A Fanciful Twist: Sailing the Woodland Seas...

I could not bear to make you dwell in the last post's plumbing any longer. You are so kind to me and quite wonderful. So, I am here to tell you another {sweeter} story of what happened yesterday afternoon when I arrived to my country-home. A storm was rolling in, winds and rain. Perfect for story-telling.

There was a paper bag with filled with random loot from the local thriftventure place. I had almost forgotten all about it. But, when I opened it, a positively lovely sight to see indeed! There was a huge previously unseen love, in the bag. A "Wee Mouse", waiting for me to discover him. A "Wee Mouse" with a Big story...

You see he was a brave, optimistic, wonderful little fellow. He loved music & dancing. He loved scurrying through dewey patches of newly growing grass. Tender and soft. Alas, his happiness was taken away by an evil witch, who caged him and banished him to the Treacherous-Wood-Pile-Mountains forever...

He was so sad about his fate. He thought he had outsmarted everyone and everything. He knew how to steer clear of danger, how to find safe food... He was determined to figure a way out of this predicament... He had outsmarted Mouse traps for years, he could find a way out of this, for certain...

One day he found a way to escape from the cage. He would have to do this while the witch was not watching. He had also heard an airplane crash right at the top to the Treacherous-Wood-Pile-Mountains. Believe it or not, he knew the ins and outs of airplane wiring, and knew he could make this airplane run again. Every night he would sneak out of his cage and work a little bit on the plane. While the witch slept ;)

One day, he was ready. It was time to try to make the plane go, he would push it down the side of the mountain and hope it would fly...

And, it did, oh it did!!! He was free!

He wanted to travel to the Fairytale Forest Theater... To meet new friends. He always dreamed of being on stage (he could tap dance like no other mouse in the land)!! Yes, that is what he would do. But first, he wanted to find the Enchanted Fungi Forest, that his great-grandmother spoke of...

Where gnomes built paper houses, and shroom-nog ran like a stream...

He built himself a boat. And sailed the winds of the Woodland Seas...

He had not arrived to the Enchanted Fungi Forest when I last spoke to him, but he urged me to share something very important...

He whispered to me, that we are never ever too old to dream, to let our inner-child out to play. He warned me of witches that roam the land, wanting to cage & squash happy spirits. Then he exclaimed , his hand on his heart, "Noone can take away your child-like qualities, your love for fairytales and dreams, unless of course, you let them..." I whispered back, thank you Mr. Mouse, you are so right. I will never forget that.

With that, a great wind came, and a book appeared, "Wee Mouse" jumped into the book, winking at me. Was it all a dream? Was he simply a character visiting me from within the pages of a book of fairytales, with a message?

I hope I do get to see him again one day. I hear he is still sailing the Winds in the Woodland Seas...

Nothing like a "Wee Mouse" to brighten our week, right? See you soon, xoxo

Comments

This is so positively delightful! Wee Mouse certainly did brighten my dreary Monday!
Karla

Posted by: Karla | January 28, 2008 at 09:43 AM

Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry to hear about your plumbing disaster!
The real reason I write though, is to pass on a message.
One of my mice, (I have many in my attic), has fallen hopelessly in love with your adventurous and brave mouse.
She wanted to know, if per chance, he would like to meet for tea, at the attic?
She has insisted I put her photo up on my blogspot, to see if your mouse loves her too....
I'm sure, if he isn't too busy being a dashing hero, that we could organise an online tea party for the pair at some point.
Her name is Eustasia, and she wondered what his name was?

(aplologies for silliness! I have been a reader/fan of your blog for a long while and have now the perfect reason to post a comment.)

Posted by: Erica-Jane | January 28, 2008 at 09:59 AM

Too cute, One day you will see me too wandering through the wonderful Fungi Forests!

Posted by: ben | January 28, 2008 at 10:05 AM

Thanks to Wee Mouse my week has just gotten brighter. You see my heart is full of sadness today because a very close friend's house burned to the ground on Saturday and then reading about your plumbing problems and having to move all your things, made me sad again. But Wee Mouse has cheered me up and I am going to take myself over to my art desk and make something happy to fill the rest of me up with goodness :)

Posted by: JbaskArts | January 28, 2008 at 10:16 AM

I love your little mouse pics! I'm super sorry to hear about the plumbing fiasco but glad that you and your sister are both alright. It's amazing how these types of situations can bring a family even closer. You're brilliant for staying so positive and lots of love to you!

Posted by: Lissette | January 28, 2008 at 10:21 AM

Oh, I LOVE the Wee Mouse tale!
He is adorable, is he French?!
Sandra Evertson

Posted by: Sandra Evertson | January 28, 2008 at 10:28 AM

Oh Eustasia L-O-V-E-S ice-cream!
She is currently scurrying about, searching out her best china bowls to serve it in!

Posted by: Erica-Jane | January 28, 2008 at 10:55 AM

I've just heard news of Mr. Mouse -

he was sailing the woodland seas on his way to the fungi forest, when he happened upon another ship. at first he was afraid, that the ship might be hostile, so he cowered down in his own ship, waiting until he could get a better view. as the ship drew nearer, he was struck with awe, to see a beautiful mouse-ette in a pretty pink skirt, a lace-trimmed cardigan, and a felt beret - her long brown hair blowing in the wind.

He shouted out to her, and they pulled their ships together. It turns out, she was also searching for the fungi forest, as she had heard tales of it all her life growing up. They decided to set out together, and they anchored her ship, and her and her crew joined Mr. Mouse on his ship.

They sailed on together for years (you know time works differently in mouse-land) without finding the fungi forest. They encountered many hardships and difficulties, and nearly gave up on each other several times. At last though, they found their destination, and it was everything they had dreamed it to be.

As they stood on the shore in the afternoon sunlight, encircled in each others' arms with the forest stretched out behind them, they each wondered to themselves, "is it possible to be this happy?"

As if sensing what the other was thinking, they looked into each others' eyes, and found their answer...

Posted by: poetas | January 28, 2008 at 11:05 AM

I love that you can dream up stories for anything, you have a wonderful imagination. How about writing children stories? (self-publishing perhaps?) Adorable wee mouse, what an adventure.

Posted by: cruststation | January 28, 2008 at 11:07 AM

Oh, what a lovely adventure indeed! The mouse would have been in a lovely state if he'd gone in any of the washes here in Arizona yesterday...there was rushing water all over...

Luckily though, his fate was to find much calmer waters over with you...

He has the most dashing outfit doesn't he?

Posted by: sadira | January 28, 2008 at 11:09 AM

Shroom Nog, indeed!! :) What a chipper young mouse friend you've made!! I'm so happy to updated again....it's like second helpings of chocolate pie!!

Happy Monday!! :)

Posted by: Marjorie | January 28, 2008 at 11:20 AM

Oh, dear, Vanessa, and I thought your busyness was of the usual sort! So sorry to pop in late on the disaster! I should've asked. Oops! Oh, no, it is not disaster, it is an opportunity! I do like to keep a positive attitude.

I love your mouse tail, I mean tale. What a sweetie he is. I am happy that he is just a fluffy toy, though, in a magical imaginary tale. You know how I feel about the real ones. Ew. Your stories are the sweetest things ever...

xoxoxxo

Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | January 28, 2008 at 11:50 AM

Yikes! I just found out about your home mishap, but your mouse is safe. :)

Posted by: Marilyn | January 28, 2008 at 12:06 PM

Ah the wee rodent laddy, so sweet and cute! Such preciousness to behold!
My kids will love this post when I show him sailing on his boat.

Sorry to hear about the water water water! You guys could have used a boat!
Hope all is on the mend. ;D

I'm off to see the Wizard now...the Wonderful WIzard of Oz! (I'll watch it while supper cooks.)
Living the dream baby, living the dream.
Hugs to you, and Carolyn too!
xo
Gillian

Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | January 28, 2008 at 01:17 PM

Hey I've seen that mouse before! He only "just" escaped the clutches of my evil feline friend, Kitamoo. I am glad to see he is safe and sound and enjoying new adventures away from my pesky cats, if you see him again, tell him I want my vintage mushroom buttons back, the little sneak!

Posted by: Tallulah Maggs | January 28, 2008 at 01:22 PM

What a wise wee mouse he is .... may his sail be ever full to gently blow him through the lands of Makebelief and Wonderment *!*

...hope your plumbing woes are soon put right and your sister gets to feel the joy of hot water once more

Posted by: Bimbimbie | January 28, 2008 at 01:29 PM

Hopefully, your plumbing woes are on their way out - we had a bit of the same at our house this weekend. Love your Wee Mouse story - there are the makings of a children's book in Mr. Mousey's adventures.

Posted by: Dorian Fletcher | January 28, 2008 at 02:56 PM

The chandelier with the fetching scarlet covers is fabulous! What better than a midnight nip of something from a teeny tiny flask by candlelight?
Perhaps he and a wee wrench can float down into the pipes to fix those plumbing woes. Tap dancers make the best plumbers.
So I hear.

Posted by: OohLaLaura | January 28, 2008 at 04:59 PM

Oh my!! You never dwell in the "bad" place for long -- it would just not be you to do that..and you don't want anyone else there either so you spin a tale of happiness and gay joie de vivre. Tell me miss V...have you ever considered writing and illustrating children's books????? Hmmmm?????

Posted by: Sherry | January 28, 2008 at 05:33 PM

Vanessa, Your so cute. I really think you should write a book for children. You'll sell millions.!!! Wee Mouse! So,so, cute.

Posted by: Lisa-Vet | January 28, 2008 at 07:08 PM

I just noticed your little mushrooms as I stopped in to say hello tonight. I made some as well when I got back from Finland in Sept. We saw them everywhere there...little red and white polka dotted mushrooms growing under the birch trees and the reindeers like to eat them. I took a photo of one of them it was so cute. So, we both love little red and white mushrooms....just another thing we have in common. sorry about your plumbing issues...there is always something!

best,
carol

Posted by: carol Eldridge | January 28, 2008 at 08:16 PM

sigh...so true nothing like a wee mouse to brighten my day!thank you dearie!xoxo

Posted by: Dees | January 29, 2008 at 12:48 AM

Oh, the Wee Mouse has cheered me up immensely! You're right, we're never too old to dream and see the magic all around us! Your package arrived. Muchas gracias! xoxox

Posted by: Paris Parfait | January 29, 2008 at 04:53 AM

Clap..ClaP cLaP!!!!Yay! Dee-lightful! You have a boundless imagination, my dearie. That was a fun fairy-tale..or was it a tale...! A mouse tail ,,for sure! THe look on that mousie's face is priceless.

Posted by: Pam Aries | January 29, 2008 at 05:10 AM

so adorable!!! Sorry you are dealing with so much stress....

if you go visit my blog you will see something that will make you smile, I promise.

Posted by: stilettoheights | January 29, 2008 at 05:27 AM

a wee story
to help you forget your plumbing problems!

:-\

such a fine little fellow
to help transport us
all
away from water woes
and un*happy life detritus worries.

thanks ever so.

maybe wee mouse could sail back in
with a fine new tale
around tax time...

Posted by: somepinkflowers | January 29, 2008 at 05:51 AM

What a sweet little story--I just love all the photos you took! :) Wise words indeed... never let one's imagination be squashed! I just love how you've held on to that wonderment and whimsy... it is something I'm trying to keep at least a wee piece of! I feel that it is the only thing that keeps me sane some days! hehe! :)

Have a lovely Tuesday, Vanessa!!

Posted by: Casey | January 29, 2008 at 06:23 AM

What a lovely story! You should be writing children's books. Have you ever thought about it? You are so generous to share your wonderful stories with us. They let me go back into my childhood for just a little while.

Wee Mouse is adorable! He reminds me so much of the little mouse that used to be on the Ed Sullivan show years ago.

Posted by: Sharon | January 29, 2008 at 07:34 AM

Oh the Wee Mouse had and is having quite an adventure!! I try not to forget his message throughout my days! Thank you for sharing his story, Miss Vanessa. :)

Posted by: Eileen Weigand | January 29, 2008 at 07:37 AM

Oh, I love that wise Mousie. May his adventures be good ones. He's sailing off on happier waters and will no doubt find some lovely Shroom Nog in the future.

His words are sage. We make our own smiles and need to guard them well !!!

Posted by: Kathleen | January 29, 2008 at 08:15 AM

Oh Darling Girl he is a brave and resourceful wee mouse....he's so wise too. Only a mouse that intelligent and cunning could flee the grip of the witch and find means to fly and sail his way to a new and wonderful future. I love his jaunty wee outfit and his yellow cap, I just know he will be welcomed with glee and a mug of shroom-nog upon his final arrival. Oh how he will impress them with his tap dancing...I hope WE can see it too and clap to the music and the tap, tap, tap of his wee feet! (you know I LOVE dancers).
I, for one, will NEVER lose my inner child and the want, nay NEED for fantasy and fairy tales. Shall we someday spin a yarn together?
XOXOXO
Love and hugs,
Lisa

Posted by: Lisa M.S. Oceandreamer | January 29, 2008 at 08:20 AM

Lovely wee story....reminds me of Stuart Little, which I adore! Oh look, spf made a wee mouse face with her keyboard....she is so talented too!!!

thank you wonderful wee story teller!

x...x

Posted by: stephanie | January 29, 2008 at 08:55 AM

Wee mouse is so kind to cheer up your day! I just logged on and read your most recent posts. I am so sorry to read about your plumbing disaster - truly awful! The best of luck getting everything back to normal. Days like that are so unexpected. xx

Posted by: Catherine | January 29, 2008 at 09:13 AM

Oh, publish this as a book. Then I could buy it and read it to my future grandchildren some day. It is so cute!!

Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | January 29, 2008 at 10:14 AM

God bless you
I love wee mouse and all that you post.
With much love
Jeanne

Posted by: Jeanne | January 29, 2008 at 12:52 PM

Yes, there is nothing like a Wee Mouse to brighten our week!
You have my sympathy for your plumbing "inconvenience" (I just read that post). I do love your positive outlook.
xx

Posted by: lori | January 29, 2008 at 02:59 PM

Oh the mushrooms! :)

I just loved this post. It never fails, while I read your blog entries a smile always appears on my face, and that is a priceless gift that you, my dear cyber friend, give me. I love your innocence, your creativity and the way your mind works. We should all be so blessed. :)

Hugs,

Joy

Posted by: Joy | January 29, 2008 at 05:18 PM

I love his little boat...and the story was very cute.
I am sorry about your in town house and I hope it gets taken care of quick.

Posted by: denise | January 29, 2008 at 09:20 PM

Oh thank you Vanessa and Wee Mouse for such a lovely diversion!! Every sweet little mouse should have a boat with a candelabrum I do think!! xoxoxo

Posted by: noodle and lou studio | January 30, 2008 at 06:23 AM

Vanessa,
I hope one of my son's marries a girl like you...:) Oh to have a daugher in law like you! I don't have girls, so it would be so nice...I can only hope.
I'm with you on holding onto our childhood spirits and always being open to play and finger paints!
Love your stories and glad you found the "good" in a bad situation with your plumbing problems.
Hugs!

Posted by: Betzie | January 30, 2008 at 06:39 AM

Awwww!!! he is so cute and such a great story. My son when he was small used to write a mouse that wrote him back...that mouse told him of all his adventures.

Posted by: Mo'a | January 30, 2008 at 12:29 PM

Hee! Wee Mouse is adorable and just the thing to brighten gloomy spirits. If only I were mouse sized, I'd join him on that darling little boat.

Posted by: kate | January 30, 2008 at 02:51 PM

Oh dear!!! I have missed a lot have'nt I???
I've been ill, but feeling much better now, able to get out of bed finally and resume my life...thank heavens!!! Some bad flu bug hit me or food poisining??? Not sure, just glad i lived!!!
Sorry to hear of the plumbing woes. Steve and I were in plumbing hell last year with our 90 yr old farmhouse, but it is all well now.
Cute mouse!!

Posted by: Tricia | January 30, 2008 at 03:03 PM

Posted by: Tricia | January 30, 2008 at 03:04 PM

I have to laugh!!! I double posted and i ended up being post 44!!!! heehee!

Posted by: Tricia | January 30, 2008 at 03:05 PM

Vanessa-
just wanted you to know that I am awarding you the "You make my Day" award. Please check out my post today for January 30th to see the little blurb that I wrote about you and your darling dolls and to pick up your award.

congrats!
best,
carol

Posted by: carol Eldridge | January 30, 2008 at 03:16 PM

What a fabulously fanciful story! The girls and I enjoyed reading it immensely! Thanks for sharing. Now I want a wee mouse! lol

Posted by: kris | January 30, 2008 at 04:48 PM

I love these little figures and the mouse is adorable. Please keep him away from the trap-lol.

Sorry to hear about plumbing woes. Have a good week!

Posted by: Lisa | January 30, 2008 at 08:19 PM

This is so delightful. You brightened my day!

Posted by: Liberty Post Editor | January 30, 2008 at 09:46 PM

This is lovely! Thank you for cheering up my day after reading this!

Posted by: Hannah Smith | January 31, 2008 at 12:55 AM