Cristina Princess of the Pixies part 157

August 21, 2017

Thomas's grandparents, Paul and Julia Miller, fit right in Middle World especially with them living close to Mary Meerschaum. Julia enjoyed making jewelry because she cared about how the earth produced natural stones, using  materials such as coral, turquoise  and amber. Julia's  designs incorporated these natural stones, and were inspired by what she remembered of the jewelry her grandmother wore. Her grandmothers bold turquoise layered pieces called  'statement necklaces'. The elders women and men  always wore necklaces, belts and rings. 

 Mary Meerschaum   and Julia Miller  were sitting at the end of the compound table having coffee and a cornbread biscuit on morning when Mary asked: "Do you ever miss Upper World, friends, your garden and your things you left in your former home?"

"No I never thought of anything I left behind up there. We brought our photos, a few of our clothes and Paul brought his small hand carving tools and some of my stones for making jewelry . Our only grandson and his family came with us at the same time. We are not afraid to speak to people we do not know anymore.  We are so happy with people here  and have a renewed spirit and faith in humankind again. Why we do not even lock our doors or windows." replied Julia Miller.

"That was how I felt when I arrived here with John and Lola a few years back.  I am so happy they brought Cousin Mary down here. She was in such a horrible state when she arrived.  She hid me from the people who beat me and stole my monies in Upper World. I was beat but I never stood down because I was protecting John and Lola from the cruel world.  On the other hand Cousin Mary was always a strong woman who helped everyone. It was sad for me to see her so broken when she first arrived.  She is fitting in well with ZiZi helping the children in Art class." said Mary.

"Well there is one thing Paul and I do miss from Upper World. We were speaking of it a couple of days ago." reminisced Julia.

"What is that Julia"? asked Mary M.

"We miss the harvest Festivals, powwow music, the fry bread stands with fresh honey comb.  It was happy times for us elders to see the younger people carrying on the traditions of rug making, dances and traditional costumes.  I do miss seeing that quite a lot." said Julia.

"Well Julia we do have Harvest Festivals here once a year and before I interrupted you I'll bet Mary M. was about to enlighten you on the festivals she has participated in while living here." said Gabi as he and John walked by heading to the breakfast tables.

John slowed down and hugged Mary good morning then whispered,

 " today I get to help measure boards with Gabi, Alfred and Thomas. I even have my own tool belt now."

“ Gabi was correct I was going to tell you about the Harvest Festival and how  Star~Lite and  KaLvin*T were in charge this year. After breakfast we will go talk to them if you wish, by the way where is Paul?” asked Mary M.

Julia just laughed saying he was with KaLvin*T planning a trip up to the tower area searching for wood suitable for carving. They left very early this morning with a little cart, some lunches and bottles of water, juice and coffee.

After breakfast Mary M. took Julia to see Star~Lite and she and ZiZi were planning the list for the festival. Under native jewelry making was only one signature and that was Princess Cristina. Julia said she would sign her name also because she had a few stones she had brought with her from Upper World.

At noon Paul and KaLvin*T came into the compound with a heavy cart. They saw Julia walking with Star~Lite and let them know after they unloaded the cart and fed the pony a few dry apple chips before turning him loose they both would be over to eat lunch with them.

Paul handed Julia a bag and said if she ran out he'd take her up to the place he found them and help her pick up more of these beautiful items.

Turns out that turquoise is right out in the open!

Scavenge the mountainside, find a vein of stone

that’s been “kissed by the sky.”

© Julia A Knaake

Cristina Princess of the Pixies part 156

August 20, 2017

Queen Cristina used her walkie talkie to summon Gabi to the eating compound asking him to also bring Alfred and Cristina's father Elvin because she had some great news to tell him.  Cristina was told about the Queen calling and she said she and Jasmine would come a little later with the children in the big cart. Collecting the other two men Gabi arrived quickly wondering what was going on so early in the morning.

"Look who's going to live with us in Middle World!" said Queen Cristina.

"Oh, my goodness Thomas and family welcome to Middle World." said Gabi.

Thomas told him Queen Cristina and their long time Abby came up and rescued them just in time.

"It is getting quite unlawful up there and most of the homes my crew and I built were taken over by the gangs. Many of my crew moved away and I was also thinking of moving my family and grandparents away to another state.

I did not realize my Grandmother and Cristina's Grandmother were communicating by crystal ball. I never realized the two of them were both so knowledgeable. I was too busy trying to keep my family together, watching out for my crew and seeing that my grandparents were comfortable. So we are here because of our wonderful Elders." said Thomas.

"Oh yes we do honor our wonderful and learned Elders here in Middle World. They are our wealth in knowledge here but not so much in Upper World. Cristina and I saw how well you honored your grandparents when we were up there almost seven years ago." replied Gabi.

"A long time ago I read a quote by Confucius:

A youth, when at home, should be filial

 and, abroad, respectful to his elders.

 He should be earnest and truthful.

 He should overflow in love to all 

and cultivate the friendship of the good.

 When he has time and opportunity,

 after the performance of these things

, he should employ them in polite studies. 

Gabi shook his head yes and they quickly rose going inside

where Chef had hot cups of coffee and platters of cornbread 

on the table for all to eat after their journey.

Cristina and Jasmine came into the compound area with the eleven children and was hugged by the newcomers. Each child was introduced and the new babes were picked up and hugged. Cristina looked at Jenny's foot saying it could be healed with some acupuncture but with exercises and a special shoe that Gabi could make she would be walking soon with no pain.

Down near the gardens on the opposite side of the kitchen there was an neat and clean empty two story home that had not been used for quit a few years. Since all the properties not being used were cared for once a month all Thomas had to d was go look at it and see if he would like this home for Jenny and their two children. The ladies would help Jenny collect the necessary things such as beds, tables and all the trimmings to fill it today so they would have their starter or permanent residence.

Now over by Mary Meerschaum there was another cute little three bedroom clay house that no one was using so Queen Cristina suggested it to the grandparents a few weeks ago through crystal ball contact. You see Queen Cristina and Grandmother Edwina had become pretty good friends over the crystal ball and they had this whole transfer decided before they spoke of it to the others.

Others started coming ito the compound greeting the new comers and welcoming them to Middle World. Then Gabi and Cristina started to sing...soon everyone joined to welcome the six newcomers:

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home

A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there

Which seek thro' the world, is ne'er met elsewhere

Home! Home!

Sweet, sweet home!

There's no place like home

There's no place like home!

Home, home, sweet, sweet home

There's no place like home, there's no place like home!

An exile from home splendor dazzles in vain

Oh give me my lowly thatched cottage again

The birds singing gaily that came at my call

And gave me the peace of mind dearer than all

Home, home, sweet, sweet home

There's no place like home, there's no place like home!

Sweet, sweet home!

There's no place like home

There's no place like home!

© Julia A Knaake

Cristina Princess of the Pixies part 155

August 18, 2017

Queen Cristina asked Abby if she really meant it that she wanted to remain in Middle World forever.Abby said she seriusly wanted to remain in Middle World telling Queen Cristina she would never go back unless she was asked to by the Queen. Queen Cristina she was happy to hear this because she had to make another trip up to bring some people down and she only wanted Abby to help.

“I had to pull a few strings to allow this feat as we will be on a rescu mission and I need the help from someone who has lived in Upper World. I do not want anyone to know except for you.” said Queen Cristina.

Abby said:

“When Clever Abigail found me she named me Abby St Gallen after The Abbey of Saint Gall from the city of St Gallen in Switzerand. She took me to her compound, an old abandoned barn, where all her friends lived in safety. That is pretty much how I grew up with lots of people who told me we were cousins there to protect me. Clever Abigail really was clever and smart. She knew a person from her past that obtained a birth certificate for me with the name Abby St Gallen born February 29th 1982. That was certainly clever for me when I grew up and joined the police force.”

Queen Cristina said: “No wonder you deeply care for chidren. My mission will involve two children and four adults that I must bring from Upper World down to Middle World and I need you to help me Abby.”

“I will help you all I can and who are we rescuing?” asked Abby

“We will be going back to the pink round house to pick up Thomas, (who Gabi and Alfred taught construction techniques), his wife, Jenny and their two children along with the grand parents of Thomas. They are in grave danger up there and the grandmother and I have been communicating by crystal ball so I suggested they all come here to live and they agreed. We will go this evening at eleven forty five so I do need you to help with the children.” replied Queen Cristina.

Abby stayed at the home of Queen Cristina for dinner then just sat and waited for the time they would leave for Upper World. Abby remembered the song Gabi had played five years before and started to sing:

Stars in the sky bring the summer right back to me

Tell me you'll try to think about me when' ere you see those

Stars in the sky

It's just a letter from a friend of mine

A little picture from another time

A little picture of a place where we used to go

A word or two about a friend we miss

A fond reminder of a promised kiss

A fond reminder of a vow we made long ago

We went away when we were very young

To find the person the we would become

To find the person that was hidden somewhere inside

What we discovered there it still holds true

The friends you make become a part of you

The friends you make will each return to you like the tide.

And if by chance you should be going there

Please take this message that I hope you'll share

Please take this message to the ones too young to have learned

The time is short and there's so much to do

Don't waste a moment of what's given you

Don't waste a moment 'cause you'll never see it return.

The time had come and Queen Cristina took Abby by the hands and they both chanted:

Arising to Upper World

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

Our journey 

Will be rapid

As we ascend

As birds in the sky

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

Our missions

Each one our own

Alike birds that fly

We smoothly ascend

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

Leaving friends

Making new

Information we learn

Contributing we give

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

Beauty is there

Shape Color Form

Repulsive also

Hate Vile Death 

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

A difference 

Will be made

With loving hands 

And loving hearts

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

They quickly rose into the yard of the pink House. Thomas was there and in the shadows was his wife, two children and grandparents waiting for Queen Cristina. Whispering Thomas said they were right on time. Queen Cristina asked Abby to take the two children and stand in the center while Thomas held his wife and the grandparents each held one of Abby's arms. Queen Cristina held onto Thomas and Jenny. She told Jenny when they got to the place they were going her granddaughter Cristina would work on her foot and she would be able to walk on her own again.

Abby and Queen Cristina then chanted:

Hold my hand

Off we descend

To the Middle World

A difference 

Will be made

With loving hands 

And loving hearts

Clear your mind

Loved ones are

waiting for our return

Hold my hand

Off we descend

To the Middle World

A difference 

Will be made

With loving hands 

And loving hearts

Clear your mind

Loved ones are

waiting for our return

Hold my hand

Off we descend

To the Middle World

A difference 

Will be made

With loving hands 

And loving hearts

Clear your mind

Loved ones are

waiting for our return

© Julia A Knaake

Cristina Princess of the Pixies part 154

August 18, 2017

Cousin Mary was quite fragile in mind and body. She was now in a safe place and her body was healing every day. Good healthy food was helping to put weight back on her frame. The healing herbs mad into oil and cream was now bringing her skin and hair into a healthy glow. She also, with the friendship of Mary Meerschaum was starting to not be so withdrawn around people. First she felt comfort with the children especially Lola and John because she remembered them coming to her home where she helped protect them in Upper world.

Now she was in Middle World and all the people were here protecting her. Cristina had given Cousin Mary a amulet with a Dalmatian Jasper...also known as a Dalmatian Stone... wrapped with copper around a piece of braided twine.

Cristina told her that it was a stone that would help her to break down barriers that she had created as protection around herself when she was in Upper World. This stone allows you to move forward in life and discover your true purpose in life being here in Middle World. Cristina also told Mary that its energy will bring her childlike joy and and a sense of playfulness into her life.

“The black spots are Black Tourmaline, and so it also embodies the energy of this stone, and will aid you with spiritual grounding and psychic protection.” said Cristina gently.

Over the next few months Cousin Mary consulted with Queen Cristina telling her of what had happened up in the town where she had lived and it was quite hard even for Queen Cristina to keep a dry eye. They had truly rescued Cousin Mary in the nick of time because Queen Cristina and her granddaughter Princes Cristina had a crystal ball reading the night after Cousin Mary was brought down to Middle World. In the reading Cousin Mary's home was torched and burnt totally to the ground. The local newspapers could not find Mary's body but they naturally assumed she had perished in the fire. The two of them decided to not tell Mary but if she ever wished to return to Upper World they would tell her the home was gone.

John, Mary Meerschaum's charge, asked Cristina's parents if he could move to a small building on their property so that Cousin Mary could have his room.

Elvin and Star told him now that their only child Cristina was all grown up with children to tend to with the help of Gabi they needed a youngster in their extra room and that he would be most welcome to stay.

John said he would talk to Queen Cristina first then accept their offer. He then went directly to the Queen and asked her if he could make an appointment to see her. With a smile on her face she told John she was free right at this moment and they could go into her kitchen and have coffee and a nice molasses cookie after their talk.

“Well, Queen Cristina this is quite an important request I have. Since I came here from Upper World as an orphan I have grown quite a lot in my thinking and self worth. I have many friends here and when we get together they ask me why I do not have my own last name. I try to tell them I went by grandmother Mary Meerschaum's last name because I did not know who my birth father's name was. I understand the children who live here are quite naive about all the horror and badness that goes on up there and I do not know how to explain to them why I do not have my own last name. This is why I wish to ask you if I could have the last name of Snow~Wolfe as my own name. Some day when Lola and I grow up we wish to be married and I would be pleased to give her the last name of Snow~Wolfe.” said John.

“John you are at the age of nine and you are very mature so I am thinking that your request is quite valid so I will give you this sealed document with the name John Snow~Wolfe as your legal name right now.”said the Queen.

She sat at her desk writing the name out then put on the official red seal.

She then told John to take it to Elvin and Star Brite and they would make a frame for him in a few days.

John told the Queen that he would be staying there as he had given his room to Cousin Mary.

“Now Lola will have two ladies to guide her into adulthood.” said John as he reached for another molasses cookie.

My oh my what a remarkable young man he is growing up to be. thought Queen Cristina.

©Julia A Knaake

Cristina Princess of the Pixies part 153

August 17, 2017

Queen Cristina told Cristina that she had to go to upper world to convince Cousin Mary to leave and come back down to middle world. 

"Cristina we have to convince Cousin Mary to return here because she is in danger up there.  There have been riots fires, stabbings and some have been shot and killed. It is not a good place anymore. Perhaps you and Gabi could go with me just for one day or less. Your parents would be willing to go to your home to care for the children. I have asked Abby to accompany us because she knows the area so well. She said she never ever wanted to go back to live but she would go with us to fetch cousin Mary." said a sad Queen Cristina.

Queen Cristina and the three gathered into a circle, holding hands and started their chant:

Arising to Upper World

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

Our journey 

Will be rapid

As we ascend

As birds in the sky

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

Our missions

Each one our own

Alike birds that fly

We smoothly ascend

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

Leaving friends

Making new

Information we learn

Contributing we give

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

Beauty is there

Shape Color Form

Repulsive also

Hate Vile Death 

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

A difference 

Will be made

With loving hands 

And loving hearts

Clear your mind

Hold my hand

Off we arise

To the Upper World

They chanted the verse several times until they felt a lightness in their bodies then a feeling of ascending up a funnel at a rapid speed.

Soon they were in a fenced in place that was in quite disrepair.

There were broken windows and the fence was haphazardly patched. When they arrived they immediately went to the door and pounded chanting “Mary we are here to take you home.”

Soon they heard cousin Mary coming to the door. Many locks were turned to open the door. A pale, thin cousin Mary opened the door whispering hurry come inside. Mary looked almost emancipated wearing dirty clothes and unkempt hair. She acted like she was lost in a fog.

Gently but quite firmly Queen Cristina told Mary they had come to take her home. Mary protested that the people needed her here but Queen Cristina was adamant about Mary returning with them.

Abby saw a chance and whispered to Cristina to take Gabi and collect Mary's precious items such as photos, favorite bowls anything they thought were of value to Mary. Abby then went up to Cousin Mary telling her that Mary Meerschaum would need her to help with the gardening in middle world. She also said John and Lola missed Cousin Mary and she really needed to come see everyone.

“It's berry picking time and Chef Julia Gypsy said she sure missed you at jelly making time so we decided to come fetch you for the berry season.” said Abby.

Gabi and Cristina returned with three large knapsacks filled with photos and other items then Cristina, with a small bundle of clothing guided Mary to the bathroom encouraging her to change into clean clothing, and gently washing her face Cristina brushed Mary's hair then put a cap and sweater onto her thin frame.

Meanwhile Queen Cristina told Abby she was a quick thinking diplomat and was happy she came up with them to rescue Mary.

Cristina and cousin Mary came out of the bathroom with a small bag that contained her brushes, hair clips and turquoise jewelry.

Gabi moved some of the furniture and the five of them formed a circle. Gabi held two knapsacks and Abby the other. Queen Cristina and Cristina each took one of Mary's hands then the four all chanted:

Hold my hand

Off we descend

To the Middle World

A difference 

Will be made

With loving hands 

And loving hearts

Clear your mind

Loved ones are

waiting for our return

Hold my hand

Off we descend

To the Middle World

A difference 

Will be made

With loving hands 

And loving hearts

Clear your mind

Loved ones are

waiting for our return

Hold my hand

Off we descend

To the Middle World

A difference 

Will be made

With loving hands 

And loving hearts

Clear your mind

Loved ones are

waiting for our return

© Julia A Knaake

Cristina Princess of the Pixies part 152

August 16, 2017

Professor Carly~LeRue was once a famous woman detective in the Upper World.

Professor Carly~LeRue did not go with the old rule that little boys should be labeled Princes and that little girls should be labeled Princesses. In her office she had a list posted of what little children should be taught. 

Tell your child they can be anything their heart desired:

A detective

A warrior

A leader

Brave

Strong

Smart

Kind Hearted

Generous

Creative

Curious

Professor Carly~LeRue  started  a small class of Junior Detectives years ago. 

She continued classes every fall and today  posted on the Information board 

asking if anyone had read the Nancy Drew stories, a book from the Upper World, 

and would they like to join the Junior Detectives. A sign up sheet was provided.

The next morning Professor Carly~LeRue saw that the list contained twelve future

Junior Detectives.  She contacted Cristina and Gabi, Malika, Olive~ Star*web, 

Fern, Goodwin. Simon, Quinn and Digger~Dan  the first Junior Detectives asking them to 

each give her one little test for her new  protegees in the form of scenarios of real 

mysteries that had happened in the Upper World. 

Each former student submitted a scenario, different from the other former students 

and Professor Carly~LeRue was pleased to start her new class of Junior Detectives 

hoping they would bring their  deductive conclusions to her as the first Junior 

Detectives  did years ago. She again used the Nancy Drew books for the younger 

children but introduced Sherlock Holmes  a fictional private detective created by British author

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Known as a "consulting detective" in the stories, Holmes is known for his proficiency with 

observation.  Professor Carly~LeRue's point was to introduce observation of their 

surroundings to all the children. Queen Cristina, Auntie Star~Lite and Abby all got together and made twelve special Junior Detective caps and a special knapsack filled with pencils, measuring tape, notepad and a few empty containers for each child to place their clues. Professor Carly~LeRue paired the children in twos with the appropriate scenario. They were to work together for two days then come back to class to reveal their findings. Professor Carly~LeRue told the twelve if another group asked for help they were to help them also. The clues went on for several weeks. The children worked in pairs getting along well with each other.

One morning Chef Julia Gypsy came out of her kitchen mumbling about all the things that were missing in her kitchen. She practically bumped into Alfred and Gabi on their way to a construction job. Gabi's two sons Bidziil and Dakota were tagging along hoping to get a small job from Pa Pa and Uncle Alfred.

“Whoa slow down Chef, can we help you”? Asked Alfred.

“How about we sit down to a cup of coffee and perhaps some of your wonderful jelly doughnuts.” asked a smiling Gabi.

“Yes, all of you come inside and get your coffee and goodies but you will have to stir your coffee with a stick”> said a sad Chef.

Chef sat down with the men and boys telling them about her missing spoons and a few other missing utensils. She went on to say that the workers and she always put them into the drying racks on the window ledges after washing to allow them to air dry in the sun. Lately they noticed many small items were missing.

“It's such a mystery we need to find them or we will go back in time eating with our fingers”! Wailed Chef.

Professor Carly~LeRue, walking in for her morning cup of coffee heard It's such a mystery then asked about the mystery. She went on to her classroom and presented the problem mystery to her students. Within the week Gus~Tavo six year old son of Aunty Star~Lite and Uncle KaLvin*T solved the mystery. Magpies had been stealing the shiny objects off the window ledge and hiding them in an old tree house.

©Julia A Knaake

Cristina Princess of the Pixies  part 151

August 15, 217

 The addition to Cristina and Gabi's home had been finished for six months now.The men almost had the addition to  Jasmine and  Alfred's home finished because it was attached to the other addition on Cristina and Gabi's home.  Queen Cristina told them their homes now resembled a hotel like the ones in Upper World.  The four friends did not mind what it looked like, only that the children of both families got to be together downstairs in the yard.  Jasmine and Cristina knew their homes inside were separate and set up for individual needs of each family.

 Jasmine and Alfred were the proud parents of little Madeline. What a joy she was to them and their other two children.

Cristina was ready to have her triplets any day now and since her parents lived right across the street Elvin and Star were inside near their walkie talkies waiting for the call to come to the house.  

Gabi Queen Cristina and Auntie Star Lite had a big surprise upstairs in Gabi and Cristina's house.  They had been using the bedroom downstairs until Cristina gave birth but tonight the three of them coaxed Cristina upstairs after the other children were all asleep in their bunks downstairs.

"My sweetheart Cristina your Grandmother, Auntie Star and I have a surprise for you upstairs. Come see."  said Gabi.

Upstairs was a magnificent bed and above the bed was a canopy that quite flimsy. Cristina was not too thrilled with that canopy and decided that someday she would gently ask for it to be taken down. The other furniture was ample for the two of them and the walls were bare.

"Cristina, one of these days you and Gabi can finish decorating your new room that is why we all got together and decided on this furniture. Now please let us know if there is something you do not like and we will fix it right away." said Aunty.

"Well, now that you mention it I am not too thrilled with the canopy." said Cristina.

Gabi told her to lie down on the bed pillows and close her eyes. She did then Queen Cristina pulled the canopy off as Gabi said "Cristina open your eyes in our magical room."

"Oh, my, it is the summer triangle I see through the window right over our bed. The three stars, Deneb, Altair and Vega. How, oh no, how beautiful but oh please Aunty help Gabi deliver the babies. Grandmother call Ma Ma and Pa Pa on the walkie talkie...the babes are coming.” said Cristina.

Shortly two boys (Deneb then Altair) arrived and just as Cristina's parents bound up the stairs a little girl, Vega was born.

All went well and next morning Bidziil , Dakota, Chenoa, Fala and Amitola came up to see if the new babes  had a star birthmark centered in the palm of each hand. Deneb, Altair and Vega certainly had that star mark.

©Julia A Knaake.

Cristina Princess of the Pixies part 150

August 14, 2017

Chenoa was missing from the playing area so Cristina went looking for her.  She found her daughter sitting indoors at the table deep in thought with a  very serious look on her face. 

"Chenoa, what are you doing dear child"? asked Cristina

"Ma Ma I want to be a writer when I grow up just like Louisa May Alcott. Great Grandmother gave me a book called "Little Women" and she helped me read the hard words explaining what they were. Great Grandmother said I was a fast learner like you were and if I set my mind to it I would be a great writer just like Luisa May Alcott.  I am inside writing a little story to give to Great Grandmother because the wind makes my paper blow away outside." said Chenoa.

Cristina went over to the desk and pulled out a new workbook and wrote on the front: Chenoa Diary 1 then handed the blank workbook to her daughter saying: 

"This book is yours and when you fill a few of the pages with your own dated works please take it to Great Grandmother to read then when it is completely filled she might give you another workbook to fill. Over the years as you grow if you still want to be a writer you will go over your diaries and see how much passion you had as a young child."

"Thank you Ma Ma I will put my first story in the diary right now then I will come outside and read it to anyone who wants to listen."

While Chenoa was indoors creating her stories Cristina motioned Gabi to come over and sit down because one of their children was about to show them something special.

Chenoa came out about forty five minutes later and presented her masterpieces to her parents and siblings, Alfred, Jasmine their children and Great Grandmother, Queen Cristina.

 Friends for Breakfast

I was running out in the wildflower field

and stuck my weary feet into a stream

a grasshopper was leaping too and fro

when I heard a hiss from a long green snake

the snake had a scar that had long time healed

and asked me "you got any coffee cream?"

"No said I..wait ... I'll go ask my bro."

Bro had muffins in oven ready to bake.

"Whatcha want sis why are you here?"

"Got a request for cream from the snake with a scar"

"That's Elmer he always lends me a hand"

"Tell him to come on up for a long chat"

I skipped on down the hill and saw a small deer

deer said he was scared of a big black bar'

said I "no worry come join out band"

further on down the hill we met a tiny Grey cat

'Where y'all goin' at such a speed?"

"We're off to see Elmer and take him to eat"

"Can I tag along as I don't eat much at all?"

"Come on Bro's got muffins in the oven for us to feast"

Well we found Elmer slithering along...yes indeed

on his back was grasshopper who looked so beat

"We'll go to Bro's and have a great ball"

Up the hill we saw black Bar' the beast

Said I "Why are you so sad and look so bad?"

Bar' said he could not find his Dad and Mom

Said I 'tag along and we will help you find them"

what a big giant smile grew on his face

we all got back to Bro' and there was his Dad

Mom was in the kitchen sitting with puppy Pom

also at the table was Spanky, Frieda and Uncle Clem

Mmm muffins and cream, we helped to clean up the place !

Dance

Do you dance?

Do you dance in the rain?

Have you danced with another anywhere,

 inside a building or around a campfire?

This is not madness it is just being alive!

To dance is to move physically and mentally.

You do it because you must.

 Hearing the music and showing the movements

brings pleasure to all the senses

. The good feelings and wonderful memories make

 you feel free and alive to the mind. 

It puts a song in your heart that will linger forever.

 Try it you'll be amazed at the special

 feelings that are emitted from your body and soul.

Dance like you've never danced before and love like

it was the very first time to enter your heart.

Always for the better

May  have not been  realized 

 one has  gone a long way

 to changing someones life

always for the better

Your influence has taught them

 how to be more confident

in their daily actions

always for the better

Being  proud of their life

chosen by their selves

It is understood oh so well

always for the better

Your work has finalized

if needed will ask another day

now there will be no strife

always for the better

 seems like a miracle gem

 only for this recipient

a big smile is their reactions

always for the better

 advice awaits  no more strife

searching an  answer finally delves

in their search only they can tell

always for the better

A yellow Leaf

yes it is falling so very free

twisting and twirling all around

away from the sky so blue

using all its mighty power

finally unhinged from the tree

finally falling to the ground

to decompose and turn anew

and spring into a dear flower

“My goodness we have the first writer in our family and that is wonderful.” said Gabi.

© Julia A Knaake

Cristina Princess of the Pixies part 149

August 13, 2017

Cristina's parents, Elvin and Star, had been working in their outdoor surroundings for the past four years. While they were "lost" in Upper World for all those years their home had been looked after by Queen Cristina. Although she looked she was unable to find her daughter Star and husband Elvin she had their home looked after each month.  The outside of the property was looked  after but not groomed over all those years.  After Elvin recovered and grew stronger in physical appearance he was ready to tackle the outside. Elvin and Star made plans to revamp their property into a proper woodland. Too many years in Upper World with the pollution and few trees, ferns and other forest plants made them realize how they had missed Middle World.  Now they were home with their daughter Princess Cristina, her husband Gabi and the grand children so they would make their outside a little happy forest for them and others with a pure heart to enjoy. 

Elvin and Star had also started practicing their music. When in Upper World Star played music more than Elvin but it was not the melodious enchanting music they had played in the past. Now they tell tales of their travels to the others in Middle World through  songs and music. 

The forest look of their property was quite charming and Gabi, along with others, constructed some low garden seating, small. medium and large, along with polished rocks for others to come sit in Elvin and Stars garden to listen to their music and dance for hours at a time. Often others who were just as artistic and creative would accompany Elvin and Star in their magical nights under the stars.

Not only was there singing, music and dancing in the little forest that Elvin and Star had created there was also poetry reading. Queen Cristina often rose and recited one of her favorite poems to the children called:

                                                             .....Pixie Land

SHHHHH! Listen!

Hear the giggles, they're sending

us a secret invitation.

Can you hear them? I can. Listen closer.

Allow yourself to believe.

Come along, we're going

to play with the pixies.

They wanna take us to

the secret forest.

Where rubies, and sapphires hang

from the tree's,

instead of green leaves.

The waterfall

has a hidden path along the inner wall.

It will lead the way to pixie land,

Come along, take my hand.

Let's have a day,

where all we do is play.

Can you hear them yet,

close your eyes.

You're in for a big surprise.

But first,

You have to

forget all the adults ever told you.

I'll prove all of it was lies.

As we escape to a land of fantasy.

~ Chanel Kalani Galaza

©Julia A Knaake

Cristina Princess of the Pixies part 148

August 12, 2017

Aunty Star~Lite and Uncle KaLvin*T  planned  a family birthday party for their  six year old boy Gus~Tavo.        The children invited were Cristina and Gabie's five children, Jasmine and Alfred's two children, and Lola and John, the children that lived with Mary Meerschaum. This party was not a getting gifts party it was a giving gifts party.  There would be some music and cupcakes with lemonade after at the compound but first the "Gift Giving" would be done by the children. 

Abby and Ashlar had picked out little chores all around the compound and with the other adults they came up with some good ones for the children to give as gifts. John was nine and the oldest so his gift would be harder than three year old Gorka's gift.

Gus~Tavo, the birthday boy, was quite interested in reusing discarded items so he borrowed a little pull wagon and went around the homes to see if anyone had anything they had little or no use for explaining he was going to have a workshop for the children to make something new out of the discarded items. 

Bidziil  and Dakota paired up with John and pulling a wagon filled with small tools went around fixing anything that looked like it needed fixing. /the three boys were told to always ask first before fixing anything on someone else s property.

Chenoa  and Fala paired up with Lola to help with laundry or tending to the vegetable gardens around the compound.

Amitola, Edurne and Gorka lived next door to each other and played together every day. Amitola and Edurne

were both quite artistic so they made little tied bouquets of wild flowers to give to people.  Gorka was only three but he joined in with the girls by filling little bags and boxes with nuts in the shell.

The day went well and the ten children did not even want to stop for lunch until their "Gifts" were all given. Finally Queen Cristina had Gabi ring the bell in the courtyard for everyone to gather. 

Queen Cristina told them today was Gus~Tavo's birthday and his gifts along with his nine friends were to help others and share his day with everyone. Everyone clapped for all the children  and said Happy Birthday to Gus~Tavo.  Then a couple of the older children came out of the kitchen with big platters of spice cupcakes . 

"Only one each or you'll spoil your dinner." said Chef Julia Gypsy. 

ZiZi the art teacher and her students had decorations all over the place inside the dining room. There were big bowls of hearty vegetable soup, piles of hush puppies, freshly baked breads, bowls of steamed vegetables and fresh fruits.  Coffee for everyone along with more cupcakes. Everyone had their fill especially the ten workers.

The whole day was wonderful for everyone.

©Julia A Knaake.