Tuesday, February 26

Hi everyone. Still having a few glitches with my computer. Right now, I can't see my Glory Blog page, so if you've left comments, etc., I can't see them to answer -- sorry. I'm sure Scott will help me out when he can. Hope all are well, and I'll talk with you as soon as I get this latest problem solved. Hugs, Glory (2) Comments

Posted: 2/27/2007 12:00:44 PM

Personal Garbage: It's a New Year and I'm BACK

I just got back on line today (2/24) I NEVER thought it would take so long! But I got the computer fixed last week, and internet today, so here I am. My hunny bunny is home for good from Louisiana, and life is so much better with him, I can tell you :) I'm still working nights and it's not bad. At least now we have health insurance through my work, and the people I work with are great. Everyone is healthy and happy, and that's all the matters, right? So, tell me what's been happening in your lives. I've missed you all so much! Spill! (2) Comments

Posted: 2/24/2007 12:28:42 PM

Benn Missing You

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. Computer still isn't fixed :sigh: and I started a new job. BUT my husband is coming home next week for GOOD!!! Yahooo! I miss all of you so much and think about you just about every day. I haven't forgotten about the end of the story, and in fact am writing it out in long hand so it will be ready to key in as soon as the computer gets back. I hope you are all looking out for each other and keeping it real. Yoda, are you still writing? Bunny, hows the pictures and exhibits coming? I have been experimenting with my camera, using the tips you gave me. PC, how are your new sites going? Jamie, did you get the Xmen 3 DVD? Did you watch AFTER the credits?? Cool, huh? MisL, how's life treating you? I hope things are getting clearer for you. Brian, you old hoser! I had Canadian back bacon last week and thought of you! Rainbow, is your house all painted? How's the batch of soap coming -- will it be ready for shipping soon? Lotus, are you still our princess? I've been thinking of Bristol a lot. Hope that's still on! I know I'm leaving out so many of you, and I apologize, but I only have a few minuets on Edie's computer. Please don't forget about me. I'm coming back! I promise! I get my first paycheck on the 20th and it's going towards fixing my PC, so look for me soon after that. Love, peace and lasagna (for PC) and remember I love you all! (3) Comments

Posted: 10/12/2006 11:15:25 AM

Gotta Go ...

It was great talking to you all today. I'll be back as soon as I can. Peace, love and chocolate to all of you! (0) Comments

Posted: 9/26/2006 10:03:09 AM

Ok. I Fibbed ...

Last time I was here I said I'd be back soon, but both Edie (my friend with the computer) and I developed really bad colds, so I didn't get back on. But I'm here now! I start a job on Monday which is good, I guess :sigh: and my hubby is coming home to stay in October. I'm excited about that! So I should be able to get my computer fixed in a couple of weeks. More good news: Image cave turned my pictures back on!! Cool! I miss you all, and can't wait to get back on here on a regular basis. I don't want my cyber friends to forget who I am! :G: (1) Comments

Posted: 9/26/2006 9:45:35 AM

Checking In

Hi everyone! I'm using my friend, Edie's computer. She just got internet today. I miss you all SOOOOO much! I can't believe how I got attached to you all. Sheesh! So I'm going to check all the great sites and see what you've all been doing. It's almost 9:00 p.m. here, so I won't be on here for very long tonite, but I'll be back again before the weekend. (4) Comments

Posted: 9/20/2006 7:54:57 PM

Jai's Birthday

Today is Jai's birthday so I have to go do some running aroud. :i hate this keyborad: I'll try to get online via the library once in a whle, because I don't have a clue when I can get my computer fixed. I'll keep you all in my prayers and thoughts, and don't even think I've deserted you! I'm just ... somewhere out there ... hey! Isn't that a song?? :g: ((hugs)) to you all. (2) Comments

Posted: 9/15/2006 10:25:51 AM

I'm OK!

I'm OK. My computer has gone down and I can't get online until today. I'm using a friend's laptop, and the keyboard is really weird. I've been worried about you all being worried about me. I don't have the $$ to get it fixed right now, so I'm sorry I haven't been around here. Lotus, I was hoping you'd give me a call, but maybe the # was in your purse when you were mugged ... I haven't even been able to WRITE! The blasted 'puter won't boot up. Which probably means it's the FOURTH computer to die on me here in Tenn. :SIGH: I just wanted to let you all know I'm fine, just can't get online. I MISS YOU ALL! Especially my very special friends and characters. ((hugs)) (2) Comments

Posted: 9/15/2006 9:26:03 AM

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams to Everyone ... (2) Comments

Posted: 9/4/2006 9:42:15 PM

More Pix of Kidnapping Get-Away

I wish they had come out better. The day was a beautiful one, but way up in the mountains we were socked in with the clouds, so most of the pictures didn't come out well. This picture is of the Roan River at the Visitor's Center. Here's a pic of the view from the mountain, but as you can see, so many clouds ... Ok. I'm sneaking this one in here. Hopefully no one will really notice it. This is of George and me that Amanda took in our TV room. I guess that's enough for now. (5) Comments

Posted: 9/4/2006 6:57:40 PM

My Hubby

This is a picture of my husband, George. I took it yesterday on top of Roan Mountain. We were literally in the clouds, and so the sky behind him isn't very pretty. But it was a wonderful day, and we had a great time. This is the deer I told you about eating the apples. George says she was an old deer. We were a lot closer than this picture looks. She had scars on her face and flank. (0) Comments

Posted: 9/4/2006 2:07:36 PM

He's Leaving

He's on his way back to Louisiana. He starts a new project tomorrow, so he's driving back today. I'm sad, but it was so wonderful that he came up and surprised me for the weekend. He couldn't have thought of anything better. We were like kids, ducking all our responsibilities and just being together. We didn't even go to church! And we should have. I had a class to teach. But I know we'll be forgiven for that :g: Families are the most important thing. Amanda took a picture of us in the TV room. If I ever get my ImageCave problem worked out I may post it. I hate having my picture taken, and I'd prefer to have you think of a beautiful fairy or elf when you think of "Glory" but maybe one picture won't spoil the entire illusion, eh? :g: (0) Comments

Posted: 9/4/2006 9:06:47 AM

Kidnapped!

HE KIDNAPPED ME!! I was writing on New Blog when all of a sudden my hubby, George, took me off the computer and packed the dog and me into the car and off we went! He brought a small cooler with sandwiches, pickles, chips and water. We spent the day on top of Roan Mountain! It was so cool. literally! He's used to Louisiana's 100+ heat index and it was about 65 and we were in the clouds. It was perfect for me, but he was chilly. I took some awesome pix, but can't put them up yet until I get this ImageCave thing figured out. I got a really great pic of a deer eating apples from an apple tree. And we saw a real live BOB CAT!! She was crossing the street in front of us, but I didn't have time to get a picture. The forest Ranger said she has a kitten, too, but we didn't see the baby. Then, coming down from the mountain I saw the coolest thing!! A falcon took down a bird right out of the air and landed about 15 feet away. Man, it was fantastic. But again, I didn't get the camera out in time. :sigh: I kept thinking Bunny would have done so much better. :g: So, now we're home and I'm going to make spahgetti with Italian sausages. But I had to tell you all where I disappeared. The dog had a blast. So did George and I. (4) Comments

Posted: 9/3/2006 4:40:20 PM

A Wonderful Surprise!

My Hubby came home for a visit!! About 10 minutes after I climbed into bed last night, in walks my hubby! I hadn't expected to see him at all. He just decided to surprise me with an unannounced visit. How cool is that?? I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have him here. I haven't seen him in exactly 30 days! Unfortunately, this might put a crimp in my finishing up the story, but I know you'll forgive me :g: My Georgie is here!! :blush: (3) Comments

Posted: 9/2/2006 9:00:02 AM

They Shut Me Off!!

THEY SHUT ME OFF!I didn't know you had a limit on ImageCave. I guess I should have read the small print, hu? But it would have been nice if they gave out a warning at say, 100kg before you exceeded the limit, you know? :sigh: I wonder how long it will take to get my pictures back? Oh well. It could have been worse -- they could have shut me UP rather than OFF!! :g: (1) Comments

Posted: 9/2/2006 8:26:23 AM

For LLCOOL and his Bunny .....

FOR LLCOOL AND HIS BUNNY HUNNY . . . I just couldn't resist! (2) Comments

Posted: 9/1/2006 8:36:52 PM

Twizzlers

I have a love/hate relationship with the computer. I love to write and of course it is the perfect place for that. But I hate the fact that when I write I have to snack on something. :sigh: It has resulted in an increase in pant size. Today I snacking on Twizzlers; the strawberry kind. Did you know Strawberry Twists are a low fat candy? Of course, they say nothing about low in calories or sugar. Did you know they have a chocolate Twizzlers? Now THAT is one chocolate treat I have NO desire to try. They don't look very appetizing, either. :sigh: Wish I could break this habit of eating when I write. Thing is, when I try not to eat anything, I can't seem to write. What's up with that?? I guess my imagination bone is tied to my munchie bone. I wonder if they have a surgery procedure for that ... (1) Comments

Posted: 9/1/2006 5:04:11 PM

Stories: New Pic for a New Story

Here's a new picture for you to ponder. I thought this could be the foundation for a new story. Tell me what this picture brings to your mind. Ideas, comments, etc. After I finish the Princess Lotus story, I'll use some of your comments as a basis for a new story. Everyone that comments will become part of the story. (6) Comments

Posted: 8/31/2006 9:17:11 PM

Finishing Up the Story

I've decided to finish up the story this weekend. I didn't intend for it to be this long. But I'm a novelist, not a short story author :g: Also, I tend to write by the seat of my pants, which means I let the characters take me where they want to go. So that tends to make a story longer. But anyway, this weekend we'll see how Princess Lotus gets free, just who the Stocking Witch is, and will our brave Prince Jamie win the fair maiden?? Tune in this weekend. Same bat time. Same bat channel. (0) Comments

Posted: 8/31/2006 8:34:09 PM

A Fun Afternoon [can you hear the sarcasm?]

Jai had his first away football game today. I promised him I'd be there. I didn't have to leave here until 12:30, which would get me at the game in plenty of time for the 1:00 kick off. I had a bunch of errands to do, since my hubby finally sent some money home -- stuff like paying bills, etc. So I'm driving down the road on my way to the electric department when BAM! flop,flop,flop,flop. My back rear tire blew. Thankfully I wasn't going fast, only about 25. And I knew I had to get new tires in the back; they were showing to the belts in places. But I didn't expect to have to get them today. Well, I spent about 2-1/2 hours sitting in the shop while they rotated the tires [front wheel drive] and put the new ones on the front. :sigh: I didn't get to watch Jai, and I haven't heard from him yet. I'm expecting a phone call from him any minute telling me to come get him at the school. Some days are diamonds, some days are stone. {do you know who said that??} (5) Comments

Posted: 8/31/2006 3:16:57 PM

Once Upon A Time There Was A Prince Named Yoda . . .

(0) Comments

Posted: 8/31/2006 11:15:24 AM

The Stairway to Freedom: Princess Lotus and the Stairway to Freedom - Part VII

The Very Silly Story of Princess Lotus and the Stairway to Freedom The Very Silly Story of Princess Lotus and the Stairway to Freedom Cast of Characters: Princess "Lotus" Angry "Bunny" Maid "MizL" Custodian "MrGuyPC" Gambling Squirrel "CD101" "Rainbow" Sun Catcher Prince "Jamie" Part VII “I don’t think I want to marry Prince Jamie.” It was as if she had thrown a bucket of cold water on the King and Queen. “What did you just say?” they both asked in unison. Lotus knew she had just dashed her parents’ hopes to the four corners of the earth, but she also knew it was the right decision for her. “I don’t want to marry Prince Jamie. At least, not for a while.” “A while? How long is ‘a while’?” Her mother, the queen, seemed genuinely upset and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “What nonsense is this, Lotus? You are a princess. Of course you must marry Prince Jamie. That’s how it’s done!” “Please, just listen to me for a minute. I’ve thought about this – ” “Thought about it?” the queen asked between sniffs. “How could you think about it? You only just met him! And you’re going to be An Old Maid in just one week! I can’t possibly get everything done in time for the Wedding Ball without your help! You must marry before you turn 21, and Prince Jamie is the only prince available!” “But that’s just it, mother,” the princess said, rubbing her hands together in a nervous way. “Prince Jamie IS the only prince I’ve ever met. He’s the only man I’ve ever seen, except for Mr. – um, father. I want to meet other men and other women, too, for that matter. I want to see a bit of the world before I settle down with a husband and castle and . . . and, oh you know!” The king and queen looked at each other for a long moment. They seemed to be saying something to each other, something that Lotus couldn’t understand. But while she didn’t understand the look, she knew it was a special and private moment between two people who loved each other very deeply, and she grew even more determined to meet other people before committing her life to the first man that came along. The queen broke eye contact with her husband, then turned to the princess with a sigh. “We do understand, dear. We want the best for you, of course, but we also want you to be happy. Tomorrow it will be 7 days until your 21st birthday. You must be married before you turn 21.” “Why? Why can’t I be married when I’m 22 or even 30?” “There are things you don’t understand just yet, Lotus,” her father said, as he took the queen’s hand in a comforting way. “Well then, explain it to me, father. Because I just don’t see why I have to be married so soon. Why can’t I wait and find a man I can fall in love with on my own?” “I’m fine, dear,” the queen said the king before addressing Lotus once more. “As I was saying. There are 7 days until your birthday. We will allow you to search and meet people for the next 6 days. On the 7th day, whether you have found someone other than Jamie or not, you will be married. That is a Royal Command.” “But how will I meet anyone here in the forest?” “You forget, my daughter,” her father said, putting his arm around her shoulders. “Tomorrow we leave this Enchanted Cottage and travel to the Stairway with the Rainbow Sun Catcher. You will have opportunities to meet many people along the way.” “Truly?” Lotus still couldn’t quite believe that she would actually be leaving the forest. “Yes, I believe so, my dear. Now we must all go to bed and get our rest. Tomorrow will be a day full of excitement and adventure!” The queen gave Lotus a full hug and kiss on the cheek. “My daughter. How I have longed to call you that all these years.” Again she hugged the princess and caressed her shining dark hair. “Sleep well my precious girl.” “Good night, mother. You don’t know how I have longed to say those words, to have a mother and father. I love you both so much!” Lotus hugged and kissed each parent and then went off to bed, still holding Bunny securely in her arms. “Sleep well, mother and father.” “God’s rest, daughter,” they answered in unison and watched Lotus go up the stairs to her room. “Well, that went rather well, don’t you think?” the king asked the queen. “Rather. But we still have tomorrow to get through. Are you sure the Enchantment is weak enough? I don’t want to have gotten her hopes up just to have them dashed.” “Yes, yes. Besides, we have the Rainbow Sun Catcher. She’ll protect us. I think. I’m pretty sure. I hope.” “Hmmmm. Well, there’s no going back now.” She gave her husband a gentle pat on the cheek. “And truth to tell, husband, I am quite pleased to put the charade aside, along with these terrible clothes!” “I was just thinking about your clothes, my wife,” the king said with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Let us retire to the Royal bedchamber and see about putting aside that terribly inconvenient gown.” She chuckled deeply in her throat, and followed her king as a good subject should. ~*~ The next morning arrived way too early for a number of our friends. CD101 Squirrel and Prince Jamie specifically. They both had heads that felt 10 times heavier than normal, and they ached like an abscessed toothache. They took one look at each other and cringed. Both knew the other was a reflection of themselves. "&*%$#@%&, where is my bleedin’ carrot juice?” Bunny was her usual foul-mouthed self. Her wager loss would not be over for another three weeks. However, our Princess Lotus seemed the very definition of joy and enthusiasm as she tripped lightly down the stairs in a gown of lavender and cream. “Good morning everyone! Isn’t it a lovely morning?” She skipped to the window and moved the drapes to get a better view. “Yes, the sun is singing and the birds are shining. The perfect day to start my new life!” She turned to CD101 who was busily fluffing his tail in a corner. “How do we break the Enchantment?” “Let me have a roasted acorn first, please. My head is killing me.” “I don’t think you should have had so much ale last night,” Lotus said as she handed the squirrel a plate with two cracked acorns. “I’m not sure if ale is good for woodland creatures.” “Good morning, daughter,” said the King as he entered the room with an armload of firewood. He dumped it on the hearth then turned and gave her a hug, after brushing off the bits of bark and dust from his sleeves. “I trust you slept well?” “Hardly at all, father! I was too excited thinking about leaving this forest and Cottage and seeing new people and places! I can hardly stand it!” “Yes, well, we &*^%$#@ have to get up the $%#@^&* Stairway first, don’t we?” Bunny hopped down the stairs slowly, sniffing each step as she went. “Princess, if you’re going to &%$#@%$ take me up these &*^%$#% stairs, the least you can bleedin’ do is carry me the &^%$#@$ down!” “I’m sorry, Bunny.” Lotus scooped up Bunny into her arms and patted her long ears. “So, where is mother? I want to get started right away.” “She’ll be here soon. She just had an errand or two to take care of. And she has the Rainbow Sun Catcher. We can’t do anything without that.” “My dear Princess Lotus,” Prince Jamie had risen from his seat the moment Lotus entered the room. He waited for the opportunity to address her, but she seemed to have forgotten completely about his existence, and never looked his way. The prince was unused to such treatment from a lovely girl, and had run out of patience. He decided to take matters into his own hands. “Princess, may I have a word with you? In private?” Lotus could no longer pretend that Jamie was not in the room. Her pulse jumped and she felt her body tremble as he took her hand and kissed the back of it. She nodded regally, not so much to give him permission, but rather to hide the blush that rose to her cheeks, causing them to heat in a totally unexpected way. Her body had never reacted like this before, and she was unsure what to do. “Of course, Prince Jamie.” She pulled her hand from his and led the way to the far side of the room. She sat in the only chair, and the prince was forced to stand. “Lotus . . . may I call you by your name?” “You may.” A little shiver raced down her spine. “Lotus, you must know that I admire you greatly,” he began. Lotus could see he seemed nervous, and she felt pleased at his unease. “I know this is rather abrupt, but I would like you to consider my suit for your hand in marriage.” “Prince Jamie! That is abrupt. Why should I consider such a thing?” It was the prince’s turn to blush. He pulled at the front of his tunic and ran his hand through his hair, pushing the golden strands away from his face. Lotus thought she would like to do that for him, but she managed to keep her hands in her lap. “Well, as your mother has pointed out, you will be 21 in only seven days, and no fair maiden would like such a catastrophe to happen to them.” “You want to marry me to save me from becoming an Old Maid?” Suddenly, Lotus wanted to yank on those golden locks rather than caress them. “There’s that, and then there is also the fact that you will be leaving the Enchanted Cottage and will need someone older and wiser to guide and protect you . . . ” “Wait!” She held up her hand as if to stop the words from his mouth. “You don’t think I’m capable of taking care of myself, and you are offering to be my keeper?” She had never been so insulted! “N-no! What I meant was – ” Lotus stood and glared at the prince with her best regal glare. “I know what you meant, sir! You offer your hand in marriage as if it were the only option I have. What would you say if I told you I didn’t want to marry you, or anyone else?” Her heart thumped dully, and she suddenly realized that really wasn’t what she wanted, but there was no taking the words back. “I would say, Madam, that you prove my point by your words. You do not realize how the world works, and you need a protector.” Prince Jamie stood ramrod straight and frowned down at the princess. “My father, the King, will be all the protector I shall need, thank you.” “You can hardly think to live under his roof forever! You have a duty to your name and heritage to marry and carry on the royal line.” Jamie looked as if he couldn’t believe the princess was standing there arguing with him. “That is between the King, my father, and myself. You are excused, Prince Jamie. This interview is over.” She felt like crying and stomping her foot at the same time. But she would die before doing any such thing in front of him. Before Jamie finished his curt bow, the Cottage door opened, and MizL, the Queen, entered, holding the Rainbow Sun Catcher in her hands as if it were the most precious item in the world. She walked to the table and sat. “Gather round, everyone. The Enchantment must be broken and then our road chosen. This will be a dangerous journey we undertake today, and if any of you wish to remain in the forest, no one will deny you.” Lotus used the Queen’s entrance to make good her escape from the prince and the awkward conversation. She went to her mother’s side and touched the Rainbow Sun Catcher with gentle fingers. “Why will it be dangerous? I thought the hard part would be breaking the Enchantment.” “Breaking the Enchantment will be difficult,” the king said. “But that task will be child’s play compared to the Stairway.” “&*^%$#^ bloody Stairway!” Lotus had forgotten she still held Bunny in her arms. Suddenly her talk with the prince took on new embarrassment. “Please explain, Sire,” Prince Jamie asked. “The Stairway is guarded by the Stocking Witch and her minions. It was her that placed the Enchantment on Ella and myself. She will be terribly angry when she learns the Enchantment is broken and we travel the Stairway to Freedom.” “But what can she do?” Lotus had a bad feeling about this adventure all of a sudden. “ I AM THE RAINBOW SUN CATCHER! HEAR MY WORDS! THE WAY IS GUARDED BY ONE WHO’S ENCHANTMENTS AND MAGIC IS FAR GREATER THAN ALL THE WIZARDS OF TALES COMBINED. BEWARE AND HEED MY WORDS!” “Alright then,” CD101 said as he scurried up the leg of the table then sat in the middle of it, fluffing his magnificent tail. “I’ll give 5 to 1 odds that the Stocking Witch is nothing but a bluff. Who’s in?” TO BE CONTINUED . . . (3) Comments

Posted: 8/30/2006 10:17:44 PM

Lotus' Attack Kittens . . .

I couldn't resist! :g: (2) Comments

Posted: 8/30/2006 8:46:28 AM

The Stairway to Freedom: Character Update

I updated two Character pictures. It was bothering me :g: Still looking for the perfect Rainbow Sun Catcher. (0) Comments

Posted: 8/30/2006 8:26:46 AM

My Dinner Date

I had a wonderful time, thanks for asking! :g: We had Chinese take out [Orange Chicken with brocolli and rice!] and then watched Big Brother All Stars. It was nice and relaxing and no kids bugging me or asking to borrow the car. Then I came home and tried to write, but I was just too tired. So, I'll be at the computer writing most of the day, and I feel renewed and ready to create the world! (1) Comments

Posted: 8/30/2006 7:59:04 AM

I'm Sorry . . .

I'm so sorry, but I didn't finish the installment tonite. I was invited out to dinner and I accepted. As a result, I didn't get the whole installment finished. Please forgive me. I promise to finish it tomorrow morning and post it as soon as I can. Thanks for understanding. (2) Comments

Posted: 8/29/2006 9:09:10 PM

The Stairway to Freedom: The Characters -- As I See Them

We are such a visual society -- TV, DVDs, etc., -- I thought I would post my characters as I see them in my head. In order of appearance. I hope you will enjoy! Her Royal Highness Princess Lotus Princess Lotus has darker hair, but this is my idea of what she looks like. Lady Bunny of the Enchanted Forest She looks too sweet to have a mouth like a truck driver, doesn't she? The Gambler, CD101 Squirrel It looks like he is working on a new wager . . . His Magesty, King Charming, aka GuyPC He stands ready to defend his people to the death, now that the Enchantment is over. Her Magesty, Queen CinderElla, aka MizL It must have been a strong Enchantment, indeed to disguise such a regal and beautiful woman as a maid. His Highness, Prince Jamie the Kind We have yet to see how the Prince measures up to the King. The Stocking Witch Never in the history of Happily Ever After has there been such an evil and cunning villian. The Rainbow Sun Catcher There is not an artist on the 'Net that can capture the true beauty, grace and magic of this important character. But this picture [found by our friend, Prince Yoda] captures the spirit of the character, I think. (7) Comments

Posted: 8/29/2006 1:12:25 PM

Rants: WHY do they do that???

I've had this question in my head for weeks now, and I can't seem to find the answer on my own, so I'm throwing it out to you all. Why does someone create a blog page here on New Blog, and then NEVER put anything in it??? Not even a profile or anything!! I know that's a small, picky-une thing, but it just doesn't make any sense to me. Why go through the trouble of signing up and putting in a user name, and then not ever use it? It's driving me nuts, so can someone PLEASE give me a reason or two for doing this? Much appreciated. Rant over. (3) Comments

Posted: 8/29/2006 10:02:48 AM

Pictures for Friends: A Picture for Friend Unicorn72

I found this picture quite a while ago, but I needed to wait until Unicorn72 was back. So here you go, lady. I hope you like it. It's called Unicorn Dreams (1) Comments

Posted: 8/29/2006 8:57:04 AM

The Stairway to Freedom: Putting It All In One Place -- In Order

The Very Silly Story of Princess Lotus and the Stairway to Freedom I have put it all together here for anyone who would like to read from the beginning to the end. This story is based on a picture (see thumbnail) I posted and the comments received. The Very Silly Story of Princess Lotus and the Stairway to Freedom Cast of Characters: Princess "Lotus" Angry "Bunny" Maid "MizL" Custodian "MrGuyPC" Gambling Squirrel "CD101" "Rainbow" Sun Catcher Prince "Jamie" Once Upon A Time there was a lonely princess named Lotus who lived in a stone cottage in the middle of the forest. The cottage was enchanted with a magic that kept Lotus from walking outside more than 25 steps in each direction. She loved to go outside and sit in the sun, watching the forest animals and making lovely pictures of anything that caught her eye. Although Princess Lotus had some people living in the cottage with her – MizL the Maid and the Custodian, Mr.GuyPC, she had known them all her life and longed to make new friends and see far away places. Everyday she would sit in her favorite spot in the forest, only 11 steps to the south/west, and draw her pictures and dream of meeting someone new. Now, we all know that if you live in an enchanted stone cottage in the middle of the forest not many people pass by. Especially if there are no roads. So every day, poor Princess Lotus would wait for someone new to pass by, and every day she was disappointed. “Why did my parents, the King and Queen, send me to this enchanted cottage to live?” she asked MizL the maid every day. “For your own good, I’m sure, Princess,” MizL would reply as she turned down Lotus’ bed, or hung up the Princess’ gown. “Why did my parents, the King and Queen, send me to this enchanted cottage to live?” she asked Mr.GuyPC every day. “Because they love you very much,” Mr.GuyPC would reply as he cut the grass or chopped wood for the fire. Every day poor Princess Lotus went to sleep wondering what was the good of being a Princess if she never saw anyone to Princess over. One day, while Lotus sat in her favorite spot, just 17 steps to the north/east, an unusual thing happened! She was busy drawing and dreaming when out from beneath a sweet pea plant a white and brown spotted Bunny appeared. “Hello, you sweet thing,” the princess said with delight, as she laid her paper and pencils down. “Where did you come from?” “Where the @&#$ do you think I came from? Under the sweet pea plant, of course! Where in the @&%#$ world did you come from?” Naturally, Lotus was very surprised that the little Bunny could talk. She clapped her hands in glee and answered, “Well, I’m Princess Lotus and I live in that enchanted stone cottage over there.” “I @#&$ well know who you are and where you %$#@& well live!” the Bunny said, sitting back on her haunches and nibbling on a piece of clover. “Don’t I bleedin’ well see you moon about the place every day? Drawing your pretty pictures and wishing for things you don’t have? Of course I do!” Now, it must be said that Princess Lotus was unaccustomed to people – and Bunnies – speaking to her in quite that manner. She was delighted. Someone new to talk to and someone, moreover, who didn’t talk to her like she was a crystal teapot about to break. “Why haven’t you shown yourself to me before this, if you see me every day?” Bunny stopped cleaning her paw and thumped her right hind foot in frustration. “Because I knew if I bleedin’ well talked to you, you’d @#%$& never stop asking me foolish questions!” “Oh.” Princess Lotus felt a bit chagrinned that Bunny thought her foolish. “So, why did you talk to me today?” Bunny hopped a little closer, peered into Princess Lotus’ glistening brown eyes, wiggled her nose a couple of times, and then answered. “Because that &@#$% squirrel, CD101 bet me I couldn’t carry ten loads of acorns to the old oak tree within ten &%$#@* minutes.” “I don’t understand how that has anything to do with me,” the princess said. “I &@#$%&%$# lost!” Bunny thumped both of her rear feet and hopped in a circle three times, all the while pulling on her long ears, before she finally managed to get control of her anger. “Talking to you,” she continued, “was the &%@#$$ penalty!” “Oh, dear,” replied Princess Lotus. “I’m very sorry you lost, Bunny, but I would be a liar if I said I’m not glad you talked to me. I’ve been very lonely here, and now I have a new friend!” “Oh, %$#@&” Bunny moaned, putting her paws over her face. “And we can be the best of friends forever and ever…” “I’m going to thump that %$#@& squirrel upside the *#$&@ head,” Bunny groaned to herself. “… and share all of our secrets and everything!” “Listen, Lotus,” Bunny had hopped over and put her front paw on the princess’ knee. “I have a life, see, and while I feel bad you don’t, I have &^#$% bleedin’ things to do. So goodbye.” Princess Lotus jumped up from her favorite spot, just 23 steps north/east, and called after the retreating Bunny. “Wait! Can’t you stay and talk just a little while?” When Bunny stopped and turned to look at the pathetic young princess, Lotus continued, “I promise I won’t be foolish! At least not on purpose!” “Listen, kid,” Bunny replied. “I wish you luck with all your drawing and dreaming and stuff, but I have a *&#$%@ CD101 Squirrel to murder. Wish me luck!” And Bunny hopped off into the forest. TO BE CONTINUED . . . Part II The lonely Princess Lotus looked longingly in the direction where Bunny had disappeared. Almost, she dashed after her new friend, but the enchantment of the stone cottage would only let her go 25 steps in any direction, so she gave up the chase at step 24. “Please,” she called. “Please come back Bunny! I so want to talk with you some more!” But the white and brown spotted Bunny did not return, and so the Princess walked to her favorite spot in the forest, eight steps south/north, and sat down on the soft green grass. “Never mind her,” a little voice floated to her ears. “She’s got a foul mouth and a nasty temper.” Princess Lotus looked around trying to locate where the strange voice came from. She thought it was over there by the patch of pumpkins, but she couldn’t see anything other than the big orange blossoms on the long green vines. In a few weeks those flowers would become large, round vegetables. “Pssst! Hey, over here!” “Where?” she asked the rows of corn only 1-1/2 feet high. “No, not there … over here!” “I can’t see you,” she said, looking from side to side and even under the bush in front of her. “What am I looking for? Another bunny?” “I should say not!” the voice grew a bit louder with indignation. “I wouldn’t be caught dead in a tail like that!” Without a warning, a brown body jumped down from a nearby oak tree and landed with a plop right in front of the princess. “CD101 Squirrel, if you please…” “Wait!” Princess Lotus said, jamming her hands on her hips. “Aren’t you the squirrel that made a bet with Bunny?” “I am indeed,” he said in a pleased voice. “She lost, of course, and she’s not very happy about it.” “I should say not,” Lotus agreed. “She has the most foul language I’ve ever heard on a bunny.” “Well, that’s not really her fault, although she’s terribly addicted to gambling. I bet her that she couldn’t eat 56 carrots in one sitting and she lost.” “But what does that have to do with her language?” “She has to swear all the time for the next 2 months.” “I don’t think that’s very nice.” “It is what it is,” he said with a flourish. “Now, about my tail, as you can see,” he continued while fluffing out his massive tail, “I am endowed with more than my share of tail.” “Why yes,” the princess agreed, after a moment of surprise at his sudden arrival, and flamboyant excuses. “Your tail is indeed magnificent. Very fluffy, and quite handsome.” “It is, isn’t it?” he agreed, preening himself even more. “I’ll bet I have the biggest tail you’ve ever seen, eh?” “Well …” “Wait! Before you say anything,” CD101 jumped up and waved his little hands in front of her face, a fanatical gleam in his eyes. “Let’s lay odds, shall we?” “I beg your pardon!” Princess Lotus stood and stared royally down her tiny nose at the impertinent squirrel. “What do you mean?” “Well, you don’t need to get all hoity-toity about it!” CD101 looked as if he wanted to bite the princess or something. “I was only going to give you 5 to 1 odds, that’s all.” “5 to 1 odds for what?” Princess Lotus began to feel completely confused and lost. Conversations with bunnies and squirrels seemed to cause her royal brain to doze off. “Our bet, of course! I’ll give you 1 to 5 odds you’ve never seen a tail as magnificent as mine.” “I’m sorry Mr. Squirrel …” “CD101.” The squirrel gave her a little bow. “Oh.” Princess Lotus inclined her head regally in acknowledgement. “I’m sorry CD101, but princesses do not bet.” “They don’t?” asked CD101 in a very disappointed voice. “Then what do you do for fun?” “We draw. And stroll around the gardens. And think princess-ly thoughts.” “How boring,” CD101 said as he sat down in the soft green grass. “That’s all you do? Nothing else?” Princess Lotus joined CD101 on the soft green grass, ignoring the fact that MizL the maid would have to work extra hard to get the creases and stains out of her lovely lavender gown. “No. Not much.” She ripped a handful of grass out of the lawn and tossed it into the nearby fishpond. Unfortunately, it landed on a wide lily pad and didn’t make the satisfying plop sound she was hoping for. “Well, what do you know?” The squirrel sounded amazed. “What do you mean?” “Well, Princess …” “Lotus, if you please.” “Okay, Lotus,” CD101 continued, “I always thought royalty – especially princesses – led a wonderful life with lots of things to do and places to go.” He gave her a queer look from beneath his furry brow. “Are you quite sure you’re a real princess?” “Of course I am!” “I’ll bet you’re not,” he chattered, the gleam returning to his little beady eyes. “I’ll give you 3 to 1 odds you’re not really a princess at all!” “That’s totally ridiculous,” she sputtered, not quite knowing how to defend her princess-ness. “I assure you I am a royal princess, AND,” she added, pointing her royal finger at him, “I told you princesses do not make bets.” “I thought you were just joking.” “Well, I wasn’t,” she huffed, fluffing her gown around her legs. “Gambling is #5 on the Royal Princess No-No List.” CD101 watched her fluff her gown and wondered just how committed to the No-No List Princess Lotus could be. “So, Lotus,” he began slowly, shaking his tail with excitement. “Don’t you ever get bored around here?” “Yes,” she said with a deep sigh. “But I must learn to curb my impatience and be content to wait for my time.” “Your time? Your time for what?” “My time to leave this place, silly!” She tossed a little pinecone into the lily pond, and startled a frog that had been sitting on a pad, basking in the sun. He croaked and then jumped into the water. “I bet I could help you get out of here if you wanted.” Lotus stopped watching the water where the frog had jumped, and focused completely on the wiley squirrel in front of her. “How? The stone cottage is enchanted, and I can’t step more than 25 steps in any direction.” CD101 shook his bushy tail and ran around her in a quick circle, chattering with glee. “Just leave that to me, Princess Lotus. I’ll give you 10 to 1 odds I can get you out of here in just three days. Do we have a bet?” “But I told you,” she explained, wringing her dainty little hands. “I can’t leave. I don’t have anything to counter the enchantment!” “And I told you,” CD101 said, jumping excitedly in place, “leave it to me. I’ll take care of everything. Now, what shall we wager?” “I… I don’t know. I’ve never gambled before…” “All the better! I love to introduce new people to the art of gambling!” “What is a wager?” “It’s something I have that you want, and something you have that I want. For example,” CD101 sat back on his haunches and began talking in a very knowledgeable voice. “I’d very much like to have that little golden crown on your head.” “Oh,” Lotus said, putting her hand on her crown in a protective motion. “I can’t wager this! It is my symbol of royalty!” “Really?” CD101 asked in a disbelieving voice. “That little thing? Well, I suppose if getting out of here isn’t that important to you …” “Wait!” Princess Lotus began to panic when CD101 turned and started to walk away. “I guess I could …” “Excellent! Now, what shall I wager?” “I don’t suppose a squirrel has anything I would want,” Lotus said sadly. “Don’t be too sure of that, Princess,” CD101 responded. “What if I could grant you your heart’s desire? Would you want that?” “You mean besides getting me out of the forest? Oh, yes please!” CD101 waved his magnificent tail over his head and clapped his little hands together. “Wonderful! It’s a wager then.” He turned and hopped to the nearest tree and began to scamper up the bark. “Have a good evening, and I’ll see you in the morning. And Lotus?” He had stopped on a large branch to speak with her. “Yes, CD101?” “Have your maid polish that crown up a bit, ok?” With a shake of his tail, he disappeared into the branches of the tree. TO BE CONTINUED . . . Part III “Been talking to squirrels and bunnies, have we now?” Mr.GuyPC’s words startled Princess Lotus so badly she dropped her spoon into the soup. “Goodness, Princess,” MizL the maid said, mopping up the splatters on the table. “You haven’t splattered your soup since you were a wee tike of a princess.” The sound of wood tumbling into the wood box behind her caused Lotus to jump a second time. “Never mind the soup, woman! The Princess has been talking to the woodland creatures!” Lotus felt her face flush as she tried to avoid Mr.GuyPC’s eyes. “And what is so wrong with our Princess talking to wee creatures, you big brute?” MizL’s defense surprised them both. “When I was her age, as you well know, I used to talk to the forest creatures all the time. Why,” she went on, moving behind Lotus’ chair and placing her hands on the princess’ shoulders, “I even had wee little birds come light on my finger and sing to me!” “Yes, I know, MizL, but that was long ago, and you weren’t living in an enchanted cottage, nor was you a princess!” Lotus couldn’t quite believe her ears. MizL used to talk to woodland creatures? And Mr.GuyPC knew her back then? Before she could ask any of the many questions trying to burst from within, Mr.GuyPC rounded on her again. “Haven’t we told you time and again not to talk to strangers?” “But, they’re only woodland creatures, Mr.GuyPC. Why can’t I talk to them?” “Yes, PC,” MizL egged him on. “Just why can’t she talk to harmless little forest creatures?” Poor Princess Lotus couldn’t believe her ears. Never in all her life had she heard MizL and Mr.GuyPC argue. She didn’t know what to think about it. In fact, it quite unsettled the young princess to her toes. “You know quite well why she shouldn’t be talking to anyone other than us, woman, and don’t you be standing there flapping your dark eyelashes at me that way! We have a job to do, and if we ever want to –” “Hush!” MizL looked to Lotus as if she would faint dead away. Her face had gone all white, and even Mr.GuyPC looked shaken. He rushed to the maid’s side and put his arm around her to keep her from falling. “Here, sit down, woman,” he said as he led her to one of the chairs at the table. MizL made little hiccupy sounds and dabbed at her eyes with her apron. “What has gotten into the two of you,” the princess demanded as she stood and backed away from the table a step or two. “As your Royal Princess, I demand to know what is going on here! Why can’t I talk to woodland creatures – or to anybody, for that matter?” Princess Lotus had been taught as a small child that royalty never raised their voice in anger, especially to lowly servants who were just trying their best to help her, after all. But it had been a very trying day for Lotus. First, a foul-mouthed Bunny who only wanted to talk to her because she had lost a bet had accosted her. Then a gambling squirrel had dropped out of the trees at her feet and practically forced her to make a bet with him. Expecting to eat her supper quietly, as always, and ponder the events of the day, instead her maid and custodian start arguing right in front of her. Well, she didn’t know what was stranger – talking woodland creatures or bickering servants! But she was determined to get to the bottom of it. “Well?” She stood glaring at them, her arms laced a crossed her chest, her right foot tapping impatiently. The servants looked at each other sheepishly then back the princess. “Your Highness,” Mr.GuyPC began, “you was put in our care here at the enchanted stone cottage, and we know you are getting to an age when you want to be leaving this forest and seeing new places and meeting new people.” “Yes, I do! I’m tired of this place and only seeing you and MizL all the time. Do you know I’ve never even seen what a young man or girl looks like? Do you know how limiting that is?” “Aye, we do, princess,” MizL got up from her chair and pushed Mr.GuyPC out of the way, walking to the young princess as if to wrap her in her arms. “And it’s a crying shame that someone as lovely and bright as you has to spend her years virtually a prisoner in this old stone cottage. But the facts are, my dear, your parents put you here until the time was right for you to leave and make your way in the world.” “But when will that time come? I’m so very lonely here and I ache to talk to someone who isn’t old enough to be my parents!” It was plain to see the princess was a bit overwrought. She had never stamped her foot or yelled before. It is safe to say that everyone living in the enchanted stone cottage was experiencing a highly unusual day. “Well, princess,” the custodian said, “maybe it isn’t my place to say so, but judging by the events of today, I’d say your time is almost upon us to leave this cottage.” “And high time it is, I’d say,” MizL muttered under her breath. “Truly? You aren’t just saying these things to keep me from yelling?” “Truly,” the maid answered with a tiny smile. “And perhaps, PC, since the time is so close, our Princess should be allowed to talk to any woodland creature that feels inclined to speak to her. What can it harm?” “What can it harm? Why it could foul up the whole enchanted thing, woman! What if she talked to the wrong creature? What if the enchantment is lengthened because she heard the wrong thing or did the wrong thing? What about that, eh?” “PC, you worry too much. No creatures have spoken to her before today, have they?” MizL looked at Lotus for confirmation. “No, the first time anyone other than you two ever talked to me was today.” “See,” the maid continued to the man. “I say this is the beginning of the time to leave. Let her talk. The only way to get away from this blasted – excuse me Your Highness – stone cottage is to break the enchantment. I think everything is well on its way towards that.” Lotus was no fool, and realized MizL was trying to champion her position. She threw all her persuasive weight behind the maid. “Oh yes, dear Mr.GuyPC! MizL makes complete sense! If I have to break the enchantment, it follows that I need to do something different than I have been doing all these 20 years. Perhaps speaking to Bunny and CD101 is just the thing. Please let me try.” The man looked from one female to the next. His resolve to be strong could not withstand the onslaught of two such determined women. “Very well,” he said before being mobbed by the princess and MizL. He smiled through the hugs and whoops of joy. “You may speak to the woodland creatures, but if any human finally appears, you must promise to get me and not say a word to the person. Promise!” “We promise.” The two women hugged each other and hopped around the room for a few moments before realizing their positions. They abruptly released each other, smoothed down their gowns in almost identical movements, and then smiled timidly at each other. “Fine then. I believe, Princess, it is time for you to get to bed. Good night then, and we’ll speak of this again in the morning.” “You’re right, Mr.GuyPC,” Lotus said, demurely. “Good night to you both. I will see you in the morning.” Lotus skipped up the stairs to her room, all the while hugging the information to herself that tomorrow would be quite an exciting day. She had permission to talk to CD101 and Bunny, and she knew her time in the enchanted cottage was almost up. On top of that, CD101 had promised to help her escape or grant her heart’s desire. Which was pretty much the same thing, so she was guaranteed to be out of the cottage very soon! As she snuffed out the candle by her bedside, and snuggled down into the down coverlet, Lotus thought she had never been happier. Sometimes it takes more than wishes to be truly happy, and our princess was about to learn that lesson . . . TO BE CONTINUED . . . Part IV As you can well imagine, Princess Lotus was up before her normal time the following morning. She hurriedly dressed in the blue muslin gown MizL had laid out for her, only popping 2 buttons; wolfed down the breakfast waiting for her on the table; and rushed outside to her favorite spot in the forest, 15 steps South/East. To her complete delight, there waited CD101 squirrel and a pouting Bunny. Both sat under the shade of a hydrangea bush growing beside the pumpkin patch. “Good morning Bunny and CD101,” she said to her new friends. “I’m so happy to see you here today!” “I don’t see what’s so &^#$@ good about it,” the angry Bunny said. “It’s the same as every other &^%$#%& day around here.” “Don’t mind her, Lotus,” the squirrel said. “She hasn’t had her carrot juice this morning, and she’s just a tad cranky.” “I’m not bloody well %$^#& cranky!” “I’ll lay you 8 to 1 odds you are too cranky!” “Please you two,” the princess interrupted before the animals could get into a full-blown argument. “Let’s not fight, ok? I have some really important news and questions I want to ask.” “Alright,” the squirrel said and made himself more comfortable under the bush. He flicked his tail about and fluffed up the fur. “What’s the news, then?” “And it better not be anything I’ve &*%$#@& already heard, mind, or I’ll be leaving you right now!” “My, Bunny,” Lotus said as she too found a comfortable spot on the grass beside the pond. “You are cranky this morning. I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well.” “Never mind her, what’s the news?” Lotus clapped her hands together and grinned as wide as her pretty lips would allow. “My guardian, Mr.GuyPC, has given me permission to talk with you all I want! Isn’t that exciting?” “Do you mean that old guy that rakes up the leaves and chops wood? He’s your guardian?” CD101 twitched his whiskers at her and chattered a bit before she replied. “He’s not just some old guy, you know,” the princess said in defense of her guardian. “He’s a dear, kind man and he has taken good care of me since . . . well, since forever!” “Yeah, yeah,” Bunny said, munching on a succulent piece of grass. “He’s &*^%$#@& great. So, what’s the news?” “That’s it!” Lotus declared. “I can talk with you! Isn’t that great?” “Just *&%$#@& fabulous. You were talking with us yesterday. What’s the %$#&^@ difference?” “The difference,” CD101 told Bunny, “is that she now has official permission to talk with us, that’s what! Some people have manners, unlike SOME other people!” He looked at Lotus. “Congratulations, princess. Now we can get on with our bet.” Bunny mumbled something under her breath, but Lotus couldn’t quite catch it. No matter, she thought. “Before we get on with our bet, CD101,” the princess said, “I’d like to ask a few questions, if I may.” She had decided last night before falling asleep that she would ask CD101 and Bunny what it was like in the big world, and get a few ideas about it before she actually entered the world. “Sure, Lotus. Go ahead,” the squirrel replied. “Besides, I’m already working on getting you out of here. And say!” he exclaimed as he noticed her head. “That maid of yours really cleaned that crown up nicely, didn’t she? Nice job.” “Well, actually,” Lotus touched the crown as if to make sure it was there. “I shined it up a bit last night. It was getting a bit dingy, and so I polished it up. Do you like it?” “Bleedin’ wonderful.” “Bunny,” the squirrel said, swishing his magnificent tail in her direction, “if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.” “Bleedin’ &*%$#@& squirrel. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be %$#@&* talking this way!” “Please,” the princess broke in. “Let’s just not bicker. This is the first time I’ve ever had any friends, and I don’t want to fight. Is that alright with you?” “I’ll give 5 to 1 odds Bunny won’t be able to keep her mouth shut longer than two minutes.” “No wagers . . .” “I’ll take that bet!” Bunny hopped out from under the bush and squared up with the squirrel. “If I &^$#@% win, CD&*%$#101, I don’t have to %$#@&^ talk like this anymore.” “Done!” the squirrel agreed. “If I win, you have to kiss a frog.” “What??” both the princess and the rabbit squealed. “You heard me. How hard can it be? If you lose, you kiss a frog. Deal?” “What %$#@&* frog?” Bunny’s whiskers and pink nose twitched faster than a hummingbird’s wings. “Any frog,” the squirrel replied. “Of course, if you don’t want to stop talking with a foul mouth, we don’t have to wager . . .” “Fine.” Bunny hunched down by the bush. “Princess, you &%$#@& say when to start the wager.” “Fair enough,” CD101 agreed. The princess wrung her dainty hands and frowned at CD101. “I don’t know about this . . .” “It’s fine. Say ‘Go!’” “Are you sure, Bunny?” “Get the %$$#@*@ on with it! Do you think I want to $%#@*& talk like this for the rest of my %$#@*& life?” “Well, if you’re sure . . . Go!” Princess Lotus watched the rabbit wiggle her nose and close her eyes in a determined manner. It certainly seemed as if Bunny was in earnest. “Now that we have some quiet,” CD101 spoke. Bunny shot him a dirty look but continued to keep her mouth shut. “What did you want to ask me, Princess?” “Well, I was wondering if you could tell me about what’s out there?” “Out there? Out where?” “You know,” she answered timidly. Then sweeping her arm in a large half circle she said, “Out there! In the world, away from this cottage. What’s out there?” CD101 fluffed his tail and rubbed his tiny hands together. It almost seemed to Lotus he was trying to stall for time, but that couldn’t be right, could it? “Nothing much, princess,” he finally replied. “Trees, trees, and more trees. A couple of swamps and a pond or two, but other than that, not much.” “But there has to be more than that,” she wailed. “There just has to! What about people and towns and things?” “I don’t know much about that, Lotus,” he hedged. “I keep mostly to the trees and forest, doncha know. People give me the heebie-jeebies.” “What?? Why you &^$#@%& lying squirrel! I aught to –” Bunny had hopped up from her reclining position and thumped her back feet angrily at CD101. “I win,” the squirrel gloated, cutting Bunny’s rant off. “I told you she couldn’t keep her mouth shut for two minutes!” “You cheated!” “I did not,” CD101 huffed with indignation. “You bleedin’ well did too!” Bunny seemed beside herself with anger. “You &^%$#@& lied to the princess. That’s %$#@*& cheating!” “Is not,” he yelled back. “Go find a stinking frog and kiss it!” Bunny turned her big brown eyes up to Princess Lotus. She wiggled her pink nose and even wrung her little front paws in supplication. “Princess Lotus. Tell that %$#@*& squirrel I didn’t lose. He ^%$#@& cheated.” Poor Princess Lotus found herself in a quandary. She had always been taught that lying was wrong. However, she would be the first to admit she knew nothing about the rules of gambling. What to do? “Bunny,” she began in a soft voice. “I really don’t know anything about gambling, but it seems to me if you didn’t mention CD101 couldn’t lie during the wager, he was free to do so. I think you lost. I’m sorry.” “Absolutely,” the squirrel crowed. “Go get your frog and kiss it. And we have to see you do it,” he added for good measure. “(*&^%$#@!%$#@^!*)(^%$#@!!” “I don’t understand how Bunny is going to catch a frog, CD101,” Lotus commented. “I mean, look at her! She’s too furry and has no hands to hold the thing. She can’t do this by herself.” The squirrel puffed himself up importantly, fluffed his magnificent tail a couple of times, and then flicked a flea off his ear before answering. “It just so happens there are 25 frogs in the lily pond over on the other side of the cottage. I talked with them this morning – just on the off chance I could swing a wager, mind you – and they have agreed to hop to shore and let Bunny kiss them. All she has to do is chose which one she wants.” “Oh ^%$#@$% wonderful!” “Come on, Bunny,” the squirrel encouraged. “You’re dragging your feet. Let’s get this over with so we can get on with Lotus’ bet.” The three friends walked, hopped and scurried to the other side of the cottage to the lily pond. As they approached, it seemed as if 100’s of tiny golden and green eyes watched the friends’ approach. “I can’t %$#@& do this!” “Don’t worry, Bunny,” Lotus said with a comforting pat. “We’ll be here with you. You won’t fall into the water.” “It’s not falling into the %$#@&^$ water that has me worried,” the rabbit replied. “I’m allergic to %$#@*& reptiles!” “What do you mean?” “I %$#@*& well mean I break out in a &*%$#@ rash, and get red spots all over my bleedin’ fur if I so much as smell a &^%$#@ frog! I can’t do it!” “CD101, will you kindly stop that laughter? Can’t you see our Bunny is very upset?” “Oooh! I haven’t laughed that hard in a while.” He tried to straighten his tail, but fell into another chuckling attack. “She shouldn’t have bet me if she was allergic to frogs, now should she?” “Bunny, I’m afraid you have to do this. So, just do it quick. Pick out a frog, hold your breath, and kiss it quick.” “(*&^%$#@#$%&^!!^&*)” “Do you think it will work?” CD101 asked Lotus as they watched Bunny hop to the edge of the pond. “I don’t know, but holding her breath can’t hurt, can it?” The squirrel shrugged his shoulders as Bunny pointed to a set of glowing eyes, to the left of the pond. Quickly they disappeared to emerge again as the wet frog swam to the side of the pond. Bunny froze as a skinny, young frog with golden lines flowing down his sides hopped out of the water. “Rib it!” Princess Lotus had an uncontrollable urge to giggle. The Bunny and the frog watched each other without moving for a long moment. Then, suddenly, Bunny took a deep breath, inched forward, and planted a furry kiss on the reptile’s slimy mouth. “She did it! She did it!” CD101 squirrel chattered and skittered around in circles while poor Bunny gagged in a clump of grass. “Oh, Bunny,” the princess said, picking poor Bunny up into her arms to comfort her. “There, there. It’s over now. How do you feel?” “Princess Lotus,” a smooth, cultured voice spoke from the direction of the pond. “Allow me to introduce myself. Prince Jamie at your service.” Lotus, Bunny and CD101 turned to look, and there stood a strapping young man, clothed in green and golden rainment, doffing his feathered cap and bowing with the grace of a god. “(*&^%$#@!@$%^&)” said Bunny before she jumped from Lotus’ arms. “Oh My!” said Lotus before she collapsed on the grass with an unprincess-like plop. “It’s about time,” crowed CD101 squirrel and he hurried over to the Prince. TO BE CONTINUED . . . Part V “Where did you come from?” the stunned Princess asked as Prince Jamie gallantly helped her up from where she had fallen on the ground. “Allow me, Princess,” he said and he held his hand out to her, pulled her gently up, and then handed her a snow-white linen hankerchef to wipe her hands. “Actually, I’ve been living here on the enchanted grounds for quite a long time. Waiting.” “Waiting?” Lotus used the bit of cloth, and then put it in her pocket. “Waiting for what?” “)&*^%$#@&(” Bunny mumbled from under the hydrangea bush. “We can talk about all that later, Princess,” CD101 chattered nervously as he scampered between the two young people. “Right now I have a wager to win.” “Is that all you &^%#$@ think about?” demanded Bunny. “You have to &^%$#$ win a bloody wager so you &^%$@# bloody well can’t even let these two kids talk for a %$#@*&% minute?” “The wager is for Princess Lotus, you long-eared, foul tempered sowe of a rabbit! So shut your filthy mouth up!” “Well, I &*%$#@&$ never!” thumped the angry Bunny. “Here now,” spoke up Prince Jamie. “That is no way to speak to a fair damsel, Sir Squirrel. Apologize to the lady.” “&^%$#. He’s good.” Bunny’s nose glowed bright pink. CD101’s fur stood on end as he bristled at the Prince’s words. Lotus tried not to laugh. The Squirrel looked like a demented wire brush. “Apologize?” CD101 demanded. “She should apologize to me! I’m the one who – ” “Apologize, Sir Squirrel,” the Prince insisted, and he pulled his rapier from its scabbard and pointed it at CD101’s throat. “But…but…but – ” “Very well. If you will not apologize, then I have no option save to fight you.” The Prince backed away to a less occupied area by the pond. “A duel to the death! Prepare to defend yourself.” The Prince whipped his sword through the air in a dramatic effect. “Wha…?” The squirrel’s eyes appeared to be on the verge of popping out of his head. Bunny swooned. “*^*!!” This charade had gone on long enough, Princess Lotus thought. She bravely stepped towards the prince and placed her hand on his arm. “Please, Prince Jamie, this really isn’t necessary. CD101 and Bunny bicker and argue all the time. The squirrel meant no harm, except,” she continued with a pointed glare at CD101. “He did go beyond the pale this time.” Prince Jamie lowered his rapier just a little as he looked into the princess’ beautiful brown eyes. Lotus thought she saw a glimmer of something in his blue-green eyes, and her heart moved in a way she had never experienced. “He should not go unpunished for his terrible rudeness, Princess Lotus.” He never looked away from her face. “He’s very sorry for his words, I’m sure, Prince Jamie.” The Prince smiled slightly. “Do you know you have the most magnificent brown eyes, Princess?” The Princess blushed sweetly. “I do?” “You most certainly do. I never experienced eyes like yours before. They are magical.” “They are?” “Most definitely.” Seeing that the immediate danger was over, CD101 rushed to Bunny’s side and began slapping her across her cheeks in an attempt to revive her. “Stop &^%$#*$ it! I’m awake!” She pushed the squirrel away and sat up, rubbing her head with her paws. “What the &^%$#@ did I miss? I see you’re still bloody well alive.” “You haven’t missed much of anything. Except my wager is beginning to take effect.” “What do you &^%$# mean?” “Well, they’re over there making cow eyes at each other. Princess Lotus has found her Heart’s Desire, but doesn’t know it yet. Price Jamie has found his Destiny, but he doesn’t know it yet. Now all we have to do is get them to the Stairway.” “The bleeding Stairway?” Bunny looked shocked and dismayed. “Why do they &^%$#@%$ need to get to the &^%$#@$% Stairway?” “Here now! What’s this?” A new voice startled everyone at the pond. Lotus wanted to sink into the ground. She turned to look at her guardian, Mr.GuyPC marching right towards them, and he didn’t look pleased at all. “Mr.GuyPC,” she began, “I can explain …” “I’m sure you can,” he answered, almost on top of her, “and you will, believe me! But first, I want to know who this poppin’ jay is!” “Would you like me to skewer this varlet for you, Princess Lotus?” “No!” she squealed and held on to his sword arm with both of her hands. “This is my guardian, Mr.GuyPC and I would not be pleased if you hurt him.” “Very well, Princess. As you wish.” With great relief, Lotus watched the Prince put away his rapier. By that time, Mr.GuyPC was pulling himself up to his full height in front of the Prince. He looked quite intimidating, Lotus thought. “Mr.GuyPC, this is Prince Jamie from . . . Where are you from?” She turned to ask Jamie. “Now, Princess Lotus,” CD101 jumped in. “What does it matter where a person is from, as long as they are kind and courageous and want to be your friend?” Ignoring the squirrel, GuyPC sent Jamie a dirty look before rounding on poor Lotus. “Didn’t we have a discussion just last night about strangers and talking to persons who might show up around here?” “Well, yes,” she began, but he cut her off before she could finish. “And didn’t you promise to let me know if any person such as this . . . Prince shows up?” “Yes, but – ” “Then why is it,” he continued in anger, “I find you standing around talking to this stranger, instead of coming to tell me he was here?” “I was going to tell you, dear Mr.GuyPC, but Jamie just got here, and I haven’t had time to go get you.” “Jamie, is it,” the angry man said as he looked the Prince up and down in an assessing way. “Is that ‘Jamie’ short for James, or ‘Jamie’ as in a girl’s name?” “Sir!” the Prince spoke, taking a threatening step towards the caretaker. “Just what are you trying to imply?” “Oh, I think you know,” said Mr.GuyPC, not backing down an inch. “Those are very fancy clothes you have on. Is that a skirt?” “Enough! I command all of you to cease!” Never before had Princess Lotus raised her voice in anger at anyone. Never had she used her Royal Voice to command anyone to do anything. And never had she imagined that it would work! The area around the pond became absolutely still and silent. Even the crickets and birds ceased their chirping. This was amazing, Lotus thought. And wonderful! Four pairs of eyes looked at her, waiting for her next Royal Command. Never before had she felt such power. She rather liked it. “That’s better,” she began in her normal voice. “Now, I want all this fighting and bickering and arguing to stop. If you are going to be my friends then you’ll just have to get along with each other. Is that understood?” Four heads nodded yes in unison. “It doesn’t matter where Prince Jamie came from, or even why Bunny and CD101 suddenly, after all these years, started to talk to me. What matters is that these past two days have been drastically different from all the other days I’ve lived in the enchanted stone cottage. Why is that, does anyone know?” “If I may, Princess,” said the squirrel, hopping over to her. “Yes, CD101?” “Actually, it is the result of three important events,” he said with a knowledgeable voice. “One: you will be 21 years of age in just one week. Two: the Enchantment is beginning to break down, as it wasn’t meant to last so long. Three: you placed a wager with me.” “What? That doesn’t make any sense at all,” said Mr.GuyPC. “The three events aren’t even related.” “Please explain, CD101,” the Princess asked. “Don’t bloody worry,” said Bunny. “He’s just &^%$#@$% dying to explain and be the bleedin’ center of attention.” “Bunny, please. Let CD101 explain.” “Right,” said the squirrel, fluffing out his majestic tail. “You will be 21 in just over one week, yes? Well, everyone knows that 21 years is a magical number.” “They do?” asked Bunny, Lotus, and Jamie in unison. “They do. At 21 a lad legally becomes a man.” “Aye, that’s true,” agreed Mr.GuyPC. “And at 21 a lass becomes – if she’s not married, mind you – an old maid, on the shelf. Too old for anything magical to ever happen to her. Too old for anything but keeping house for a brother or father, or becoming an old crone, living alone, brewing witches potions! Oh yes. 21 is a very magical number.” Princess Lotus was horrified. “I don’t want to be an old crone, living alone!” “Never fear, Princess,” said the gallant Prince. “You shall never be an old crone. Upon my honor I swear it!” “But I have no father or brother to keep house for. I shall surely become an old crone! Oh! I can’t bear it!” “Not to worry, Lotus,” the squirrel said. “I have everything under control. Now, the second event: The Enchantment is beginning to break down. As I said, it was not created to last this long. Check it out! In all the fairy tales, the princess is rescued long before she’s 21. In most cases, she’s 16 or so.” “You know,” asked Bunny, “the &^%$#@%$ squirrel is right! I’ve never heard of a &*^%$^#& princess being rescued at any age other than bloody 16!” “Why, thank you for the endorsement, Bunny.” “Don’t get &^%$%$#& used to it!” “And the third event? What about that,” asked Mr.GuyPC, still not fully convinced. “Ah yes. The third event,” the squirrel said. “Lotus and I made a wager yesterday. I bet her that she would be able to leave this Enchanted cottage in three days. Tomorrow is the third day, ergo, the strange and wondrous things that have been happening to her lately, and the proof that I shall win the wager.” “How can you say you’ll win the wager?” “Because my dear Prince, two very important events have happened today.” “You mean besides the three important events you already talked about?” Lotus was beginning to get a little confused. “Yes. One: Prince Jamie has appeared after Bunny kissed the frog.” “I can still &^%$#^% taste it, too!” “Is that one event or two?” “Well, technically it could be called two, but since it happened simultaneously I’m calling it one event.” The men nodded their heads and tried to look knowledgeable. “The second event is just about to happen . . . wait for it . . .” The squirrel looked intensely at the stone cottage. Everyone turned to look in the same direction. Faintly, on the wisp of a breeze a sound traveled gently to their ears . . . “Alas, my love, you do me wrong . . .” “What in all that’s holy is that?” Prince Jamie’s question wasn’t out of line. “. . . to cast me out discourteously . . .” Oh no, Lotus thought. Not that! Anything but that!! “(*&^%$#@#$%^)! My ears, my ears!” wailed Bunny pulling her long ears down and tying them under her chin. “. . . wait . . .,” CD101 encouraged in a whisper. “. . . NOW!” Around the corner of the Enchanted Cottage came MizL, holding a colorful glass creation on a silver chain. “. . . when I have lov – ” “Stop that racket, woman!” “Well, there you all are,” said MizL the maid with a huge smile on her face. “Look PC!” she said holding up the delicate glass object. “Look what I found! The Enchantment is almost over! We can go home!” “What in the world are you babbling about, woman?” MizL ran up to Mr.GuyPC and thrust the object into his hands, and they began speaking softly and urgently. “I don’t understand, Princess Lotus,” said the Prince in her shell like ear. “Who is this person and what is so important about a rainbow sun catcher?” “That person is my maid, MizL and I love her dearly. She has been my constant companion since my birth. I will not tolerate a single word against her.” “As you wish, Princess. I meant no harm. I am new here, and still trying to gain my bearings.” He bowed deeply to her. “I understand, Prince Jamie, and I accept your apology. As for the rainbow sun catcher, I have never seen it before.” “Watch and learn,” said CD101, who obviously showed no remorse for listening into the Prince and Princess’ private conversation. “The Rainbow Sun Catcher!” marveled Mr.GuyPC as he held it up for all to see. Suddenly, a golden shaft of light pierced through the sky and struck the colorful glass with sparkling rays. “I Am The Rainbow Sun Catcher,” announced a melodious and deep female voice. “Your Time Is Almost Upon You. The Enchantment Spell Will Break. Hasten To The Stairway. For Daughter And People’s Sake.” “What the &^%$#@$% is that gibberish all about?” “It means, you long eared flibber-gibbet that we leave to go to the Stairway tomorrow at dawn!” “Oh happy day,” squealed MizL with a clap of her hands, and she broke out into happy song once again. “As we travel the road of life, be sure to stop and say hello to all you meet!” “Can’t someone do something,” asked the Prince with his hands over his ears. “Pray,” answered Mr.GuyPC. “Just pray.” To Be Continued . . . Part VI As you can well imagine, that night the Enchanted Cottage was full of voices and laughter and all kinds of good cheer. MizL and Mr.GuyPC opened the larder and kitchen, and the table groaned under the weight of the feast. Roasted acorns, carrots and cabbage, salads and pies, even Lotus’ favorite dessert, pumpkin cake. When no one could possibly eat another bite, they began to talk about breaking the Enchantment and living Happily Ever After. “But I still don’t understand,” said the princess, before she daintily burped into her napkin. “Excuse me. As I was saying, why has it taken all this time for the Enchantment to weaken enough to break? How did it get put on me, anyway? And Why?” “PC, I believe this princess of ours needs to hear the story.” MizL hic-cupped then blushed like a girl. “Aye,” said the man, banging his tankard of ale on the table after a particularly long drink. “I suppose she does. Well, then, let’s start at the beginning, shall we?” “That’s always the *&^^%$#^& best place to start!” “Hush, Bunny. Mr.GuyPC is about to explain.” The princess rubbed the rabbit’s velvet ears and Bunny settled back into a comfortable position on Lotus’ lap. “Actually, Lotus, this really isn’t about you . . .” As Mr.GuyPC searched his mind for just the right words to say, Lotus tried to make sense of what he had said so far. Not about me? she wondered. How could that be? “What do you mean,” she demanded. “Excuse me, but I’m the one who has been cooped up in this Enchanted Cottage and not allowed to step more than 25 paces in any direction! Not about me? And who is it that has never been allowed to have friends or talk to strangers?” “&*^%$#@ bleedin’ right,” said Bunny around a yawn. It was getting late, after all. “What PC means, Lotus dear,” MizL moved over to the princess and put her arms around the royal shoulders, “is that you’re not the only person who has suffered from this Enchantment.” “No, indeed!” Mr.GuyPC seemed to stand taller and looked a little different to Lotus. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but . . . he looked . . . almost grand. “MizL and I have also had to endure this Enchantment, and believe me, young lady, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses!” “S’no way to [hic!] talk to . . . the Princsssss . . .” Prince Jamie rose unsteadily to his feet, spilled his ale on the carpet “Sssorry . . .” he said in MizL’s general direction, then tried to pull his rapier from its scabbard. Unfortunately, he had taken it off hours earlier and now couldn’t find it. “Wherrss my swwword?” he demanded before tripping over CD101, who had been sleeping contentedly wrapped around a pile of roasted acorns that had fallen from the table. “5 to 1 odds!” the squirrel squealed before coming completely awake. “Get off me you big oaf!” CD101 scrambled under the overstuffed chair where the Princess sat, still waiting for an explanation. “PC, pick Jamie up and put him on the sofa, will you? I think he’s passed out.” “I didn’t think he would be able to hold his ale,” Mr.GuyPC said as he lifted the sleeping prince and tossed him on the sofa. “Don’t know what the world is coming to when the young men dress and drink like girls.” “Can someone PLEASE tell me about this Enchantment, and why it isn’t all about me?” Princess Lotus was beginning to get very annoyed and impatient. That didn’t happen very often. In fact, she couldn’t remember ever feeling that way before she met Bunny. “Lotus dear,” MizL knelt in front of the princess and took both of her hands in hers. “This may come as a shock to you, but we’re not who you think we are.” “Of course you are!” she said, pulling her hands out of MizL’s grasp and placing them on her heart. “You are my maid, MizL, and Mr.GuyPC over there is our guardian and custodian. You’ve always been here with me. I remember!” For some reason, Lotus felt a bit panicked, as if the next words spoken were going to change her life forever. And while she wanted her life to change, she wanted her life to change the way she wanted it to change. She had no room for surprises in her life. She knew what she wanted, and that was that. “Well, yes that’s true, dear, but we’re more than that.” MizL looked over at Mr.GuyPC and made a face at him that spoke silently. She needed his help. “Look here, Lotus,” the man said as he sat in a chair facing the princess. “Our names aren’t Mr.GuyPC and MizL.” “They’re not?” “No. And we aren’t your custodian and maid, neither. But until now, we couldn’t tell you or anyone. We had to wait for the Enchantment to be broken.” “Yes,” MizL broke in, “and since it will be totally broken tomorrow, it’s time for us to tell you who we really are, and for you to hear the entire story of the Enchanted Cottage.” “Right,” the man said, starting to stand. “So now you know.” “Wait! I don’t know anything! What are your names and who are you really?” “Blast! Didn’t we just explain that?” “No. Not completely.” Lotus felt tears in the back of her eyes, but fought to keep them from spilling. “Just tell me!” “Well, there’s no need to get all in a fit. No need to cry neither,” Mr.GuyPC said as he wiped a tear from the princess’ cheek. “My true name is Prince Charming. Get it? I’m a guy and PC stands for Prince Charming.” He waited for the name to sink into Lotus’ confused mind before continuing. “And this is Ella, or more commonly known as Cinderella. Got it? Miss L for ‘Ella’.” Lotus felt as though her head was about ready to burst. What did he just say? “That’s right dear. This is my husband, Prince Charming, and I am Cinderella, his wife. Which makes us the King and Queen. Your parents.” “*&^%$#@$% right,” the sleepy Bunny mumbled. “Oh dear, PC! I think our girl is going to faint!” “Good thing she’s sitting down, eh?” Lotus had never felt so disoriented in her entire almost 21 years. She tried to stand, but Bunny snored on her lap, and MizL and Mr.GuyPC hovered over her as if she were going to disappear into the chair. She needed some air to breathe. She needed to get her bearings. She needed to make sense out of what they had just told her. Most of all she needed a large glass of water. “Can I have some water, please?” “Of course, dear. Let me just get it for you.” While MizL hurried over to the table to fill a goblet with water, Mr.GuyPC scooted his chair closer to Lotus’ and patted her knee in an awkwardly comforting way. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but just breathe slowly and I’m sure you’ll be fine.” “Explain the Enchantment, if you would Mr. . . um, . . . what am I supposed to call you?” “Father would be nice, I think.” He turned a bit red around the tips of his ears, but didn’t look away from her face. “Father.” She said it as if she were tasting a new treat. She rolled the word around on her tongue and felt it slip into her heart. “Father. Yes, I think I could call you that.” “Excellent!” He gave her knee another rough pat. “Very well, then, Father please explain the Enchantment and the whole story to me so I can understand.” MizL came back at that moment and handed Lotus the glass of water. “Well, dear Lotus,” her mother started, “we can’t tell you the entire story. That will have to be told by the Rainbow Sun Catcher. But we can tell you a little, can’t we, PC?” “Yes. We can do that. Why don’t you start, Ella?” Suddenly a glazed look came over his face and his eyes lit with a sparkling gleam. “Ella. It feels wonderful to call you that after all these years, my dear.” He smiled lovingly at his wife and nodded for her to begin. “You know the story of Cinderella, of course. As your maid, I read it to you many times at bedtime. The author added a few things, and took a few things out, of course, but basically, the story is true.” “They call it ‘Poetic License’ I believe,” PC volunteered. “Yes, dear. That’s it. Any way, your father and I were married and planned to live Happily Ever After. But sometimes life isn’t quite what one would expect.” “What happened?” “The Stocking Witch happened, that’s what!” “Easy, PC dear. Remember your blood pressure.” “The Stocking Witch? I’ve never heard of her. What did she do?” “Do?” yelled PC, waking up the two furry animals. The Prince, however, slept on. “&^%$#@$%!!,” said Bunny, rubbing her ears. “What did I miss?” asked CD101. “Nothing,” answered Lotus, patting Bunny. “Go back to sleep. We’re just talking.” “Well, talk quietly. I have a big day tomorrow,” and the squirrel fluffed out his magnificent tail, redistributed his horde of roasted acorns, and settled more comfortably under the overstuffed chair. “Do?” PC repeated in a near whisper. “She – ” “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, PC,” MizL said fondly, patting PC’s hand. “As I said, Lotus. Your father and I were married and looking forward to Happily Ever After. Two years passed and PC’s dad had an accident in the hunting field, and he died. It was a terribly sad time. However, at the end of the mourning period, PC was crowned King, and I was crowned his Queen. Life was good, and our people were happy. Except . . .” PC reached over and took his wife’s hand, pulling her onto his lap. Lotus was at first shocked at the behavior, but then smiled at them. It must have been hard for them to keep their love a secret all these years. “Not to worry, sweetheart,” the man soothed. “It all worked out, didn’t it?” “Yes, I suppose it did. But that was a sad time for me.” “I know Ella. But it’s over now. Go on with the story.” “Yes, please go on,” urged Lotus. “Well, except we couldn’t seem to have a baby. We tried and tried and prayed and prayed, but nothing seemed to work.” “That’s when we decided to turn to magic,” the King said. “Magic?” “Yes. PC sent messengers all through the kingdom and beyond seeking any and all fairy godmothers, good witches, and even benevolent wizards.” “And that’s when my mother, the Queen Mother, remembered the Rainbow Sun Catcher.” “She was so sweet when she gave it to me, wasn’t she PC?” “What does the Rainbow Sun Catcher have to do with the Stocking Witch?” Lotus was finding it terribly hard to not be confused. She shook her head as if she could juggle her brain around the perplexing information and make some sense of it. “Well they don’t really,” her mother answered. “It’s just that the Stocking Witch gave the Rainbow Sun Catcher to PC’s mother when she was young, and so when she gave it to me the Stocking Witch found out and was not pleased.” “That’s an understatement!” “No, not pleased at all. When the Rainbow Sun Catcher granted our wish for a beautiful baby girl – that would be you, Lotus – the Stocking Witch placed a condition on the wish.” “More like a curse, if you ask me!” “Well, yes. It was a curse, but tomorrow the Enchantment will be lifted and we’ll all live Happily Ever After. And PC and I can go back to the castle to rule our people with love and peace. And you, dear Lotus, can marry your Prince Jamie and have your own Happily Ever After!” The King and Queen embraced and then kissed right there in front of their daughter, Princess Lotus. It was a shocking sight for the princess, but she supposed she had better get used to it. They seemed terribly in love. And then, while she was thinking about love, she made a decision. It was a huge decision, but the right one for her, she just knew it. “Mother, Father. I don’t think I want to marry Prince Jamie.” TO BE CONTINUED . . . (3) Comments

Posted: 8/29/2006 8:30:43 AM