#Henrietta Ostriche | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

skippyv20 · 4 years

Text

History of hats & hair fascinators

A fascinator hat is a small ornamental headpiece that fits on the head using an alice-band-type base or headband or even a small comb. It is always lightweight and usually features feathers, beads or flowers. The use of the term fascinator began in the 1990s when such headpieces became popular for wearing at weddings without ruining your lovely hairstyle or giving you a helmet head.

The women of almost every civilisation throughout history has decorated their hair. Native Americans use feathers. Aztecs would braid hair with strips of coloured cloth. Ancient Egyptians adorned their wigs with gold. In ancient Greece and Rome many women sprinkled hair with gold powder, using fresh flowers or jewels to decorate. In Africa, women in some tribes would decorate hair with bone pins and in others they would use leaves.

At the end of the 13th century, a very popular form of hairstyle was the ‘ramshorn’, using coiled hair around the ears and a centre parting (Princess Leia-style). Jewelled brooches were often included as part of the dressing at the top of the head. For this style, see the Portrait of Battista Sforza from 1465-1466 by Francesca below.

This style of hairstyle was too impractical for anyone other than nobility, as is often the case of any elaborate decoration of the hair up to the 20th Century. Showing off jewels and expensive cloths in the hair was often a sign of status and only the privilege of the wealthy. Sumptuary laws also ensure that only those of a certain wealth can wear the most luxurious of textiles such as silks, satins and velvets.

During the Renaissance period across Europe, hats, hoods, and other headdresses are worn regularly. They may often be adorned with feathers or jewels. However in Italy, women abandon the veil considerably earlier than in other countries. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Italian women are choosing to decorate their hair with elaborate plaits: pearls, beads brooches and wound ribbons all being used.

Women are adorning their hats and caps (‘coifs‘) with feathers, jewels and lace. An attifet is worn across Europe. It is a fine lace cap adorned with pearls, lined with a wire frame and pulled into a heart shape around the face. Mary Queen of Scots is a well-known wearer of the attifet

Also the caul is worn: a net and silk cap which covers tied-up hair and could often be decorated with jewels or something sparkly.

The word ‘milliner’, now a term for a maker of women’s hats, is first recorded in 1529. It is used to name products for which Milan and other northern Italian regions were well-known. These products are ribbons, gloves and straw hats. The haberdashers who imported these highly popular straws were called ‘Milaners’. Come the end of the 16th Century in Western Europe, ladies who support Catholicism begin to adorn their hair with ostrich feathers, Cavalier-style.

During the 17th century, the name ‘fascinator’ refers to a very different form of headwear, a lacy veil. This style of headwear appears in Europe during the 1600s and is originally called a ‘cloud’. At this time in Europe, women tend not to wear hats: perhaps just a practical hood or bonnet for the weather with a ribbon for decoration, or caps with lace trim. Men can also be seen wearing ribbons and pearls for hair decoration. Also women might wear men’s hats with feathers while riding or any sort of outdoor activity.

However in late 17th century, a fashion for the fontange (below right) becomes widespread among nobility. The fashion for this tall headdress begins, as ever, in France. It is also worn often by French woman Henrietta Maria, the wife of Charles I. It is a wire headdress covered with lace and silk. This headdress grows ever taller as the fashion spreads in Europe.

The ornamental nature of the fascinator can be seen in the styles of 18th-century Europe. British women dress their elaborate hairstyles with ribbons, feathers, butterflies and jewels and secured to the front or off to the side of the head.

Source: La Couturière Parisienne

It is during the 1700s that the millinery profession is established, offering plenty of hair decoration options for women. Milliners are mostly women who specialise in the decoration of hair and hats to match a mood or an outfit.

During the reign of Louis XVI, later in the century, some women of the French court and the upper classes embellish their hair with ‘poufs au sentiments’: a hairpiece displaying novelty items; ostrich feathers; fruit and jewellery.It is seen as a creative way to wear your mood through strategically-placed decorations and ornaments.

Fashionable women are inspired by the French queen Marie Antoinette’s hair as she attends the coronation of her husband (see below). Some of the more outrageous items placed into the hair include miniature landscape gardens, animals, and the infamous la Belle-Poule, a celebratory model of a famous frigate.

The pouf is constructed using a metal frame stuffed with false hair or wool and intertwined with the hair of the wearer. It would be finished off with powder which covered up the differences in colour and absorbed oil from the pomaded hair. The adornments are then fastened to these poufs.

Revolutions, wars and global recession discouraged excess. The extreme headdress and the image of extravagance that it gave off becomes old-fashioned. Fashions begin to filter down to the lower classes in society. However, moderate decorative pieces have always been present with hats of all sizes for the fashionable elite. Instead, heads show-off with cotton bonnets and caps using feathers, ribbons, shells and cameos rather than status-flaunting jewels.

During the Empire period in the early 1800s hairdressing becomes more simple and follows the Grecian ideal. Hair is unfussy, with closely cropped little curls adorned by a simple touch of feathers or ribbons. There is a strict courting etiquette in place that enables single ladies to communicate their fancies to men and other women through use of gloves, fans and hair decoration.

Bonnets and veils are more appropriate during the Victorian era (1837 – 1901), with the use of feathers or adornments for social occasions. Again hats of all sizes from the very small to the extravagant are acceptable and choices become more varied.

In Japan, the Geisha look becomes fashionable with ladies adorning their hair with many accessories.

By the mid 1800’s Swiss and Italian straw hats, and their imitations are widely available and they are being decorated with velvet and lace. Large flamboyant hats with feathers and flowers become a fashionable choice for a while. Hair is piled up into elaborate styles and pieces are used to complement and decorate. Arrangements of flowers, ribbons, netting, lace and beads can also be seen decorating ladies’ hair. Later in the century, a fashion for small ‘doll’ hats perched atop the head is perhaps a precursor to the cocktail hats and fascinators of the 20th Century.

The term ‘fascinator’ appears in America in the 1860s and refers to a light-weight, loosely-knitted or crocheted scarf, or small shawl worn over the head. It is made of wool or lace. The 1943 musical Oklahoma makes reference to this use of the term fascinator at the time.

It’s the Edwardian or Bel Époque era in the early 1900s and feathered hats and fascinators have many embellishments. Fashionable Edwardian ladies sometimes have whole birds, stuffed and mounted onto their hats. Feathers, artificial flowers, waxed satin ribbons and tulle are also used.

Brimless ‘toque’ hats are also popular.

World War I (1914 – 1918) sees a decline of fussy adornments as a supportive part of the war effort. Keeping things simple becomes a patriotic statement. But feathers remain: from appearances at Ascot, Royal events, right throughout World War II and into the 1950s.

During the 1920s, American flappers are wearing headbands to complete the bobbed hair look. They decorate the bands with brooches, jewellery or feathers.

Worn at first on catwalks and then to weddings, formal evening parties and horseracing events around the world. Wedding Fascinators are a fashion alternative to the traditional wedding veil.

The Queen Mother wears a pastel hat with triangle cutouts to match her chiffon suit.

1973 - Princess Margaret in a structured peacock feather hat at the Royal Ascot

1977 - The Queen wearing a blue turban-style hat in New Zealand.

1982 - The Queen in Tuvalu wearing a flower-embellished hat.

1983 - Princess Diana in a traditional Klondike-style outfit on a visit to Canada.

1989 - Princess Diana in a Phillip Somerville blue turban hat with white brim while in Dubai.

2007 - Princess Beatrice wears a white feather-burst cap for the Trooping the Colour.

2008 - Princess Beatrice wears a colourful butterfly fascinator.

2008 - Princess Anne arrives to the royal Ascot in a cream veiled fascinator with feather embellishments.

2011 - Zara Phillips wears a leaning black linen hat with intricate curled details for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

2011 - The Duchess of Cambridge wears a silver feathered fascinator at the Order of the Garter.

2012 - Duchess Catherine wears a sculptural red cap for a Diamond Jubilee celebration.

2012 - Sophie, Countess of Wessex wears an off-white lace fascinator with a linen bow at the Royal Ascot.

2013 - Princess Eugenie arrives at the Royal Ascot in a gray cap with an oversized flower detail.

2015 - The Duchess of Cornwall arrives at a church service in a baby blue-and-white wide-brim hat.

2016 - The Duchess of Cornwall in a cream-and-blue hat.

2016 - Duchess Catherine with Princess Charlotte in a blush hat with an oversized, under-brim flower.

2016 - Duchess Kate in a woven cream fascinator with rose and ribbon embellishments.

2018 - Queen Elizabeth shines in a bright yellow top hat adorned with a blue flower at the Royal Ascot.

2018 - Sophie, Countess of Wessex wears a white-and-cream feather fascinator.

Rachel Trevor-Morgan

is a British milliner best known for the hats she creates for the Queen.

Rachel Trevor-Morgan has built a thriving and successful business from her 17th century atelier in London St James’s where she delivers private client commissions. Her mission is to provide her clients with the perfect hat or headpiece. She is renowned for her beautiful handwork and design resulting in the glamorous, feminine elegance on which she has built her reputation. Rachel is a liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers holds the Royal Warrant for HM The Queen.

We know that you are milliner for HRH The Queen. How did this come about and how long have you been making hats for her?

I started making hats for Her Majesty The Queen in 2006. It was during her 80th birthday year that she decided she would like to appoint a new British milliner. Her Majesty’s dresser had had occasion to see my hats and to meet me. As a result she recommended my hats and after designs had been submitted and approved I was appointed Milliner to The Queen.

The first hat I designed for Her Majesty was worn to the official birthday service at St Paul’s Cathedral. The following week saw the Queen wearing two more of my hats at Royal Ascot, most notably on Ladies’ day. Since then I have made over 30 hats for her – it doesn’t cease to be incredibly exciting.

https://eclipsemagazine.co.uk/rachel-trevor-morgan-milliner-to-the-queen-hrh/ & https://www.harpersbazaar.com & https://visforvintage.net/2012/08/30/fascinator-history-of-a-hair-accessory/

So cool...thank you😊❤️❤️❤️❤️

40 notes · View notes

cartoonish0geek · 4 years

Text

A Trip to the Ottoman Empire - The Edgewater Siblings - Kids AU

@missameliep

Vincent Foredale gestures outwards; “This is the Ottoman Empire.”

“Woooowww it's beautiful...” Clara awes.

“It truly is a sight to see..” Edmund follows.

“...It’s nothing compared to our estate” Harry denies.

“Viscount Foredale, Welcome to the Ottoman Empire” A man in gold and white garbs calls.

“Ah, Your Imperial Majesty, it’s an honour to meet you,” the Viscount bows.

“And Madam Raisa, it's a pleasure to see you again as well.” Vincent offers a friendly smile and bows to plant a kiss on her hand which leaves Harry sticking his tongue out in disgust and Edmund elbowing him. “Yuc- Hey!” “Don’t be rude” Edmund reprimands.

“Your Majesties, allow me introduce you to my wife, Countess Henrietta.”

Henrietta curtsies and offers them a cold smile. “Good morning, your Majesties.”

“And who are these three” Madam Raisa smiles down at the siblings.

“My pride and joys, my eldest son; Edmund, daughter; Clara, and youngest; Harry” Vincent grins with warmth.

“I’m not that little” Harry glares.

The grownups chuckle.

“Your children are beautiful” Madam Rasia nods, “I’m sure they will get along with our son, Prince Hamid, quite fondly.”

“Now where is that little kaplan (tiger)..?”

On cue, a scream is heard from the distance.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”

“My word” the Countess jumps.

“Move out of the wayyy!! Stampede!!!”

The little prince runs as fast as his feet can take him, a flock of ostriches trailing close behind, behind them run some of the Sultan’s zookeepers and three security guards.

Everyone quickly jumps out of the way as the zookeepers begin to herd the ostriches back. One of the security guards step forward, breathing heavily and drops down to a bow.

“My...sincerest..apologises, Sultanim. I tried..to...to stop him..but your son is very quick..”

“Hamid” The Sultan calls in anger.

“Yes, baba (father)?”

“Explain yourself.”

“One of the ostriches looked so sad..and I had to free him! ...But when I stole- um..borrowed one of the guard’s keys to let them out, the others followed...and I think they wanted to eat me?”

“Hamid, ostriches don’t eat kids, but if you don’t be careful next time then..” the Sultan starts tickling his son’s stomach with a grin. “Then I will!”

"Noooo!! Don’t eat meee” Hamid laughs.

His father stops tickling him to kneel down to his level. “Son, what you did today wasn’t nice to our people” he gestures to the staff. “A prince must be kind but also listen to those around him.”

“I’m sorry, Baba..” Hamid looks to the staff. “..And I’m sorry to you all as well..”

The security guard nods with a gentle smile.

The Sultan claps his hands together to stand. “Now, back to business! Hamid, can you show the Earl’s children around without breaking any rules?”

“I’ll try?”

The Sultan pats his back with a grin, “Good enough for me! Earl of Edgewater, Countess Henrietta, follow me! Your kids will be fine” he grins at Hamid, then discretly gestures to the security guard.

Hamid bares his teeth and claws out in determination. "Grrrrr...Yes! I will guard them with the fierceness of the tiger! Rawwrr!!"

Edmund jumps and clutches Harry's arm.

“...Charming" Countess Henrietta sacastically retorts, then dramatically turns to the guard. "I couldn’t bare if anything happened to my dears Edmund or Harry”

"...Yes, Countess."

Clara clenches her fists, holding her tongue as Edmund taps her shoulder and encourages through a whisper; “She doesn’t mean that.. I'm sure she cares for you as well!”

Clara nods stiffly then loosely steps forward shrugging; "Well, I, for one, am capable of taking care of myself, thank you very much."

Harry follows his sister; "I-I am able to hold my own too!!"

Edmund makes eye contact with one of the ostriches being led back and gulps, hiding behind Hamid. "I-um...I wouldn't want your protection to go to waste if you're offering..?"

Hamid grins, wrapping an arm over Edmund's shoulders. "Never fear! Under my watch and our firece companions, you're sure to be safe from any threat!"

The prince's gaze falls back on Clara, him jumping in front of her and Harry. “So you must be the bold princess of Edgewater!"

"Not as bold as you, I'm sure. And I'm not a princess, my name is Lady Clara of Edgewater!"

"Are you sure you're not a princess? You're as beautiful as any princess I've ever seen, and three times as fun!"

"We've just met, you wouldn't know that.."

"I can tell! It's one of my gifts as the Prince!"

"Oh? I wasn't aware Princes could forsee the future."

"Well, if every Prince could witness future events, the gift wouldn't be quite as special, would it?"

"I suppose...I'll humor the thought. ...If you show me my future" she challenges.

Hamid nods, shutting his eyes closed and pressing two fingers at the sides of his temple in consentration. "...hmm...Lady Clara, in your future...I see- oh, a smile unlike any other...and a beautiful laugh!"

"That's not a good fortune" Clara smiles, shaking her head.

Prince Hamid's eyes light up in reaction. "I would have to disagree! As you see my fortune is already taking to place!"

Clara laughs then clamps her mouth understanding, slowly uncovering it.

"...Well played."

"My lady, my people call me Prince Hamid! But you..” he keeps eye contact with Clara while pressing a kiss on her hand, “..may call me Hamid.”

Clara giggles and Harry slides his hands down his face.

“Ughhh..this is gonna be a long day..”

#choices #pb #pixel berry #prince hamid #edmund marlcaster #harry foredale #vincent foredale #countess Henrietta #d&d choices #choices d&d #desire and decorum #desire and decorum: first winter #ottoman empire #edgewater kids au #edgewater siblings #kids au

10 notes · View notes

gbalzaro · 7 years

Text

Muriel Ostriche

All’anagrafe Muriel Henrietta Ostriche, nata il 24 maggio 1896 a New York, attrice statunitense attiva all’epoca del cinema muto. Esordì sullo schermo a sedici anni in un cortometraggio della Biograph, “A Tale of the Wilderness”, un western dove fu diretta da D.W. Griffith. Sempre con Griffith girò un secondo film, “A Blot on the ‘Scutcheon”, passando poi a lavorare per l’Eclair American, dove le…

View On WordPress

4 notes · View notes

nataliesnews · 6 years

Text

A visit to the zoo and a demonstration 2.12.2017

30.11.2017 Too many things happen on the same day. I had bottles today and not having gone for two weeks did not want to cancel but by 10 when I left things were pretty much sorted out. Jakov is such a friend. I had to go to the zoo with Hedva and a group of women and children from Bethelehem. He said to me if he is free he will always take me where I need to go.

Many of the women came to say hello to me as they remembered me from previous meetings at other places, either at the sea or at the meeting place of Palestinians and Israelis. I am always embarrassed that I do not remember people. But what stuck in my mind was standing next to one of the women looking at ostriches, rhinos and giraffes in an enclosure and I heard her say, “What sort of a life do WE have.” We got speaking and she said to me, “This is a world we do not know. Our lives are getting up, eating and going back to sleep.” And she told me of her husband who has to go through the Bethlehem checkpoint and gets up at 2 am and comes back at 7. What

can you say to that? She is in the striped jersey. Married three years and has a problem and with no children. I told her of Aunty Milly who had waited if I remember correctly so many years also to fall pregnant. I told her that I came sometimes to the checkpoint in the early morning and felt so guilty when I went home to my warm flat and coffee after seeing how these men suffer to earn a living.

I have been doing from 5-10 kilometre most days and my knee of the good leg has started hurting. I am so disappointed as I was really glad that I was walking more. Now in the winter it is so much easier and I do not go much to the pool as a result. But I really want the interaction with the Palestinians but it is hard to see how hard it is for them to do the things that are so normal to us. Their lives are anything but normal. It can hardly be called a life.

Last night we visited on the villages near Abu Gosh where some of you have eaten with me. We were welcomed at the local mosque and than to a home where we were warmly received and were told of the good relations that they have with the kibbutziem in the area. But when I asked about permits for building the man of the house did not give me a direct answer but did say how hard it is for them to get such permits. He said that there are no home demolitions in the villages but that maybe because Abu Gand of the good relations with the israelis surrounding them. I remember that once when there was an attempt to station a Border guard station there the plan was foiled with the help of the kibbutziem in the area.

There is going to be a demonstration in Tel Aviv Saturday night because of all the corruption in our unesteemed government especially amongst Netanyahu’s cronies. And the same cronies are trying to have a law passed which will stop any further police investigations into the same. And they are now also under investigation. I hate going to demonstrations in Tel Aviv as I can seldom hear the speeches and usually they are all the same, it is very hard for me amongst the crowds and I have to wait until the buses come back. But this time I feel I have to go. It was just this week that I wrote that the time has come for us to take to the streets so how can I sit home?

Saturday 2.12.2017 I havea lift to Tel Aviv this evening so will go although my knee is hurting….Dafke my good leg and so disappointing as I was up to walking about 5-8 kilometre ….I have been making good use of the cooler weather and often walking to where I have to get to…normally I hate walking in town but if I have a destination to go to that is fine. Anyhow I will have to cut down a bit. Use the pool more which I enjoy even less. Basically I am lazy. Actually it would make more sense for me to go to the demonstration in Jerusalem with less walking but I think it is important to boost up the numbers in Tel Aviv…though I do not know how much it will help and doubt that it will.

Natalie

Natanya Natalie Ginsburg

Henrietta Szold 2

Migdal Nofim Room 708

Jerusalem 9650230

Tel 0528-375593

Nofim Tel 972-(0)2-6580222

Home 972 (2)6418387 no messages

Cellphone preferable

#A visit to the zoo and a demonstration 2.12.2017

0 notes

superbearfun · 7 years

Text

Note to Readers– This is Chapter Six of a continuing Weekly Serial Story freely shared only here for followers of my Writing Blog. If you missed the beginning, you can catch up HERE for the beginning and previous chapters. Follow the Blog now to be informed of every new post and update.

Pieces of glass flew everywhere as the window at first shattered and then seemed to explode from the force of a heavy, grey granite rock hurled from outside, startling everyone and causing all the bunnies to scurry in fright beneath the table to shelter from flying bits of glass.

Thump-a! . . . Bump-a! . . . Thump-a! . . . .

The rock hurtled, careened and bounced across the cabin’s wooden floor, finally coming to rest against the far wall.

Wearing boots and not wanting any of the others’ bare feet to be cut on broken shards of glass, I motioned Little Red Bear and everyone away. Carefully stepping around the larger glass splinters, smaller pieces crunched and crackled beneath my feet as I made my way across the room.

Reaching the rock, I carefully picked it up to find a message, painted in bold red letters on the flat bottom.

I held it up for Little Red Bear to see.

“LOOK OUTSIDE”

Little Red Bear quickly tossed me a broom from the corner. I hurried to sweep up the shattered window glass pieces from seemingly everywhere, anxious to see who or what was to be found outside.

Had the weasels ganged up and overwhelmed Albuquerque while guarding the rabbits? Holding him hostage? Worse? Had the coyotes run wild and taken potential story characters? What had been done that they wanted us to see? Thoughts raced thru my mind while hurriedly sweeping glass.

Before I could finish, another rock came sailing in thru the now open window space, striking the far wall and falling down in a loud “CLUMP” on the floor. I walked over to find another message awaiting . . .

“WHAT’S TAKING SO LONG?”

I worked even faster to clear the remaining few pieces of glass from the floor and tops of tables.

Emptying the last dust pan filled with broken glass into the trash can, I joined Little Red Bear, already slumped and frowning, at the broken window.

A short distance from the cabin, the smallest ostrich, the one whose protest sign Little Red Bear had ripped apart earlier in the day, stood with his tongue sticking out atop an upturned wooden rain barrel, forcefully waving a freshly painted new sign while wagging his head in an unhinged, wibbly-wobbly, deranged back and forth manner, taunting Little Red Bear.

RED BEAR IS SO UGLY HIS MOTHER

HAD TO BORROW A BABY

TO TAKE TO CHURCH ON SUNDAYS!

Then, aware that we had each seen the new sign, the ostrich flipped around, shaking his backside and tail feathers at us while displaying the reverse side of the sign.

AND HE SMELLS BAD!

“Sticks and stones, Red,” I reminded, trying to comfort and gently moving him back away from the window and sign message. “Sticks and stones.”

“My Mother never borrowed nobody’s baby — or cub — to take to church,” Little Red Bear grumbled in protest. “That little ostrich is just makin’ up stuff. To be hurtful. That’s not nice.”

“No, it’s not nice, Red. Don’t let it get to you. Just remember – ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.”

“I suppose,” Little Red Bear replied, rather dejectedly, “but right now I’d like to take a few sticks and stones to that guy’s bones.”

“You know that wouldn’t solve anything and just serve to make matters worse. Just let it go and be the bigger man. Err, bear. Be the bigger bear. You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, yeah. Maybe the next sign will be about you, and then you can be the bigger man.”

“Well, Red,” I replied, patting and ruffling the hair on his shoulder. “There’s always tomorrow. Hold on to that thought if it cheers you up. We never know what the morning will bring around here right now, so we’ll see. Maybe they’ll do that for you.”

We both laughed.

“But in the meantime,” I continued, “we have a window to patch and guests to make comfortable for the night. It’s time to get bunnies in blankets.”

“Bunnies in Blankets! Oh, that sounds good. Let me get this here window covered and I’ll get some started and made up real quick for us!”

“No, no, Red. Not those Bunnies in Blankets. Henrietta’s baby bunnies — I need to round up some comforters and blankets for them to go to bed and keep them warm tonight. It’s getting late. Do you always think about food?”

“Well, not always.”

“But maybe?”

“Well — maybe.”

We both laughed again. Little Red Bear patched the broken window with some large sections of cardboard for the night, while I prepared bedding areas for Henrietta and her family of bunnies.

“Why did they have to bring my Mother into it?” Little Red Bear called over from the window. “She’d come straighten ‘em all out in a hurry if she knew about what they’d said.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yeah,” I agreed, still laughing. “She would reset their clocks all right. There would be nothing left but a pile of feathers by the time your mother finished with them all if she knew what they’d been saying about her cute little baby bear.”

“Watch the ‘baby’ stuff,” Little Red Bear corrected, laughing himself at the thought of his mother dealing with the ostriches. “There would be feathers flying for sure! Don’t those ostriches know not to ever anger a mother bear?”

“Good thing for them she’s not around then,” I added while spreading the blankets and comforters on the floor for the bunnies. Henrietta gently tucked each one in with a bunny kiss on the forehead.

“Maybe,” Little Red Bear answered. One could tell that he was still entertaining thoughts of flying ostrich feathers in his mind though, by the half grin on his face. Then he unexpectedly burst into a fit of hearty and loud laughter.

“Wouldn’t those ostriches be sad to find out that after all of their efforts to make us mad and hurt our feelings, we were still inside here laughing and not crying into our pillows?” Little Red Bear managed to get out, between laughs.

Henrietta’s baby bunnies, snuggled in their blankets, were all giggling too, because laughter is contagious, after all. Henrietta shushed them, of course, while chuckling to herself.

“Yeah well, that’s what it’s all about, right?” I responded. “Not letting them get to us or ruin our day? It’s up to each of us whether we choose to be happy or give over control of our thoughts and happiness to others. And with you laughing so loud right there beside the broken window, I’m guessing the ostriches might know.”

The prospect of the ostriches being aware that they had not affected him seemed to delight Little Red Bear still more, and he laughed even louder.

In a little while, with the window patched and bunnies nuzzled and settled in, Little Red Bear and I headed upstairs, deciding to call it a night after what had been another long and trying day.

We all awoke the next morning to find the sun peeking up over the treetops. Soon it was shining brightly, warming us on Honey Hill and burning off the night’s fog in Hoppers Holler below; with clear, cheerful blue skies overhead. A beautiful Sunday morning.

Heralding spring, dandelions were popping up thru what open ground was left unoccupied by the encampment surrounding the cabin. Pink and white dogwood trees were in bloom, scattered thru the woods over the hillsides. The delightful sounds of birds singing, chirping, whistling and warbling filled the air.

There were many birds singing, in fact. The trees were chock full of them, all having come to see for themselves what all the uproar was about in the neighborhood. The encampment of wildlife had grown larger and even more spread out over the hillside as late-comers had continued to arrive all thru the night. Apparently, word of the ostrich protest and goings-on was still spreading over the mountains and thru the hollers.

This morning’s light revealed the construction of a rather large treehouse in the grove of trees on the hill slope out back. Raccoons can be just as busy as beavers when they set their minds to a task. Uncomfortable in their hastily constructed lean-to shelters with so many of Farmer Turner’s contentious hounds encamped nearby, Cooter’s raccoon platoon had constructed an imposing treehouse structure overnight, complete with a swing for the young-uns.

Speaking of the beavers, they completed and already rented out their second and third lodges, with new work begun on a fourth and fifth, with “For Rent” signs of course. Construction is booming it appears.

After spotting what the raccoons had accomplished overnight with their magnificent treehouse, the beavers, considering themselves to be highly skilled carpenters and builders not to be outdone, decided to try their paws at treehouse construction, as well.

Of course, the beavers needed to also construct a nice ladder in order to reach it, not having the natural ability to climb trees as do the raccoons. A good number of trees would remain upright in the woods if beavers could climb, and not have to chew and fell trees in order to secure out-of-reach twigs and branches for food. But they don’t, so they do, so to speak.

Little Red Bear and I both agreed the beavers’ treehouse resembled more of a traditional beaver lodge with a second story added than a true treehouse, but if you have a winning design why change it, I suppose. And we certainly cannot argue with their success, having already rented the new unit out before work was even completed.

Securing the ostrich’s permission to cross the picket line, a family of enterprising chipmunks set up a Farmer’s Market on our front porch and yard. With the help of some beaver carpenters they had quickly assembled stands displaying and selling a large selection of various acorns, nuts, seeds, grains, berries, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, earthworms, bugs, corn, juice, milk and eggs. A veritable little “Nature’s Wildlife Grocery Store” for the campers.

Critters have been filing in steadily to replenish supplies and to do their grocery shopping. Chipmunks are renowned for their food-storing habits and to their credit recognized a ready market for their warehouse of stores and supplies, but I didn’t ask them where they obtained the fresh produce, milk and eggs. Sometimes it is just better not to know. But with all of Farmer Turner’s hounds camping out back, I have a sneaking suspicion where at least some items may have come from.

Dealing with enough issues right now though as it is, and we were running out of food to distribute to everyone anyway. The chipmunks and their market were a welcome sight, to be honest. I will cover whatever is missing from the neighboring farmers after all this blows over. Though, it may get costly if this Ostrich Crisis goes on much longer.

I suppose the ostriches realized too, that it was best for all of us if the assembled friendly and so far, merely curious crowd of onlookers remained that way, and did not turn into an out-of-control hungry mob, so allowed the chipmunks to cross the picket line and set up shop.

Newspaper circulations and revenues are up substantially for both the owls and squirrels. And word has come to me that the weasels are still managing to clip unsuspecting visitors now and then for “camping fees” on the outskirts of the area.

It seems everyone is making money off the ongoing Ozarks Ostrich Crisis except those truly involved in the affair – Little Red Bear and the ostriches. And me – the meat in the sandwich caught in the middle as work has come to a screeching halt on new stories. Isn’t that always the way, though?

But thinking about it, somewhere in there may lie the grounds and basis for a future settlement to resolve all of this, perhaps. On the other hand, it doesn’t seem the ostriches have cared much about anything other than disruption of our writing work so far.

It is amazing how far down the wrong bumpy road one poorly chosen little word or comment can send us sometimes. Case in point – Little Red Bear’s ‘flightless’ comments to the ostriches.

Have said it before and will undoubtedly say it again – words are like toothpaste. Once squeezed out, toothpaste is all but impossible to get back inside the tube again. And thoughts and words are the same way – good or bad – and seem to take on a life of their own once let out.

Having been spoken and let loose, words are out running around on their own for all to hear, and then we must deal with the consequences because they cannot be unsaid. There are no ‘Cancel, Clear, Delete’ options on speech. We can be sorry and apologize for the poorly chosen ones right off, but the words are still out there floating around in the air, and hiding in folks’ memories looking to cause trouble at a later time.

Think twice, speak once. Or better yet sometimes, not at all. My advice everlasting.

And in Little Red Bear’s case, the consequences of an off-hand comment came immediately in the form of picketing ostriches and an abrupt stoppage of work on his stories. Of course, how could any of us have predicted the ostriches’ reaction to being questioned about their useless wings? Ostriches are indeed “flightless”, after all. No secrets there. Little Red Bear was merely seeking information, even if not in the most delicate way, perhaps. Maybe the world is simply getting a little too sensitive, seeming to almost seek out things to be offended by at times.

Regardless, due to poorly-chosen words or over-sensitivity, the ostrich crisis lives on. New onlookers and campers are still arriving every hour, a steady stream of woodland shoppers keeps the chipmunks’ new market hopping, and the picket lines encircle and wind around the cabin.

Getting back to the ostriches, having observed that the encampment of observers had encircled my home, the ostriches decided that their picket line should also. Just so no one missed out on seeing their protests, I suppose. Instead of merely parading with their picket signs back and forth across the front as they had been the first days, they had by Saturday worn a path around the whole cabin, having taken advantage of the packs of coyotes and weasels to lengthen the picket line.

Today’s new development was discovering that a second circle of picketing ostriches, coyotes, and weasels had been added to the non-stop picketing parade around the cabin, marching in counter-clockwise fashion to the clockwise direction of the first, a circle within a circle rotating in opposite directions. Dizzying to watch.

With so many signs marching in different directions, it seemed that no matter where Little Red Bear went inside the cabin, he inevitably found himself at a window when a “LITTLE RED BEAR IS FAT, UGLY, AND SMELLS BAD!” sign paraded past.

Little Red Bear’s restraint to this point, although measured at times, has been admirable. I wonder myself, for the ostriches’ sake – how far do they really want to torment and agitate – a “bear”?

Thinking it might be time to draw the window shades and blinds before things get more out of control. As gentle and good as he is, even Little Red Bear’s tolerance level has limits, as do we all.

With tomorrow being Monday and the start of a new work week, if all goes well a sizable number of the spectators may be packing up and leaving to return to various woodland duties and jobs for the week, perhaps easing the uproar and potentially enabling some meaningful dialogue on the issues with the ostriches tomorrow.

The beaver lodges and the raccoon’s treehouse present an interesting legal quandary. They each constructed them using their own materials, but they are on our property without our permission. I wonder if the beavers and raccoons would allow me to sub-let the new properties when this is all over? Getting ahead of myself there, probably. This all needs to be resolved first. Peacefully if possible, but with coyotes and weasels involved that’s never a sure thing.

At least, thru the efforts of the enterprising chipmunks and wildlife grocery though, everyone is getting fed now. And that’s always a good thing.

Except, the coyotes and weasels, who have displayed no interest whatsoever in the chipmunk’s market.

That is a worry. Weasels and coyotes are always a worry. Hungry – doubly so.

But right now, I have to deal with a little piggy who appears as though he’s made one too many trips to the market. I thought the chipmunks had only set up produce and dairy departments. Apparently there is a section in the back I may have overlooked.

Some critters seem to be enjoying the ostrich protest and events a tad more than others, it would appear. This fellow looks drunk as a skunk. I had better go outside and get hold of this party animal before Albuquerque the Sheriff pulls him over under suspicion of SWINE – Shopping While Intoxicated Nearly Embalmed.

Gotta go.

To be continued . . . .

Thanks as always for following along and visiting with us! If not doing so already, Follow the Blog now to be informed of every new post and update.

As a special ‘thank you’ for everyone, Little Red Bear has included the Pinterest Recipe for Bunnies in Blankets that he mentioned earlier in the story, a nifty little appetizer featuring Caramelized Baby Carrots in Crescent Roll Wraps, just for fun. You didn’t really think that we would be harming baby bunnies, did you? Find this recipe and much more on my Pinterest Boards.

Be sure to check in next week as events continue to unfold in the “Ozarks Ostrich Crisis”, a continuing weekly serialized free story available only here on the Writing Blog. See ya then!

Kindness costs nothing. Be kind whenever possible, while keeping in mind that it is always possible. Be the reason someone smiles today! — Jim (and Red!)

“Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith.” – St. Francis of Assisi

“Anger helps straighten out a problem like a fan helps straighten out a pile of papers.” – Susan Marcotte

“The Adventures of Little Red Bear” Short Stories on Amazon.

Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages and Fitness Levels!

About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.

Tap Here For A Free Preview!

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day! Think Globally — Act Locally!

Chapter Six of The Ozarks Ostrich Crisis: “To Market, To Market” Note to Readers-- This is Chapter Six of a continuing Weekly Serial Story freely shared only here for followers of my Writing Blog.

#children #children&039;s stories #Family #Humor #Little Red Bear #Missouri #nature #Ostrich #Ozarks #Reading With Children #Serial Story #short stories #Weekly Serials

0 notes