes inside of her. She shouts his name as her climax follows his, and they both cry out multiple times while their bodies rock with pleasure. They start breathing erratically, and their hearts continue racing.

H: WOW! Wow!

G: Baby...

They continue breathing heavily as they pull away from each other. Harley lies still for a moment before sitting up and leaning over the side of the tub, getting away from the heat of the water to get some air. Gus meanwhile sits back against the opposite side of the tub and runs a hand over his hair.

G: Wow!

Harley looks back at him.

H: I know.

They remain silent as they fully catch their breath. Harley sits back beside Gus and finds his hand, their fingers interlocking underwater. She rests her head on his shoulder and smiles very happily.

H: You are amazing.

Gus grins at her.

G: I believe you said that earlier.

H: Oh, that's right. I did.

She giggles and kisses his shoulder. She tilts her head up to moan in his ear.

H: Well, then... You're incredible. And so sexy.

G: So are you, Coop.

H: You're very talented. Maybe we should continue in the bedroom? Show me your skills there...

G: Babe, you know my skills there.

H: Sweetie, a bath isn't enough.

G: Ooh, you're insatiable.

Harley giggles seductively and kisses his cheek.

G: Let's just relax for a bit.

H: Good idea.

She moves to lie against one end of the tub, and he stays against the side. They remain silent for a couple moments. Harley sighs with content, and Gus takes one of her legs under the water to caress it tenderly.

H: You have a magic touch.

She smiles at him, and he smiles back.

G: Shall we move this party to the bedroom?

Harley's smile widens.

H: Yes.

She watches him stand up and get out of the tub. He watches her stand up and reaches for her hand to help her out. He grabs a fluffy towel and begins drying her body. He begins with her shoulders and back before moving around to her front, massaging her soft skin through the towel. He bends down and slides the towel down her legs & back up, drying them very throughly. Once he's finished, he gazes up to see her smiling.

H: Thank you.

G: You're very welcome.

He stands up as she reaches for another towel and starts drying his shoulders and chest. He grins while watching her. She lovingly rubs his stomach and waist when drying them. She moves behind him to dry his back and makes him moan when she arrives at his hips, massaging them sensually. She kneels to the floor and runs the towel over his legs a few times, getting them good and dry. After standing back up, she tosses the towel aside and reaches to empty the tub. Then they both lean over to blow out all the candles.

Harley takes Gus's hand to lead them out of the bathroom, but Gus stops her and bends to sweep her into his arms. She wraps her arms around his neck, and he carries her to the bedroom. He gently lays her on the bed, and she slips under the covers. He pulls the covers back to climb on top of her. She pulls the covers back up and wraps her arms around him.

H: Now this is more like it.

She kisses him quickly.

H: Skin against skin in a cozy bed.

He moans and kisses her passionately, causing her to moan.

H: Love you, Gus.

Gus grins.

G: I love you more than you know.

H: Show me. Again.

He kisses her neck hungrily as she sighs with pleasure. They disappear under the covers to make sweet, hot love.

9/18/2009

The Day The LIGHT Went Out

Also posted this on the Daytime Confidential's website in response to their entry - Live blogging: Guiding Light's Finale Episode.

It's like saying goodbye to a dear friend or companion. Not quite family for me. I saw GL through its last decade and like Harley the most. Watching through it's final months was weird. It never felt like it was ending soon. And I just basked in the joy of seeing Bill & Lizzie, Olivia & Natalia, and Shayne & Dinah in their stories. I was enjoying a lot on the show, except for Mallet & Marina and Reva & Jeffrey. Even when there was 1 month to go, it felt like farewell was a long way off. And even during this last week I wasn't yet moved to tears. I was just like, "Oh, this is happening. These two are getting married. And Alan's dying." No real emotion yet. Just seeing how it all wraps up. I was especially wondering how the Jeffrey story would wrap. What was hard was counting down the days. I had a little bit of tears after each show, thinking "There's 3 episodes left", then "2 episodes left". Today...I was fully prepared to be sad. And I was. I cried through the show. But I was left with a feeling of happiness as well as loss.

Everything was pretty quick. A lot was jammed in these last two episodes since we had to see how things would end for every character. A lot of happiness, as it should be. And everyone having babies, LOL! Of course Shayne & Marina would be together. I liked that. I'm surprised Mallet & Dinah was shown, but YES, they are back together! And Ricky & Mindy and Frank & Blake - love both! Lots of love going around! Wish we had more Otalia lovin - at least one simple, sweet kiss. I loved the Josh & Reva parts of all this because with them I had no clue what was going to happen. I loved how time moved up a year, and Reva met Josh at the lighthouse with Colin. It all goes back to the lighthouse. And Josh & Reva always. I was crying through the whole ending segment as Michelle Branch's "Together" played. I had been waiting 2+ years for Josh & Reva to get back together, and it happens in the finale. Makes it more special and tear-jerking. I feel bad for the Reva/Jeffrey fans, but I assume Jeffrey died after all. Maybe he and Edmund killed each other. Reva belongs with her Joshua...always. So, I'm happy with the finale. It'll really hit next week that this wonderful show is gone. I'll turn the TV on, and it won't be there. *sigh*

Also, have to give a shout out to my girl Harley. I wish she could have returned for this, but of course that couldn't happen since Beth Ehlers is at ABC. Harley could have gotten a mention when Daisy went off to college - like "Harley would be so proud of you." Frank or Buzz could have said that. Or Daisy could have talked to her on the phone. If Beth never left and Harley was a part of all this, I would have been crying more. I'd be sadder. She could have visited Gus's grave, and the GusH pairing could have been wrapped up in some way. Just my wishful thinking, but really, GL's ending (and great 2009 storytelling) has made up for frustrations I've had with the powers that be. We will never forget this legendary soap opera. It'll live on forever and always through us, the fans.

9/02/2009

Guiding Light's Tribute In Entirety

Michael Fairman (www.michaelfairmansoaps.com) has released Guiding Light's full tribute/montage for the fans. This was originally created for the Daytime Emmys but due to time constraints was cut down. Thank you, Michael! Now, if only they didn't cut to commercial and some of the actors could have spoken. Wish we could see a fuller version of the actors on stage & thanking the loyal viewers. :)

Credit goes to Daytime Confidential for brining this to many fans' attention and to YouTube user soapinterviews (http://www.youtube.com/user/soapinterviews)


8/31/2009

Guiding Light's Farewell Tribute

From last night's 36th Annual Daytime Emmys on the CW...

It could have been WAY better and longer!! GRR! The longest-running show got gipped. It was very moving until it was cut, and there were too many clips with the new production model. A lot of great moments, characters, & couples were not included in the montage. And as great as it was seeing the whole cast on stage, there could have been former cast members up there too. Some of the actors could have spoken and thanked all the viewers.

But it is what it is. Just be grateful that there was a tribute.

On the bright side, it was touching. Betty White did a great job mixing humor with sorrow. I'm glad they had a real fan speak. The montage was very well done. There was plenty shown as well as all the wonderful logos. A great song was used, but I can't say what it was. The entire cast looked radiant and appreciative of the tribute & the fans. Everyone stood for television's longest running show. At home in my room I stood too and was moved to tears.

And most relative to this blog - Of course Harley should/would be included in the montage. She was an integral character for close to 20 years. But she was only shown once, and it was with Gus. Not their best moment/scene/story... Their part was the electric kiss during the episode in which Harley's a super-hero. It was GL's collaboration with Marvel Comics. At least GusH was shown at all. And it was a kiss that proved they had a true spark together.

Credit goes to rockermom58 (via YouTube) for this clip: http://www.youtube.com/user/rockermom58



And credit goes to Daytime Confidential for the pictures: http://www.daytimeconfidential.com/2009/08/30/daytime-emmy-salutes-guiding-light



4/24/2009

In My Life...The Light Shines

NOTE: For once, I'm going to be on a long ramble. It might only happen in this entry.

I've never truly considered Guiding Light to be one of "my" shows. I wasn't raised with it by my mom, and I still don't have a great grasp of its history. So, I'm not as heartbroken by its cancellation as more devoted, longtime fans are. I'm also not quite as driven to help save the show, unfortunately. I'll continue supporting it and watching it with every hope that another channel picks it up. And I did sign that petition (the link is posted in the previous entry). I am sad over the cancellation, but there just isn't as much emotional turmoil over it. I wish there was.

I was not stunned by the announcement of Guiding Light's cancellation. I "heard" it through Daytime Confidential, which also included the news of As The World Turns having a one-year renewal. GL has been the lowest-rated soap since Passions was canceled. DC has had various rumor reports & speculations of GL getting the ax and all its renewal info as well as the strong belief that the soap opera genre is nearing its end. I too believe that soaps won't be around ten years from now, and GL being canceled could very well be the beginning of the end. Plus, this cancellation comes after Days Of Our Lives firing Deidre Hall & Drake Hogestyn, major stars taking paycuts, and two years of reading about how GL keeps hanging on. It doesn't surprise me that something else sad & terrible would occur in the soap world, and this cancellation did seem inevitable.

It's pretty obvious that this cancellation greatly impacts the remaining seven soaps. Being a P&G soap, it most directly affects As The World Turns (the only other P&G show). And ATWT only has a one-year renewal, so it could be next. And then who knows what?! Usually, it's the soap in last place that's doomed, but of course there ALWAYS has to be a show in last place! Once GL's gone, it could actually be a three or four way tie. So, if it really is the beginning of the end, ATWT had better step up their game story-wise, and most of the other soaps will need to get their acts together too.

And that's my reaction to GL's cancellation and its ultimate consequences.

Guiding Light's cancellation is certainly depressing. Guiding Light has 72 years worth of history - on both radio and television. Thus, it has remained the longest running show in broadcast history - quite an honor for a soap opera. In a huge way, it is the "mother ship" of the other soaps. To lose a show with decades of history is earth-shattering and disturbing. GL is legendary, and it saddens me to realize I've only seen its LAST decade. I'm missing YEARS worth of storylines, moments, characters, and couples. To be honest, the last decade wasn't all that impressive. At least half of it was crap, I think, and the rest was pretty terrific.

Let's ponder back to what I've seen...

I began getting into GL in either 1999 or 2000 (thanks to my grandparents). I remember following Reva's clone story and seeing Beth with little Lizzie running or hiding from her abusive boyfriend. At some point I began watching a little at home, and then that grew. Some days I'd see GL and other days GH. Thankfully, in 2003 it began airing at 10 AM, and I began watching it every single day.

Harley is who I liked first and foremost. I loved her with Phillip and then Gus. (Duh!) I also liked Blake, Cassie, Reva, Marah (in the form of Laura Bell Bundy), and Michelle. I do tend to like a lot of female characters. I watched Richard & Cassie's royal wedding, which is something I'll always remember. They were a favorite couple as well as Josh & Reva, Blake & Ross, Shayne & Marina, and Phillip & Olivia. I think I also liked Danny & Michelle for a little while. And I've liked Dinah & Mallet, Jonathan & Tammy, Buzz & Alexandra, Coop & Ashlee, and probably more that I'm forgetting. But of course, couples and favorites fizzle and/or change. Currently, my favorite characters are Blake, Olivia, Dinah, Reva, Buzz, Daisy, Shayne, Josh, Lizzie, and Bill. My favorite couples are Olivia & Natalia, Shayne & Dinah, and Bill & Lizzie. I also like Frank, Marina, Phillip, Beth, and even the new James all to some extent. And I continue to have hope that Josh and Reva will reunite, especially because of the cancellation. How can the powers that be NOT put them back together in time for GL's finale?!

Of course there are plenty of characters and couples I've disliked for whatever reason, but I'd like to stay positive here. Plenty of characters & actors have come and gone in my time too: Eden, Maryanne Carruthers, Catalina, Tory Granger, Richard, Sandy, Alan-Michael recast, Coop, Jonathan, Crystal Hunt's Lizzie, Aubrey Dollar's Marina, Nicole Forrester's Cassie, Stephanie Gatshet's Tammy, Joan Collins' Alexandra, etc.

And let's not forget the countless moments & storylines I've witnessed!

Moments - There are a ton that occurred, but only some I remember. I mentioned Richard & Cassie's royal wedding - a true gem for me. I saw Olivia and Cassie's mud fight, which is pretty famous. Something that truly shocked me was Reva helping Richard die by taking him off life-support. The first time Olivia and Phillip had sex - extremely hot! I still have Josh & Reva's third wedding on tape; at least I saw one of their weddings. I remember seeing Blake & Ross get married again around Christmas time, and they were outside gazing at the stars afterwords - very sweet! Of course I never missed the annual Bauer BBQ from 2001 onward. Sometimes it felt like I was really there and that it was a real life event to be excited for. My favorite year was 2001 because there was all kinds of fireworks with Richard returning to Cassie from life-or-death drama in San Cristobel and Phillip finally discovering Harley's pregnancy (with BF Rick's baby). Even though I didn't like them much, I know I watched Danny & Michelle get married twice. One time it was during the Bauer BBQ. When the real Jonathan came to town and had it out with Reva, it was explosive. I remember Lizzie causing a pregnant Olivia to fall down the stairs at the Beacon Hotel lobby.

Storylines - There are good ones and bad ones here. I was first hooked on Reva's cloning story, which I know isn't one of Reva's greatest. It was absurd, but I couldn't turn away especially since the clone had Reva locked up. I also recall Reva's time travel into a painting and her being a psychic - both equally ridiculous. Ross and Blake's battle with the obsessive, crazy Tory Granger was pretty thrilling. The "Garden of Eden" murders was crap, and it should have been better. At least it involved Gus & Harley doing the investigating. Phillip's shooting in 04 was extremely memorable; that was a huge story for the Spaulding & Cooper families. I enjoyed it every step of the way. I liked watching Richard vs. Edmund for San Cristobel's throne, and I remember Cassie being locked in a tower and the car accident that left Reva blind & Cassie's baby stillborn. I was always so hooked on Jonathan & Tammy's story, especially once everyone learned about them being a couple and later them dealing with Lizzie pregnant with his baby. And then there was Reva's cancer, which was enthralling & horrible at the same time. It was a fairly good socially relevant story, but it meant the end of Reva & Josh and the beginning of Josh & Cassie (yuck).

Most importantly of what I've seen: everything Harley Davidson Cooper (and Gus too). Important to me at least, in my years of watching GL. And even years that I wasn't watching, thanks to the wonderful Ilena1970 (from ClassicGL Yahoo group) for working hard to make clips of not only Harley but anything & everything Guiding Light.

I've seen Harley with all her major pairings: Alan-Michael, Josh, Mallet, Phillip, & Gus. (To me, Dylan and Cyrus were merely flings.) My knowledge of her with Alan-Michael is still a bit fuzzy. And I didn't see all that much of her with Josh, but they were a brief couple. I know her relationships with the other 3 extremely well. My fondest memories of Mallet & Harley are: their first "I love you"s at Cross Creek, their first time living together at Happy Homes while undercover, almost eloping & then "honeymooning" on a cruise, their surprise wedding, secretly working & being together to bring down Jenna Bradshaw (when she was a jewel thief), and all their love scenes. They were truly in love, and I don't get how Mallet would cheat on her. Mallet really was the love of Harley's life (until Gus). My most delightful memories of Phillip & Harley are: their humorous journey of realizing they're in love, their wedding & honeymoon in New York City, them helping Jenna scam her criminal ex (Jeffrey), their official first date, their love scenes, and the birth of their son Zach. They had the makings of a long-lasting couple because they started out as friends. Their relationship was very fun...until ex-wife Beth returned to town. It's tragic that once they ended, they fought a lot & battled for Zach. My most wonderful memories of Gus & Harley: pretty much everything, LOL! I really look back fondly on their entire relationship (with the exception of 2007 when they were completely decimated). Their ups & downs provided great drama, for the most part. I'd love to live through it all over again. Some standout moments/stories: their first real date, their wedding in 05, their non-wedding in 04, their fights, their love scenes, deciding to live together, the 2002 custody battle for Zach, Gus delivering Jude, getting engaged, and their first "I love you"s, and discovering that Gus is a Spaulding. They were true love, and no one ever loved Harley the way Gus did.

Of course, I've also enjoyed Harley's relationship with her family and friends. Her friendships with Jenna, Blake, and Cassie were the best. She and Jenna were a team for a good bit, and it seemed like the two of them had always been best friends. Later, it was a trio with Harley, Cassie, & Blake. Seeing them get together for drinks or whatever was always a blast. Throw in Reva and you've got a funny foursome. It's Harley's family that truly defines her. Frank raised her, and it was the two of them for so long. I admire their relationship so much. Then they both had to deal with each parent re-entering their lives. Then gradually you add in Marina, Coop, and Harley's kids. And let's not forget Lucy, but I don't know much about her. Being a Cooper means you've got plenty of relatives, and you're also Greek.

My favorite shining time of Harley's life was when she was the number one suspect in Phillip's shooting. That was when she and Gus were front & center. They drove the story on GL for a good 9 months (approximately), and I couldn't have been happier. It was turmoil to see Harley get arrested for the shooting, but everything resulting from that was phenomenal to watch. I truly enjoyed her trial and seeing her struggling with whether or not she shot Phillip because it was good drama & angst. And Gus & Harley wanted to be together, but something always blocked them on that path of being a couple again. This whole ordeal ultimately led to them being on the run, which truly brought them back together. Really, this whole adventure made them closer & stronger. What especially makes this particular story special for me is how much I learned about Harley, Gus, and their love for each other. Harley is not an optimist, and she is very brave for her family. It doesn't faze Gus how much Pepto his drinks. Gus would do anything for Harley, and he lives for her. I literally could see in their eyes the depth of their love for one another. It's that prominent and powerful. I'm grateful for that storyline.

Now to the rest of its 70+ years... Like I've said, there is so much Guiding Light history I'm missing and haven't seen. A TON! But I do know some major things besides events of Harley's past. Reva was presumed dead twice, once from driving off a bridge. I saw a clip of Reva proclaiming herself the "slut of Springfield". I also saw a clip of Rodger raping his wife, Holly. I know about the popular "Four Musketeers" (Phillip, Beth, Rick, & Mindy), especially since they just had a reunion. I know how shockingly devastating Maureen's death was. Phillip isn't really a Spaulding, but he's still Alan's favorite son. Reva married Josh's father & brother before him, but really, it's been Josh & Reva always. Dinah killed the man she loved instead of Cassie. I know about crazy Annie and that she was an excellent villain for Josh, Reva, and anyone who messed with her. Most importantly, I know that the Bauers were one of Springfield's first families. There use to be a lot more of them driving front-burner storylines, and now how would anyone know that?

In closing, I hope to learn & see more of Guiding Light's amazing multitude of characters, couples, and storylines. I'll watch clips on YouTube or wherever, and I have a copy of Guiding Light: The Complete Family Scrapbook that I plan on reading. It's sad that I've only seen GL's final decade, and I really do wish I had more attachment to it. But just because I didn't fully grow up with it doesn't mean I don't adore & love it dearly. I'll always cherish my time with this show. I pray that its CBS cancellation doesn't mean the end and that another channel or the Internet picks it up.

Here's to Guiding Light - the longest running show in history and one of the best damn soap operas ever created! GL ALWAYS!