Anton_Cloche

You going to reveal that Uluru (Ayers Rock) is Oz's own secret Area 51? 👾

Selling the Thuxton Jackaroo Bi-plane had to be a bit hard and sentimental, especially as it was the first plane Jex bought with financial help from his late father (Dessert Air, Chapter 1, The Beginning). But the pragmatic side of Jexon, inherited from his father and grandfather/Pa is what motivates him and keeps him moving forward. With the family all settling in one 'general' area, to be close to each other, it will interesting to see what happens next. Jex and Marcus outbidding his Mum to buy 'Digger's Rest' cattle station for their new home, appears to have some surprises in store. First, they bought 'Digger's Rest' because of its potential as working cattle station, but also because it has a packed dirt landing strip (guessing runway long enough to accommodate TOL requirements of the Beechcraft), even though it is 3 km north of the main house. Second. they are keeping the original couple who owned the station on, to manage the and letting them remain in the 'homestead' (main house). Jex and Marcus have 'alternative' accommodations in mind, building a new 'homestead' nearer the runway and a yet to be built hanger / garage, possibly with enough rooms to accommodate 'additions' to their family? Although they haven't 'planned' on adding anyone, 'things' happen. Hmm?

Grazie, Mille Grazie por un nuovo capitolo! (Thanks, Many Thanks for this new chapter Cal ). 🇺🇦

Quokka, normally I'd say yes, as I've read many of your past writings and commented on them, from time to time, as both a reader and from an editor's point of view. (see DM). Let me think about it for a few days?

🇺🇦 Well, aside from a fair number of spelling errors and a few grammar ones (sorry 'Q / Preston' but they triggered my Editor's Eye and Red Pencil), this was an interesting chapter to say the least. First, after being pressed back into army service Cpl Jex is shot at and hit not once but twice. The army field medic missed the 2nd bullet in the back which the RFDS Nurse quickly discovers when Jex's stretcher is loaded on the plane, and a jolt sends pain down his back and legs. Next he undergoes initial back surgery only to be rushed back for a 2nd operation due to infection and no feeling in his legs. Surgeons found the 'floating' bone fragment from the bullet strike near his spine that could have caused permanent paralysis or worse. After 3 weeks in a coma, Jex wakes up and begins the road to hopefully full health. Finally, while taking a commercial flight home for further recovery, Jex is pressed into service as 2nd seat co-pilot as the Captain in 'indisposed' due to illness. Just can't seem to catch a break. But the brief stint at the controls of a commercial jet might encourage Jex to upgrade his flight qualifications. Hopefully ... (By the way, because of the number of Sp, grammar and punctuation errors, I've chosen not to list them here. I would suggest in addition to any Apps you may be using, such as Spell Check or Grammarly, that you use a few Beta readers to take a look before posting, to catch errors that were missed). 🙏 for 🇺🇦

Oh crap! 💩 I had to go back and re-read the last 7 paragraphs to confirm a MAJOR problem is about to crash into Armands' life. Colin's mother, (vapid, egocentric, self absorbed and best described as a social media 'influencer' in 2020's), traipses over with her 'girl friends' to where Colin and Armand are having a quiet lunch, and in conversation with Café-owner Pete about the painting of him behind the counter, Armand is 'outed' as Arrow. Worse of all, these gossips will be spread that info to all their 'friends' when they announce "We know who Arrow is". And now the shit disturbers will wreck havoc on Armand's life and artistry. (IMHO)

André, another very interesting chapter, and I was really touched by Andrew's gesture to help out Margaret Roffe and her son Byron by paying for the 3rd set of needed school uniforms and other clothing, and to do so anonymously. This act shows yet again his (and Ryan's) concerns for others, but not embarrassing them in the process. This generosity is further shown when Marge finds a new Job at The Cameron as well as part-time daycare for 7-year old Byron at the Devlin-Major's after school with his new classmates Cam and Elisabeth. Really looking forward to many coming chapters! 🇺🇦

Another wonderful chapter Cal, with Armand and Colin's relationship taking all the right steps. I really enjoyed Armand's sketch turned painting of the café interior and owner Pete pictured behind the cash register. Where I live, we had a well known local Deli & restaurant owner who was also a philanthropist (donating millions of dollars to children's hospitals). His restaurant was famous for sketches / paintings by a renowned artist of famous guests to the deli over its 65 year history, including people like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and many, many others standing next to the owner. Looking forward to the next chapter.

A great response Georgie. Stonewall was "before my time" as well, but I was encouraged to read from a very young age. That turned into learning about history (and for better or worse, politics). As my parents and grandparents said "Read to learn about things and people that make the world go around" Someone once said: "We grow too soon old, and too late smart". Now would be a great time to break that cycle. If only.

Finally! (and likely the only time to say this before being "chided" / warned "that GA is not the forum for political speech"). I cannot thank @Georgie DHainaut enough for his all too timely story, or @drsawzall for his comments. While the editor can understand the desire for sites (GA and others) to be a refuge from reality, the journalist inside screams for people to wake up (versus pretending to be 'woke'), see what is happening and as much as possible make other people aware. Eastern Europe was the birthplace of World War I, later referred to as "The War to End all Wars". But in 1905, 9 years before the start of WWI, Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana wrote in his book, The Life of Reason: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it", and others being slow to intervene. 34 years later, someone else bent on a new world order, domination of neighbouring countries as a result of 'empire building' began what resulted in World War II and was spurred on by others not intervening soon enough. 82 years later, as Georgie reminds us in this story (as related by Ilya), the world, whether as a direct result of failing memory, a desire to forget, a lack of fortitude to educate the next / current generation, or a laissez-faire attitude in general, is on an all too familiar precipice yet again, all thanks to "Tsar Vladimir I"; and yet again by others slow to intervene. If Stonewall, and the 50+ years since has 1969 has taught gay writers / authors nothing else, it is the obligation of 'us' to make people aware of situations that pose a risk. Stonewall was a 'wake up call' for those in the GLBTQII+ communites as well as society in general that we weren't okay with being oppressed, put down, abused, harassed etc, and as Ilya clearly relates to us, we do have things and people to fear. Thank you Georgie!

"Beotches come in all shapes, sizes and mentalities, but theme is lack of common sense, courtesy and respect for others. WE are everywhere, so give us what we want". (From a popular 'influencer and she/her/ME various sites. Confusing and contradictory message?). Need to learn what you get out depends on what you put in. Otherwise you are Putin. Armand will determine what he needs and who he trusts going forward. Hopefully Colin, but his activities at 'club' show he is susceptible to wrong choices. Next? (Stay well Cal)

Oh oh. Just when Jexon and Marcus are trying to establish a 'normal' work / life balance ( if that can happen when they're responsible for vet services in an area of 62 Million acres!), all Hell breaks loose, yet again in Corunna Base (see previous story Desert Air ). I wonder if it's anyone associated with previous incidents against Jexon on 'the base'? By the Way, another great chapter!

OR replace @Carlos Hazday real hog with a Trike so if he falls asleep on a mobile Barca Lounger he won't tip over (easily) and harm himself. We can also get him the FLA required 'curb feelers' for seniors 😉 from Pep Boys or AWOLCustoms.

Yay! 💡 💞 🎆

"Sorry"? @CLJobe Whatever for? A short chapter? Another cliff hanging? M'eh (okay, you'll have to pardon 'Ed' for momentarily succumbing to the prattle of the millenials. Ooh did 'that' make up for it)? 😉 All silliness aside. Cal, I and many others will accept a small chapter, as just another tasty morsel, that leads to a greater feast. Take care. Tony B (Anton).

It is obvious that Colin's appearance had an immediate effect on Armand. The saying "Stunned by the beauty" would apply, as would "Eyes are the window to the soul". History tells AND shows us that many great artists began to turn out their best works once they found their 'muse' or source of their inspiration. Whether in a small gallery, as some of Armand's work (My Jessica) was; exhibited in the MoMA; coveted by a collector (as an investment) or simply hanging in a family home, it appears ARRow works will endure. 💘

Wow. In a short number of chapters we have seen the boy Armand, with dreams/visions of his Great, Great Grandmother - his GG - grown into a young man and now with a BFA and starting Yale for his MFA? That puts him in the 20-ish age range. (And this story, coming as most do to you in your dreams Cal, is moving at a fairly quick pace). Appreciate Armand's preference for realism (paint what you see) versus Cubism (although both Dali and Picasso's family confirmed that they too painted what they 'saw', but their 'visions' were affected by specific 'health conditions' ). Will be interesting to see where this story leads us, but I'm guessing it is a much shorter story. NOT a criticism in any way, shape or form. I greatly appreciate every story you 'gift' us with. Take care, stay well, stick around for a LOT longer, (although some great works live on 'forever').

Although Armand is allowing 'My Jessica' to be put in the gallery therefore up for sale. like Leonardo, he may produce a second version as a gift for the twin's mother - Jessica. 🎨

Cal, 'Crypto-Currency' is indeed more volatile than another monetary unit whether money backed by a government or even free-flowing funds connected to gold or diamonds. However, the fact that it is 'unsecured' is what makes it so desirable because it is untraceable, until it is activated. Given a choice between $100 million in U.S. or gold versus crypto, I'll take gold coins FIRST, followed by $ then crypto. The only reason MONEY is 2nd, is that the market fails, if governments fail, then you can not access real money. But millions in 1oz gold coins, (even hidden under wine barrels) doesn't lose its luster.

And so ARRow's life as an artist enters its' second phase. (First phase was becoming an artist with GG's help and guidance from 'above'. I'm willing to bet she's surrounded by many famed artists, painters, sculptors etc in the 'afterlife' artists enclave, willing to 'help'). As for Banksy, previous art 'works' and 'installations' sold, benefitting the UK's NHS (National Health Services aka 'universal health care'). His more recent work “Love is in the Air”, portraying a man throwing a bunch of flowers as if it were a 'petrol bomb' or 'molotov coctail', sold for £9.2m ($12.3m U.S.) at Sotheby’s, the buyer paying in 🪙 cryptocurrency. Since Crypto in 'wallet' is virtually untraceable, he's able to receive and spend the money, albeit subject to the 'vagaries' or unexpected changes, in the value of crypto, such as Putin's Russian War against Ukraine (with innocent children dying).

IF I was a betting man, I'd bet Armand's first sale will be to a collector who recognizes budding artists' potential, AND since it's 'At Auction' it will sell at 500-1000 X ask. Been to a few gallery auctions 🗣️and witnessed first hand how it works. GG will be proud indeed of her Great, Great, Grandson Armand aka ARRow. 🖼️ 🏹

Wonderful beginning. Most people might not understand (including the 'art teacher') what it its that GG is teaching little Armand. GG is giving him the 'building blocks' he needs. Learning how to draw straight lines and circles creates 'perspective'. It is the way of drawing objects on a flat piece of paper or other drawing surface so that they appear three-dimensional and realistic. It allows an artist to create visuals where things appear close or vanish into the distance.

Another interesting chapter. Another piece in the puzzle with Karl se rencontrer Jules.

Oh to be either in the dreams or a 'dream catcher'

All depends on effort 'PUT in'