Anton_Cloche

Ya want more words? Read Ginni's emails (lead to another SCOTUS retiring?) OR just read War and Peace. "Looking forward to the next one..."? You might want to look at your calendar. Not saying that such a revered author as Carlos would stoop to use a particular date to publish something fanciful ... just saying. ('real' chapter comment to follow, after a quick review) 🇺🇦

Sometimes not even Drs can see the forest for the trees. A great many people, and certainly teens and preteens either put up walls to keep others out (Alec) or even being terribly introverted they put on a false bravado and act as a super extrovert (Finn). Either extreme can lead to suicide. "How do you see me?" is a cry for help! A cryptic call for help from someone whose fear of being discovered or uncovered for what he thinks he 'is' may trigger taking a step too far. One that they can't take back. Finn is in a place where he may harm himself. Hopefully Alex hits 'send' and Finn picks up.

Awe filled and awe inspiring. Not just for Colin and Armand either. Their trip to Rome will open their eyes even more, but don't forget they still have a side-trip to bring back a painting (or 3 if you include the original pencil sketch by Armand of 8-yr old Carlos), before their grand honeymoon is over and they return home to 'Project Club'. 🎨 🖼️ 🇺🇦

Interesting to read about the ocean-going (blue water), 4-deck, 6 cabin, eco-hybrid catamaran Andrew and Ryan are now buying for charter. Will be interesting how it is kitted out in addition to having 6 cabins and solar power as well as sail. Hmm, not R&C as they only do 5 cabins, and not hybrid. Must be a mythical yacht builder. I know that feeling of foreboding that Andrew is experiencing. It's not an easy feeling to deal with. I wonder if the SkyTV news report of the ferry capsizing off the coast of Fort William Scotland, and those who died, trigger memories of their last voyage onboard the MY Amira in rough seas. I've previously traveled on those small ferries to/from Fort William in rough seas, and it can feel risky. With Amira due back to Port Louis it can't be that, so I suspect it's the large monohull yacht that sailed out of False Bay after over-nighting near Belle Catherine and headed out to open sea. Hopefully with no loss of life.

Another interesting tale by a unique and masterful author who weaves history throughout his stories to create a tapestry of life. Lovers of art, and travel, will appreciate this book which respects the past, embraces the present and looks to the future.

Barcelona definitely calling to me like the 'sirens' who called to ancient mariners. A trip much needed after Covid calms down (for a while). Colin and Armand's wandering about, filled my head with visions. In much the same way that GG filled Armand's ears with both gentle reminders and hints of where his artistic future lays. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (there's another hiding) 🇺🇦

Armand and Colin leaving Madrid and heading to the Mediterranean south coast of Spain would see them near large cities like Valencia, or smaller ones on the coast like Alicante y Benidorm. The latter has many small family-run restaurants like that of 14-year old Carlos and his parents, who knew Armand 6 years earlier as a student and not a famous artist. Their decision to spend the night with Carlos' family after dining and taking the train along the coast to Barcelona will have surprise art gifts for the family. @Philippe is right about the importance of artists early pencil and ink sketches. Armand is well aware of that importance from his study of 'the masters', visits to museums (and what GG whispers in his ears). My guess is that what Armand means when he asks Carlos for "...the drawing of Carlos holding a lamb ... and ... another lying at his side..." is that Armand will reproduce it as a full colour painting, with an additional painting of Carlos and his parents in their restaurant, and return all 3 works of ArRow art, framed with perhaps the tree hinged together as a modern version of a classical triptych (meant to be displayed a 3 panels with a shared theme. In this case a child and his parents whose restaurant sells meals of lamb. Such an art piece (installation), would showcase this skill as an homage (pronounced Oh-mage) as a tribute to great artists like Francis Bacon, Paul Gauguin and Spanish artist Joan Miró. 🖼️🖼️🖼️ 🇺🇦

Hopefully I've done the same for you.

Sometimes even the worse people need empathy of others. Unfortunately, at this point in history, 'men' were not supposed to show their feelings, especially weakness or caring for other men, except oddly, some of those fighting in the war. George's uncle may have some inkling of what is going on. And George's question, "Why did he have to come here..." opened the door for George's uncle to figure out what's happening? Odd, I recall the saying "Physician heal thy self" even though George isn't one yet. Perhaps if George can see a way through, he can get better for himself, and Carl. (as long as our fledgling 'bird' Carl can safely fly home to his UK family),

Well. A nicely wrapped up end to Book 2 of the continuing story of the Desert Vet, with Jex and Marcus properly set up in the new practice facilities, new home and with Frilly and Spike to look after. (With echidna like Spike living an average of 10 - 16 years in 'captivity' she'll be around for a while. And Frilly could live 15+ years). But what about Jex's Mum Amanda being up on Riveren Station (plus the addition of Inverway & Limbunya or Newry & Auvergne stations) ? That 1.6 - 2 million acres, (less than 1/6 the size of "Cattle Queen" Gina's station holdings), puts the family's combined 3 - 5 station holdings value well into 9 or 10 figures, with Mum Kendrick, Jex and Rhodes owning 15% each. That doesn't include the purchase of two additional pastoral (cattle grazing) stations of Waterloo and Rosewood. What about sister Mary (at Uni to become a Vet nurse), and her twin brother Rhodes (who with Jex's persistent urging finally agreed to go to Uni for Ag & Animal Science degree), and younger sister Julia and brother Wynn? Seems to me that these 9 chapters closes only part of the continuing Kendrick family / Desert Vet saga. I think (suspect 👀 🔍) there's more planned Q. (along with some editing / Beta readers kept busy?). Eager to see what's next.

Ahhh España. As much as I love Madrid and the Museo del Prado, (and El Greco over Goya), some of the best tapas bars are in the smaller cities and town. Pre-Covid, many former small tapa bar in Madrid evolved from serving numerous 'small plates' (tapa) into many items in one plate (tapear). Much more fun to wander in the traditional way from bar to bar having a few small plates in each. Great chapter. I'm famished!

OMG "Trapped in an airplane with Harley"? Like sardines in a tin can (pilchards to Owen). Only tolerable if: (a) plane is grounded in snowstorm so there's still a way off if 'attendants' bribed; (b) earplugs; (c) 'American Chopper' on DVD ... no wait, Harley will be yelling at screen; (d) Aleve or Melatonin; (e) all the above 😉 🇺🇦

Adele Whitman sound like a good surrogate for CJ & Owen's 'twins' Christmas present for Liebe. Northman 'growing' on CJ, (like 'Bark' mushrooms on north side of trees), just enough for CJ's empathy to show through. That will change for the better when back at embajada. Abuela's sound like restaurant I'd love to visit. Thanks Carlos.

"Thursday, March 17 2022 It’s 5PM and I am off to McSorley’s…I'm looking for a Leprechaun!" Or a 'sheleighly', or a 'Black Thorn Walking Stick'? So basically anything sturdy, large, upright, preferably Irish, hmm. Erin go bragh! ☘️

Cal, this just keeps getting better with each new chapter. Paris has been a great return trip to Paris for Armand, and not just from a trip to galleries, museums and Tour d'Eiffel point of view. Armand introducing Colin to Mme Lavigne was also their introduction as a couple to a new lifelong friend. And now it's on to Spain. Can't wait for what's next. Thank you. Happy St. Patrick's Day ☘️. Hope you had a good day. Take care. T

Aha! A wonderful visit for Armand and Colin to view a private collection, and be joined for lunch by the Louvre Director. This is not only a journey into other artists works, but also one of discovery into Armand's own past, seeing GG's 'Bluebird of Happiness'. 🐦 This 'meeting' may be something that will see the art world 'set a twitter'. (At this point those not familiar with that phrase may now 'Google' it). Next? 🇺🇦

Andre, read both versions and have no major concerns with either. My personal and 'editor' comments about website / webhosts 'advisories' to any authors, let alone to really good authors such as yourself, is best reserved "lest the gods be upset". Anyway, this is a really good chapter, with lots of new developments, from how well Marge and Byron are fitting in at work and with the Devlin-Major family, to new developments vis-à-vis the 'floating' accommodations, as well as Claude and François getting married. Then there are a few cliffhangers in the works. #1 being the trip to Scotland, a 'Cameron' reunion with perhaps new title & responsibilities for someone? #2 concerning major (not pun intended) shipboard changes. #3 Nuptial cliffhanger? As for (others) suggestion of 'new babies', I don't think it will be a two-legged variety. Adventures await.

Another nice day in Paris, with Colin, Armand and his fledgling group of art students. That one of the students knows the owner of a 'private collections', suggests he may have acquired an early ArRow. 😮

Different writers post different length chapters. @CLJobe posts more frequently versus saving it all and posting once-a-week. Pick what works for you. But everyone is entitled to an opinion. In my humble opinion the 43 stories (and counting) that @CLJobe has posted offers something for everyone (GG just gave me a Gibbs 'tap' on the head). Would be interested in reading YOUR stories and let everyone here critique yours. 😶 ... Différents auteurs publient des chapitres de longueurs différentes. @CLJobe publie plus fréquemment au lieu de tout sauvegarder et de publier une fois par semaine. Choisissez ce qui fonctionne pour vous. Postez une seule histoire (ou 43 comme @CLJobe) et laissez tout le monde ici critiquer la vôtre. 😶

I think Colin is learning the French tongue first hand. 👄 As for 6-pack, over time they ABSolutely disappear the more beer you inject. Time for the gravity-fed beer helmet? ⛑️

Colin and Armand's 'tour de Paris' is quite unique, especially time at the Louvré and with the students. Armand does need to broaden his talents and experience. Perhaps GG can visit Armand in his dreams and let him know what he needs to focus on next. Many years from now, when ArRow retires (although great painters never really retire), I see Armand perhaps being a Docent. Looking forward to what's next, when they journey to the Valley of the Pharaohs / Kings near Luxor.

For the same reason that the U.S. Declaration of Independence on 'public display' is a copy. Protecting original great works of significance that are irreplaceable.

Cal, the information you have and mine are essentially the same. The sworn statement is now done at a police station so they can verify info of passport, driver's license (enhanced if available), U.S. Nexus Card (similar to DigiD card in 🇳🇱 Netherlands). All of this to combat 'Marriages of Convenience'

Chapter 14, paragraph 16, follows description of renovations to 2nd & 3rd floors (apartment & studio) above the club they own, and description of post-graduation trip to Europe for wedding in Amsterdam, a stop in Paris and ending in Pete's Italian home village of Vietri sul Mare. I wouldn't be surprised if Colin's parents Ellen and John are at Stopera (Amsterdam City Hall) for wedding. Since neither Armand or Colin are a Dutch national, hopefully the concierge reminds them to take their passport, 'DigiD' and 'personal declaration' to local police station to get certified before going to City Hall. 💒 🫂 💘 Cal.

Nice to see shout out to Dirk Pitt a little over 2 years since Clive went on his own journey to the mysteries of the great beyond. Just think of all the solutions he may have found since 24/02/20. (Maybe a Ouiji board can get him to spill all?) Owen logically would be the one to join NUMA. Great to see 🦮 (only Retriever emoji available) Wingnut alive and well at Everhope and driving Brad nuts (not pun intended). Going completely bonkers when CJ walked in. No doubt his tail prop was rotating like crazy! Brought a tear to my eyes about Wingnut sleeping outside door to CJ, Oz and Liebe's bedroom. CJ and Owen need to bring Wingnut to Mexico to watch over and protect Liebe (event in coming chapters?).