The Little Rascals

 The comical gang, The Little Rascals, are back in an all-new adventure. I watched this PG rated tale last night-for the second time in a row.

Plot:

When beloved Grandma is deeply in debt to the bank, Mary Jane, Alfalfa, Stymie, Spanky, Buckwheat, Petey and Porky must help save the day. But can they raise $10,000? Many crazy ideas begin forming in Spanky’s head. Signing up for the local talent show is just one of them. The International Silver String Submarine Band really needs work. And when pretty and proper Darla (the girl Alfalfa likes) signs up for the talent show with the Rascals’ enemy, things get even worse.

Will the Rascals ever be able to save Grandma’s bakery?

What I Liked The Most:

I loved the awesome inventions that the Rascals came up with: a taxi that runs on Petey, the dog. The way it works? Petey runs on a treadmill chasing a cat through a screen. Another invention was a treehouse with a burglar alarm. My brother who likes engineering, even admitted the inventions were cool. I also loved a particular character, Stymie, who was one of the funniest kids, other than Buckwheat. (who made hilarious faces.)

Characters Who Reminded Me Of Real People:

Petey, the sweet dog that belongs to the gang, reminded me of my own dog, Jack. They both were playful, but Petey, unfortunately knew more tricks. Also, the leader, Spanky, kind of reminded me of myself- we both had lots of ideas, and both like to be the leader of things.

Overall Review:

This is a great movie for most kids, and is a good laugh for the whole family. The Rascals make some cool inventions, and are always up to mischief.

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The Not-So-Early Bird

This morning, I had to wake up at 6:15. My brother was having his last day at a football camp hosted by Drew Brees, so I had to come along as well. My dad had told us the night before that we were going to hang out at Downtown Disney while my brother was at camp. I was extremely excited, and so was my younger sister.We planned on trading some adorable pins that we had collected.

After we finally figured out where on earth Downtown Disney was, sunblock was slathered on each of us. When that was done, I asked a nearby cast member when most of the shops opened. “Around 8:30 t0 9:00,” he answered.

I thanked him, and told my dad. Then we all walked across the empty road to the quiet shops. I looked to see when a favorite shop of mine opened. 10:00. Okay, what about the other one? 10:00. Great.

It was only about 8:00. So, what were we supposed to do? The only thing open was Starbucks, which, of course, my dad really needed. But it wasn’t very fun to hang around. The answer, I guess, was that we had a lot of “window shopping” to do.

For a really long time, we wandered around for 2 hours peeking in windows, dancing to music outdoors, and watching a hot air balloon sail high into the sky.

Finally, stores began to open. Natalie and I began searching for cast members with lanyards, like us. We were able to trade lots of pins, and even get spit on by Stitch. (Fortunately, he spat water, not actual spit.) We had a truly magical day, just like all the people there say.

Natalie and I even got “pixy dust”. And that stuff sure does spread. Now, all my dad has to do is try to get it out of his beard.

The Papergirl…Continued

Sarah knew she had to get promotion somehow. “What on earth will get people to look..but not too much.” Sarah thought. Slowly, an idea formed in her head. “Father,” began Sarah in her man-voice. “When is my break?” Mr. Lue looked down at his daughter. “I’m not sure, Sar–I mean, Peter. Jerry knows. I think it’s in about in hour.”

Sarah blew a strand of hair of her sweaty forehead. “1 HOUR??” Sarah thought in horror. Sarah had begun to regret her job…but then she realized why she was doing this. Taking a shaky breath, she screeched another “EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!” But as she yelled, her hat came loose. “Uh, oh.” Sarah said. She gripped her hat tightly. Shoving it back on top of her head, she screamed again.

Finally Jerry came out of a saloon, with his stubby fingers in his ears. “FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE, PLEASE STOP YELLIN’!” He roared. Sarah stared at him angrily. He always was in a bad mood. As he stomped closer, he noticed Sarah’s hair sticking out of her loose hat. But he didn’t say anything, except good news for Sarah. “It’s yer’ break, youngin’.” Sarah leaped with joy. “Thank you Mr. Jerry! Oh than- I mean, thanks, Jerry!” She said, correcting her girly thank-you. Sarah could barely contain her jumpy attitude. But she slowly sauntered into a nearby store.

When she was inside, she slipped away into the craft section of the small western mercantile. It smelled like candy, fresh fabric and peppermint leaves. Breathing every scent in, she grabbed two sheets of paper and yanked a pencil from her pocket. When she was finished, she stepped back to admire her work. In very bumpy handwriting, were the words: NEWSPAPER (THE GOLDEN PAPER) ONLY 1 CENT!!

Sarah quickly raced up to the register. An old man shakily took the huge paper, and gave Sarah her change. Then, as soon as she received her letter back, Sarah dashed outside. A break had seemed like heaven only a moment ago…but now, only selling papers mattered.

Sarah ran through the dusty streets, past her father and Jerry, into the crowd of people and yelled but again, “EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT!” But this time, she waved the paper wildly. Soon, Sarah actually saw people come up. After an hour of hard work, Sarah had sold over 25 copies of the paper. By now, Sarah’s dad had noticed.

“Sarah, Sarah!” He exclaimed, breathlessly. “What has happened my child?” Suddenly his face fell. Sarah glanced worriedly around. Mr. Lue had said Sarah’s real name. Slowly, Sarah turned to glance at the crowd before her…but there was no crowd. “I’m safe!” Sarah whispered silently. Her father looked relieved. “How many papers did you sell?” he asked, a bit louder. Sarah smiled wide. She had counted the sold copies and noted 50 papers that were gone.

The Papergirl

This story originally appeared in my first blog, Express.

Sarah ran as fast as her legs could carry her.  Off in the distance she saw her mother waving at her. Sticks smacked her arms and legs. Mother! Darkness quickly fled over the forest.

The newspaper under her arm was clutched very tight. Finally Sarah’s feet hit the wooden porch. She swung the door open and saw her family waiting for her at the table. She tossed the newspaper on the table. Papa carefully unfolded it and asked Sarah, “Did you run all the way here from town?”

Sarah nodded shyly. She was a very fast runner and always wanted to know EVERYTHING in the newspaper. Her dad smiled at her and read one of the advertisements to the family.

The Golden Paper, Wyoming 1872

Looking for young boy to work as paperboy. Pays 1 shilling a month. 

Papa looked at Sarah with a grin. “Papa…what are you thinking?” She asked. Sarah’s father continued. “We need some money, and you’re a fast girl…but not a boy,” Sarah listened intently. “Yes?” “Well, we could dress you up like a boy and sign you up. It’ll be easy!”

Sarah’s face brightened. “It just might work! But what if I fail…mess-up?” Sarah’s mom hugged her daughter. “It will be okay, Dear.” Sarah took a deep breath. “Okay. I’ll trust you.” She sighed. “Good!” Papa exclaimed. Then he shoved the newspaper into his pocket. “I hope this works!” Sarah thought silently.

The next morning, Sarah woke up to the sound of a loud knock. She slowly got up and went to her door. When she opened it, she saw Papa in the hallway. “Rise and shine!” He sung. Sarah yawned and shut the door behind her. Instantly the smell of bacon and eggs caught Sarah’s attention. The Lue’s table was adorned with delicious things to eat: Eggs, bacon, orange juice, and buns with honey on them. Mmm!

Eagerly she sat down and unfolded her napkin. She stuffed every last bite into her mouth. Finally, after silence her father spoke. “Well, Sarah. Today’s the day! You’re all signed in and ready to sell!” Sarah almost choked on her bun. “I’m already set? You have everything ready?” Papa smiled and said, “Here are your clothes. You can change into them in your room.” Sarah nodded and got dressed.

First, she tucked her hair into the silky hat her father and given her, tied the hanky around her neck, put on some jeans, and yanked on her black cowboy boots. She stared at herself in the mirror. She looked just like a boy! Happily, she walked to her dad. “What do you think, Papa? Mother?” Sarah’s mother stifled a laugh. Papa patted “Mr.” Sarah on the back. “Nice work, Sarah!” He said. Sarah tried to talk like a man. “Thanks Mr. Lue!” She said, jokingly. Papa laughed.

“Get on your horse and let’s sell some papers!” He said.

Sarah jumped onto her horse. She kicked her heels into her horse, Hurricane. Papa mounted Ginger. Both galloped faster than they had before. Papa looked at his daughter and hoped his plan would work. “Let me hear your…man voice.” He said, awkwardly. Sarah sat up as straight as her tiny body could, and said in her best, man-like voice, “Hello. My name is…” she turned to her father and switched to her girl-voice. “I don’t know what my name should be.” she said.

The steady clip, clop, clip, clop of the horses hooves was the only noise present. Finally, Papa began again. “I think you’re name should be…Peter.” Sarah was puzzled. “Peter? Why on earth Peter?” Papa laughed happily.

 

Suddenly they had gotten into town. A man came up on his horse and looked at them. “You Peter and Mr. Lue?” the man asked, with a strong, western accent. He spit tobacco on the sandy ground. Sarah nodded, and Papa continued. “My…Son is here to do his paperboy job. The man’s long beard bobbed up and down. “Right.” he said, blankly. Sarah didn’t like this man. “‘K, Son. I’m Jerry. I reckon you wanna’ start now?”

Sarah nodded. “Boy doesn’t talk much.” He muttered. Papa was silent. “Well, now that we’ve gotten a bit acquainted, we can start. Here’s yer’ papers.” he said, plopping eighty-three copies of the Golden Papers into Sarah’s arms. Then he eyed her curiously. “Not much of a boy…but you’ll work. Nobody’s gonna say you’re any kind of model, but I guess you-” “Please just show him how to do it!” Papa yelled, impatiently.

“Alright!” He yelled back. Then he rushed through the instructions, and left. Sarah looked at her father for help. “Here comes a Miss,” he said, pointing at a lady. Sarah cleared her throat, and screamed, “EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!” with her best boy-voice. The lady smiled at Sarah. She screamed again. A little boy laughed at her. “EXTRA, EXTRA-” She began. A man walked up to her and interrupted her. “I’ll take one paper,” he said. Sarah gave the stout man a paper. Person after person walked by. Only ten people had actually bought an issue of the Golden Paper. Most had just walked by.

To be continued…

 

The Challenge

In my magazine, Clubhouse, I was invited to take up a summer reading challenge- read 2,014 pages of books until August 31. That’s a lot of books. I have to read 100 pages of fiction, faith buliders (devotions, Bible, etc.) and Christian biographies. The rest is my choice. I’ve already read all the required reading, and done about 1oo-ish pages of some extra fiction. I was wondering if you would like to join me in this reading challenge- for fun.

Here are the books I’ve read: 1. FICTION: Sir Malcom & The Missing Prince, FAITH BUILDER: The Dangerous Journey adapted from John Bunyan, CHRISTIAN BIOGRAPHY: Bill Bright: Dare To Be Different by Kim Twitchell, and currently, Peter and The Starcatchers by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson. Each one is unique in it’s own way, and each good reads. Sir Malcom had a great moral and nice era. The Dangerous Journey was exciting and fascinating. Bill Bright was encouraging, and interesting. Peter and The Starcatchers is mysterious, but very exciting, too.

Some other super good books I’ve read are:

-Number The Stars by Lowis Lowry (exciting, hard to put down)

-Ottis Spofford by Beverly Cleary (Hilarious, well written)

-Tales Of A Fourth Grade Nothing (Silly, once my favorite book)

Please comment and tell me if you would like to join me, or would like to borrow a book. 🙂 Enjoy!

 

 

The Wishing Well… The Great Continuation

But I was curious, and stepped closer. I made sure there were no leprechauns inside, and nobody else around and closed my eyes. “I wish-” I began softly. “I wish that I could have just one, delicious, bite of bread pudding.” I opened my eyes. I was crazy-asking for bread pudding when I hadn’t even seen potatoes for almost five years…but as I finally left for home, I caught myself dying for that dessert.

That night, as I was snuggled deep under my rag blanket, I knew something was wrong-my stomach seemed to be gurgling…and not silently. I suddenly realized that I had gone without dinner! Our whole family hadn’t eaten a bite for dinner. And if I thought about it, my grandma was very frail-and she could die without food, couldn’t she?! I was scared, and jumped up, knowing I had to do something. I tip-toed downstairs, and slipped into Grandma Catherine’s little bedroom. “My Child, what is the matter?” she asked. I got into her feather bed and frowned at her.

“We didn’t have dinner, and I’m so hungry. And you’re-well-no offense- kind of old, and you’re sick, and you need food!” Grandma Catherine laughed, and said, “Dear Nora, you are as sweet as a rose! I’ll be fine- it’s YOU I’m worried about! Here, have some bread.” I stared with amazement at her hand. “Bread?!” I stuttered.

“B-b-but we don’t have enough money for that!” She grinned at me, beckoning me to eat up. Hungrily, I eat the slightly stale bread. “But how did you do it?” I asked. “Well, truth is, I’m a trash digger!” she said with another laugh. I had to smile, as I carefully eat the bread. “Um, Grandma, that’s a little gross.” I said playfully. “Then why are you devouring the bread like a hungry hog?” Good point. “‘Cause it’s good!” I admitted through big bites of food. Trash food. The next morning, I walked to town, where I had errands to run.

And after going to purchase some buttons for sewing, ribbons, and brown beans, I trudged home, weighed down by the packages. “Mum, I’m home!” I yelled, as I entered through the big door. “Mum’s in the kitchen,” Grandma Catherine said, without looking up from her needle and yarn. I stepped into the kitchen and saw a bright-colored package. “Who’s this for?” I asked, pointing at the gift. “For you,” my mum answered calmly, as if colorful gifts arrived each day. “What?!” I squealed. “For me?!”

A pleasant smile spread across Mum’s face. I ripped through the wrapping, and looked with a delight at a slightly damaged bread pudding.”Why, I wished for this, and-well, here it is!” I was more than happy. “What is it?” Grandma Catherine asked. “Bread pudding!” I answered, showing her with pride. She adjusted her spectacles, and stared at the dessert. “Hmmm…” was all she said. “Why, what’s wrong? Do you want some?” I questioned her. “Oh, no, no. It’s your gift. See here? The label says, “to Nora.” She tapped on the box. “See?” I smiled, and than said: “Grandma, I know that the Wishing Well isn’t real…so who did this?” Grandma Catherine stared at her knitting. “Well…..me.” “But how did you get such an expensive thing like this?”

I paused. “Wait, I know how.” Than we both said together: “Trash digging!” and laughed.

Grandma Catherine hugged me close. “You know, I heard you wish in the woods yesterday and I was encouraged to see you wishing and believing, and it made me happy. So I bought you your wish.” I smiled, and sat next to her. “When’s the next story?” I asked. “How about right now?” she said, with a smile.

The End.

 

The Wishing Well

I didn’t believe in The Wishing Well. I just didn’t. It was a famous tale told in my family probably 8 billion times, but I refused to believe it was true.

Now, there I was, sitting around my grandmother, Grandma Catherine, listening to the story of The Wishing Well.

“…A man came dancing down the cobblestone streets and saw a wishing well. He was a leprechaun, and being a man of mischief, he looked around and than jumped into the well. ‘Now if folks come by,’ he thought to himself, ‘they’ll see this here well, and lean over-and POP! I’ll surprise ‘um just like that, scaring them poor travelers.‘

So the leprechaun sat and waited.”

Grandma Catherine paused for a moment and looked at her grandchildren.

“Finally, a pretty young girl came down the street, and saw the well. And you know what, that girl was me!”

My little sister, Fiona, frowned, and said, “Grandma Catherine, you were a little girl like me?”

Grandma laughed in a raspy voice. “Of course, My Child!” she said, and then continued.

(I could quote this part word-for-word.) “So I leaned over the well and closed my eyes to wish, when the leprechaun popped up from inside the well. I jumped back in surprise. ‘Ha ha! Gotcha!’ he shrieked. I frowned, and yanked him out of the well.

‘Are you all right, Sir?’ I asked him, believing he was ill. ‘Oh yes, quite fine,’ he said, and dusted his trousers and skipped away.

And I never saw that mischief-maker again! The End.”

My sister’s clapped, as I pulled my ratty shawl around my shoulders and frowned. I wished that the Potato Famine would end. My whole family was affected by it…in fact, all of Ireland was.

I got to my feet and stood beside my mother. “Mum, I’m going to bed now. Do you want me to put Fiona and Darcy to bed?”

My mum smiled gently at me. “Sure, Nora. Thanks,” she replied.

I picked up Fiona and carried her into our old, stone home. The curved roof was covered in straw, and tightly packed together. I lay Fiona on her little mat bed, and tip-toed outside for Darcy. After she was inside, I too, went to bed.

The next morning, I took a walk, following the narrow road that lead to town. I held a basket, tucked under my arm with an apple, a rare treat that I had hand-picked the day before. Now I ventured into the deep forest. I decided to take a different route, and turned to my left.

As I walked along, I heard a rustle in the bushes. My eyes darted towards the berry bush. I prayed it wasn’t a robber, and thankfully, it was only a deer, thank God. I watched the doe move towards a well, and than disappear into the forest. Next to the bushes was  an old, run-down well. A vine coiled around it, and the dirt beneath it revealed some cobblestone.  I stepped closer, frightened and excited at the same time. Could it be? No…it couldn’t have been The Wishing Well!

TO BE CONTINUED…