Thursday, December 10, 2009

A Christmas Story

Music







Theatre



magic marionette
Make your own Glitter Graphics


and Dance







have always been a part of my holiday celebration in one way or another. As a child, I remember my father joyfully filling the house with his piano repertoire of Christmas songs.



I once played the ruthless Mrs. Filcher in a Christmas Carol and plotted and planned to barrel into Scrooge's bedroom to steal his bed curtains, at any cost.



A couple of scenes later and a quick costume and character change, I elegantly danced my way in between all of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig's guests at their Christmas ball.



This Christmas, however, I am doing something that I have never done before. I have written a story that was inspired by a very special friend who has lived an extraordinary life...

writing fairy
Glitter Graphics



To P.C. - La Petite Pierrette and the Magic Hands

TitaPierrette
Glitter Graphics

There once lived a doll

Whose name was Pierrette

She lived a hard life

That she tried to forget.

Her clothes and her hair

Were tattered and old

Her tutu and slippers

Were long ago sold

To one fancy lady

Who danced and became

The grande dame of ballet

In the Doll Hall of Fame.



One night as the dancer sat at her boudoir,

She caught a quick glimpse in her crystal miroir



And noticed a faerie all dressed in fine thread

Who hovered and twinkled around her crowned head.

“From where do you get your love of ballet

The grace and the strength in your turns and jétés?”

The lovely danseuse responded and said,

I found a great treasure where once I was dead

My lovely pink slippers dance all by themselves

As if they were made by invisible elves.

My tutu is spun with the finest of gold

And though it is used and discolored and old



I am the star dancer on stage every night

A beauty, a wonder, a magnificent sight



But without my tutu I am merely a heap

of wood and of strings most unworthy to keep



a faint beam of light that escapes from the heart

of one whose great pain I have made my own art.

"Alas!" said the faerie who flittered around

and gracefully landed upon her great crown



"Henceforth when you dance you will lift up your heart

and thank the artiste who right

from the start

created each movement, each perfect pirouette

and the one and the only La Petite Pierrette.

Pierrette's final destiny is nothing to grieve

for she is well-loved and is said to believe

that above her sweet head as she fixes her eyes

she sees her maîtresse who lives in the skies



prepare a new dance for her little Pierrette

an original ballet for her favorite marionette

for from pain did her beauty become her great art

for she danced and she loved from a most grateful heart. - Anita ©





The pain, the beauty...it all goes together. The cold winter holiday season of Christmas is born from such things, but in the end, beauty wins as it has with you, dear friend.

We all have a story to tell, and all of us are a story waiting to be told. Happy storytelling and Joyeux Noël!

Come back next week for Give-Away chez moi!

Photo Credits: The last photo is of a doll by Lucia Friedericy
Story property of Castles Crowns and Cottages

51 comments:

The Victorian Parlor said...

Your banner and your blog are so mesmerizing with the falling snow and the glow of warmth! Your story is beautiful and inspirational too:). I love the ballet and A Christmas Carol. How fun that you got to be a part of it!

Blessings,

Kim

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita,
I cannot express how much I enjoyed your story and photos. Ahh...the ballet, how I love it!
Beautiful post! Thank you for inviting me back. Bless you! Penny

Bunnym said...

Intriguing and beautiful. You should definitely pen a children book...I'd buy it.


tootles,
bunny

desde my ventana said...

Anita,
Comment est belle et charmante ton histoire.J'aime bien aussi les fotos surtout la danseuse au théâtre.
Incroyable la pirouette......
Bon weekend,

DMV

Unknown said...

Anita,
This story is magnificent because with each verse you spoke from your heart. Images make many words come to life, and although your images are lovely, it is your words that made the images come to life.

I agree that I can see this an illustrated story. So beautiful, Anita.

Karen

BALLET NEWS said...

Well Anita, KarenHarveyCox pointed me in your direction and I am so glad that she did.

I loved every bit of your post - just perfect.

Thank you so much. Have a lovely weekend

desde my ventana said...

Anita,
J´ai fait mes études de Danse Classique (je dance plus,maintenant j'en suis prof) à Paris pendant duex annès, alors ...je parle français(pas trop bien)et j'adore le BALLET.
J'ai trouvé votre blog par hazard et je vois toujours votres post car votre blog est très beau et interesant.

Saluts,

DMV


Parles vous espagnol??

The Dutchess said...

This was more then beautiful..it would make a lovey little book wich I would cherish for ever..like our friendship..hug from all of us..

I will definitely come back to read this again..and again

Woolytales Miniatures said...

For you....

For your caring heart
And tender prose,
I thank you, ma cherie

Those words that from
Our kinship rose,
I feel them, ma cherie

And through your face
I ne'ver may see,
I know you , ma cherie

For through your verses
I have seen,
Your soul, ma cherie

Tristan Robin said...

Anita, this is just the best story! - and, of course, the accompanying photos are delightful!

You have put me right into the holiday mood - nothing does it for me like magical and enchanting stories!

Joyeux Noël!

Cathy said...

Everything is beautiful, as always. Love the music and the stunning pictures of the ballet dancers. I always wanted to be a ballet dancer, but I'm too short and Mom wouldn't let me take lessons. So that was the end of that dream.

Have a wonderful weekend my friend,

Cathy

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Good morning Anita....I always love your stories and because it is about ballet, I love it more! I hope you are enjoying this holiday season...Have a wonderful weekend!~Hugs, Patti

Jorgelina said...

Hi Anita!!!
Wonderful, wonderful post!
I love the ballet and A Christmas Carol.
My daughter makes dances… we loved dancing.
The magic of Christmas already this present.
Blessings friend.

Teacup Mosaics said...

Splendid in every way! This magical story needs to be told to every little ballerina in the world. This is one of the most beautiful posts I have ever seen, crafted by the heart. Thank you for telling such a wonderful tale.

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Anita! What a delightful story, this would make a perfect little Christmas book. Your new banner and the falling snow is so festive. I always get excited when I see you have a new post!
Have a fabulous week!

Fete et Fleur said...

Brava!

Lovely story dear sister!! I hope it has touched the heart of your friend, for it has touched mine. Say hello to Mr. B. for me. We are spending a very rainy afternoon together here in our little cottage.

Hugs!
Nancy

Bonnie said...

Hello Anita, it is cold and dreary and very rainy here in San Diego but your story has warmed my soul. I love your photographs!

Bonnie

Rita said...

My dearest Anita,
once again you have amazed me with your post. gorgeous poem and beautiful accompanying photos. I've enjoyed every verse. you are a superb story-teller.
Thank you for the magic you bring, at each visit, into our lives.
Hugs
rita

Rosemary said...

How great is that Anita!!
So enchanting, a magical display!
I love it all.
Now I want a tutu!!
Have a happy weekend,
Rosemary

desde my ventana said...

Anita,
No hablo bien inglés.Puedo comprender bastante bien los textos escritos ,pero me cuesta más expresrme;por eso prefiero escribirte en francés o en español(así lo recuerdas un poco).

Saludos,

DMV

desde my ventana said...

Anita:
Sorry,intentaba publicar tu comentario y por error lo rechacé.
Disculpa,
DMV

Cathy said...

Hi Sweetness,

Yes, the pics on my blog are my home! I'm glad you enjoyed them.

xo Cath

Unknown said...

How we are so connected my dear. Twas just the other day that I took a dolly marionette that I had, down from the sky and put her in the glass case in my showcase to sell. She's a little goofy, with bright jolly eyes that dance just like her big feet...you get the picture. What a delightful story you have told. The pain, and the blessing wrapped in one. All of this French has my mind in a whirl...hmmm...do you speak Canadian...tee hee! Yes, I will email tomorrow, I'm having a bit better day today.

Chemin des Muguets said...

Dear Friend,

I believe Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the ballet. Your Christmas story awakens the joy that is the dancer in us all.

With a pirouette in my heart,

Marjorie

Marie said...

Beautiful, Anita.

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh SWEET Anita.....you are such a wonder! That was magical....and beautiful....What an amazing writer you are! You'd better be sending your writings into some publishing companies....

I love your new Christmas blog look! It's fabulous!....I always feel the cozy glow when I'm here.

Ahhhhhh.....to dance! Oh how I would love that.....but, alas, I can't even touch my toes! I don't think ballet is in my future. :-)

Have a wonderful day, dear one....

Much love,
Spencer

Anonymous said...

Dear, dear Anita. What a beautiful post! Have you thought at all about publishing your work? This lovely post tug at my heart strings. It was swonderful! I read it three times ♥ You are so artistic and creative. I loved everything about it. The music and pictures were perfect. You are truely an inspiration. Thank you.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Dearest Anita...how very very enchanting to come here to the Theatre...see the curtain, I feel like I was really there!! What a lovely lovely story you have told us...I was just so bewitched by it all...Bravo Bravo...Dzintra♥x

koralee said...

I love your Christmas story...my youngest is a dancer. She loves the ballet. I so love coming and visiting you my friend..I am never disappointed with your posts. They are always so inspiring and filled with beauty. Happy week to you my friend.

KeKe said...

What a gorgeous post!!! I love the banner!!!

I'd love to see your creations-have you ever posted them on your blog?
If you'd like to e-mail them, my e-mail is linked on my blog~(profile section). Let me know if that works for you.

deb famularo said...

Wow, there are no words Anita. You truly have the gift of the pen my friend. C'est magnifique. Your heart shines through in your stories. Just beautiful.
Merci mon amie. Thank you for the joy you bring to us all! xOxO deb

KeKe said...

Anita,

I found the posts with the theatre~Beautiful!! I was going to leave you a comment there but I wanted to be sure you saw this.
If you have any more, I'd love to see them~I will show you the one we're working on as soon as I add a few more details to it. it's in a very rough stage right now~

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dearest Anita...how exciting that you want to publish one day...I must put an order in when the time is right!!!
Thank you for your visit to My Dolce Vita...yes the alarm caused a bit of a drama at the time but it all worked out well and it didn't affect any of the Luncheon.
You and your Husband both enjoy your 2 weeks off...bet you are so looking forward to this...Blessings to you, Dzintra♥x

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

You are magic, magic! That was wonderful with the snow coming down on your page and the perfection of your poem. I, too, adore your stories and can never wait too long until the next. Always write and give us that smile. Blessings dear artist.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Ah, dear sweet Friend Anita...Bouef Bourgignon and Eggnogg Cheesecake...wow what a combination, now you are making my tummy rumble...and it is just about bedtime here...Dzintra♥x

Seahorse Ranch Girl said...

Your posts are beautiful, but I especially wanted you to know that I am playing your music selection over and over. And I have sent it to 2 of my friends. Very nice.

koralee said...

Thank you so much for your lovely comments today...your kinds words gave me comfort and peace and are helping me to carry on today. We do miss our Rosie. Thank you for being a faithful friend to me....I can feel your love.

LiLi M. said...

Bonjour Anita! I have finally made it, that is because I wanted to make such pirouettes aussi! Bien sûr that took a little time to practice! No kidding, I was visiting my bff's birthday that day and after that...my daughters' sweet sixteen and after that I took a brake. You are one of the first blogfriends I visit again! Ah this is always such a place of beauty to visit. I enjoyed your post once again. Thank you! Hope that you enjoy the holiday season and don't get stressed, as it is all about other things than Christmas trees and decorations, you know that! Bisous, LiLi

lorhen82 said...

Anita, your story is simply magical, especially combined with all the beautiful images you used! Like Kim, I'm mesmerized! What a wonderful post! ~Lori

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita,
Just had to come back and visit your Christmas Story and warm my soul.. Wishing you a Merry Christmas...
Blessings,

Penny

Mary said...

Anita, your story is so beautiful...I do love the ballet, and the photos are beautiful, but the meaning behind the story is what has moved me so much. There is much truth to what you've said so beautifully.

Thanks for a wonderful post...God bless!

Mary

Teacup Mosaics said...

Anita, I'm baaaaacccckkk, just can't stay away. I ventured into the other lands of your blog. I visited Mr. Bear and now I am in trouble, I can't stop thinking about her beautiful doll, Noelle, my Ebay finger is becoming very itchy.
Your husband's blog is a delight, the entry of Mishearing is wonderful and oh so true. I have been mishearing comments about my passions for years.
Hoping all is well with you and your family. I love visiting. Keep creating!!!
Kelley

Rattus Scribus said...

Dearest Bug,
I love this post, and I too agree with others here that you should see about a published version of it. You find just the right pictures for you stories (my favorite is Pierrette and the human hand clasping - beautiful). Definitely keep the story in rhyme too. I would love to see your own drawings accompany this story.

All my love,
Ruben

savvycityfarmer said...

I love how you tell YOUR story ...you've charmed me from the day I met you ...
feeling very elite being your friend...and one of your angels last year!


hugs and kisses

Woolytales Miniatures said...

mmmm.... just had to come back and read all the well deserved comments for you. I hope this is a * light * on your path and you continually shine back upon all of us.... Love your heart Anita.... so much! *grin*

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita
I love that I can come here and travel to such beautiful places and read your stories.. Thank you for visiting and leaving such a wonderful comment! French Tea Party you say? oh how fun! I will stop in.
Bless you,
Penny

La Petite Gallery said...

My goodness, What a lovely
gift you have given us all for Christmas,
I am new here at you blog.
I enjoyed my read.
yvonne

Anonymous said...

What an absolutely enchanting story, thank you so much for sharing it! I've always adored the ballet since I was a child and wished I could dance in toe shoes. Unfortunately that dream was denied but it's remained in my heart a lifetime.
Thank you for rekindling the memories!
♥Sharon

Unknown said...

What a lovely, inspiring and MAGICAL Christmas Story! Thank you for the beauty you have shared! A Dancer's heart is a tender and beautiful thing.

Edie Marie's Attic said...

My Sweet Anita,

Your story and photos are fabulous! I enjoyed my visit soooo much!! You are a wonderful writer and create such a visual with words and the pictures you chose. I have learned so much from you - not to be afraid to write or try to write is an incredible gift you have given me. Thank you for your prayers & encouragement in so many avenues. You are a true friend mon amie!

Bisous, Sherry

CHRISTOPHER BARRIOS said...

Dearest Anita, how I remember your ruthless Mrs. Filcher oh so well...it was a magical "A Christmas Carol".
Thank you for your "La Petite Pierrette and the Magic Hands" and lifting my heart and spirit this beautiful Christmas Eve.
XOXO