Halloween

Halloween has came and went. We did have a marvelous time, but I am afraid only one of us actually had a costume to wear. Here is one of our tiniest companions, Phoebe:

Happy Belated Halloween!

Hitty Rowan

Fall Pumpkins

Greetings again on another lovely fall day! I had no outings or adventures planned today, so I settled in for a nice spell of catching up on my journaling.
I had no sooner put pen to paper than I heard my downstairs neighbor, Eilonwy, calling my name. I peered over the edge of the house to speak with Eilonwy.


"Hello Eilonwy. Did you call?"



"Yes, indeed. Could you come downstairs a minute?"



Never one to refuse a friend, downstairs I went.

"Hitty Rowan, the girls have been speaking of pumpkins all morning. They believe some pumpkins may even be outside the house as we speak, just waiting to be carved. Have you heard any news on that?"

"Oh, yes...yes. I was with our person last week and we did indeed select the Halloween pumpkins. But, they are not carved yet. I think our people will do that tomorrow."

As soon as I finished saying the pumpkins were here, the girls began chattering with excitement. "Oh, could we see them? Can we go outside....can the academy girls go with us?"

"Well," replied Eilonwy, "I don't mind if you go see them, but you will have to ask Ms. Merriweather's permission to take the academy girls along."
Lily immediately set off to beg Ms. Merriweather's permission. Since it was Saturday, the academy girls had no lessons and were free to play, do homework, read or visit.

The staff were likewise free to visit among themselves over tea...and to have some peace and quiet. Lily hesitantly knocked on Master Elrond's office door and was immediately invited in.

It was rather intimidating for the child to be the lone little girl among all the academy staff, but Ms. Merriweather greeted her kindly and Lily made her request. Permission was granted, as long as Lily, as the eldest girl, kept her eye on the others.

Lily quickly went to the girls' dorm. She was rather suprised and disappointed to find most of the students engaged in projects they didn't want to leave at the moment. They had actually already been promised a field trip to see the pumpkins and were content with that. Lily noticed that two students, Merilwen and Miffy, were missing.

"Oh, Merilwen left an hour or so ago," sweet little Betsy informed Lily. "Miffy left right after Merilwen. I don't know where either one of them went....not to do something they shouldn't, I hope." Even the other students were well aware of Merilwen's penchant for finding mischief.Lily checked the classroom, but it was empty. She wandered through the corriders until she passed by Elrond's grandaughter, Amberle's, room that had been set up in anticipation of her arrival in December. She thought she heard voices inside and cautiously opened the door.

"I'm telling!" came a tiny little bear voice.

"NO YOU ARE NOT!" came a louder voice.

"Yes I am. I'm telling." said the tiny reply.

It seemed to be an ongoing discussion. Lily entered the room to see Merilwen seated on the bed, with a strange case in front of her...and what looked like small potion bottles spread everywhere.

Merilwen quickly gathered up the contents of the case and slammed the lid shut.

"Merilwen...why are you in this room? And...what were you doing with that? Were those potions? Are you allowed to have them? I thought you only got to work with potions when an adult was with you?" Lily inquired.

"She ISN'T allowed to have them!" Miffy chimed in. "I followed her yesterday. She got a box from the dolly door. She snuck it in here. Amberle sent it to her! NOBODY believed me, but I saw her! She has hair growing potions, and hair color changing potions, and potions to make you pretend you are sick so you can get out of class, and potions that make you move really fast to get your homework done really fast, and potions to make you invisible a little while so you can sneak out, and..."

"Oh, BE QUIET, Miffy!" Merilwen interrupted.

The dolly door, otherwise known by humans as the mail slot, is where we dolls enter and exit the main house, as well as receive our own mail and packages. The mail slot in the front door is really not even used for human mail, so we view it as our very own.

""Uhhmmm, Merilwen...you really, really, shouldn't have those things, and Amberle shouldn't either...she shouldn't have sent them to you...if Ms. Merriweather finds out...." Lily began.

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Besides, these are harmless." Merilwen replied.

Merilwen hid the box behind the bed.

Lily didn't like the situation at all, but didn't want her friend to get in trouble, so she decided to let the matter drop. She asked Merilwen if she wanted to go see the pumpkins. Merilwen eagerly accepted the offer. Miffy quickly chimed in, "Me too, Me too!!!"

Merilwen told Miffy she couldn't go along on the adventure if she told about the case of potions, which silenced the little bear, at least temporarily. Lily asked, "Why can't you two just get along? I don't argue with my sisters like that."

"Miffy and I are NOT sisters, and Miffy is a tattletale." Merilwen answered.

That led to a steady stream of "Am not's" and "Are too's" all the way to the porch.

Fortunately, the girls were so excited by the sight of the pumpkins and gourds on the porch, they forgot their argument temporarily.
And, our person happened to be spinning on the porch enjoying the fall day. The girls eagerly joined her, helping by pushing the pedal of the wheel up and down.

It took a group effort, but at least that kept all arguments at bay...and tired the girls so much they took a nap when they returned home.

And all the rest of us enjoyed a bit of quiet....at least for a little awhile! The adventure is sure to continue, however!

Hitty Rowan

Hitty and Penny

Greetings Again Dear Readers!

I have been most fortunate as far as outings lately! Today I was privileged to accompany my people into the fall forest once again! This time, however, a new friend tagged along. Her name is Penny. Penny is new to our household and this is her first outing ever. Quite exciting!

Penny is one of our furry friends. Unfortunately, Penny was not the only furry creature on the outing. I wouldn't call the other furry creature friendly, however, since she likes to EAT bears and dolls.

Penny and I managed to stay far away from the Dangerous Dog. We climbed a post to have a better view of the pond.

We were hoping for an outing on the lake, but there was not enough time to take the boat out this trip.

But, we still found plenty to do. Searching for the last of the little flowers before the first frost takes them away until spring......

Simply sitting and enjoying the fall day....

And, climbing to new heights before our trip was over!

The best part is, weather permitting, our people plan to bring a tent to camp out overnight here in the forest in two weeks time...and we get to come along for our very first camping trip!

Hitty Rowan

Rivendell Academy Becomes More Complete

Greetings Friends! It has been a busy couple of days! We finally found suitable wallpaper for Rivendell Academy and set to work putting it up. There is still work to be done, but I must say, we were all pleased with the results so far! Master Elrond's office is at long last becoming fit for an Elven Lord!

Ms. Merriweather finally has the "proper schoolroom" she has longed for quite awhile!

There is a corkboard to showcase, as Ms. Merriweather puts it, "Exemplary Student Achievements".....the students are working hard right now to be the first to have their work displayed.

Professor Arthur the Bear is in charge of the younger students, including his neice Miffy and his nephew Paddington. He tries hard to keep Nissa and Nim "in-line" as Ms. Merriweather would say, but it is rather hard making a fairy and a pixie sit still for lessons all day.

Mrs. Merriweather is in charge of the older student and keeps a sharp eye on them to make sure their is no "window gazing." It is rather tempting to peek out at the happenings in the valley outside!

After their lessons, the girls can retire to their new dormitory...I think it is quite a pleasant place for the girls to play or rest after a hard day's work.

Elrond and Celebrian have been busy preparing a room for the impending arrival of their grandaughter. Ms. Merriweather thinks the room is "a bit much" for a student's dormitory.
I don't know what could have possibly given her that idea...what, with chocolates, a velvet dress, and perfume awaiting....a "magic" phone to call home (the elves don't really use phones like we mortals do, but Celebrian and Elrond read that human teenagers are quite fond of the phone, so they decided their grandaughter should have something similiar)...
A lapdog.....
A doll companion with a dresser full of clothes....hmmmm....Ms. Merriweather might be correct...it is not your typical student dormitory! Master Elrond and Lady Celebrian might have gotten just a bit carried away. But, I think it is a room our soon to arrive Elven teenager will indeed enjoy.

Hopefully, she won't enjoy it so much it interferes with her studies!

Well, I will keep you updated on all the happenings of our household as they unfold, but that is all for today,

Yours Truly,

Hitty Rowan

Fall in the Mountains

Greetings Dear Friends! When last I wrote, it was summer. How quickly pass the days! Fall is in the air and my people, Mr. and Mrs. H., decided to take a trip into the mountains to catch a glimpse of the fall foliage.

On our way up to the mountains of the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, we stopped to look at a local dam. Fortunately, the usual torrent of water was turned off and we were able to venture closer than usual on this day.

But, I must admit, I was still a bit nervous when we climbed down the stairs that led to the water's edge.

It gave me a bit of a shudder to think of being swept away with the awesome force of the currents if the dam was turned on! Mrs. H. re-assured me that the sirens would sound if for some reason the dam was turned on. However, it was not scheduled to be on today.

Still, I was a bit relieved when we resumed our journey to the mountain park. We stopped at the site of the 1996 summer Olympics white water rafting center. Further on down the river, where the current was swift and the water deeper, we saw several rafters out enjoying the fall day. My people discussed returning to the park to try a bit of rafting themselves next summer. I do hope they provide me with a waterproof pouch during that event!

We hiked a bit on the mountain trails. I found a fetching new fall fashion along the way!

The hike was quite long and we all stopped to rest a bit. I found the perfect place to sit for a spell!

There were signs all around warning people to beware of black bears. However, the most fearsome thing we encountered were some rather large centipedes. I thought they were rather frightening enough, actually...especially when you are a small doll.

On the way down the mountain, we stopped by a lovely lake.

I didn't mind being close to the still waters of the lake! Much more relaxing than sitting at the edge of the waters below the dam. I did have one brief scare when Master H. wondered how far I would float, being made of wood. I was quite relieved when Mrs. H. informed him that if I were to set sail, he would be going in after me so he had best leave me right were I was. Master H. can be quite the joker sometimes...at least, I hope he was joking...

Later, we visited Mrs. H's. father. He works at a rock crusher far up in the hills were he grew up years ago. He took us to the top of the hill they are working on now.

The view was quite spectacular, although one had to be sure not to get to close to the edge of the ravine in order to avoid starting a rock slide.

We wandered about the hills....finding some lovely flowers along the way.
The best part, however, was stopping by a pond far up the hillside....undisturbed except for the rare visitor. The beavers had been quite busy in the pond! We could see the little homes they had dug for themselves. After surveying their handiwork, I could quite see where the expression, "Busy as a beaver" comes from.
Overall, a lovely fall adventure!

Until Next Time,

Hitty Rowan

Rivendell Academy

My, my, my....I just CAN'T keep up with all the changes around here today! No sooner had we helped Elrond and Celebrian settle in their new home then another difficulty arose. In the form of a mischievous half-Elven little girl...Merilwen to be exact.

I was catching up on my journaling when Merilwen came into my study. She was not at all her usual rather boisterous self. In fact, she was practically dragging. I have never seen her so long in the face.

"Why, Merilwen, whatever is the matter?" I asked.

"Oh, nothing Hitty Rowan. I was just watching Master Elrond and Lady Celebrian move into their new home."

"Yes...it is rather exciting isn't it?" I remarked...hoping to see some of Merilwen's usual enthusiasm.

"I guess. I suppose....I suppose Elrond's grandaughter will be really happy there. " Merilwen hesitatingly replied.

"Yes, I am sure she will be happy. And, you can go visit all you like and you will be happy too." I did hope this would cheer Merilwen up.

"It isn't the same, though...." she began. At that moment, I was unfortunately distracted by Miss Hickory yelling about something in the kitchen she needed help with.

"Oh, Merilwen dear, I would love to talk later...perhaps for the moment you could go practice your piano lessons, or take a nap if you are tired."

"I guess so." Merilwen rather drearily replied. I really hated to leave her, but one doesn't ignore Miss Hickory when she yells about the kitchen.

I ran to tend to that matter, and Merilwen sulked off to practice piano.

She didn't practice very long, but soon made her way upstairs with her beloved doll Annabelle.

Merilwen sat on the bed sighing, then confided in her closest companion, "Annabelle, nothing here is really ours. It isn't really our home...this isn't my room...these aren't even my pillows. I know Hitty Rowan says it is our home just as much as hers, but...it's just...it's just...I miss how it used to be. You remember, when this was Miss Merriweather's academy. What good times we used to have! Me and Betsy, Nim and Nissa. I know Nim and Nissa live here too...but it isn't an academy. Sometimes I just hate all the changes. I know we companions just don't have as much room as we used to, but I miss the academy. There isn't an academy anywhere here anymore. I know Betsy comes to visit, but I wish she lived here. I know...I know Annabelle...there isn't room. I just can't helping wishing.....oh, never mind. There is no use in wishing."

Merilwen slunk downstairs again, where I found her in my office, staring at Elrond's new home.

"Oh, there you are Merilwen. I am so sorry about the interruption earlier. I was hoping you would be cheered up by now...but it looks like I was wrong. What is bothering you so much, my dear?"

Merilwen looked close to tears, and stammered out the feelings she had confided to Annabelle. I must admit, I felt my heart sink. All this time, with all the recent changes, poor Merilwen and Betsy, Nim and Nissa...all had been quite lost and overlooked. Yes, they had a home of sorts...but not the kind of home they needed. How could we have not realized the girls might even miss....school.

"Merilwen, have you told Miss Merriweather and Elrond how you feel?"

"No," the child choked out. "What can they do?"

"I...I don't know...but there might be a solution yet. Let's go speak with Ms. Merriweather. My heart almost broke as Merilwen spoke.

"Oh Miss Merriweather. I don't want to cause trouble...I really don't. I love Hitty Rowan and it is nice here...but I miss how it used to be so, so much! You know, when you and me and Master Elrond and Betsy and Nissa and Nim got to go places together and lived in the academy..we, we...were a family."

"Oh, my darling Merilwen," cried Ms. Merriweather. "We still ARE a family! We may not live in the same house anymore, or have an academy, but we see each other every day. And, you have lessons everyday with Betsy...."

"But, it's...just...not the same," Merilwen whispered in a small, dejected voice.

Ms. Merriweather sighed. "Oh Merilwen. My dear, dear Merilwen. I am afraid your Miss Merriweather doesn't have a solution for this dilemma."

"Do you think, maybe Master Elrond can help?" Merilwen whispered.

"I don't know, Merilwen." Ms. Merriweather sadly replied.

"Can I ask?" Merilwen said, a bit hopefully.

"Well, it never hurts to ask."

With that, Merilwen set off to Elrond's house.

Master Elrond and Lady Celebrian listened intently to the little girl.

They exchanged a long look.

"Merilwen," Master Elrond said gently, all the while looking at Celebrian, "I think we might be able to help."

Merilwen's face lit with joy, "You can????"

"I think we can," Celebrian smiled. "Why don't you go sit with Ms. Merriweather for a bit and let us discuss some things?"

Merilwen trotted off with a lighter heart. Elrond and Celebrian looked at each other for a long moment.

"Elrond," Celebrian began. "There is indeed much space here."

"Yes, there is, my dear. It is not exactly what we intended, though, is it?"

"No. But, you have to admit, it will be quite the adventure." Celebrian chuckled.

"Knowing Merilwen and our grandaughter...it will be indeed," Elrond replied, hiding a smile.

"Well, let the adventure begin," Celebrian laughed.

And indeed the adventure did begin. We all helped Miss Merriweather, Merilwen, Betsy, Nim, and Nissa move into their new home.

And The Rivendell Academy began....what an adventure it will be!

Especially if it is anything like the past academy adventures:

http://merilwensmusings.blogspot.com/

Hitty Rowan