ask-nephew-matt

[ask-nephew-matt]

Of course I did! Although it wasn't so very dangerous, really, not compared to some of the places I've been! No, you should see some of the terrifying things that live in the Garden in the Other World, why, it would probably turn your fur white just to look at them! Great towering stone structures, a bright blue ceiling that just goes on forever with a blinding bright light that seems to move whenever you turn your back on it, enormous furry mountains that talk, with breath like mighty furnaces, walking around on two ginormous, stomping, crushing feet- it's such a wonderful, fascinating place to explore!

We should make it the basis of our next venture. You know, Boober, this is a very special occasion. Nobody's ever actually volunteered to come with me before, let alone actually suggested we extend the expedition! I guess I was hoping it'd be a slightly longer trip...

Ah! I remember that patch of cave moss! This certainly is the same way I came. I have to admit, even with my fine eye for detail, this is a little confusing- oh, well, like you say, every Fraggle makes mistakes sometimes! Uh- just so you know, I don't think any less of you for thinking it was the other way back there.

Ah, no, Matt, you can't go there! I mean... oh, well, don't you think we ought to do a bit more, you know... exploring?

Which is the way you think you came, then? Maybe we should take that route. Since you hadn't written it down the first time, perhaps you ought to go down it again, and keep better track of it this time, since, I don't know, it could be important. Anyplace could be at some point, right? You can make a map of it, or add to one.

You might know a bit what we'd encounter there, too, which makes it... slightly better than other paths. It could be less dangerous, depending on certain circumstances. Did you come across many obstacles, or — or hostile creatures? And you must have figured out how to conqueror those roadblocks, yes?

#laundryanddeath

[ask-nephew-matt]

Lead- lead the...

-Oh, well, yes! Of course, yes, I will lead the way! Let's see, out here... I'm quite certain I came down here, and up these steps- yes, you just follow me, Boober, we'll be there in no time at all! Oh, the open road is singin' out and callin' me from home From the safety of the life that others lead There may be danger round each corner but I'll never feel alone 'Cause my own two feet are the only friends I need Except you of course, Boober! Oh, the road less travelled is the road worth taking And the best to be unravellin' is the destiny I'm making You can grow old on the road that's known But I'd rather be travellin' free The road less travelled is the only road for me Hahaha! Yes! The road less travelled is the only road for- Wait- wait a minute, I recognise that rock! How curious- it felt like I walked a long way to get to your part of the Rock, but this tunnel is only a few minutes from the cave I share with my Uncle, I'm- I'm sure of it! I mean, I didn't think I came that way but... oh, well, what does it matter? We're nearly home!

Well, yes, I asked for your name, but... that's different, you see. And I never said I blamed you for telling me your name, because... yes, I did ask, like you said, and you can tell me.

Look... oh, maybe I ought to just tell you. Or maybe I shouldn't. That could be dangerous. Sorry, I'm thinking aloud now, disregard what I just said. I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to, uh, Boober. Myself. Listen, though, because now I'm talking to you again. I know something you don't, and just in case, I don't think I really ought to tell you about it.

But anyway, sorry, you're not lost, right. You just... made a slight error along your way. Every Fraggle makes mistakes sometimes. You're not in trouble either, no, but you could get into some if you... oh, never mind. Let's just go on, and as quickly as possible, please. I have work to do.

Lead the way.

#laundryanddeath #((nope)) #((still in future)) #((still gobo and wembley's cave))

[ask-nephew-matt]

Lost? I am not lost!! A good explorer is never lost! I may have got a little turned around- temporarily!- but no matter where I find myself, my innate sense of direction will carry me through. I mean, what kind of explorer only travels the tunnels they know about?

Neither am I in trouble. If I was, well, I'd be the first to know about it!

But- why shouldn't I tell anyone my name? That's only good manners, and it's very important to have good manners when meeting new friends!! Oh, I know this is a different part of the Rock, but your customs can't possibly be THAT different- can they?

And- and besides, you asked me to tell you, I remember that distinctly! You can't blame me for that!

N-now remember, this whole... this whole me coming with you on your travels business is not going to be a consistent thing. At least, not unless you keep getting yourself lost and in trouble like this.

Ah, well, on maps, south is generally written as down on the compass rose, but the physical direction of south depends on position, I... think. I can't really say I've ever paid all that much attention to the cardinal directions. I never thought I'd have to...

Oh, your jacket is ready, and just in time, I suppose, but you'll have to wait for it to dry before you put it on again. Just — just carry it with you, I guess. But hold your boulders for a little while longer; I still need to pack.

When we go out, stick with me at all times, and remember, like I told you earlier, no interacting with any other Fraggles. Or... don't tell them your name, at least.

#laundryanddeath

[ask-nephew-matt]

To- to come with me?!!

Why, what a WONDERFUL suggestion!!! I accept! I would be honoured to have your company, small blue-green friend!! Oh, and we should set off soon- I didn't mean to be gone so long, my Uncle will be worried. But of course he needn't be, not now I have you by my side!! Now, I shall detail our course at once, while it's still fresh in my mind.

See, with maps, first you write 'MAP'- like this- and then you draw your route. Don't worry if you don't follow, this is VERY advanced stuff. Hmm, along here, and then up there, and then there were those peculiar rocks... and that gaping chasm, mustn't forget that... now, is south up or down? Darn, you know, I can never quite get that straight.

Ah, well, no matter, I'm sure I'll remember as I go along! Oh, this is so exciting!! I wish I'd brought my journal, so I could immortalise this moment. Wait- I know, I'll put it right at the top here, under 'MAP.'

'Being The First Joint Expedition of Matt Fraggle and his Companion in Adventure, Boober Fraggle.'

There! Perfect!

Those aren't just stories, seriously, there's real danger all around us! We must be equipped. You should have seen what happened to Gobo's Un — I — I mean, what happened to, uh, Wembley Fraggle when he walked under a ladder one time. He had bad luck just about the rest of the entire day! To give you only one example, why, he fell in a ditch and was stuck in there for almost an hour. I kept on telling him the reason for all the unfortunate events of the day, and ways he could make things at least a little better, but he wouldn't listen.

I'm sure you could find someone to take with you on your explorations. And, well, if they're too busy when you're ready to go, perhaps you ought to plan in advance with someone.

Ack, no, do not even touch my walls, let alone write on them, I finished cleaning them this morning! Good grief, making marks on the walls is something only little Fraggles do. Here, take this piece of paper.

That one? Hmm, yes, you might want to read a bit of it. See, it's one of the many books in my library which really could come in handy on your travels.

You're going to have to get to exactly where you came from, okay? Is the path... dangerous? And how long is it? Depending on circumstances, I might have to... o-oh...

#laundryanddeath

[ask-nephew-matt]

I can't say I recognise where this is, exactly, but I'm sure I've been here before!

#Mysterious Cave of Mystery

[ask-nephew-matt]

Oh, hahaha! I appreciate the advice, Boober, but it'd take more than a few silly ghost stories to scare me! No, no, we Explorers are made of far sterner stuff than that! Sadly, few Fraggles understand the thrill of adventure like we do- that is why it is such a noble calling! One of the many reasons.

Ah, yes, there's nothing quite like relating one's adventures to an adoring crowd! I suppose it would be nice to be able to take an adoring crowd with me- but good Travelling Companions are hard to find. Besides, as soon as I decided to head out on an exploration, everyone always seems to be astonishingly busy all of a sudden! It's quite bizarre!

Let's see here, which of these books might have the right sort of map? Or I could start by jotting down the recognisable landmarks, do you have any paper? Or I could just draw on this- or this- I'm not usually supposed to draw on walls- or myself- but under the circumstances-

What's this amusing little tome? 'Gruesome & Deadly Mythical Monsters Of The Outer Tunnels.' Fascinating! I don't think my Uncle has this one!

Oh, please, Matt, watch your step!

A-and you most certainly could go with someone else! It's much safer that way, and even if you want a thrill — for some reason I'll never understand — remember there's a difference between foolhardiness and adventure. Anyway, if you feel you're having such a good time with your travelling, discovering and all, wouldn't you want to share that experience with someone?

Hmm, you know, reading some of those would probably do you some good. Do you know much about sickness, disease, healing, the paranormal? That all would be important to know when going on an expedition. Even as a simple, non-exploring Fraggle, I can imagine that. Maybe some more of such information might scare you into being a little more careful in the future.

#laundryanddeath

[ask-nephew-matt]

Oh, but that's all part of being an explorer, Boober! The solitary thrill of discovery, the lonesome path to Who-Knows-Where- the brave, secluded journey into the Great Unknown- you can hardly do any of that with someone else, now, can you? Uncle Gobo says I should get as much solo practice as I can- the further afield the better!!

Books! Oh, yes, I'm sure I'll be able towaAAGH-

-As I was saying, I'm sure I will be able to indicate the route! I'll just pick these up first. You know, you really shouldn't leave things lying around underfoot!

I was afraid you'd say your name is Matt... Never mind that, though. I'm Boober. As for games, n-no, I don't play games, and I'm not asking you to play one right now, either. I mean, you can make this into one if you want, I suppose, and if that would help you stay focused on what I asked, by all means, please, do so.

Okay, hmm, there should be a map in one of those books over there. You could read some of those to pass the time, if you want, by the way, but for now, find one with a map, and if you can, show me the best you're able to where you started your exploring, and how you got to here. Oh, and next time, be more careful when you're exploring. Perhaps you shouldn't keep on going alone.

#laundryanddeath

[ask-nephew-matt]

Stay still, don't talk, and don't touch anything? Oh, I know this game! Yes! Uncle Gobo plays it with me all the time!! Although- strictly between you and me- it's not exactly my favourite game. Do you know how to play Fripple-Frapple, at all? Or Tail-Touch-Tag?

Oh, I got here by exploring, of course. As far as I remember I went a little out of the way, here and there, roundabout, sort of to the northish a smidge- oh, and I believe I followed a little spiderfly for a while- you see, it is VERY hard to explain without a map. You really need to be an explorer to understand the brilliant intuitive flashes that led me to... well, to wherever this is!!

Well, anyway- I am Matt! What is your name, small blue-green friend??

Wait, ho-hold on, your Uncle... Gobo? Oh, dear, uh... What is your name? And how exactly did you get here, anyway?

But yes, I can clean it. Never mind about the map, by the way, don't trouble yourself. I don't think it will be... necessary. Just stay here for now, all right? This won't take very long. See, I don't think you are really supposed to be here. I mean, you're not supposed to be, er, at your part of the Rock. Not right now, anyway. For the time being, just stay in my hole, and don't go talking to anyone, either, besides me. I think that would be best. Also, don't touch anything, and keep talking to a minimum, maybe, I'll need to — focus, I guess, focus, yes.

#laundryanddeath

[ask-nephew-matt]

laundry-and-death: Oh, no, no, that means you use a chemical solvent besides water, not put soap or water on with it completely dry! Oh, here, hand them to me… Okay, see, I’ll just take some of this, and… all right, this ought to work. Goodness, this is quite an exquisite jacket. Would you mind me asking where you acquired it? And, uh, where might I find you for when this is ready to be taken back to you again?

You can clean it? Oh, wonderful!! That is my Uncle Gobo's best explorer's jacket- he'd be so upset if something were to happen to it! It was presented to him by the Embroidery Circle and Swimming Group, as a token of esteem for his outstanding contributions to Fragglekind!

I did try to ask THEM how to clean it, but there was a tiny, minor, entirely accidental... accident, and I thought perhaps I should bide my time until they have retrieved all their appliqué needles from the Pond.

Where? Oh, that's easy, our part of the Rock is just over th...

Just over...

Hmm.

Come to think of it, I suppose I was walking for quite a long time. Ah! I know! I'll draw you a map!

#laundryanddeath

[ask-nephew-matt]

I'm glad you asked, mysterious blue creature! Yes, despite appearances, this is no ordinary hat! This is- aHEM-

♪~Da-dada-da-da-da-DAAA~♫

THE LEGENDARY PITH HELMET OF ADVENTURE!!!

YES! The very same! The spirit of Fraggle adventure, bravery, and intrepid daring-do- in hat form! Passed down through the centuries, from Explorer to Explorer! I would never dream of setting off on an expedition without it.

It is called a Pith Helmet because it's made from the finest mossmelon pith fibres, specially cured with an ancient Fraggle formula said to contain liquid ADVENTURE.

And because it is a helmet.

Of course, as befitting such a rare and priceless artefact, its existence is a closely-guarded secret! No, you won't find it in any of the historical texts. It's not even in the Fragglepedia! To the uninitiated eye, it appears to be nothing but a scruffy old helmet. What a masterful disguise!!

Isn't it wonderful, mysterious blue creature?? My Uncle Gobo and I are the only Fraggles alive who appreciate its true value- and he gave it to ME!!!

#ockhamasylum #THE LEGENDARY PITH HELMET OF ADVENTURE #fraggle rock #asks

[ask-nephew-matt]

Hello there, small brown Fraggle!

Silly Creatures? What an intriguing name! I can’t say I’ve ever encountered any here in the Rock. But don’t you worry, small brown Fraggle, I’ll ask my Uncle about them! He knows more about strange and exotic creatures than ANYONE!! Why, he’s written dozens of articles for the Fragglepedia on Critterology alone!

I shall go and ask him at once.

~~~

Uncle Gobo says there’s only one Silly Creature around here. It must be a fantasically rare specimen! I shall set out to find it immediately- we must record this species for posterity, before it’s too late!!

Questions

-Where are Silly Creatures usually found? -What does it look like? -Does it wear socks? -Does it have a special call? -How will I recognise its tracks? -Does it live a very long way away? Corollary: How many sandwiches will I need to take?

#pretzelscavenger #The Search For The Silly Creature! #expedition! #fraggle rock

[ask-nephew-matt]

Five hundred thirty FIVE steps!

Five hundred thirty FOUR!

Five hundred forty...

Forty...

Thirty?

...

ONE thousand!

Nine hundred ninety NINE!

Nine hundred ninety EIGHT!

[ask-nephew-matt]

My wonderful edible boulders!!

#personally i think 'delicatus mattius' has a nice ring to it

[ask-nephew-matt]

Here's a picture of me with my Uncle Gobo! He's the bravest and most amazing Fraggle in the ENTIRE UNIVERSE. One day, I am going to be just like him.

#Uncle Gobo #me #family portrait!

[ask-nephew-matt]

Ah! I know where this is! It's the Singing Caverns! Uncle Gobo took me there once! Each rock in the cavern responds to touch with its own light, and its own special note.

It is called a "harmonic phenomenon."

If you touch them all at once, the intensity of the combined tones can have a strange effect on older Fraggles!

It is called a "ruptured eardrum."

#fraggle rock #singing caverns #learning!

[ask-nephew-matt]

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Wonderful! I take dozens of steps every single day- I haven't even been keeping count! Surely I must be nearly to a thousand by now!

If only I knew which one was the first step, I'd know how many were left.

Perhaps I should walk backwards, and count. After all, a good explorer should never be afraid to retrace their steps!

Yes! I'll start right away!

ONE thousand steps!

Nine hundred ninety NINE!

Nine hundred ninety EIGHT!

Nine hundred ninety SEVEN!

#fraggle rock #inspiration! #lao-tzu