Anything Can Happen In...

Anything can happen in the next half hour!

And in that hour, I'll tell you about my trip out with my support worker. I had a lot of stuff going on on my Instagram feed while I was waiting in the ASDA car park for my treats: Gerry Anderson, Truffle Shuffle AND Bluey all responded to my words of wisdom! With Brains of course, the mind speaks for itself when clever people don't have words to express themselves. That's what his voice, David Graham (who I found out was the voice of Grandpa Pig) said.

Once we got to the seaside town, we talked about my new interests with Gerry Anderson. We talked about Thunderbirds, Joe 90 and Stingray, and I showed my support worker my 'Fur Blanket' and 'The Work Desk' stories. While there, I played a new game I invented called 'Anything Can Happen In The Next Half Hour', where I begin the famous Stingray catchphrase and other players have to fill it in. Examples are:

"Anything can happen when you believe in fairies!"

"Anything can happen when Dracula appears..."

"Anything can happen when the balloons you blew up for a party took you away for a fly!"

When we went out for a hot chocolate, I had second thoughts about Parker. Outside his long-suffering personality, does he even care softly for me like he's my grandpa? Well, my granddad died a few years ago, and putting Parker in this role would help me cope with his passing. He cares in this story, so he and his ladyship are still the most caring puppets ever made. I thought about the introductions he made on the Channel 5 VHS releases of Gerry Anderson's series and thought, "He must really stand out from the crowd, the old bloke." I then thought about those Fab adverts with Lady Penelope and Parker....and then, I thought about Lady Penelope caring for me in the jungle, while we are wearing nothing at all. Doesn't that sound exciting? Life is such a grand adventure.

Sure we had a liner in today, but I think it was called 'Vicious Vikings' or some stuff like that, I dunno. Anyway, once I got back, I helped Mum put the new TV up. It was heavy work, and I thought about the time Roo saved Tigger from an avalanche in that god-awful Tigger Movie, then I thought about Pooh and his friends moving boulders from the entrance to the cave, like Aladar and his friends did when they moved the boulders to find the Nesting Grounds when they wandered through the cave in Dinosaur. Even hard work can be put into the back of a honey lover! It was like I was forced into slavery for 100 years, so you know what?

I didn't, moan, once! Hooray! But through all that, I'm still going to use Parker to remember my long-forgotten Grandfather, who passed away when I was only a child. I was too young to understand it then. Now, I do. Granddad, I'm using my new friend Parker to remember you - through his clumsy ways and exceptional comic relief, I see you through his eyes, yet I see a sister through Penelope's.

Granddad may be gone, but through Parker, he lives on.

Gerry Anderson's Joe 90 (1968) - HD Opening Titles

"Mum! Dad! Bingo! Bluey!"

This opening to a Gerry Anderson show reminded me so much of the Bluey theme song that I just had to put it on my blog.

School Life

In the secondary school near where you or I live, there is a secret classroom. One with soundproof walls and brightly coloured paintings, and not a single piece of maths homework in sight. It is located behind a green door which can only be seen by those lucky enough to see it. It is where Furaha and her friends Orko, Optimus and Baby Marvin live.

Once they get up every weekday morning just before the pupils arrive at school for their lessons, Optimus leads them in some simple, gentle stretching to start the morning. Often, they would have to wash because sleeping through the night would mean they would smell bad. Baby Marvin was trying very hard to do his stretching, but always fell over. Luckily, Furaha and Orko were always on hand or paw to catch him.

When the pupils finally are in school, Optimus leads Furaha and her friends in some painting, which they enjoyed so much. Furaha would paint with her paws. SPLAT! SMUCK! SPLASH! She would get a bit messy and covered in paint, but it was worth it. Orko preferred to paint with a brush, while Baby Marvin did the same as Furaha, causing him to get very, very messy indeed. So messy are Baby Marvin and Furaha in fact, that Optimus needed to give them a good bath during breaktime with water in the school tank and bubbles from the washing up liquid in the staffroom.

In the middle of the day, they would spend the day doing some quiet activities, such as cuddling and hugging. They would sit on soft, comfy pillows and hug some teddies, while Optimus leads them in a breathing exercise. Then he would come and cuddle the three friends softly, sharing in love and hugs together, without disruption from the school bell due to the soundproof walls. He would often play with them, chasing them around their classroom home.

Next it was time for lunch. Orko magicked up some lunch for Furaha, Baby Marvin and himself to eat. Furaha had two jam sandwiches, a banana, a chocolate chip cookie and a carton of orange juice. Orko had a large plate of pizza and a cup of orangeade, and Baby Marvin had finger cheese sandwiches, a glass of milk and half a chocolate bar. Optimus, as always, was very careful. He was on an Energon diet. For the rest of the lunch break, the friends would sit around playing board games until the bell rang again.

It was time for the final lesson of the day - mindfulness. Optimus lead the friends in some meditation and deep breathing exercises, followed by some aromatherapy and some body scanning. Then, each of the friends would tell their worries to Optimus, which he would tell them how to resolve with great ease. Yes, Optimus was a wise and truthful teacher, and always knew everything about wellbeing and wonders of people everywhere.

When all the pupils have left for the day, Furaha, Orko and Optimus go out of the door to explore and look around the classrooms. And my, what a grand sight it was. The library was filled with books and reading posters to indulge in some interesting reads, though Furaha and Baby Marvin didn’t like the scary stories muchly. The science lab was filled with liquids which Furaha and her friends could concoct as experiments of their own, though Baby Marvin stayed back because the chemicals in the liquid are too dangerous. The music room allowed them to play all different types of music, and the art room meant they could make the room as messy as it could possibly be, with colourful paints and pens and potato slices.

The best room to play in is the staffroom, because playing in their meant lots of biscuits, mugs of hot cocoa and an opportunity to relax, laugh and talk together. It was the room where friends become friends, and friends become family. It’s a room where everyone can be in complete harmony with each other.

And when the sun finally set, the friends made their way back to bed, tired out from a long day of school living. Snug and safe in their bed, Furaha, Orko and Baby Marvin are cradled in Optimus’ arms, hoping that another day will bring more life lessons each time.

For at school, lessons aren’t just about numbers or words or art, it’s about the values we learn as time goes on, and we still do to this day.

May these wonderful values be of importance to you for the rest of your life.

Our Friends Twizzle & Torchy

Back in 1954, Lady Penelope, Parker, Scarlet, Magenta, Oink and Titan were just kids playing happy little games together in Lady Penelope’s garden near her mansion. Before they got their own shows, two such shows were the first puppet shows to be made by Gerry Anderson: Torchy and Twizzle. This such story focuses on these kids one time, when they first met Torchy and Twizzle.

On that day, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and Penelope was playing croquet in the garden. Once she hit the ball with the croquet bat, it went through the arch-like thingy and she said, “Mmmmmm-hmmmm, this is exactly why I win all the time.” “I must say, milady, you’re ever so clever when it comes to croquet.” Penelope gave a well earned nod, but Titan was shaking his head in the background. “Not fair!” he shouted out of jealousy, “I want to play kings and queens!” “But we always play that game,” said Penelope, “And you always get to be king.” “And everytime you get to be king, you just make a muddy mess and then put the blame on Penelope,” said Scarlet. “Pah!” said Titan, “Who cares if these fools play such a boring game, kings and queens is much better.”

Then, out of the blue… “Tooorch-eeeeeeeeeeeeee!!” Everyone looked around in astonishment. “What the hell was that noise?” asked Magenta. “Ah how should I know it’s just an alien spacecraft,” said Titan. Oink looked scared and went to hide behind Penelope’s legs just as the noise started up again: “Tooooorch-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!” A huge spotlight shone down from out of the sky, and then, in fizzed two peculiar looking characters: Twizzle and Torchy.

Hello, Twizzle.

“Hello!”

Hello, Torchy.

“Ah, hello there!”

Everyone was in shock at the new visitors, who silently watched with their jaws gaped open as they introduced themselves. “I’m Twizzle, and this is Torchy. Nice to meet all of you.” Penelope shyly had the nerve to introduce herself. “Okay, I’m Penelope, and these are Parker, Scarlet, Magenta, Titan and Oink. Won’t you care to join us for a game of croquet?” “Anyone can play!” said Twizzle, “Watch us!”

Penelope had to explain the rules of the game first, so that Twizzle won’t forget. Then, with an almighty swing, Twizzle knocked the ball. The ball bounced and ricocheted off different trees. “This isn’t golf!” shouted Penelope, ducking as the ball shot past her, but then - BONG! The ball hit Titan on the head, causing him to fall to the ground. He was seeing stars.

“Well done, Twizzle, you finally took a stand to the ‘Game Hogger’ here.” said Scarlet, shaking hands with Twizzle. “Help…me…” coughed Titan, now with a big bump on his head.

“My go!” said Torchy, and he took the hammer to aim. Once he hit the ball, it too bounced around the place, but this time it was so extreme that it didn’t hit Titan this time. It shot past Scarlet and Parker, and then…

BOINK!

Back inside the mansion, one of Penelope’s servants had to tend to Oink and Titan so that they felt better. “Mother, we didn’t injure them this time, it was Twizzle and Torchy.” “Those two mischief makers,” said Penelope’s annoyed mother, “Listen, Penny, I’ll call their parents to come and collect them. You and your friends stay put.”

When their parents did come, Twizzle and Torchy were scolded and spanked ten times by their parents. With sore red bottoms they trudged all the way back home again. Penelope and her friends laughed and laughed until they couldn’t stand up.

“You know,” said Penelope, “I think good friends are the ones I love most. But as for Twizzle and Torchy? Well, we won’t be seeing any more of them again!”

The Work Desk

One fine Summer’s day on Tracy Island, Jeff Tracy was sitting at his desk working on important documents sent over to him from various organisations around the world. The documents were so boring I couldn’t bother listing them by name, so instead, we’ll focus on his abacus. It looked very boring unlike the more colourful ones, because the little beads were coloured green and orange - too boring to even fit on a real abacus. Jeff was writing on the document papers, and he was feeling very tired once he filled the 7th one out, so he went away to bed for a nap. Fortunately, there were no rescues on that day, so he and his sons were free to relax. He was unaware that he was about to have some visitors…

And they did arrive after he left the room. Their names? Bluey and Bingo. “It’s okay, Bingo, the coast is clear.” said Bluey. “So what are we meant to do? Trash the place up?” asked Bingo. “No, I meant we’re going to head over to Jeff’s desk. We need to understand why he has such boring work papers.”

Bluey and Bingo crept up to the work desk, and then began to play with the papers. Bingo began throwing them high into the air as she giggled wildly, while Bluey made some of them into paper aeroplanes. “Wheeeee!” she said as she made one fly around the room. Bingo made one piece of work paper into a puppet. “Boring work stuff,” she said in a funny voice, “Blah blah blah, blah blah blah.” “Yeah,” said Bluey, “Blah blah, blah, blah.”

“Hang on a second mate, what’s this?” asked Bingo. Bluey took a closer look at the abacus on Jeff’s desk. “Looks like an ordinary abacus.” “But it’s really boring,” said Bingo. “Why don’t we just paint it?” There was silence for a moment. Then Bluey said, “Hey! That’s a great idea!” “Painting!” cried Bluey and Bingo.

So the two friends got out some colourful paint pots and got to work on painting the abacus into different colours. It was very messy, and paint got everywhere - on the desk, on the crumpled work papers and even onto the sofas. It was very, very messy indeed, but with all their childlike time and effort, they had finish painting the abacus.

“Hooray!” they both cheered. But then, they saw how messy it is, and got nervous. “Uh oh,” said Bluey, “Do you think Mr Tracy will notice?” “I don’t know, I just-” began Bingo, but then a stammering voice interrupted. “Excuse me!” It was Brains. “D-D-didn’t Jeff Tracy tell you all not to play with his stuff?” “Well, erm, I…” began Bluey, struggling for words. Bingo twiddled her fingers. “You should know better than to play with his stuff,” scolded Brains, “He’s going to go bonkers when he finds out his abacus has been painted!”

In tears, Bluey and Bingo put on their best ‘Double Please’ faces and said, in unison: “We’re sorry…” “Good, and you guys should be sorry, because when Mr Tracy sees you’ve been playing with his-”

“NOT SORRY!” cried Bluey, and she hurled a can of red paint at Brains, who screamed loudly! “R-r-r-right, you guys are gonna get it!” he said, and he threw a can of yellow paint all over Bingo, who shrieked with delight. “PAINT FIGHT!” shouted Bluey and Bingo in unison, and soon a joyful paint fight was started between Bluey, Bingo and Brains.

And uh oh, imagine what Jeff will think when he wakes up from his nap. Just look at the mess! Don’t you think that’s enough mess for one day?

Fur Blanket

The conference hall bells chimed 12AM midnight as an eerie silence made the whole scene as quiet as twilight. The lights were on in every window of the hall, casting a warm glow over the cold night. The scent of barbecue smoke filled the air, creating a warm hush that surrounded the atmosphere like a forever burning fire.

A glisten of pink stood outside the gates - it was Fab-1, and in it were just me and Parker. Penelope was at a press conference, and I was just sitting there next to Parker in the cold, twiddling my thumbs, this close to shivering. Then suddenly, I felt it. My whole body began to shudder with the effect of the chill. I was freezing.

“Parker,” I said softly, “I’m cold.” “I know, me little lady,” soothed Parker, “Penelope will be back any minute now. The press conference is almost finished.” “It just takes forever, as if the night lasts forever,” I said, giving out a big yawn. “And I’m tired too.”

Parker looked around for something to cover me with, then saw Penelope’s soft mink fur coat in the back of the car. He glanced back at me - I was starting to get very sleepy indeed. So he picked up the coat from the back of the car and gently covered it over me, as I snuggled down to sleep on the cosy leathery white seats. I yawned a little, then Parker kissed me goodnight. “I love you, me little lady,” sighed Parker, casting a warm gaze over me. I was sleeping safe and sound, under the light of the full moon, with no danger to overcome me.

It was at this point when Penelope returned from her conference. “Parker, I’m ba-” she was about to call, but was suddenly interrupted by the sight of me sleeping. “Aaaaaaawww,” she sighed softly, seeing me fast asleep. “Sssssshhhhh,” whispered Parker, “I protected her while you were away, milady.”

Penelope took me in her arms while I was still asleep, and gently cradled me, whispering soft, reassuring words. She kissed me on the forehead and placed me in the back of the car, as she got in beside me.

Parker pressed a button, and the seatbelts were fastened for him, me and Penelope. Soon, we were off back to the Creighton Ward manor, peaceful and safe, without a single word to be said, under the cosiest night sky ever seen.

Home Cinema

One night, Lady Penelope found me crying on our bed. She sat down, switched on the light and held me close. I could feel her light rose perfume scent fill my nose, and her silk nightie was soft against my skin.

“I heard it all!” I wept, “I don’t want to watch the same things over and over.” “You mean like that stupid fox?” “Basil Brush, yes. I hate him! And I mustn’t forget that stupid Sylvanian Families DVD, I’ve seen it ONE TOO MANY TIMES!”

“Not so loudly,” said Penelope, “What made you think buying them was a good idea?” “I wanted to buy them so I could be - well, entertained, and now I heard that Thunderbirds is back on Talking Pictures TV, I wanted to see it. Now everyone’s forcing me to watch DVDs instead, because it’s real TV!”

I buried my face into Penelope’s shoulder and cried harder. Penelope stroked my back and cradled me in her arms. At once, I stopped crying. I began to feel warm and loved. “Oh dear, things like that happen sometimes, little one.” reassured Penelope, “But you’ll always find new things to watch, even if there’s no Sky. But you can get rid of them and rip them to pieces, so there’s no need to worry your head off about it anymore tonight.” With a knowing smile, I began to hug Penelope, her soft embrace feeling like that of a cuddly fashion doll. “There now. There, there.” whispered Penelope. “I guess the Tracy brothers really are bullies to me sometimes, right, Penny?” I asked. “Yes, they can be,” corrected Penelope, “But you can always forget what they’re saying, because you’ll always have me.” “And Parker?” I asked. “And Parker.” replied Penelope. From another room, Parker called out: “I heard that, milady!”

“Now, then, little one, don’t you worry about it any more tonight.” “Except for Brains? And Jeff? And Grandma Tracy? ‘Cause they’re the only ones who can understand me.” Penelope put on a determined smile on her face. “Oh yes,” she said fiercely, “Then Jeff will catch those naughty boys and SPANK them!”

I screamed with laughter, instantly recovering from my sadness, as Penelope began to chase me around the bedroom. Then I leapt up onto our bed and thwacked Penelope in the face with a soft pillow. Penelope hit me back, and soon we were both engaging in a pillow fight which sent feathers flying everywhere, until we both collapsed onto the bed, laughing loudly.

At last, settling under the covers, I yawned, “Goodnight, Penelope. I love you, big sister.” “I love you too, little sister,” smiled Penelope, as she switched off the light and we both fell fast asleep. At once, Parker came in to see what all the noise was, and found us fast asleep. “Oh dear me,” said Parker, “They must be tuckered out after she ran to her room crying.”

And here’s what Parker told you:

“If you’re having trouble with the TV, remember it’ll only take three whole days before the whole of the media industry is your’s. Talking Pictures TV will regret airing those kinds of fast paced, annoying adverts. Let’s don’t argue about it.”

No Ifs, Ands Or Coconuts

One sunny day on Tracy Island, Lady Penelope and I were relaxing near some palm trees. We were cuddled together on a deck chair, wearing swimwear - Penelope’s was a luscious pink - and drinking coconut juice together. “Aaaaahhh,” I sighed, “What a wonderful day to vacation on Tracy Island, Penelope.” “I think you’re right, it is a good idea to vacation on Tracy Island. I’m sure Jeff and his sons wouldn’t mind.” agreed Penelope. “Penelope,” I said after a minute long silence, “You do know these palm trees are made out of cardboard, right?” “That’s what the Thunderbirds team said when they started production on the show I starred in.” “But what about any coconuts? Can’t they add them on?” “They didn’t have money for real coconuts, but what they did have money for is the budget to make Thunderbirds possible.”

Feeling contented, I snuggled against Penelope, feeling safe and secure. “Still, it’s great to be on vacation with you, Penny. I do enjoy our time on the beach, even more than when we went on vacation in Australia.” “That’s right, and you made a new friend - Cheesecake.” At once, I felt myself giggling cheekily. “Why are you giggling like that?” asked Penelope mischievously. “Because according to Cheesecake, she knew that Australian aboriginal people speak in tongues. Like this: Nya nya nya nya nya nya!” I blabbered, doing my best Annoying Orange imitation. Penelope laughed. It was fun to hang around with Penelope like this, even when I made weird noses like the Nya-Nya-Nya thing.

At last, I yawned, feeling tired out from the heat of the warm sun. Snuggling against Penelope, we both fell asleep, still trying to work on our tan. It was Heaven. I felt safe and secure in Penelope’s arms, feeling happy that-

Uh oh, wait a minute. What’s this?! Penelope and I suddenly woke up and spun around. Thunderbird 2 was about to take off! “GET OUT OF THE WAY!” I shouted, and we jumped out of the way just in time as our deckchair was crushed and Thunderbird 2 took off into the sky.

Penelope was furious over this. “Hrmph!” she growled, “Those Thunderbirds.” I felt furious too. “Whatever happened to our vacation, we are NEVER vacationing here again!”

The Aardvark With The Tickly Nose

One day in the plains of Africa, Furaha the lioness cub and Orko were chasing each other across the grasslands in a delightful game of tag. “You’ll never catch me, Orko!” laughed Furaha. “Oh yeah, well I bet I could catch you if you paid me a million pounds!” “There’s no money or greed in Africa!” called Furaha, before she screeched to a halt and pounced onto Orko, tickling him playfully. “Hey! No! That tickles!” cried Orko.

At last, Furaha rolled over onto her back and giggled with Orko, then they both started to relax together, the air of Africa quiet enough to concentrate on their minds and bodies, as the grasses swayed against their skin and fur. Orko wasn’t wearing his robe, because it was too hot in Africa, so he only wore his hat, scarf and red silk skirt. Furaha enjoyed days like this: running around playing in the grasslands and then lying down to relax in the spindly grasses. It was a sunshining day.

However, the peace was not to last - in a playful way that is. A long nose peered out through the grass and started to tickle Furaha. How she laughed! Orko at once woke up, disturbed by the sudden laughter. “What? What is it, what’s going on?” “A nose just tickled me!” giggled Furaha. “Don’t be silly, Furaha, noses don’t tickle people!” fibbed Orko, but by ‘fibbed’, I meant he was quite wrong, because the nose peered through the spindly grasses and tickled Orko’s skin, causing him to laugh loudly in a playful cackle. “Alright, who’s doing this,” laughed Furaha, trying to hold her laughter back.

As if on cue, out of the grasses came an aardvark, with said long nose wiggling about. “So that’s what this is all about!” gasped Orko. “That aardvark wants to play a tickling game with us!” “We’d be happy to play your game with you, Mr. Aardvark, count us in!” said Furaha. “And me too!” called Orko.

The aardvark nodded, its nose wiggling, and the tickling began. The aardvark began to tickle them everywhere - their necks, tummies, legs, arms and toes. Aardvarks are natural ticklers, or at least that’s what Furaha thinks, because of their long noses. All day long they tickled each other.

Furaha tickled Orko, Orko tickled Furaha, Furaha and Orko tickled the aardvark, and the aardvark, obviously, tickled them.

When Furaha and Orko returned to the acacia tree that night to tell Optimus about their encounter with the aardvark, he was nowhere to be seen. The two looked around in the darkness for their friend, until they saw a giant hand poking out from behind the tree. At once, Furaha and Orko began to giggle, and at once…

“BOO!” shouted Optimus, leaping out from behind the tree and startling Furaha and Orko. “Oh my goodness, what a fright!” giggled Furaha, and Optimus started tickling them. Furaha and Orko laughed as Optimus tickled them endlessly, until they started yawning, indicating they were very tired.

Optimus picked the two friends up in his strong arms and cuddled them softly. He sat by the large rock that stood near the acacia tree and hummed a soothing lullaby as he cradled them in his arms, knowing they’re safe and secure in the African moonlight.

Under The Duvet

One fine day in the mansion, Parker was making Lady Penelope’s bed. It was a fine, soft, quilted bed, that I would perfectly like to sleep on with her, letting her protect me all night long, only like a mother would. But she is my sister, so, whatever.

It was while Parker was making our bed that he heard some giggling coming from under the duvet. “What on earth is going on under there?” asked Parker. “I ‘ope Bluey and Bingo ‘aven’t snuck in accidentally. Hmmmm…maybe it sounds a lot like-” But before he had time to reveal the answer to himself, he saw a huge lump which was made by something hiding under the duvet. “Oh goodness cripes!” shouted Parker, “A little white slug! Milady!”

While Parker ran off to get help, what you do know was that I was hiding under there, wearing my pink silk nightie, giggling away. It felt so comfortable between the bed and the duvet, that for a second there, I felt like I was going to sleep.

“You ‘ave to see this, milady,” said Parker, “I was just making your bed, when all of a sudden, this little white slug appeared.” “Let me handle this, Parker,” said Penelope. “NO, MILADY!” screamed Parker, hiding behind a chair in cowardice, “That slug may bite!” “Who cares?” chuckled Penelope, “That slug may not bite after all.”

And with that, she started to tickle the white lump, causing it (me) to laugh. Immediately, she recognised what caused the laughter. “Ah, yes, I think I know what this laughter belongs too…”

Parker peered out from behind the chair as Penelope reached out to touch the duvet. When she pulled it off, there I was, giggling and laughing like there was no tomorrow! “SARAH!” cried Parker and Penelope at once. “So you’re the little white slug who’s playing tricks on us.” said Penelope with a determined look on her face. “And to think I made your bed, milady, just to find out your sister was hiding under there.” sighed Parker in relief.

Penelope grabbed me and hugged me fiercely, causing me to laugh even further, while Parker scruffled my hair and nose kissed me, chuckling, “Yer little rascal.” However, afterwards, I felt really tired, so I fell fast asleep in Penelope’s arms. She cradled me, and at once, the whole room grew quiet as she laid me on her bed and covered the white duvet over me. She kissed me on the cheek and said, “Sleep tight, little one. I’ll make sure there are no little white slugs about.”

And I’m sure there aren’t, because I was fast aslee-

Uh oh. Blueeeeeyy…Bingooooooo…

Journey Through The Wild World - Chapter 1

Deep in the plains of Africa, not a single wild human roamed the grasslands. The only ‘people’ that roamed the grasses are the animals themselves, from the prowling lion to the big-footed elephant. These animals went about their daily lives peacefully. But what might occur to them would make them blissfully unaware of who they might meet next. Someone who is very well adjusted to living in the wild since Day 1.

And that person is me. I am often accompanied by Lady Penelope in roaming and playing freely in the Grasslands. Penelope was my protector, my guardian. We wore nothing, but we didn’t feel any shame. Under Penelope’s watchful eye, I would run across the grasses and try to chase butterflies which fluttered over the golden plain, while Penelope chuckled watching my hilarious antics in trying to catch one.

Whenever we felt dirty or hot, we swam freely in the water hole. You might be telling me that this is some place where the animals come to drink, but this was not only our drinking place, but our swimming place. A place to relax, splash and play together when the weather gets too humid. Penelope and I would laugh loudly as we splashed each other and showered each other in the cooling water, free of restraints and walls holding us back.

When we were tired out from a long day of play, we would lie down in the tall spindly grass and watch the world slowly go by. To us, the world was a refreshing place where everything took its time. They said that patience was the true virtue of the wild, and whatever said about it was true, believe me. I would snuggle into Penelope’s chest and start breathing gently, as I felt secure and safe in her bare arms. Penelope was the one who kept me safe and warm in the wild, even when the weather got cold. Penelope was more than just a sister, she was like a mother to me, for we are the most unique animals ever to roam the free-spirited place.

When she had the time and energy to do it, Penelope would run around on all fours chasing butterflies with me. This kind of fun activity didn’t require felt or crayons or pens like what was acquired in civilised life, because we lived in the wild, and it was our only home - perfect for two elegant, pretty women who have a free spirit.

During this fun activity, Penelope would pin me to the ground in a non-compromising position and then tickle me on my chest. I would laugh and wiggle my legs, but I couldn’t because Penelope was sitting on them, so I just begged for her to stop endlessly, until I started tickling her. She rolled over onto the floor in an endless laughing fit, and soon both of us were laughing. It was such a freeing feeling, living in the wild heart of Africa. It made us feel like wild women.

When night time rolled around, everything in the Savannah came to a standstill, as if the pause button had been pressed on the scene. Every single animal settled down to sleep in their nests or caves, their yawns of satisfaction echoing through the land. Penelope and I would lie in the grass, in our little nest, and Penelope would tell me about each Constellation that appeared via the stars that shone in the sky. In the wild, as it was written, Constellations are the gods that created our wonderful wilderness, and Penelope held all the knowledge from the moment she was raised there.

Once again, I felt safe and secure in Penelope’s arms, feeling her warmth against my body as we snuggled down to sleep amongst the long, protective grasses. No, seriously, there wasn’t any danger lurking about, but with Penelope, I felt really safe. She always made sure no scary lions or cheetahs would come and separate us, and gave a nice, soft hug to me when I needed it.

So yeah, Africa is such a wonderful place. We couldn’t ask, my friends, for anywhere else to live in, for the wild was the best place for a woman or girl to live in, to unleash her natural femininity.

The Brave Journey Of Ash & Pikachu

The skies were black as ink spilled on a desk table, and thunder was crashing. Rain poured heavily down on a cloaked yet familiar figure, tagging alongside him was his Pikachu. His name? Ash Ketchum. Ash was carrying a spear in his hand and Pikachu was struggling to keep up. “Come on, Pikachu, not long now!” called Ash over the sound of the wind and the rain. “PIKA!” called Pikachu over the noise, but Ash was desperate. “Pikachu, it’s either follow me or die! It’s our only chance to survive!” called Ash.

Suddenly, the two came upon a black, flaming volcano with lava spewing out of it. Ash, not wanting to feel shy and left out, slowly walked up to the volcano and reached out to touch it. Pikachu covered his eyes as Ash’s hand got closer and closer to the ground that covered the volcano…

Just then, BANG! BOOM! FLASH! Thunder crashed down onto the volcano, and out of it, with a terrifying ROAR of anger, came a monstrous, angry-looking Charizard, as big as 20,000 buses, with evil red eyes and lava dripping from his skull. “Uh oh…” said Ash, “We’re so busted.” The Charizard gave out a loud ROAR, so loud in fact that it shook the whole valley, its orange light illuminated against the heavy rain and thunder.

“Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt!” cried Ash to his best friend. As Pikachu ran towards the Charizard and tried to electrocute him, Ash called out: “For Johto! For the new league! For every Pokemon in the world!” But Pikachu’s electric shocks made the Charizard impervious, and knocked Pikachu down to the ground again, seriously injuring him.

“PIKACHU!” cried Ash, running up to his best friend and kneeling beside him, making sure he’s okay. “Pi…ka…” whimpered Pikachu. “Hang in there, buddy, you’re going to make it,” said Ash, checking Pikachu’s pulse. But then, the Charizard leapt out of the volcano and landed feet first onto the ground, causing it to shake like an earthquake and also causing him to let out another huge, tremendous ROAR that caused Pikachu to run away!

“I know what I must do,” said Ash suddenly, feeling braver than ever. He walked up to the Charizard fearlessly as it became confused, then slowly reached out to touch it. Pikachu peered out from behind the tree and watched with astonishment as Ash slowly reached out to touch the Charizard’s snout. Once he did, Charizard felt a familiar feeling wash over him. Was this really…Ash Ketchum? The boy who raised him as a young Charizard? A friend to Pikachu. Tears fell down Ash’s face as he smiled and said:

“Remember me, Charizard. I’m your trainer, your partner, the one who gave you a family when you needed one. When you were left out in the rain you had no chance, but now you’re safe with me. Remember me…please…”

Memories of his past life with Ash and Pikachu began to flash up in his angry mind, then, in a hopeful beam of light, Charizard began to devolve. Pikachu knew this moment would come and ran to witness it as he and Ash were bathed in a warm, golden light. Before they knew it, the rain had stopped…and Charizard was no more. He was the all too familiar…

“CHARMANDER!” cried Ash in a flood of happy tears, and both of them ran towards each other in a wonderful embrace. Pikachu leapt to join the cuddle too, not wanting to be left behind upon seeing his friend. Out of Ash’s backpack came two Pokeballs containing Bulbasaur and Squirtle, and once they were freed, they and Pikachu had a happy and playful reunion with their friend.

At once, as if a ray of hope had beamed through Ash’s mind, the sun broke through the dark clouds and shone down on this reunited family of friends, as they ran across a beautiful grassy green meadow. Ash ran ahead of his Pokemon, but all four leapt into his arms, causing him to roll down a grassy hill. “Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!” laughed Ash and he and his Pokemon enjoyed the freedom within them.

Once they reached the bottom, they all laughed and laughed, and Charmander began to tickle Bulbasaur. Pikachu ran into Ash’s arms, and the two hugged - gently, so Ash won’t get electrocuted. For as long as Ash realises who his Pokemon are meant for, he will never forget all the friends he has made, all the Pokemon he has captured and all the happy times he spent with not just Pikachu, but everyone else, who he comes to accept as his extended family.

Pals forever…

…pals together.

Orko's Night Out

This London pub was unusually very quiet on that Sunday night, and was so tranquil that not a single yell of ‘Chug! Chug! Chug!” could be heard.

Orko was sitting in the pub taking a drink of beer. He was drinking over the fact that He Man abused him back on Eternia, and now he’s safe on Earth, he still has painful memories of it here. His eyes were open so wide they were growing colder by the minute. Every sip felt like a fiery dragon’s breath on his unforeseeable tongue, gums and throat in his mouth and neck, and when he had finished, Orko smashed his beer glass onto the floor, as he wobbled while floating out of the pub, occasionally bumping into things and accidentally knocking beer bottles and glasses onto the floor.

While flying out of the pub, he crashed onto the ground, with the sounds of police sirens wailing and a dog barking in the background. And do you know what he did next? He puked. First, he puked out thick, grimy Trollan vomit for what seemed like forever. Then he stopped. Then he did it again. Then he stopped. Then he managed to vomit in an extremely violent way, making him fall to the ground. He crawled through the puddle of his own smelly Trollan vomit and dragged himself wearily along the streets.

While in the middle of the street, he saw a fountain. He sat on the edge, and looked at his pure, clean reflection. It was so pure and innocent, that for a moment Orko didn’t notice his yellow eyes had turned red and bloodshot. He also didn’t notice his cloak had been covered with his own vomit. He had been caked in his own smelly upbringings, so it was time he needed a wash. He took off his robe and threw it into the fountain, then magicked some soap and a brush and washed off all the vomit. Then with another hint of magic, he snapped his fingers and his vomit-covered purple scarf turned into a nice, soft, fresh clean one.

Still with his robe off, Orko took a London bus, which has no passengers at all for some reason, all the way to an empty beach. He didn’t know it, but being out here in the warm moonlight in the quiet atmosphere of the beach made him feel like he was connected to nature. For a while, he sat on the warm sand, gazing out to sea, feeling the cool breeze on his soft blue skin.

Then suddenly, as if out of the blue, he began to yawn. He felt awfully tired after his long night out, so he snuggled onto the soft sand and fell asleep happily, knowing he was safe among the natural beauty of the world. As the sun rose over the sea, Orko kept on sleeping, with only the song of the waves filling his pointy ears…