The long dusty road to happiness.

When she had been young she understood how unforgiving this land that gave no second chances really was, yet now she sought one last chance at redemption.

As the wind howled across the broken expanse, rattling the bones of the dead and blasting the already dried out grass, she walked ever onwards through the stinking dust and the heat haze. Her red lips once beautiful to look at, now cracked and parched like the earth that had not seen rain in many decades. The soft skin around her painted nails had blistered from the uncaring assault of the burning earth beneath her feet. Lurching onwards almost like a ghostly mirage in the heat on the dust bowl, her skin burnt from the sun and the wind, from the agony of life around her. She knew she had to push onwards for behind her lay only shame.

It's been nine months since we last saw Petra and Catarina and life has been good. But ghosts of the past have not forgotten them and storm clouds are gathering. Can their love survive?

Although 'The Special Ones' can be read as a stand alone I would suggest reading 'The Special One' first as there are a number of references to the earlier story.

I consider myself very much a beginner and always looking for ways to improve my story telling. This time I am trying a few pictures, they take an age to do and I would love to know if you feel they add to the story or distract? Any comments gratefully received, though please be kind there is a fragile newbee's ego on the line here :-)

The Faithful, North African and Middle Eastern Islamic nations, are plotting to seize the oil resources of the Middle East. By controlling the earth's oil and its major trade routes, they plan to bring the world to its knees. Then, when the entire world is kneeling, the Faithful of Allah will read to them from the Koran, preaching the message of Islam, the True Faith. The Faithful will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. But how far will they go? And how many lives will it cost?

The Faithful, North African and Middle Eastern Islamic nations, are plotting to seize the oil resources of the Middle East. By controlling the earth's oil and its major trade routes, they plan to bring the world to its knees. Then, when the entire world is kneeling, the Faithful of Allah will read to them from the Koran, preaching the message of Islam, the True Faith. The Faithful will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. But how far will they go? And how many lives will it cost?

The Faithful, North African and Middle Eastern Islamic nations, are plotting to seize the oil resources of the Middle East. By controlling the earth's oil and its major trade routes, they plan to bring the world to its knees. Then, when the entire world is kneeling, the Faithful of Allah will read to them from the Koran, preaching the message of Islam, the True Faith. The Faithful will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. But how far will they go? And how many lives will it cost?

The Faithful, North African and Middle Eastern Islamic nations, are plotting to seize the oil resources of the Middle East. By controlling the earth's oil and its major trade routes, they plan to bring the world to its knees. Then, when the entire world is kneeling, the Faithful of Allah will read to them from the Koran, preaching the message of Islam, the True Faith. The Faithful will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. But how far will they go? And how many lives will it cost?

The Faithful, North African and Middle Eastern Islamic nations, are plotting to seize the oil resources of the Middle East. By controlling the earth's oil and its major trade routes, they plan to bring the world to its knees. Then, when the entire world is kneeling, the Faithful of Allah will read to them from the Koran, preaching the message of Islam, the True Faith. The Faithful will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. But how far will they go? And how many lives will it cost?

The Faithful, North African and Middle Eastern Islamic nations, are plotting to seize the oil resources of the Middle East. By controlling the earth's oil and its major trade routes, they plan to bring the world to its knees. Then, when the entire world is kneeling, the Faithful of Allah will read to them from the Koran, preaching the message of Islam, the True Faith. The Faithful will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. But how far will they go? And how many lives will it cost?

The Faithful, North African and Middle Eastern Islamic nations, are plotting to seize the oil resources of the Middle East. By controlling the earth's oil and its major trade routes, they plan to bring the world to its knees. Then, when the entire world is kneeling, the Faithful of Allah will read to them from the Koran, preaching the message of Islam, the True Faith. The Faithful will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. But how far will they go? And how many lives will it cost?

Wednesday July 26

Dearest Diary,

Had another great day, even if I didn’t got to see Mike. But I think I am getting to find my new style! I know, I used to dress really boring and not taking much time to make myself presentable. But now, I discover all these really cute clothes I have that I never bothered with before. Can you imagine?

This is a tale about a girl who has, for the most part, lived a very relaxing and pampered life. But, from time to time, she has a rather “naughty” side that wanted to come out and play.

One year, Rebecca became especially worried about her actions throughout the year, wondering if she would make Santa’s Naughty or Nice list for Christmas.

This story was inspired by a sexy pink Santa stocking cap at a local convenience store that simply stated, “Naughty or Nice” on the white trim. It inspired a “photo shoot” and the story followed.
I hope you enjoy!

Merry Christmas, and remember to temper your naughtiness throughout the year, even though being naughty is DEFINITELY more fun!

XO Rebecca

(This is the TEXT version of the story. Please download the PDF file to appreciate the story as it was composed.)

Part 2

I was tricked into this and now there is no way out of it unless I walk in front of a bus or something equally drastic! Mom is the store manager for “Growing Things” and no it isn’t a gardening shop. It just happens to be a very popular store for kids from infant to Tween. It also happens to be for girls only.

My twin sister Lucy and I say the twin part loosely, has been going on about this Christmas pageant event for months now! It will soon stop because Thanksgiving is in two weeks and she’ll be in the pageant and I’ll get some peace and quiet for a change.

CRUISING FOR TROUBLE

The Amy Series: 1 - The Way the Croissant Crumbles By Kozmik Alaska

Amy gets a job in the menswear department at Eaton's in Winnipeg Manitoba. Is the legend about rubbing Timothy Eaton's Foot true? Will a passing glance and a knowing smile from a shopper lead to more? And can you really get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant? This story is based on true events and the author's (Kozmik Alaska's) hopes and dreams. A proudly Canadian story!

Permission is hereby granted by Kozmik Alaska for the publication of this story on his behalf here at Big Closet Top Shelf only.

Monday July 24

Dearest Diary,
So all of a sudden it’s a new week and I’m sooo looking forward to it! Can’t explain why, I’m just so happy! Will write more tonight!

The Christmas Ditz

Dainéal’s Dream


Tá¡ Mo Chroá­ Istigh Ionat
(My Heart Is Within You)