Oliver Whiskers And Fair Bianca.... A Love Story
I left you Dear Readers, with just the Beginnings of the Rats I am sending to my Sister, still only half dressed. Well, let me show you how they have progressed, starting with Fair Bianca, who has had a lace blouse added to her ensemble. She is a Gently bred young Rat Maiden.... from the Best of Families... But she has fallen in love with a Handsome Young Rat named Oliver Whiskers......
He is from a Perfectly Good Family...
but he is considered to be a Trifle Wild
and full of a bit too much Idealism to be Comfortable.....
And so the Family has Frowned on the match!
But that has not stopped the Young Couple!
They are Determined to Pursue their Dreams Together....
And Oliver has convinced Fair Bianca to set out with him on his Journeys!
To that end, she has fetched her market basket,
a warm shawl for the colder nights ahead....
And a New Bonnet...
for who can resist the lure of New Clothes to accompany New Beginnings!
And the New Straw Bonnet must be adorned with Straw Flowers the color of Summer....
And Oliver is also sensible to the Wisdom of a new Hat to guard against the Summer Sun...
For it is Indeed the First Day of Summer as they set out on their way!
And such a Glorious Summer Morning it is....
all the World is swooning with Joy and Anything seems Possible!
But before they left they wished to say Good-bye to their Friends...
Anna Maria And Samuel Whiskers...
who are spending the Summer at an Estate in the Country...
After all, Samuel and Oliver are Cousins....
And Anna Maria has known Fair Bianca for ages
and considers her a Best Friend...
Even though they Wish them Well....
It is not easy saying Good-bye...
Even though they can feel the Excitement of the Beginning of the Journey....
With all the new sights and challenges ahead of them.....
Still,.... it is Not easy saying Good-bye!
And you might find yourself following a little ways.....
Almost wishing you were going too....
Heading Bravely off into the Wide World.....
Going South to their new home.....
Where Oliver Whiskers plans to set up his own little Homestead....
And Fair Bianca will follow him wherever he goes...
Oh how they wish them a Safe and Happy Journey Together!
And you may be happy to know, Dear Readers,
that they had not traveled for long before they heard the approach of other travelers...
And turning, they beheld a magnificent sight!
(Illustration for The Wind In The Willows Courtesy of Michael Hague)
Yes, it was indeed a Canary colored Caravan,
with none other than the Notorious Mr. Toad at the reins!
And with such companions to begin their Travels.....
You can be sure they had Great Adventures on their way...
But for more details we will have to wait to hear from my Sister....
about Oliver Whiskers and Fair Bianca...
A Love Story....
Very, very sweet. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteVicki
They are so Sweet! So well dressed! Love the photos in the garden - your little glass greenhouse is such a pretty!
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope they will have a safe journey too!:)
(As for the painting don't hurry Betsy, I hope to start our swap soon but haven't started it yet... ;))
So sweet and very well dressed, Betsy, great work as usual! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Ilona
Lovely little story for your sister to continue. I love Bianca's little outfit.
ReplyDeleteGooooooooooodbyyyyyyyyyyy, Oliver!
ReplyDeleteGooooooooooodbyyyyyyyyyyy, Bianca!
Such a sweet story and oh my, how tiny they are (especially as they whisked past the suitcase garden :). And such a love story ala Sybil and Tom Branson in Downton Abbey :).
Ooooh, they are so cute!!! I hope we will hear more from them, I loooooove love stories :-)
ReplyDeleteHow darling! I love your story and your mini critters--so sweet! xo Jennifer
ReplyDeleteVery nice and sweet.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Faby
Please say a few words of warning next time - to let me know I'll need my handkerchief... to dry my face (ahhhhh... what a story!!!) and to wave goodbye (ahhhhhh... so true about goodbyes!!!) What a heartwarming story - and what a beautiful couple. Hope they'll have a good and safe trip... I mean traveling with Mr. Toad.. *gulp* Hope there will be no weasels on their way and that they'll arrive safe and sound at your sister's home!
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Birgit
Farewell, Oliver Whiskers! May your travels bring you much adventure. Adieu, fair Bianca! Safe journey and best wishes to you both.
ReplyDeleteYaaaaaaaaay! Another story. And so beautifully told & illustrated. How do you make those adorable mice? (well, rats) Are they a kit or do you start altogether from scratch? They are too, too wonderful! I look forward to the subsequent chapters, & are you going to make a Mr. Toad?
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Mom
Hello Betsy,
ReplyDeletethere is no one to touch you when it comes to creating characters and stories. They are just beautifully made and I love the costumes. They are so charming. The quality of your costumes always impresses me...incredible work in such a small scale.
Big hug,
Giac
I wish them well--they look so good together--a match made in Heaven! I just love a good love story, and I like Mr. Toad as a companion.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Iris
Hello Dear Betsy! You sure know how to tell a good tale! I love the way that you have dressed the pair of them. Fair Bianca and Oliver Whiskers are the country mice/rats and Ana Maria and Samuel are the city rats! Just like the children's story. " But alas, parting is such sweet sorrow ...."and watching them walk off into the great unknown was truly touching! Your sister will be happy to greet them when they finally arrive at her place.
ReplyDeleteelizabeth