In 2020 before Christmas time, I published the blog post below to help and support the poor spouses of a writer. The post is as valuable now as it was three years ago. If you would like to take that list as a ‘cheat sheet’ to make your own writer happy, please feel free.
Christmas presents are not easy to pick. But it might be even more difficult for a writer. (Unless you’re together with one, have one in your family, or as a friend, then it’s not.)
In my experience, many writers like the following items more than anything:
pens
desk organizers
paper notebooks
planners
more pens
coffee & mugs
briefcases & bags to transport their books & accessories
Pens
Let’s start with one of a writer’s main and most important tools. Without pens, we’d be lost. I found out that even though we all have modern computers, many writers still prefer simple pens and paper for personal notes, agendas, calendar entries, and more. A handful of pens to secure a writer’s work is, therefore, always a welcome present.
Now, don’t make a bad mistake here: even though many of us, steal P.R. pens whenever we have the chance to and carry them around with us (I belong to those writers too!), …
… if we get those ‘cheaper by the dozen’ pens as a Christmas present, you could say, we could be a little ‘miffed’.
We love beautiful pens! We enjoy how they feel, and we celebrate the time we use them! We just don’t carry them around with us permanently because some of us are a bit absentminded, and we tend to forget our pens somewhere, misplace or lose them. Our ‘good pens’ are at home with us! A nice ‘Parker’ or ‘Waterman’ pen as a present is just the right thing.
Desk Organizers
Of course, there are clearly outlined modern designed desk-organizers around that you can buy at every ‘Office Depot’ or ‘Staples’… and you won’t do us, writers, a favor. We prefer the extraordinary. Something that not everyone has, something unique that makes us feel special.
So this isn’t recommendable:
Try to find something that we don’t see every day. Something personalized, maybe?
Paper Notebooks
You can kick us, but as soon as we see paper notebooks, we forget everything around us and focus on that inner voice that tells us: ‘Want – want – want!”
Of course, we’re not talking about a regular scholar 5-subject ringbook you can buy at every supermarket. We are talking about extraordinary, leather-bound notebooks! Antique-looking ones that we plan to write on with that one special pen we got from you last birthday. And make no mistake: If you buy an antique, you’ll get rid of it – because we don’t give a hoot does it look antique, or is it really old! We will use it!
Planners
Now, with the planners, I’m a bit insecure. I can only talk for myself and many other female writers at this place. We need to plan our publishing, our marketing, how many words we write a day, a week, a month, any upcoming events, and many more things. But we’re not at the office, we’re not at our job, we want to work our writing with lots of fun and some unconventional tools. We like planners, of course! But please, don’t pick the ‘business planner’. We’re not at work – we do what we love! Pick the fun one!
(And if there are any male writers who would prefer the fun ones too, please let us know in the comments! We love to be educated!)
More Pens
Of course, if a simple Parker or Waterman pen isn’t enough, just for our Birthday or Christmas that will do, but for Anniversaries, Valentines Day, or Wedding (In case our favorite car model has sold out), we would NEVER say no to a pen that’s worth a bit more than the Staples pen we use to write down the shopping list.
Meisterstueck Geometry Solitaire Champagne Gold Midsize Ball Point Pen
Many writers love drinking coffee before writing, during writing and after writing too. (Mine often gets cold, but who cares…) I love to drink it in a special writer’s mug. (When I moved I couldn’t take mine, so I’m open for new ones. LOL)
Of course, a coffee mug and coffee for a writer is a a ‘side-present’, considering it’s a necessity. But I particularly enjoy the brands here below. (They can be bought at World Market)
Briefcases & Bags
Depending on the writer’s age, we have to admit that carrying a bag over the shoulder or anywhere else, ain’t as easy anymore as it once was. With a heavy heart, we decided on a rolling office bag to transport our valuables. (which normally means our current, the newest, the latest, and a couple other books, the Work in progress, pens, paper, extra paper and pens, electronics, Kleenex, cables, chargers, hand cream, and tweezers because you never know…)
In clear words: we take half of our office, if not 2/3, and expect our bags to hold it.
Dr. Eavan Delaney is frustrated. It is her destiny to reunite her people and work hard to protect the rivers and waters of the world, but she has no help whatsoever. So she has lived among humans for decades, undiscovered and in peace, but she knows this is wrong: she should be taking action.
Then comes the fateful day she calls for support one last, desperate time — and is heard. With the support of ‘The Council of Twelve’, Eavan continues to work for the safety of Nature. But no one has foreseen that the ‘Other Side’ has been sabotaging her efforts. The challenge before her is suddenly much greater, and the consequences of failure even more dire than she ever imagined.
Will Eavan be strong enough to save the waters from the fire?
Get the book from your favorite retailer for the
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This quote, of course, is deeply connected to ‘Top Gun’. Tom Cruise ‘Maverick’ and Anthony Edwards ‘Goose’ are well known, and I daresay half the world knows who they are…
That quote is closely associated with Top Gun, and apart from the fact that I feel the need, the need for speed when it comes to the car I have, compared to the car I want… the main point here is the quote being famous and associated with a blockbuster movie.
As a writer, I have been thinking about famous quotes associated with books… and surprisingly found many more than I expected.
Why don’t we head for a quiz? The winner gets one of my ‘The Council of Twelve’ e-books of their choice: Soul Taker, Sundance, Demon Tracker, Bounty Hunter, or Dream Walker.
Read the quotes and decide on A, B, C, or D. Then check the respective boxes in the form below and send it off.
The quiz will close September 30, 2023, and the winner will be contacted by email.
Quote 1
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same”.
A F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
B Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind
C Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
D Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God
Quote 2
“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.”
A Donna Tartt, The Goldfinch
B Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms
C Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter
D Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth
Quote 3
“My advice is, never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.”
A Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth
B Charles Dickens, David Copperfield
C Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises
D Ulysses, Alfred Lord Tennyson
Quote 4
“Love is holy because it is like grace – the worthiness of its object is never really what matters.”
A Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
B Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
C Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time
D Marilynne Robinson, Gilead
Quote 5
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
A Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
B S. E. Hinton, The Outsiders
C William Shakespeare, As You Like It
D The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkein
I hope, you’re having tons of fun, and I hope I will get numerous emails from participants.
Of course, I did not only prepare this blog post for a quiz. I’d also like to talk a little bit about classic quotes. Aren’t we all keen to write that one quote that one day will become a classic and will be quoted hundreds of years later?
What do you think, did you already write such a quote? If yes, has it been published yet? If that’s the case, we all would love to hear it. Please, if you don’t mind, share it in the comments.
By now, regular followers and readers of the ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’ blog know, that Katie, Raphael’s consort, loves to cook, but isn’t particularly good at it. She improves with time and the help of her consort friends and sisters. They often cook together. Family get-togethers and picnics are a common thing with the Council of Twelve members and their consorts, and they organize them as often as possible.
Unfortunately, there are days, weeks, and even months without an event, since the Council Members simply are too busy to take the time and sit down with their brothers and consorts. Still, even Archangels need to eat once in a while. Therefore, their consorts had started getting together, cook a huge meal and then divide it equally, so that every Council Member has their share, even the ones without a consort. The ‘girls’ would never leave out their family members without taking care of them.
In summertime, it’s a bit easier to cook, since often their meals are light and airy, something quick and tasty.
Pea Salad with Bacon and Corn, topped with Summer Sauce.
Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium until crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels; reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add peas, corn, onion, and water to skillet. Cook until peas are tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in bacon and Summer Sauce. Serve warm.
I want to thank you for dropping by today and answer a few questions we have, my readers and myself. Are you ready?
I am. But please, hurry up. You know very well it’s unhealthy for me to spend too much time in one spot. I want to be on my way again once the interview is completed. What would you like to know?
Let’s start with your name and function. In Greek Mythology, we learn that Pan is the God of the wild, shepherds & flocks, rustic music, impromptu, and companion of the nymphs. What is the truth?
(laughs heartily). The Greeks were great, but their craze with ‘Gods’ got to me sometimes. Everything and everyone had to have their own ‘God.’ Of course, I’m not a ‘God.’ I am, however, created by one, notably the same one who made you and every creature on Earth. But the ones who once were called ‘Gods’ come out of the angel rows. We were given particular functions. In my case, it is becoming the ‘protector and preserver of Nature,’ which includes everything literally, from plants to the elements, and every mystical and magical creature supporting this task reports to me.
When you say ‘elements’, you’re talking about the five elements, air, earth, fire, water, and ether. Is this correct?
(Nods admiringly). That is correct. And I think, I know, where this is going. You’re steering that conversation toward ‘The Water,’ right?
The next story in ‘The Council of Twelve’ series is about protecting the Waters and your experience with the water spirits and their work. You know the rulers of the water guards, don’t you?
I remember Eavan Delaney’s parents, if that’s what you mean. They disappeared some centuries ago and were never seen again. Unfortunately, they took the box with them, so nobody could take over their position. Eavan, the poor girl, was left all alone and had to deal with a lot, growing up. Not only did she have to adjust to humankind, but she also had to fight her nature, hide her true self, and go through puberty all alone. From what I understand, that’s a particularly challenging time in the life of a young woman. I’m proud of what she accomplished for herself. And I’m relieved that she is protected now and well able to do her work.
I understand that. Of course, it’s important that she gets protection in order to do her job. But why haven’t you been reacting earlier to her calls?
(Frowns disapprovingly). I have a gazillion supernatural creatures helping me to keep nature intact and under control, and I’m hopelessly overworked. Do you really think, I have time to listen to every single call out there? However, it’s taken care of now, so quit bugging me.
Of course, my apologies. I now will ask you a question that might be crossing the line. Please, tell me, when it’s too personal. I don’t want to be rude.
(Chuckles) You want to ask me, why I don’t come with the legs and tail of a goat, a thick beard, snub nose and pointed ears?
Oh, well, yes.
(laughs). The only thing I come with is the horns, and I’m sorry they’re not what you expected. They are, indeed more like ram horns. I also trimmed the beard to be a goatee, rather than something I have to shave every year at least once. It’s more convenient to walk on human, than on goat legs. I have no idea where the idea comes from that Pan looks like a wrongly assembled children’s toy.
I understand. Maybe we can get back to the God Pan be the companion of the nymphs. What’s the truth there?
Nymphs belong to the supernatural creatures and belong to the team taking care of our nature. True to their self, the way they’re made and born, they help with the water element and work closely with me, and naturally, with Eavan. As for me being their companion; that might be an unclear interpretation of our connection. I would say, we’ll leave it at that.
And maybe we could hurry up, I’m getting a bit nervous here.
Why are you so fidgety when you’re staying too long at one place?
As you know, a long time ago Lucifer had a disagreement, that turned into a feud, and then into bitter enmity. Hell wants to take over our nature and control it, which, as we all know, would be disastrous. Earth, as we know it, would cease existing. The current situation down below in Hell, with Lucifer on the loose, and the instability of both, the hellish ruling, and Lucifer’s mental state, turns my very existence into a target. They believe taking me out of the equation will automatically turn nature over into their possession. That’s simply a rumor. But I’d rather don’t take the chance. Also, nature is a wide and broad area to cover, and I’m generally needed at several places simultaneously. So, traveling fast is the only possibility to help wherever I’m demanded and needed the most.
I understand. With you jumping quickly from one place to another without any plan, you avoid being discovered, and keep them on their toes?
Exactly.
Maybe you permit one last question?
One more, fine. But make it fast.
How is the connection between your daughter and yourself these days? I hear, you’re getting along better?
(sighs) I wish. She contacts me on occasion, when she needs something from me. Other than that, she’s too busy doing her job, she’s excellent in, and being the consort of an Archangel. I understand quite well, that is a challenge. She says she’s very busy. But I still believe, she has not forgiven me for not being by her side when she grew up. I understand it to a certain degree. But at least when we’re together we formed some kind of a bond. I’m so very proud of her. – Was that it?
Yes. That was it. Pan, thank you very much for agreeing to this interview. It was a pleasure having you here. I hope…
(And I’m talking to an empty chair. My character interview partners never use my door. I wonder, why?)
The boy found himself walking in the woods, holding on to his mother’s skirt for dear life, while she carried the newborn and the toddler on her arms. His siblings, held on to him while they stumbled over their own feet, roots and rocks.
His mother never complained, but he knew, as the situation worsened, she had him warned, they might have to take off at one point and go into the forest to hide, just like father had done, quite some time ago.
He was the second child, the oldest, Wulf, was with the father in the woods. He, Edward, the second son, wished he had been old enough to be an asset to his father, too, rather than hang around the house, with constantly needing siblings, a mother who never left him out of her sight, and neighbors who took advantage of him, whenever they felt like it. His mother didn’t think much of lending him out for housework, woodworking, animal feeding and babysitting. Edward would rather have gone playing with other boys, or exploring the area, further than just the hut they lived in.
Edward had seen the other side of the castle wall, when he accompanied his mother to the market, where they sold their vegetables from their garden, some pottery or yarn that mother used to spin during the nightly hours, when she thought, he was asleep. That’s when he sometimes heard her softly sobbing.
Edward wasn’t sure why father left, but before he walked out of the door, he kissed his wife and said: “I’m sorry, I have to do that to you, my heart. But if I don’t go now, our entire family could be arrested or killed. I’m sure someone will ask for me. Tell them, I died. As long as this tyrant is ruling our world, there is no peace here. And at this point I only can take care of all of you, when I’m gone. I promise, we’ll see each other again.” Another kiss, and father was out the door, Wulf on his heel.
Edward would have loved to be part of this men-thing, but then also, he didn’t know if he could do that, like they did, live in the woods, off what they collected or hunted, and not having a decent bed to sleep or protection from the rain and other weather. Maybe he still was a child. Mother woke him up and for a moment he thought father’s departure was only a dream, until his mother said: ‘Teddy, you’re the man in the house now. Be strong and help me with the little ones. You’re the only one I can count on for support.”
Edward nodded. “Yes, mother.” He got up and started by boiling some water for tea, going out in the rain to feed the chickens and collect the eggs. When he came back inside he had chopped some wood for the fireplace and started preparing the dough for biscuits for breakfast. His mother stared at him, with surprise and growing respect. “Where did you learn how to do all this, Teddy?”
And he simply replied: “By watching father and you.” Then he continued his work, very concentrated to make sure he wouldn’t forget anything… That’s how he supported his mother. He helped her wherever and whenever he could. He tried to do some work for other women in the neighborly huts, whose husbands had disappeared too, magically, and Teddy was there for nearly all of them. When they could spare a penny, they’d pay him, but often, he would get some meet, flour, salt or eggs.
And then, one day, things got really bad. The little village with the huts was often ‘visited’ by rampaging groups of soldiers who served themselves of whatever they felt like, destroyed, vandalized and stole goods, injured and abused the villagers and even children… but this one time it was worse.
They demanded to know where ‘the thief’ was, and they pulled Edward’s mother out of her hut by her hair, screaming and yelling for her husband. “Where is he? Where is ‘Little John’?” Teddy’s mother simply replied: “He died. Last winter. And it’s your fault.” The Sheriff’s soldiers laughed loudly. “How can it? We weren’t here!” Teddy’s mother shrugged. “You took everything we had that was supposed to feed our family during the cold months.” The soldiers laughed again, however, they let go of her, and then they set fire on several of the huts.
The women and families could barely save themselves, let alone the very few possessions they still had left. After a hefty discussion, they decided, it would be best to follow their husbands, wherever they were. With whatever little they had left, and their children and old ones, they slowly moved toward the tree line of the forest, after the sun went down. The rain would make sure that the grass, that showed their path to the forest, would stand up again after they passed, and would hide their path.
It was a sad group of villagers, moving towards the forest, they could only move slowly, since they had little and old ones with them. When they reached the trees, for the first time they permitted themselves to breath with relief. They had made it that far. What was next? The turned to Edward’s mother. “What now?” She smiled encouragingly. “We just keep moving forward. I know John. He will infallibly find us.”
One of the other women mockingly replied. “That’s a lot of trust to waste on a dead man.” Teddy’s mother turned to her. “You know, Maude, I knew, you had some mental difficulties. But I didn’t expect you to be that dumb.” This would have ended in a bad fight, if it wasn’t for ‘Ole Haggard’, the blind senior, who said about himself, that he stopped counting his age at 60, and forgot how old he was.
“Lad’s, lad’s. Quit the bickering. We need to stick together now. Stay quiet and move forward. I trust Fanny and John. They have helped us through many difficult times. If she thinks, he’ll find us, he will. We might be lucky, and Robin Hood’s troop will protect us, then we’ll be safe. But right now, fighting among us is not going to do us any good.”
The group walked forward. Edward’s heart pounded in his chest. He, of course, had heard of Robin Hood. Some of his men came riding into the village a few times, bringing coins, chickens, meat, flour, salt, grain, and other goods to help the villagers feeding their children and old ones. The man might even have been one of them. Edward couldn’t see him, because, of course, at this important moment, he was on the other side of the village, helping out at another hut.
Like so many others, Edward admired the man, who was said, to be an aristocrat, having lost his castle, lands, and title, and now being an outlaw, who bravely fought the Sheriff of Nottingham, and supporting the poor and helpless. Edward had played ‘fencing’ with other boys, each of them pretending to be Robin Hood, until they all got sincere punishment by their mothers.
“Teddy, you cannot play like this in public. If the Sheriff’s soldiers are told about you boys admiring ‘The Thief’, they will assume he was here. We cannot endanger Robin Hood, nor any of his men by blurting out we saw him.” Edward understood very well, what his mother said. From that moment on, he helped the mothers by suffocating any ‘Robin Hood’ games in their beginnings.
Fanny was right to trust her husband. John Little found his family and their neighbors slowly limping through Sherwood Forest. “What are you doing here?” John was whispering urgently. His wife explained what happened, and John took the villagers to the forest clearing, where Robin Hood’s men resided. The camp was simple, strictly guarded and carefully protected by nature. The few men present were looking quite flabbergasted, seeing their families and neighbors, homeless and hungry, some of them injured. But then, they welcomed the people they knew so well in their midst. With their modest possibilities they provided them with food and drink and made it as comfortable as possible.
Edward glanced around the camp, but he was unable to locate anyone he had imagined to be the hero Robin Hood. However, he didn’t have much time to think or search, since his father required his help. “Wolf is out with a team to get some work done.” John Little informed him. “It’s time you are getting your hands dirty, ‘Little’ boy.” Edward protested. “I’m not so little anymore.” His father laughed and tousled his hair. “I meant our family name, silly.” He said.
For the rest of the day Edward helped his father and other men to build walls for huts and start collecting material for the roofs. The men worked almost in complete silence. There were no loud calls, yells, roaring laughter or singing. It seemed that noise was not welcomed in this clearing.
He whispered to his father: “Why is it so quiet here?” His father smiled. “Good question, son. This is a camp that needs to be kept a secret. We don’t want anyone to find it, in particular not the Sheriff of Nottingham or his soldiers. We don’t want any travelers accidentally stumble into this camp. They could give us away. We need to remain as quiet as possible. Please, remind the other villagers. I talked to your mother and she said, you were a true help with the village ladies in the neighborhood while I was gone. I’m proud of you, son.”
Edward shrugged a little embarrassed. “I’m not your favorite son, I know that. But I’m honored you are proud of me.” John Little felt his eyes watering. He gruffly grabbed his son around the shoulders and hugged him. Then he snorted. “You’re growing like weed, boy. You must have grown double the length in the past few months only.” Teddy giggled.
They continued working with the other men, the women tried to make a fire and cook whatever they could find in the forest, make tea and roast meat. It wasn’t much, but it was the act of love that kept them all together.
Not long after, a group of men came into the camp and were greeted with cheers and shoulder patting, but all in a quiet, almost creepy way. In the middle, a tall man, everybody gave reverence and plenty of space. His face open, friendly – and a bit worried, when he looked around the growing crowd.
“I didn’t expect that.” He said softly.
My father replied. “None of us did. But we cannot leave our families there any longer, unprotected. I rather have them here than knowing they’d serve as a bait for each one of us, once the Sheriff considers it useful, Robin.”
The tall man nodded. So, this was Robin Hood. Edward had a million questions but was too shy to address his hero. Unexpectedly Robin Hood went down on one knee to be on Edward’s height and friendly said: “You’re John’s second oldest, yes?” Edward nodded, his throat dry. His hero talked to him! Robin Hood smiled. “What’s your name, boy?” John laughed. “Edward, but he listens to Teddy.” Robin nodded and held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Teddy.” Edward accepted it, and heartily shook Robin Hood’s hand. “Nice to meet you too, Sir.” Robin laughed. “No need to address me so formally, Teddy. I’m Robin. Now, come with me, you can help me with something.”
Edward looked up to his father who nodded encouragingly. “Go ahead.” He mouthed. Edward followed Robin to a creek, and the two helped carrying water to the camp and walked several times to have it all done.
After that, Robin asked Edward to brush off his long coat and showed him how to remove the saddle of a horse. Edward was proud to be of use for Robin. “Your brother gets too good of a warrior with bow and arrow.” Robin explained. “I’d rather have him with my troops to learn. But someone needs to take over his tasks in the camp. And I know, John’s sons are reliable. I can always count on you doing your duties, can I?” Edward nodded. “Yes, you can, Sir. Oh… I mean, Robin.”
Robin Hood laughed…
*****
After serving Robin Hood as a hand, Edward grew stronger. But also, he developed a dry, steady cough that didn’t seem to go away. Edward didn’t think about it much, but his mother started to get worried. On the neighbor’s recommendations, Edward had to swallow all kinds of potions and liquids, from aromatic tea to horribly stinking brews, but as far as he knew, nothing helped. For several weeks everything went on its usual way… Robin had many good words to say about his helper and admirer, and Teddy liked him better every day.
And then the unthinkable happened. After a particularly strenuous day, when nothing worked the way it should, Robin’s horse was restless and grumpy, and it was raining, Edward burst out into uncontrollable coughing and couldn’t stop. Finally, he spit out a clump of blood. His father saw that and came running. “Son…” Edward waved him off. “Please, father. Don’t tell anyone. I’m fine. And mother would only worry more. She doesn’t need that now, in her condition.”
John Little was confused. “What condition?” Edward looked up to his giant of a father and replied softly: “Father, you must see what everybody else knows already. The women are betting on when you would finally look at mother long enough to find out.” John sighed. “That she’s pregnant? Son, I knew that before she did. But I really appreciate you’re worried about her. I won’t tell her anything then. But if this gets any worse, let me know.” Teddy nodded.
Ten days later Teddy shook with a high fever and his breathing was heavy. It sounded like gargling when he breathed, and his mother was devastated. She hit John Little with all her strength, her fists drumming on John’s chest and shoulders. “How dare you not telling me, man. How dare you?” Tears were splashing down her face. John hugged her and held her tightly. She was sobbing. “Remember my sister? She had that lung consumption. We thought it was just a cough, but when the fever came, she died.” John held her and stroked her hair. “I know.” He whispered. “Teddy made me promise not to tell you. It’s not good for you – now, that is.” Fanny cried into his shoulder. “I can’t lose another child, John.” And her husband softly replied: “This is now in the hand of the gods.”
Edwards fever climbed higher and higher. Robin of Locksley dropped by briefly when Edward was awake and patted the hand of his ‘stable boy’. “I’m waiting for you, Teddy. My horse is never calmer than in your presence, and nobody does your chores as well as you do. Sleep, Teddy, sleep.” With a rough voice he told the parents. “Let me know…” Then he left the boy’s sickbed.
His parents were there, when Teddy took his last breath. After a gargling snort, he breathed out, almost endlessly, and his little fever shaken body turned pale and waxen. John held his wife close to his heart, with the other hand he closed his son’s eyes and pulled the rough blanket over the body..
Both Robin and John dug the young boy’s last resting spot, making sure that he was lying deep and protected, then they said a little prayer. Teddy had gone home…
*****
When the little boy’s soul arrived at the ‘Soul Collection Service Center’, as it was called, he felt like he had a Deja-vu. “I’ve been here before,” he said.
The huge Angel with brown, tousled hair and the wings like a snowy owl replied softly: “Indeed, you have, little one. What would you do next?”
Edward thought about it for a while, then he replied, obviously thinking hard: “I think, now comes the ‘thing’ with the flower, right?” The tall angel smiled. “Right… the ‘thing’ with the flower.” He replied slowly. Edward looked at him, frowning. “I know you. You’re not an angel, right? You’re more.” The man nodded. “I’m Archangel Gabriel.” Teddy thought about that information for another few minutes before asking. “Why don’t I remember that?” Gabriel softly replied. “You will, once you’re coming out of the flower. Take your pick.”
Teddy stared. The hall was enormous. He couldn’t see the end… and there were big, gigantic flowers. “How big is this room?” He asked. Gabriel answered the question with a puzzle. “As big as it needs to be.” Teddy smiled. You said, I can pick?” Gabriel grinned. “We offer you every time, and every single time you get back to the very same flower.” Teddy signed. “I think, I remember now. It’s a pink magnolia, right?” Gabriel laughed. “Come on. I’ll take you there, so you can develop and rest. You have a way of regenerating quite quickly.” Teddy ‘floated’ into the magnolia, rolled up and was practically already asleep, when the blossom closed around him.
Next to Gabriel, Archangel Zachariel showed up. “What do you think, what’s going to interested him most, once he’s his old self again?” They both looked at each other and replied together: “The color of his wings.” They laughed… and then they left the flower hall, well knowing they’d be called, once Teddy woke up.
*****
When the magnolia re-opened, nine Archangels were waiting outside, curious, once again, how Teddy would react to his regeneration this time. They were not disappointed. Teddy was not kneeling or cowering in the flower, like many others did, insecure, what to expect. He stood there, strong, tall, well-developed, his wings held neatly folded and the arches high up over his back. He smiled. “Hello, Council members. I’m once again surprised how many of you are honoring me by waiting outside here.” Santanael came running around the row and breathed. “Sorry, I’m late. I had to… Oh, look at that! Hi Teddy. Good to have you back.”
Teddy tried to look at his back. “I can’t really see it in the shade of the blossom. What color do they have?” Gabriel and Zachariel high-fived each other and grinned. Raphael replied: “They’re of a beautiful tender lavender.” Teddy scowled. “Oh. I hoped, this time they were yellow.”
Raphael laughed. “Your home is waiting for you. And Michael said, we’ll meet at his place tonight for dinner. We’re curious to hear about your adventures.” Teddy nodded. “Sure. I look forward to seeing you later.” And with his wings still precisely folded, he strutted off, Gabriel next to him.
“It’s good to have you back, friend.” Gabriel smiled. “And you really met Robin Hood?” Teddy nodded. “I did. And it was impressive. I’ll tell you about it tonight. Right now I need to see to my place.”
They both separated, and Teddy steered into another direction. Gabriel chuckled. Zachariel showed up next to him once again, and said. “You’ll have to pick him up tonight. Otherwise he won’t know where to go. Somethings never change… but some others do.” Gabriel signed. “I know…”
I can be found at the book festival this coming Saturday, June 10, 2023. I will not be a participant, though! I will meet fellow authors, check out how the program is structured and what is expected from the authors, listen to some public speaking, wander around between the tents, and meet authors from my friend list and new ones.
If you’d like to meet me, please contact me here in the comments or on the Social Media Messengers (On Instagram, FB, Twitter, or Mastodon) I look forward to hearing from you!
Since I am an HSP, as addressed in an earlier post, I particularly picked a smaller event to look into rather than being surrounded by a vast mass of people and noises.
However, would you mind letting me know if you will be there? I’d be delighted to meet you in person!
I can be found at the book festival in ‘roughly’ three weeks. I will not be a participant, though! I will meet fellow authors, check out how the program is structured and what is expected from the authors, listen to some public speaking, wander around between the tents, and meet authors from my friend list and new ones.
Since I am an HSP, as addressed in an earlier post, I particularly picked a smaller event to look into rather than being surrounded by a vast mass of people and noises.
However, would you mind letting me know if you will be there? I’d be delighted to meet you in person!
Writer's Treasure Chest 
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