Sunday, November 8, 2009

Precious Little Things with Wings

Entrez s'il vous plaît dans le salon de thé...



and take a dainty cup of tea



and a lemon macaroon



or a peanut butter and chocolate version



and get comfortable because story time has begun.



Dedicated to M.M. - You quietly tiptoed into my life and have inspired me beyond words



As I sit with pen in hand

I'm thinking of a distant land

A distant land unknown to me

perhaps not ever meant to see

but hope to me, a promise brings

of Precious Little Things with Wings. - Castles Crowns and Cottages



The smoldering orange embers were gasping for their last breath before they extinguished themselves in the pile of ashes from soirées past. It was a memorable evening in my humble little warren, with roasted apples by the fire, music and an occasional guffaw from the bucks, which was subsided by uncontrollable yawns- evidence that we had exhausted the night itself.



Long farewells lingered at the foyer like the scent of our sweet apples, as friends reluctantly shuffled out to leave the warmth of the evening, facing the bitter cold along the path to their own cozy nests, to put to rest the events of the day.



My thoughts however, danced with images of her last letter. I was determined to fight my fatigue to relish every word by the flicker of candlelight, for the main character in her work, "The Adventures of the Great Gesundheit" had set in motion an avalanche of events that required my immediate attention. For 10 months, I have exchanged wild escapades of imaginary characters and a special friendship with Doortje, who lives across the sea, and whom I have never seen. Daily, to my delight, I receive a new adventure



and I return another adventure in kind.



Tonight however, the post did not come by its usual way



but rather by way of A Precious Little Thing With Wings.



I opened the letter and cherished every image and word. But as soon as I looked up, the winged creature had disappeared leaving a trail of wind throughout the star-pocked sky, and as fast as she had flittered off, so did Doortje's letter, following the messenger like a long and elegant plume. The instructions were to look out of my window for there would be a rabbit-drawn coach



that would whisk me away through the streets



to the shores of my world, where a great bird would meet me, to lift me over and across the waves of the sea of dreams.



And after a moment of timelessness, I became a child, and on the other side of my world at the shore, there she was.



It was Doortje, my friend.



She was more gracious than I could have imagined; we welcomed the sunrise together and weathered the storm under a canopy of laughter, hope and trust. "I must tell you my name" said Doortje. For months I had only known her by Doortje, a name befitting such a being, for it means, "Gift of God." What other name could describe such a friend?" After countless dawns and sunrises, I learned that her name was Aleydis, meaning "of a noble sort" in her native tongue. Aleydis was in fact, a queen.



A beautiful queen, indeed. "Smashing! This is TOPS! I can't believe this...my friend is a queen!" I bellowed. My childish enthusiasm worried her for she feared that upon my return to my side of the world, her identity would be compromised. But what she feared most of all, was that I would not understand our friendship. "My dear", she whispered, as her eyes smiled into mine, "You must keep your word. You must never tell anyone who I really am."



I did understand.



Our worlds were an ocean apart, but our imaginations were one. To betray her confidence would be to betray myself. As I began to see her more clearly, I began to fade away from her world, awakening from my wildest of dreams...to meet my friend whom I had never seen.



The End.

In your wildest of dreams, do you hope to meet the kindred spirits that have touched your lives in blogland? I do. I believe in Precious Little Things with Wings, for "Hope is the thing with feathers..that perches in the soul..and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all." *

May your dreams come true!

Photo credits:

Georg Jensen Bird Brooch

Beatrix Potter Illustrations of Peter Rabbit and Friends

Grant D. Fairley Fairy Tales for Life

French Interiors from the beautiful blog Trouvais

Macaroon images - The Wandering Eater

Queen Blanka - Albert Edelfelt
* "Hope" from the blog, The Dutchess

38 comments:

Fete et Fleur said...

Wonderful, Anita! I felt like I was floating in a space of beautiful words. I still have the magical feeling as I write this now. I will dream of worlds beyond my imaginings tonight.

Hugs!
Nancy

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

My dear Anita...Roasted Tomato Soup, a perfect choice for around the hearth...thank you for visiting My Dolce Vita to see what's been cooking in my classes...of which there is only 1 to go!!!
Now I have been settled here...had a cuppa, partaked in the macaroons...both versions, how could I resist...I have visited your World...thoroughly been enchanted and now back to my World...I bid you good-night...It's off to Sweet Dreams for me now...Dzintra♥x

Jorgelina said...

Hi Anita!!
Wonderful and magical his blog.
Delicious macaroons...
It is a pleasure to visit it.
Hugs amiga.

Woolytales Miniatures said...

Anita , Anita...I am not sure if I can find the write words to comment here...Oh sweet Anita... this is such a beautiful tribute to your friend and to all of us who get to know others and learn about true friendship. Your dedication to others... your writting is so very charming and your story has touched my heart deeply.... I am dreaming to see one of your books published these days... I can see you writing and illustrating children stories ....grin... you know how much I enjoy children stories and it is because they keeps us young in heart and you certainly is blessed that way. I will continually pray for our Heavenly Father to inspire you as I see that your dedication is from the Lord Jesus and for your work at school with the young children. I pray that the difficulty to be a *good* teacher do NOT rob form you a desire to write.
I will come back here and read again, and again over the week so I can be reminded of you.

Unknown said...

To dream the impossible dream, of meeting each friend in the land of blog. I dream of that too, dear Anita. In my mind, they all become animal souls, and I relate to them that way. The world of animals is safe for me. In the world of blog, hearts connect in such a deep way and where we work or who's who, the past does not show it's self often, it's more about the daily chattering. Your MM has always been a mystery to me also, and I love it that way. Beautiful post, that gives to the world. The pumpkin carriage...I dream of lifting my foot and stepping up for a ride.

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

I'm in love with this post! Sweet fantasy birds and rabbits are just the most magical of all fairy tale creatures! Thanks so much for sharing these!!! Have a great Pink Saturday and a beautiful weekend! Coralie

Unknown said...

Anita,
You always create the most imaginative posts. Lovely words, and delightful images. A distant land that I would like to know.
Karen

icandy... said...

Isn't this place wonderful? I get so inspired catching up with all of our friends! What a beautiful story, Anita!
Hugs,
Christina
oxox

Bonnie said...

We are captivated!

Love from, Sadie, Kitty, Paisley and Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Anita, Anita, brovo!!! Your story was just wonderful ♥ I loved all of the beautiful pictures. A cup of tea and a macaroon would be just lovely. Thank you so much. The poem was magnificent! I love how you incorporated it into the beginning of your story. Your story was so discriptive and magical, so beautifully written. You are truly gifted Anita ♥ I'm so glad I found you. I hope you have a great weekend.
p.s. I love the idea of beans and rice at Thanksgiving. It's all of these wonderful heart felt traditions that make our holidays especially beautiful and dear.

Twyla and Lindsey said...

It is so wonderful to visit you and escape into a beautiful world where magic is the usual. May the magic continue throughout your weekend! Twyla

Cathy said...

Anita, I just knew there would be something wonderful posted on your blog.

What a wonderful spirit you have. I have met the most amazing people in blogland and I cherish each and every one of them. I adore their creativity, their poetry, recipes, writings and daily prayers and thoughts.

Thank you for bring sunlight into my rainy Saturday afternoon.

xo Cathy

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Good morning my sweet Anita!

What a fabulous fairy tale...the secret's safe with me....I promise not to tell. I loved the accompanying pictures too. So sweet! Wouldn't it be fabulous to meet the special gals of blogland?....You'd be at the top of my list. :-) You make me laugh...and say some of the sweetest things....and that you enjoy MY writing. What a lovely compliment. I feel SO inept...especially when I read the things you write.

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friend.

Huggies,
Spence

koralee said...

Oh I so so love this post! Your words and images are amazing. A million thanks for making my Saturday morning a happy one! xoxoxo

Rosemary said...

Hi Anita,
Finally got around to reading this post. Lovely!!
I am taking a little break right now. I always enjoy your blog!! It's enchanting.
Chat soon,
Rosemary

Rita said...

Hi Dear Anita,
I appreciate your posts sooo much and your blog is just so beautifully magical. You are so young at heart and still so deep and profound in expressing your feelings thru your beautiful stories. You have a great talent which I'm so glad you are sharing with us. Now that you've told me you post on Saturdays, I'll be looking forward to our weekly appointments to have my sometimes-sore heart lifted up and a sweet smile put on my face by your wonderful posts.
thank you!
Hasta presto!
rita

LiLi M. said...

Bonjour chère Anita! As these times are so busy I am so reliefed to be able to visit you, in your magical peaceful and beautiful nook of the virtual world. Your story, the illustrations are a feast for the eye and soul and one would forget about being busy and running and doing all kind of things one cannot remember only a little while later. Thanks for being so hospital all the time and for being one of the most charming and friendliest people in blogland I know. I think we all have that magical feeling that we actually meet when we read a post from you, enchantée!
Bisous, LiLi

The Rustic Victorian said...

How totally enchanting this post is. Images I've never seen, thankyou for sharing these sources.I think I will re-read this very good dreamy day starter and ender too. Just lovely.
Marcie

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

You took me away and I am soo happy for the journey! This story was divine and so sweet. Thanks for that. Take care. Blessings.

Bunnym said...

Wonderful post. It's good to escape once in a while from the manic beat we all call life. And those lemon macaroons look divine...yummm!


tootles,
bunny

Unknown said...

What a lovely post, Anita! It was a lovely read. Magical and enchanting!

Marie said...

If only I had a fireplace, I'd be begging you not to end....Oh...why not! Don't end here, I was just drifting into another world.

Elizabeth

KeKe said...

What abeautiful story!!

The Victorian Parlor said...

Anita,

This is so beautiful:). I love the story-you write so beautifully! The pictures are precious (I love Beatrix Potter) and the story goes along with all of the pictures like they were created for each other. I too dream of meeting all of my blogland friends someday. Wouldn't it be wonderful for us to have a group get together and meet each other face to face? Perhaps someday...


Blessings,

Kim

Tristan Robin said...

You always have such creative and interesting posts - this one certainly no different!

What a wonderful pot pourri of images and words, ideas and tales!

Barb said...

Oh Anita,
I am catching up on my reading and boy am I glad that today was the day to do so.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Your writing is magical and has lifted me right up.

Thank you my friend.

hugs,
Barb

Haute World said...

Gorgeous story! Reading that allowed me to escape for a bit just there... and seeing the pics of Peter Rabbit brought back a little of my childhood. Now if only I had thos macarons to munch on...

Beautiful blog by the way :)

koralee said...

Your comments on my blog are always so sweet..please come over and visit I am having a giveaway and I do not want you to miss out my friend.xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Anita,

My Mother passed two years ago next month. I was with her when she took her last breath. A lover of nature (and literature)-I was amazed as I left her little cottage behind me to see a "sea" of robins singing and perched in the branches between her little home and mine moments after she died. I had never ever, seen the likes of that!!

Did you write, "Hope is the thing with feathers-that perches in the soul-and sings the tune without words, never stops at all"? Beautiful and So appropriate in my case. My mom was the TOTAL optimist, and I'd like to think that that was her message in her passing at 90, one of hope!

Beautiful. Thank you!
Hugs,
Shell

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Shell,
I will leave a comment here since I cannot seem to reach you by pressing "anonymous"...nothing seems to happen. No, I wrote the entire fairy tale except the "hope" part; I put an asterix next to it hoping that it would show on my credits...that darling little phrase is found on my dear, dear friend's blog. She is "THE DUTCHESS" and I don't know if she wrote it. I am thinking that she did; she is so creative and wonderful. Please look at my bloglist and find "THE DUTCHESS" and pay her a visit. She is truly magical (I wrote the fairytale for her and about her). Are you the wonderful Shell from Bungalow Bling? Thank you for the lovely comments and the story of your mom.....simply beautiful. God brings us little featured creatures...I know. Blessings to you! Anit

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Bravo! what an incredible post ma chere!! Of course one of my dreams is to take flight and meet you mon amie... someday ma belle.. some day.

Bisous, Sherry

PS You should write a book too!!

deb famularo said...

Bonjour mon amie!!!!!!
It always makes me feel so happy when I am on your blog. There truly is no other like it! Your warm heart is one of a kind, so grateful to 'know' you!
I wish I could say we sold our house- it is very slow. We've had only 10 showings in 5 weeks. I'm selling my things so we can use the $$$ to make some upgrades. Our wallpaper in the kitchen needs to go! It is outdated, and we need to get the house to appeal to buyers, so hopefully I can pay for at least part of that. We'll be lucky if we break even on the house, but at this point, we just need to go! Thank you so much for your thoughts. I miss you! My days are spent literally cleaning all day long. I have been working a little for the Paris line though, so that's a good thing. Keeping busy keeps me stressing less!!!
I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know one thing, I am very thankful that you're in my life!!love, deb xOxO

Rita said...

Bonjour ma chérie,
merci beaocup for your visit. I love reading your sweet comments. I am indeed in the mood for some royal treatment today LOL, so stopping by your blog today has given me the chance to feel again the magic of your inspiring posts!!
bisous
rita

Bunnym said...

Anita, my vision challenged friend.
Thanks for the compliment..you made me laugh and that hurts...lol I wish I looked like a teenager, but alas, age has taken it's toll..especially on my body parts. Take care and I will be up and blogging soon...I'm working on it...I'm just say'in.
love,
bunny

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh sweet girlie....

I'm going to try this again. I wrote a whole darn message and apparently didn't do the code right and I think I clicked away too soon.....

I know God....I know He's always there for me....but this new mind-twist has been wonderful for me. It's such a different way of thinking. I've always thought of God more as a Father....not my BFF...although He always has been.....I cannot make any sense...words are SO not my thing. I think you're just the best....you're so sweet and encouraging.....and dear....and you mean so much to me....

Huggies and lovies
S

Teacup Mosaics said...

Thanks for the wonderful escape into your lovely, magical story. A child lives in all of us we need to recognize it more often and exlore our imaginations. Always a pleasure to visit.
Kelley

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Thanks for the crown and wonderful words, yay almost the weekend for you dear!!! Blessings.

My Casa Bella said...

Again your blog blows my mind!! I was telling my husband how incredibly talented you are. Love your short stories. Love the art you use, so magical.