The Journey to Nowhere: A Mystical and Fun-Loving Children's Story

Chapter 1

Farley's Dream

In a place called Green Valley, cottonwood trees rise above a slow-moving stream like giants stretching their huge arms into the air. Small farms dot the landscape, making the valley look like a patch-work quilt. Each farm has a quaint, old house snuggled into a grove of trees and a barn weathered by years of rain and snow.

The Thompson farm lies near a stretch of the stream where it makes a gentle turn to the south. The farm house, built in 1890, adds a touch of charm to the place. The house is painted white with green trim, stands two stories high, and has large windows that let in plenty of light. The porch, with its old-fashioned railing, runs across the front of the house and then wraps around one side.

On the porch, an old wooden swing hangs from sturdy chains. Two rocking chairs sit close to each other as if they are having a conversation, and a white wicker couch with a cozy purple cushion waits patiently for visitors. The couch is where Mrs. Chips, the Thompson family’s orange tiger cat, loves to think, rest, and sleep.

Mrs. Chips loves the family that raised her from a carefree kitten. Her family includes Mr. and Mrs. Thompson and their daughters Beth who is ten and Becky who is eight. When they’re done with their chores, Beth and Becky love to make up plays in the old barn or imagine themselves as great explorers facing challenges and dangers down by the stream. The girls are best friends, most of the time. Sometimes they can’t help getting mad at each other, often over little things, but then they eventually make up and become best friends again. They love each other, their parents, the valley, the farm, and they adore Mrs. Chips.

Over the years, Mrs. Chips has made friends with other animals on the farm and along the stream. They have their good times, their fights, and, from time to time, they have adventures. An especially exciting adventure began one day when Farley, a spotted frog, told Mrs. Chips about an unusual dream he had.

Farley lives in a small pond at the edge of the stream. One hot summer’s day, Mrs. Chips made her way down to his pond, knowing it would be cooler there. She didn’t expect to see Farley, who slept during the hottest time of day, so she curled up in the shade of an old cottonwood tree. Feeling comfortable, she closed her eyes and fell asleep. In a short time, she was awakened by splashing sounds. Half asleep, Farley was coming out of the water.

“Hello, Farley,” Mrs. Chips said. “What a nice surprise to see you.”

“Hello,” he replied, sounding sleepy.

For a moment they looked at each other without speaking and then Farley said, “I just had the strangest dream.”

“What was it about?”

“Well, it was an unusual dream. I had crawled out of my pond and was looking for something very important. I’m not sure what it was. Suddenly, a large alligator appeared out of nowhere. I was scared because I thought it might eat me. Then I saw kindness in its eyes, so I relaxed. It looked very wise, like it had a special kind of knowledge. I was about to ask it a question, when it said the strangest thing, 'What you seek is so small that it cannot be seen and so large that you can see it everywhere’.”

“What an interesting riddle, Farley! I wonder what it means?”

“I don’t know. I was about to ask, when the alligator turned away and disappeared. I hopped up a path looking for it, but it was nowhere around. I was about to turn back, when I came across an animal I’ve never seen before. It had long ears and soft, brown fur.”

“Farley, maybe that was my rabbit friend who lives in a little knoll downstream.”

“The rabbit said, ‘You’re taking the right path. It will lead you to the alligator. It knows the answer to the riddle. After you learn the answer, something magical will happen’. Then I woke up.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. Your dream stopped too soon. But that’s often the way dreams are. They give you a bit of something but never enough to know what they mean. Oh, well.”

Mrs. Chips was thinking that they could forget the dream and get on with the rest of the day. However, Farley was still thinking about the riddle. He knew it was important. As he wondered what it meant, he remembered the rabbit’s encouraging words, “You’re taking the right path.”

“That rabbit knew something, Mrs. Chips. Where did you say your rabbit friend lives? Is it far?”

“Not too far, but the rabbit in your dream may not have been my friend.”

“I don’t know, but let’s find out! A riddle to solve! Let’s get going, Mrs. Chips. There’s no time to lose!”

Mrs. Chips had doubts about Farley’s hasty decision. However, when he started up the path he remembered taking in his dream, she followed him.

Farley hopped happily along, like he didn’t have a care in the world. “It’s going to be a splendid day, Mrs. Chips. We’re going on a great adventure!”

“I’m not so sure, Farley, but it might be interesting.”

“More than interesting, Mrs. Chips. It’s going to be exciting! Something magical is going to happen after we learn the answer to the riddle!”

Chapter 2

Finding Mrs. Fidget

"Come on, Mrs. Chips. Let’s hurry!” Farley hopped along as fast as he could, which was a pretty good pace for a frog out of water. “I had a funny dream. Ker-plop, ker-plop, ker-plop. It showed me how to go. Ker-plop, ker-plop, ker-plop. So now I’m on my way. Ker-plop, ker-plop, ker-plop. But where? I don’t know. Ker-plop, ker-plop, ker-plop.” Repeating his poem helped pass the time. Before long, Mrs. Chips called out, “We’re here! This is the place!”

“Well, where’s your friend, Mrs. Chips? Well, Well?”

“Settle down, Farley. There are several knolls around here. I’ll have to look for my friend’s place.”

Mrs. Chips ran around, checking each knoll for a rabbit’s doorway. Finally, she called out, “Farley, I’ve found it!”

Hearing the good news, Farley hopped as fast as his short legs would carry him. Before long, he was standing with Mrs. Chips looking at a little green door on the side of a knoll. On the door, painted in bright red letters, were the words, “Mrs. Mabel Fidget lives here, I think.”

          Mrs. Chips knew that Mrs. Fidget was well-named. She had a fidgety and confused way of talking but also a heart of gold. She had given birth to dozens of little bunnies over the years. Around the valley, she was known to be one of the most loving mothers. She was quite old now and lived alone. Living by herself didn’t bother her and aging hadn’t changed her, for she was still a bit odd, but in a charming sort of way.

         “Well, let’s get on with it, Mrs. Chips! Let’s knock on the door and see if Mrs. Fidget is home.”

          Mrs. Chips knocked on the door. “Oh, Mrs. Fidget, it’s Mrs. Chips, the cat. Are you in there?”

          Soon, the little green door opened. Mrs. Fidget, with a little pink nose and soft, brown fur, stepped out to greet them.

“Well, my oh my, if it isn’t Mrs. Chips. I haven’t seen you in years, or is it months, or days? When did I see you last? Well, please come in, but do watch your step. I’m sure there is a step here.”

Farley rolled his eyes as if he were thinking, “This rabbit is weird.”

“Please, please sit down, if there’s a seat. I’m sure there are seats here. Yes, there they are.” Mrs. Fidget wiggled and squirmed, while carrying on a conversation that Farley could hardly follow.

Farley quit listening, until he heard Mrs. Fidget say, “Yes, yes, I had a funny dream. Yes, it was a strange kind of dream, really strange.”

“Tell us about it, Mrs. Fidget,” Farley said. “I had a dream too.”

          “Well, let’s see. Now, where do I start? At the beginning I suppose. So, here goes, here goes. I was near the stream eating grass, or was it mushrooms? I don’t know and guess it doesn’t matter.”

          “Please, get on with your dream.” Farley was getting impatient.

          “Okay, now where was I? Oh, yes, by the stream, definitely by the stream. I was stooping down toward the water to take a drink when I saw a reflection, or maybe it was the real thing, hard to say. Anyway, it was this very old alligator. I jumped, I mean I really jumped. Anyway, it said something about a treasure I should find, if I can.”

          “What kind of treasure?” Farley asked.

“It didn’t say what kind, not at all. I’ve been wondering about the treasure ever since. It’s been driving me crazy, plumb crazy. ”

“We’ll talk about the treasure later. Go on with your dream,” Farley urged.

          “Well, where am I or maybe I mean where was I? Oh, yes, I was going to tell you about Tillie Turtle. She’s a friend, yes a good friend.”

          “Why is she important?” Farley asked.

          “Let’s see, let’s see. Oh, yes, now I remember. Tillie was telling me a story about an alligator living in a pond farther downstream. Now, what was that alligator’s name? It was an odd kind of name, very odd.”

          “Think, Mrs. Fidget. Think!”

“I knew, but I’ve forgotten. At least I think I’ve forgotten.” Mrs. Fidget hit herself gently on the head hoping to jog her memory.

“Please, try to remember,” Farley said. “It’s important!”

“Wait. I’m getting it! Yes, now I remember the alligator’s name. Yes, I know, I do, I really do. It’s come back to me. Hurrah! Her name is Ona! Strange name, wouldn’t you say?”

“Okay, let’s head downstream, Mrs. Fidget,” Farley said. “We have to find Ona!”

“Yes, I guess you’re right, must be right, yes, I know you’re right.”

Mrs. Chips was laughing to herself as they left Mrs. Fidget’s burrow and headed toward the stream. She thought it was funny to see an orange tiger cat, a spotted frog, and a confused and fidgety rabbit going on an adventure together.

As they started off, Farley made up a poem.

           “A cat who has spunk,
          A frog who’s a poet.
          A rabbit who’s funny
          And doesn’t even know it.

          We’re a strange band indeed,
          As we hip, hop, and bound.
          Yet, we reach a good speed
          ‘Cause we leap off the ground.”

Chapter 3

Playful Pigs

It was getting late and the sun was setting. Soon darkness would descend on the valley. Mrs. Chips considered running back to the Thompson farm for the night, but she didn’t want to abandon her friends at a time when friendship really counted. “The Thompsons won’t worry too much if I’m gone for a few days,” she thought. “They’ll just think I strayed off for a while like cats do.”

Walking grew more difficult in the increasing darkness, so the explorers decided to stop for the night. They found a shallow place on the stream where Farley could sleep. Mrs. Chips and Mrs. Fidget found comfortable places to rest higher up on the bank. Soon they were all fast asleep.

As the stars achieved their special brilliance in the night sky, Mrs. Chip’s eyelids began to move. She was dreaming. In the dream, she heard a voice say, “Nowhere is somewhere. Somewhere is nowhere. Do not despair, for you will get there.”

When Mrs. Chips woke the next morning, she saw Mrs. Fidget down by the stream eating. Lying half submerged in the water, Farley was still asleep. Feeling hungry, Mrs. Chips bounded down the bank to find a place to hunt at the stream’s edge. Seeing small fish in the water, she quickly scooped a few out for her breakfast. The splashing woke up Farley, who began looking for bugs to eat. Before long, the explorers were marching downstream together.

Feeling confident, Mrs. Fidget announced, “This is the day, the day. Today we’re going to find Ona, or maybe we won’t.”

Farley sang a new song.

           “Oh, it’s a new day.
          Diddly do.
          We’re going nowhere.
          Diddly di.

           We’re going somewhere.
          Diddly do
          Oh, it’s a great day.
          Diddly di.”

Hearing Farley’s song, Mrs. Chips thought, “How odd. Farley is singing about my dream. Nowhere is somewhere.”

“Farm ahead! Farm ahead! At least I think so, yes I do,” Mrs. Fidget called out.

It was a farm, an old one with a house made of logs. As they approached the barnyard, they heard a shrill, little voice call out, “Mommy, stop that! It tickles.” A mother pig was playing with her piglet at the edge of a mud hole. The two pigs were having so much fun that they failed to notice the three travelers.

“Hello,” Mrs. Fidget said, “Hello and hello again.” The pigs didn’t look up. To get their attention, Mrs. Fidget shouted. “Is anyone at home?” This did the trick, for the two pigs suddenly jumped up from playing.

“My oh my, you really scared us,” the mother pig said.

“We’re sorry,” Mrs. Chips said. “We’re passing through your farm on a journey. I’m Mrs. Chips, and this is Mrs. Fidget and Farley.”

“Oh, I see,” said the mother pig. “You gave us quite a fright. My name is Polly Pig and my little son here is called ‘Filbert’ because he’s quite a nut.” This joke sent Polly and Filbert into fits of laughter.

When the good-hearted fun was over, Polly asked, “You’re on a journey, but where are you going?”

“We’re on our way, but we’re not sure where we’re going,” Mrs. Fidget said. “I think were heading downstream, or is it up? I don’t know, so don’t ask me.”

“Mommy, she talks funny.”

Pretending not to hear Filbert’s rude remark, Polly said, “I’m confused. Could one of you explain what’s going on?”

Farley said, “It started with my dream.” He told Polly about meeting the alligator in his dream and learning about the riddle. Then he explained that Tillie Turtle knew about an alligator called Ona who lived in a pond downstream. “We’re on our way to find Ona. She’ll give us the answer to the riddle. I was told that something magical would happen after we get the answer.”

“What’s the riddle again?” Polly asked.

“What you seek is so small that it cannot be seen and so large that you can see it everywhere.”

Mrs. Fidget was hopping up and down with excitement. “Farley, aren’t you forgetting something big, really big?”

“What’s that?”

“You forgot, Farley, or maybe not. Remember my dream about finding a treasure, remember?”

“Did you hear that Mommy? There’s a treasure!” Filbert said excitedly.

“Polly, we’re on this journey to solve two mysteries,” Mrs. Chips said. “One is the answer to the riddle. The other is finding the treasure. Would you and Filbert like to come along?”

“Please say ‘Yes’, Mommy. Let’s go. I want to find the treasure!”

“But we can’t go, Filbert. We’re fenced in.”

Everyone looked at the fence and saw that Polly was right. While little Filbert might be able to squeeze under it, Polly was too big.

“There is a way to get out,” Mrs. Chips said. Without saying another word, she walked to the fence, where she began clawing at the dirt. Seeing what Mrs. Chips was doing, Polly joined her. Using her powerful front legs, the dirt started flying. The others joined in too, even little Filbert. He loved to dig so he was having a grand time. Before long, they had made a tunnel under the fence that was big enough for Polly to squeeze through.

While everyone watched, Polly wiggled into the tunnel, pushed, and then wiggled some more. With one more push of her powerful back legs, she made it through to freedom. Taking turns, the others crawled under the fence to join Polly on the other side.

Happy to be free, Polly and Filbert ran this way and that, tumbled into the deep grass, ran some more, and tumbled into the grass again. After a few minutes of romping around, they stopped to lie down for a rest. Mrs. Chips, Farley, and Mrs. Fidget joined them.

When everyone was rested and ready to go, they headed downstream. In his comical way, Filbert imitated one animal after another, hopping like Farley the frog and Mrs. Fidget the rabbit, or springing like Mrs. Chips the cat.

Walking was difficult at times. In one spot, the brush was so thick that Farley couldn’t get through it, so they decided to move to higher ground. It was a relief to reach the top of the bank and see a clear path ahead of them.

After two hours of struggling under the hot sun, the explorers found a tree and, one by one, they collapsed into its welcome shade and fell asleep. Little Filbert cuddled up to his Mother and nursed while he slept. His slurping sounds joined with the snoring noises of the others to produce animal music. Wheeze, wheeze, snort, snort, slurp, snort, slurp, wheeze, snort, snort-e-snort, slurp, snort, wheeze-a-wheeze.

After sleeping for an hour, everyone yawned and stretched. “We’d better get on our way,” Mrs. Chips said. “It’s getting late.”

“Yes. Better go, better go,” Mrs. Fidget added. “We need to get there, wherever there is.”

“When we get there, I bet we’ll find the treasure,” Filbert said with a gleam of desire in his eyes.

Mrs. Chips was curious. “What would you like the treasure to be, Filbert?”

“A big pile of tasty corn.”

“With everyone imagining the treasure they would most love to find, the seekers got up and began walking at a good pace. In a few minutes, Farley called out. “Hey everyone, here’s a new poem!”

          “I’m hopping so fast,
          My pace is surprising.
          I can’t wait to get there.
          My excitement is rising.”

“Farley, I want to make up a poem too,” Filbert said. “Can I? Can I?”

“Sure. Making up poems is fun.”

As he walked along, Filbert worked on his poem. After awhile, he yelled, “Listen to my poem about the treasure!”

          “I’m hoping for some juicy corn,
          But a big slice of cake will do.
          I’d even like some oatmeal mush,
          And carrots would be yummy too.”

Everyone applauded Filbert’s poem.

“That’s a nice poem, Filbert,” Mrs. Chips said. “You’re quite a poet.”

Filbert beamed with pride and then said, “I’m a poet, right Farley?”

“A pretty classy poet I’d say. Now there are two poets. That doubles the fun.”

Chapter 4

Barnyard Trouble

Coming to a berry patch on the next farm, the group stopped for a snack. Mrs. Fidget, Polly, and Filbert were happily eating the ripe berries when someone called out, “Just what are you doing? Those are my berries. Quit that!” A brown rooster was running toward them with fury in his eyes.

“Stop that now! Stop that! Those berries belong to me. They’re mine, do you understand? Stop that!”

Mrs. Fidget, Polly, and Filbert stopped eating, but that didn’t stop the rooster’s outburst. He marched back and forth scolding them for their naughty deed. When he screamed at little Filbert, Polly stepped up.

“Okay, buster, that’s my little Filbert you’re screaming at. When you take him on, you take me on.”

Polly made a sudden move toward the rooster, who half-ran and half-flew about five yards away. He stood there with his wings on his hips looking very angry.

“Okay, everyone, let’s try to get along,” Mrs. Chips said, hoping to stop the conflict. “We didn’t know the berries belonged to you.”

“Well, they do belong to me. They’re mine. All mine. Who said that you could eat them? Not me!”

“Couldn’t you share?” Mrs. Chips asked. “There seem to be plenty for everyone. We’re on a journey and need to eat what we can find along the way.”

The rooster was still angry, but he was also curious. “What kind of journey?”

“One with trials and adventures,” Mrs. Chips replied. “Maybe you could help us. You seem like a spunky rooster.”

Flattered, the rooster said, “Tell me about it, but don’t eat my berries.”

“I’m Mrs. Chips. What’s your name?”

“Rusty.”

“Hello, Rusty. These are my friends, Farley, Mrs. Fidget, Filbert, and Polly.”

“So what about this journey you’re on?” Rusty asked.

The travelers told their stories. As he listened, Rusty grew more interested. When the stories were finished, he said, “I think I know something about the alligator you call ‘Ona’.”

“You do?” Mrs. Chips asked. “Tell us.”

“One day, a little bird landed on the gate near the chicken coop. I thought it was after my feed, so I tried to chase it away, but it didn’t move. Instead, it told me that it had come from a pond not too far downstream. The bird said that it had seen a strange creature lying in the sun there. Perhaps it was Ona, the alligator you’re trying to find.”

Convinced that the strange creature was Ona, Mrs. Fidget became excited. “Let’s go, no time to lose, no time to lose. We’ve got to get going. Yes, right now!”

“Would you like to come with us, Rusty?” Mrs. Chips asked.

“Sure. It sounds like you could use a tough guy like me.”

Mrs. Fidget was losing her patience. “Okay, that’s settled, or is it? I don’t know, but let’s go, let’s go.”

As they walked together across the farm, Farley was creating a poem. He called out, “Listen! Here’s a poem about us.”

          “Our excitement is mounting.
          Our spirits are high.
          We’re a strange troupe of seekers.
          Do you want to know why?

          A frog who’s excited,
          A cat who is smart,
          A rooster who’s spunky,
          A rabbit with heart.”

As Farley took a breath, Filbert interrupted, “I’ve got the ending, Farley!”

           “A part of this bunch,
          With snouts that are runny,
          Are two clever pigs
          Who can be real funny.”

“What do you think about my poem, Farley?”

“You’re catching on, Filbert. I like it.”

With spirits soaring, Farley started to sing his little song about a new day, and Filbert joined in. With a happy jig in their step, they sang together.

“Oh, it’s a new day.
Diddly do.

We’re going nowhere.
Diddly di.

We’re going somewhere.
Diddly do

Oh, it’s a great day.
Diddly di.”

Chapter 5

A Desperate Squeeze

The seekers entered a forest that stretched along both sides of the stream. Huge trees towered over their heads. Fallen trees blocked their way in many places. Walking was hard, but they kept moving.

Mrs. Fidget was in the lead when she cried out, “Oh dear, we’re in a fix, a fix. Nowhere to go. Nowhere to go. But who knows, who knows?”

Everyone came to a sudden halt. They were looking at a cliff that rose up in front of them like a stone fortress. It was part of a steep hillside that went down to the stream. Large boulders were lying below the cliff where they fell many years ago.

“Oh, oh,” Filbert said. “What do we do now, Mommy? I think we’re stuck.”

“I’m not sure, dear. Maybe this is the end of our journey.”

“I don’t want it to end. I want to find the treasure.”

“We’re not giving up,” Rusty said. “But we’re really in a spot. Does anyone see a way out of this mess?”

No one said a thing, until Filbert spoke up. “Maybe we could sing a song.”

“What good would that do?” Rusty asked.

“It’s a special kind of song,” Filbert replied. “Let’s sing it and see what happens.”

“Go for it, Filbert,” Farley said.

“Okay, the song goes like this.”

          “Help, help, help, oh help.
          Help oh help us please.
          Help, help, help, oh help.
          We’re in a desperate squeeze.”

They sang the song over and over, until they heard, “Hey there, do you need help?” They looked up to see a fluffy white mountain sheep peeking down at them from the top of the cliff.

“I’ll be right down,” it yelled. In a flash, the little mountain sheep scampered down to them. “Hi, I’m Monty. What’s the problem?”

Mrs. Fidget said, “We’ve got a mess, a mess. We’re stuck, or are we?”

Before the confused but good-hearted rabbit could go on, Mrs. Chips took over. She told Monty about the dreams, emphasizing the riddle, the importance of Ona, and the promise of treasure. Then she traced their steps as they followed the stream to the foot of the cliff. “Monty, we were calling for help because this cliff is stopping us from finding Ona.”

“Now I see,” Monty said. “Yes, you do have a problem.”

Mrs. Fidget asked, “Well, is there a way, a good way out of this mess?”

Monty’s eyes brightened. “Yes, I believe there is. There’s a ledge up higher that goes across the steep hillside. I’ll take you up to it. It will be a hard climb, but you can make it.”

Monty pointed up the hill. “That’s where we’re going.”

Everyone looked shocked. There was no trail, only a steep hill with boulders and tree trunks in their way. They knew it was going to be tough.

“Are you ready to start?” Monty asked. Everyone nodded their heads reluctantly, as if to say, “We’re ready, but not too willing.”

Monty took the lead, followed by Rusty, Mrs. Chips, Mrs. Fidget, Filbert, Polly, and Farley. They huffed and puffed as they struggled up the hill, while Monty called out, “You’re doing great! Keep it up!”

Then an obstacle appeared in their path. It was a rock that rose several feet above them. Rusty flew over it and Mrs. Chips bounded to the top in a few leaps. Mrs. Fidget hopped cheerfully up the rock without much effort. Behind her, Farley jumped onto the rock and slowly inched his way to the top.

Filbert and Polly looked up at the massive rock together. “Mommy, I don’t think we can make it.”

“I’ll bet we can, Filbert,” Polly said. “Come on. I’ll give you a push.”

Polly got under Filbert and began to push. Filbert went up a short distance, lost his balance, and tumbled down onto his pink little bottom.

“Ow-ee-ow-ee-ow-ee!” Filbert cried out. Pulling himself up, he yelled, “Look Mommy, my tail is bent funny and it really hurts.”

Sure enough, Filbert’s normally curly tail had a big kink right in the middle.

Seeing Filbert fall, Mrs. Fidget hopped quickly down the rock to comfort him. She patted him affectionately on the head. “You’re all right, right, Filbert?”

“Look at my tail, Mrs. Fidget. It really hurts!”

“Maybe we can fix it, but maybe not. We’ll see, we’ll see. Polly, you hold him and I’ll give his little tail a good tug. Filbert, this may hurt a bit, but maybe a lot. Who knows? Here goes!”

Polly held Filbert, who closed his eyes, and Mrs. Fidget pulled on the end of his tail. Nothing happened, except for Filbert’s loud cry, “Ow-ee, ow-ee, ow-ee!”

“That really hurt, Mrs. Fidget!”

“I’m sorry, so sorry Filbert. Should we try again, just one more tug?”

Before Filbert could answer, Mrs. Fidget pulled with all her might. “Pop!” In a wink, Filbert’s tail had its curl back.

“Ah, that feels better.” Filbert looked behind him. “Look, Mommy, my tail is okay now!”

By this time, everyone had come down to help. When Filbert was ready to tackle the rock again, they got under him to push. While they pushed, Filbert scrambled up the rock until he was on top. “Look at me! I made it!”

Polly said, “Filbert made it, but what about me? It might be impossible to get me up there.”

“With our help, you’ll make it,” Mrs. Chips said. “Okay, everyone, let’s get behind Polly and start pushing.”

“Heave, heave! Push, push! Look out! Don’t lose your hold or who knows what might happen!” They knew that if Polly fell, one of them might get squished. They dug their feet into the ground for balance and kept pushing. Polly’s legs were moving at high speed, making skriching and scratching sounds as her feet slipped on the rock.

With a few more huffs and puffs by everyone, Polly was almost to the top. Filbert saw an opportunity to help. He reached down, put his front legs around his mother’s head, and pulled. “Come on, Mommy. You can do it! Think about the treasure!” With Filbert pulling from the top and the others pushing from the bottom, Polly made it up.

Everyone collapsed. They were tired out. They didn’t even have enough energy to cheer.

Several minutes passed before Monty said, “We’re almost there, so let’s get going. Hopefully, the way up will be easier from here.” And it was. There were rocks and logs to go around and over, but nothing like the big rock they had conquered. Slowly, they worked their way up the hill, until Monty called out, “We’ve made it. I can see the ledge.”

Chapter 6

The Ledge

Moving cautiously, the friends made their way to the ledge. “Here it is,” Monty said, as if there was nothing to worry about. Everyone looked shocked. They had just seen the ledge with the sheer drop off below it. Filbert nudged Polly with his little pink snout and looked into her eyes. “Mommy, I’m scared. I can’t go across there. I can’t. I won’t!”

“It isn’t as bad as it looks, dear.”

“No, Mommy. I’ll be bacon.”

“What if you made up a poem to give yourself courage?”

Filbert hesitated. He was resisting the idea, but then he said, “Well, that might help.”

Filbert thought for a few moments until an idea for a poem popped into his head. Before long, he said, “I’ve got it.”

          “Seeing the ledge,
          My head is a-spinning.
          It’s like a big contest
          I know I’m not winning.

          I know I have courage,
          Not a lot but a bit.
          And that is enough
          To help me cross it.

          I won’t look down,
          I won’t look back.
          Courage will take me
          Over the narrow track.”

After hearing Filbert’s poem, everyone cheered. Filbert smiled, but it was a nervous smile.

Feeling that Filbert was ready, Monty walked along the ledge to the other side. “See, it’s easy!” he called back.

“Just follow me, Filbert,” Polly said. “When you see a big pig like me do it, you’ll be able to do it too. Okay?”

Filbert’s little ears trembled with fear. Yet, when his mother started across, he followed her. Polly shuddered when she looked down and thought about how far she would fall if she slipped. As she moved slowly along, she discovered that the ledge wasn’t too bad. The worst part was in the middle where it became so narrow that she had to be very careful with each step.

Behind her, Filbert kept his eye on his mother’s curly tail while he recited his poem over and over. With each step, he moved farther along the ledge. When he got past the tricky, narrow part, he began to think that he was going to make it. This thought boosted his confidence.

When he was safely on the other side, he looked down. For a moment, his little pink knees wobbled. “Mommy, that’s a long way down, but I made it. I was scared, but I imagined that it would be worse than it was.”

“Yes, our fears often make things seem worse than they really are,” Polly said.

“I was really brave, wasn’t I, Mommy?”

“Very brave, dear. I’m proud of you.” Polly nudged him affectionately with her snout. Filbert looked up to see her face beaming with pride.

When everyone was together on the other side, they hugged and congratulated each other. A big obstacle had been overcome and they felt great!

“I’ve got to go,” Monty said. “You’ll find going down a lot easier.”

They gave him a round of thanks and then Mrs. Chips said, “Without you, Monty, we’d still be stuck back at the cliff. Now we can go looking for Ona.”

“Good luck and goodbye,” Monty said, and then he ran up the steep hillside.

It was getting dark, so the little band of friends found a clearing where they could spend the night. Before long they were snoring together. Snort, snort, snorty, snort, a wheeze, a wheeze, a wheeze. Snort-e-snort, wheeze-a-wheeze, snort, snort, snort.

Chapter 7

Ona

When the warm rays of the morning sun fell on the troop of sleeping friends, they began to stir. First one and then another opened their eyes, stretched, yawned and began to show signs of getting up. Filbert said, “Mommy, lie still,” for he was intent on getting his morning meal. Polly looked sleepy, but she had a contented look on her face when Filbert started to nurse.

As Filbert made his funny slurping sounds, he let out a big burp. He laughed and said, “I love to burp, Mommy. It makes me giggle.”

“I’ve noticed,” Polly said, nudging him in close for a hug.

Rested and overflowing with enthusiasm, the friends started out, hoping it would be their last day’s march. To cheer them up, little Filbert made up a poem.

          “My feet are happy
          To be on their way
          To find the treasure
          On this sunny day.

           My legs are jig-jogging.
          They’re feeling at home.
          They love to jig-jog
          To the sounds of this poem.”

Filbert danced along to the sounds of his poem. Others joined in, adding a jig and jog as they marched along. Their spirits were high. Soon they would see Ona and learn the answer to the riddle. Of course, Filbert was dreaming about the treasure, hoping it would be a big pile of corn.

When they were safely down the hill, they came to a meadow where the walking was easier. Soon, they could see the stream below them. As they marched along, Mrs. Chips’ was the first to see it. “Look, I’ll bet that’s it!” For a moment, they stood together looking down at a pond near the stream. It was large with sand along one side.

“There’s the sand, just like the little bird said. It must be Ona’s pond!” Farley said. “Let’s go down. I can’t wait!”

Slowly, they made their way down the bank to the sandy clearing at the edge of the pond. The pond was deep, almost perfectly round, and crystal clear, like it was being fed by an underground spring.

Rusty shouted, “Look out!” as an eagle swooped over their heads. The huge bird circled above them once and then landed on a large boulder next to the pond.

Everyone ran behind Polly for protection. Mrs. Fidget said, “This is the end of me, the end. But maybe not. Hope not, hope not.”

Seeing their fear, the eagle spoke in a gentle and caring way. “I won’t hurt you. I am Avion, Ona’s messenger. Be at peace, for you were chosen for this day.”

Hearing Avion’s message of peace, everyone relaxed. Filbert cuddled up to Polly. Mrs. Fidget touched Mrs. Chips affectionately. Farley sighed with relief.

Avion spread his great wings and, with his powerful legs, he pushed himself into the air. He circled several times above the pond.

“Look, everyone!” Farley shouted. “Look at the pond! Something’s happening!”

They watched as the water in the pond rose up in bursts, like little fountains shooting into the air. Waves began rolling up on the shore. Everyone froze. Something big was coming up from the depths of the pond. Huddled together, they saw a huge alligator emerging from the water. They knew it was Ona. They watched in amazement as she pulled her great body onto the sand where they were standing. Facing such a great power, they wanted to run, but they didn’t. They stood completely still.

When Ona was standing in front of them, she closed her eyes. She raised her head toward Avion, who was still circling above them. Then she began to make an unusual sound. It was slow and deep. “A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o, a-a-ah.” She repeated the sound over and over. It was so beautiful and comforting that they fell under its spell.

When Ona lowered her head, the sound stopped. “Why have you come?” she asked.

“To learn the answer to the riddle,” Farley said. ‘What you seek is so small that it cannot be seen and so large that you can see it everywhere’.”

Using the tip of her tail, Ona drew a square on the sand. Then she put a line down the center of the square to make two equal parts. She wrote “what is small” with her tail in one half of the square and “what is large” in the other half.

As they wondered how something small can be large, Ona took her tail and erased the line down the middle. She said, “‘Small is large’ is not a riddle, not a conflict between two things. It is a sign of wholeness. You are whole like this undivided square, not in conflict like the two parts of a riddle. When you erase the line between the conflicting parts of yourself, you will discover your wholeness. Then you will see how you are one beautiful square in the big quilt that makes up the universe. Everything in life is part of the quilt which is sewn together by a harmonious sound.”

Filbert nudged Polly to get her attention and then whispered. “Mommy, I don’t understand.”

“It is confusing, dear. Ona is teaching you how everything fits together, including how you fit together as a whole piglet. You’re not split in two like a riddle, but you’re whole like a square. You’re one little square in the big quilt of the universe. You may be a small, but you’re part of something beautiful, so you’re beautiful too.”

“So everyone’s part of the big quilt? Like a big family?”

“Yes, dear, that’s the idea. We’re all squares in the great quilt, so we’re one family.”

Filbert looked at their friends. “So they’re part of the quilt? Part of my family too?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Wow, Mommy! It’s like everything is part of me and I’m a part of everything. I’m not just a little piglet because I’m part of something bigger.”

“Yes, that’s why Ona said that everything is part of one quilt sewn together by a harmonious sound.

“Mommy, what’s making the sound?”

“Life, I think. Because we’re alive, we’re part of the sound.”

“Mommy, I’m part of the sound! That’s really cool. I’m glad I’m alive.”

Filbert turned toward Ona. “Thanks, Ona, but what about the treasure? How do we find it?”

“Not now, Filbert,” Polly said, feeling embarrassed by his boldness.

Ona said to Filbert, “The treasure will come to you, little one.”

“It will come to me? That’s great, huh Mommy?”

Polly smiled but said nothing.

Ona turned toward the pond and walked slowly to the water’s edge. She stopped and looked back at the group. “You are part of the light that shines within the sound,” she said. “No worry. You are a beautiful piece of the quilt. No worry. When you return home, you will help me make the world a better place. You will be part of the magic that is going to happen.”

Ona walked back to the pond and slipped smoothly into the water. As she disappeared beneath the surface, the water rose up and waves of many colors swept onto the shore. Then the water became calm again, a golden glow hanging like a mist above the pond.

“We’ve just had an amazing experience,” Mrs. Chips said. “Now I think it’s time to go home.” Everyone agreed. By the time they were up the bank, Filbert called out, “Listen everyone! I have a new poem!”

          “I’m more than two halves.
          I’m a whole little piglet.
          I’m bigger than I knew,
          Because I’m part of a biglet.

          A biglet is huge
          And it includes me.
          I know I am part of it,
          Like a branch on a tree.

          I feel real good
          Because now I can see
          That I’m part of a biglet
          That’s far bigger than me.”

Chapter 8

The Magic Begins

On their way home, the community of friends made up poems, sang songs, and shared stories about their adventures. This made the time pass quickly. When they got to Rusty’s farm, he invited them to eat some berries. When a friend left the group, there were hugs, tears, and promises to get back together.

After many goodbyes, Mrs. Chips was alone on the last leg of her journey home. She was happy to be back in the wide part of the valley where the farms were evenly scattered over the countryside. The closer she got to home, the more she remembered Beth and Becky, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, the good smells of the kitchen, and her favorite resting place on the old wicker couch.

As Mrs. Chips approached the house, she heard the girls cry out. “It’s Mrs. Chips! It’s Mrs. Chips!” She looked up to see Beth and Becky running toward her. Before long, they were taking turns holding and petting her. They were so happy to see her!

After being carried into the house, Mrs. Chips was passed between Mr. and Mrs. Thompson as they looked her over and then held her in their arms. Mrs. Thompson said, “Well, what did I tell you? I knew she’d come back. She was probably out combing the countryside for adventure.” Mrs. Chips laughed to herself, knowing that Mrs. Thompson was exactly right.

When the celebrating was over, the girls gave Mrs. Chips a big bowl of her favorite cat food. She was hungry, so she quickly gobbled it down. After licking her bowl clean, she headed out to the front porch, where she jumped onto the old wicker couch. She settled into the soft cushion and closed her eyes. It felt good to be home.

For several days, Mrs. Chips watched the Thompson family with great interest. She saw problems she hadn’t noticed before, like arguments between Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, sometimes over the smallest things. At times, the girls were cruel to each other, which ended up in a fight. Sometimes, they were too sensitive, like the day Mrs. Chips saw Beth crying on the front porch swing. Becky was comforting her.

“Don’t worry,” Becky said, “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“She’s so mean,” Beth said with tears running down her cheeks.

Mrs. Chips learned that Beth’s feelings were hurt. A friend had called her a name because she thought Beth wasn’t paying enough attention to her.

“Why do humans become so unhappy? Is it possible for them to change?” These questions jogged Mrs. Chips’ memory. She could hear Ona say, “When you return home, you will help me make the world a better place. You will be part of the magic that is going to happen.”

“I must do something for my girls,” Mrs. Chips thought. “I know what I’ll do. I’ll try to bring them into my dreams. Maybe that will help them change so they can be happier.”

She tried for three nights to dream about the girls without any luck. On the fourth night, it happened. In a short dream, she saw Beth and Becky playing on the swing in the oak tree. “Good,” Mrs. Chips thought when she woke up. “This is the first step. I’ve dreamt about the girls.”

Several nights passed before Mrs. Chips dreamed about the girls again. This time, it was an important dream. The girls were standing inside a circle of stones close to Ona’s pond. While they were looking up at Avion making circles in the sky, a beautiful sound rose up between them. It was the deep, enchanting sound of Ona. “A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o, a-a-ah.”

After this dream, Mrs. Chips made her way to the girls’ bedroom. They were asleep, so she curled up on Beth’s bed and waited for them to wake up. As she was about to fall asleep, she heard them stirring. First one girl and then the other yawned and stretched.

Beth turned to Becky and said, “I just had the strangest dream.”

“What was it about?”

“In the dream, I was standing inside a circle of stones. There was something strange about it, like it was a magic circle. I looked up and saw a huge bird circling high above me. As I was watching it, I began to hear the strangest sound, like something from another world. It got louder and louder. Listening to the sound made me feel good. That was how the dream ended.”

“What a weird dream! What do you think it means?”

“I don’t know, but it was magical, like a fairytale.”

Mrs. Chips felt the girl’s excitement as they tried to understand Beth’s dream and the unusual sound she heard. Recalling the beauty of that sound, Mrs. Chips remembered the words of Ona, “You are part of the light that shines within the sound.”

The next morning, Mrs. Chips followed the girls out to the front porch before breakfast. When they sat down on the steps, Becky said, “Beth, I had a dream too.”

Beth began tickling her playfully. “Well, tell me about it, tell me, tell me!”

Becky was laughing so hard that she couldn’t talk. Soon, she was tickling Beth and, for a minute or two, the girls tickled each other, laughing until they could hardly catch their breath. At that point, the tickling stopped.

“Are you ready to hear about my dream now?” Becky asked.

“Sure,” Beth said.

“I was looking down into a well. It was an old well, so I was surprised to see how clear the water was. I could see a vague picture of something on the surface of the water. I blinked my eyes a couple of times, then I saw the picture clearly. You won’t believe this! It was an alligator, a big one. It looked real.”

“Were you scared?” Beth asked.

“Not really. It didn’t look mean.”

“What happened then?”

“Well, the alligator said, ‘Mrs. Chips will bring you into a magic circle. Watch and you will know what to do.’ Isn’t that weird?”

Becky pulled Mrs. Chips into her arms and began petting her. “So you’re a special cat, Mrs. Chips?”

Mrs. Chips’ eyes brightened. High above the farm, she saw an eagle circling. It was Avion. She knew the magic was beginning.

Mrs. Chips wiggled out of Becky’s arms and took off for the barn. When she got there, she scampered up the stairs to the loft and curled up on a pile of hay. She needed time by herself to think about Becky’s dream. “How am I supposed to bring the girls into a magic circle?” she wondered. “What is a magic circle anyway?”

Suddenly, with a great “swoosh” of wings, Avion flew through the opening in the loft and landed in front of her. Mrs. Chips jumped, arching her back in fear, then, seeing it was Avion, she relaxed. “Avion, you really scared me. Why have you come?”

Raising his magnificent wings, Avion said, “Ona has sent me. She wants you to bring your friends to the farm. Together, you will create a magic circle. From that circle, good changes will come to the world.”

“How do we create a magic circle? I don’t even know what a magic circle is.”

“Come together and the magic will happen. Everyone has a special power they can use. When the magic circle forms you will know what that power is.”

“But . . . .” Before Mrs. Chips could finish, a cloud of dust rose up as Avion flapped his great wings and flew from the loft and across the farm.

“What’s the special power we’re supposed to have?” Mrs. Chips asked herself. “I don’t know, but maybe Farley will.”

That evening, Mrs. Chips snuck out of the house and made her way across the farm. When she reached Farley’s pond, she ran down to find him. “Farley, are you there? It’s Mrs. Chips.” She waited, but there was no answer. “Farley, are you there?”

Before long, a voice rose up from the pond. “Is that you Mrs. Chips?”

“Yes, Farley. I have to talk to you.”

“What do you want?”

“Avion came to see me today.”

“He did? Why?”

“He brought me a message from Ona. She wants me to bring you and our friends together at the farm. We’re supposed to create a magic circle there. When we do, a wonderful change will come over the world. When I asked him how to create a magic circle, he said that everyone has a special power they can use. What do you think that power is, Farley?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never even heard of a magic circle.”

“Neither have I. You wait here, Farley. I’ll go get our friends. I’ll tell them about the magic circle. Maybe they’ll know what our special power is.”

Before long, Mrs. Chips was back with Rusty, Polly, Filbert, and Mrs. Fidget. They stopped briefly to greet Farley and then they all headed toward the Thompson farm. They walked and hopped along without saying a word until Filbert broke the silence.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Where did you say we’re going?”

“We’re going to the farm where Mrs. Chips lives. Something big is going to happen there.”

“Something big, like treasure?”

“You never know, dear.”

Inspired, Filbert made up a poem.

         “I want to find treasure.
          It’s a big pile of corn.
          Looking for treasure
          Makes me glad I was born.

          Happy feet, happy feet,
          They want to keep going.
          They’re looking for treasure,
          That’s one thing I’m knowing.”

Chapter 9

The Magic Circle

When Mrs. Chips and her friends reached the farm, Ona’s low, haunting sound was coming from near the oak tree. “A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o, a-a-ah.” Without saying a word, they headed toward the sound. It seemed to be calling them.

Farley rushed ahead, hopping as fast as he could. He wanted to be in the heart of the sound. When the others reached him, they noticed that a change had come over him. He was rigid like a statue, with his eyes fixed on the ground. He was saying, “The sound is the magic circle. The magic circle is the sound. They are moving together as one.”

“What’s happening to you, Farley? Mrs. Chips asked.

“I’m feeling the rhythm of the great sound.”

Farley stood frozen in place a moment longer, then he relaxed. His feet began to move as he shifted his weight back and forth to create balance. It looked almost like a dance.

Mrs. Chips joined him, moving her weight back and forth in the same way. In silence, they moved in harmony with each other.

“Mommy, what are they doing? It looks funny.”

“They’re making a magic circle, dear.”

“They’re making magic? I want to make some too, Mommy.”

“Yes, it’s time to make magic, dear. Come on everyone, let’s join them.”

Polly, Filbert, Mrs. Fidget, and Rusty entered the circle. As they got in step with their friends, they became part of the graceful rhythm.

“Hey, this is fun!” Filbert called out.

“Sssh,” Polly said. “I think we’re supposed to be quiet.”

Filbert swayed back and forth with Polly, struggling to keep quiet. The movement and the silence felt good. He could feel a bit of harmony within himself and with his friends. He liked the feeling. It was like the loving warmth he felt lying next to his Mommy.

Mrs. Fidget said, “I can’t believe this, just can’t believe it, or can I?” Then, drawn more deeply into the sound and the movement, she entered the silence too.

As the magic circle gained power, the sound became louder. “A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o, a-a-ah.” It was so loud, it woke up Becky.

“Beth, wake up, wake up!”

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Can’t you hear it?”

“Hear what?”

“Can’t you hear that sound, Beth? It’s coming from outside.”

The girls ran to the window to look out. It was too dark to see, but they could hear the low, mysterious sound coming from near the oak tree. “A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o. A-a-ah, oo-o-o-o-o, a-a-ah.”

“Becky, that’s the sound I heard in my dream. I’m sure of it! We have to find out what’s going on out there.”

The girls dressed, tiptoed quietly downstairs, and then went out the back door. The sound was growing stronger.”

“Something weird is happening, Beth. Let’s go back in.”

“No way! I want to find out what’s going on. Listen to the sound Becky. It’s so comforting that I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”

“I don’t know, Beth. It sounds creepy to me.”

“Oh, come on. Let’s walk out a little way.”

“Okay, but stay close.”

As they made their way toward the oak tree, they saw Mrs. Chips and her friends moving together in a circle. They were shifting their weight from one foot to the other in rhythm. The sound was all around them.

“Remember your dream, Becky? Remember how Mrs. Chips was going to lead us into a magic circle? I think this is it. See how they’re moving together? Let’s join them.”

When the girls reached the circle, Mrs. Chips stepped aside to make room for them. Moving together as one, the magic could begin now.

As the circle of friends achieved more harmony within themselves, they felt greater harmony with each other. They felt appreciation, respect, and acceptance. It was a moment of understanding and goodwill.

“I believe I know what our special power is,” Mrs. Chips said. “We have the ability to create harmony. We can create it within ourselves, with others, with the earth, and even the universe.”

Farley added, “And the sound coming from Ona is the thread that draws those harmonies together.”

As they moved together in harmony, a wheel of light with a golden glow appeared in the center of the circle above them. From the wheel, beautiful columns of light reached down to each of them, bathing them in the golden glow.

The wheel of light grew brighter until it became so intense that it began spinning like a top. As its energy and speed increased, it rose up into the night sky. It hovered there for a moment and then suddenly burst like brilliant fireworks into the dark night, sending beautiful streams of light across the countryside.

Stunned, the circle of friends stood completely still.

“Mommy, I’m feeling funny. You know, like good funny.”

“You’re feeling harmony and love, dear. I am too. We all are. I think it’s the treasure.”

“Harmony and love are the treasure? Gee, I was hoping for corn.”

“Don’t you think harmony and love are better than corn?”

Filbert snuggled up to Polly and she drew him in closer with an affectionate nudge.

“I guess you’re right, Mommy. Eating corn is nice, but it could never make me feel this good. You know what, Mommy? I think the treasure is going everywhere. At least, I hope so.”

Polly smiled. She was happy to have such a caring piglet.

Filbert looked up into the starry night. “Hey, there’s the big quilt!” As everyone looked up, Filbert added, “It’s the biglet.” This brought back his poem.

         “I’m more than two halves.
          I’m a whole little piglet.
          I’m bigger than I knew,
          Because I’m part of a biglet.

          A biglet is huge
          And it includes me.
          I know I am part of it,
          Like a branch on a tree.

          I feel real good
          Because now I can see
          That I’m part of a biglet
          That’s far bigger than me.”

“I need to add something,” Filbert said. “What do you think of this?”

          “We can create harmony
          In ourselves and with others.
          We’re all part of the biglet,
          So we’re sisters and brothers.”

Everyone laughed because Filbert had captured the true spirit of the magic circle.