As the piece of cloth,

Lay in my hands,

The lifeless, nostalgic pictures,

Stirred to reality in my mind.

The hard times,

And the joyful events,

Of my family’s past,

Danced in my thoughts.

My great, great grandfather,

Who sailed the vast Arabian Ocean,

My great, great grandmother,

The one who started this quilt,

My great grandfather,

Who founded our family supermarket,

My great grandmother,

A nurse that supported people in wars,

My grandfather,

Who helped make the light bulb,

My grandmother ,

Who invented our family’s secret recipe to make perfect scones,

My father,

An archaeologist , with many discoveries,

My mother,

A poet that touches everyone’s hearts,

Now it’s my turn to unravel my story,

One that can be inspiration for the future generations.

I did these haiku’s with a friend.

Sunrise

Early morning dew, 

Glittering in the sunbeams, 

With ascending hue. 

Sunset

Late evening rush, 

Waves under the horizon, 

Darkness overhead. 

Night Sky

An artist’s picture, 

A great ebony blanket, 

Spread with night light stars. 

Amy impetuously accepted the challenge from the stranger.

“You know that this is spontaneous right Amy? It might be dangerous, you don’t even know that person,” I warned. Amy was my best friend and I didn’t want her to get hurt.

“Oh… it’s no big deal Emmie and if Serena said she could do it, then I can too!” Amy retorted pretentiously.

“Anyways, there is nothing to lose Emmie,” Amy said disparagingly.

I silently left Amy’s house. There was something wrong about Amy, not as being dysfunctional, but she’s been acting disdain. My normal, caring BFF was now treating me indifferently. She was apathetic to my warnings. I also noticed another change… at school, Amy and I were laying own on the perfectly manicured grass, when she saw Serena and her friends. Serena’s group thought that they were supercilious or condescending to the rest of the school. Amy said she needed to go to the bathroom, but disappeared for the rest of lunch. I just went to class, hoping I would see her there, but no sign of her. It was unusual for Amy, and A+ students to be late for class.

In the middle of the class, she trudged in and got berated by the teacher for being very late. In a derogatory and snide manner she took her seat, then imitated the teacher.

Amy’s sudden not so good changes were getting to me and making me feel agitated. The thing that troubled me the most was if she rescinded to be my friend.

Croatia, a country located in the Balkans, the southeast of Europe. Officially the Republic of Croatia, this country shares a maritime border with Italy. The capital of this place is Zagreb and this country has a population of 4.058 million people in 2020. The national animal of Hrvatska, (Croatia in Croatian), is Kuna, otherwise known as the Marten in English. This is why their currency is called Croatian Kuna, but 1 Kuna equals 100 lipas. The religion is mainly Christian in the population, but 86% of all Croatians are Roman Catholics. Hrvatska has a unique and rich cuisine, culture, tourist attractions and historical significance. 

Cuisine in Croatia has a mix of modern and traditional food. A notable traditional dish is Black Risotto, locally known as crni rizot. This meal is prepared with cuttlefish or squid, olive oil, garlic, red wine and squid ink. The squid ink gives an extraordinary seafood flavour and a dark colour. Another local food is Croatian Truffles, or Istrian Truffles. The remarkable taste of them comes from the hinterlands and dense forests. Deep in the clay, an underground truffle mecca can be found. Some traditional Croatian ingredients include AJVAR, a condiment made from red bell peppers and oil, POLENTA, a maize flour similar to cornmeal, and garlic, to add flavour. 

The rich culture of Croatia is mixed with residues of earlier Greek, Roman and Bronze Age Civilisations. Its visual elements were also influenced by the Venetian Renaissance period. This was a major force of painting Italy. Croatian celebrations have in-depth meaning, like the Korčula Sword Dance Festival. This is celebrated on an island in Croatia, called Korcula. Going back hundreds of years ago, this dance is an intricate production displaying two, veiled, young women involving a mock battle. Many well-known staples in pop culture are from old Croatian mythology, first called Slavic Mythology. Before Christianity came, the first Croatians originated from a larger group of Slavic people. Slavic is a branch of Indo-European language family that includes a combination of many EUROPEAN and other languages.  An example of their gods are Perun. He is the highest god of the Slavic Panthenon. He is the raging lord of heaven and the god of lightning and thunder. 

Hrvatska is known for its beaches. One of the beaches is called Zlatni rat beach. This beach is one of the most representative landscapes of Bol, Croatia. The tip of this beach keeps changing its shape continuously, because of the winds, waves and sea currents. Split, a city in Croatia is built over an ancient Roman Palace. It is called Diocletian’s Palace, named after their Emperor. Parts of this bygone structure still remain preserved in Split. Currently, about 3,000 people live in the structure with 220 buildings and a plethora of bars, restaurants and shops. A scene in the movie, Game of Thrones was filmed in Minceta Tower. This tower is a fortress, a defence point of Hrvatska. Minceta Tower was originally built in 1319, to be a shielding fort after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire. 

Croatia’s national anthem, Lijepa naša domovino, was made in 1835. It wasn’t until 1972 they made the anthem official. The title translates to Our Beautiful Homeland. Hrvatska declared its independence in 1991 when Yugoslavia split into six different countries. Nonetheless, Serbia and Croatia still have some border disputes over areas along the Danube River. Did you know that the Croatian Engineer, Slavoljub Penkala invented the mechanical pencil?

Flora anxiously bit her nails. Today was the day she would tell her parents, tell her parents her actual dreams…, her intentions for her future. Ada, her mother, bustled around the kitchen. Today she would reveal her thoughts and epiphany’s to her daughter.

“Salt your teeth Flora,” called the most loyal servant, “Then I’ll dress you in a new, laced frock.”

Grumbling, Flora roughly pushed her cover away, because she was disturbed in thoughts, only to find her mother staring down at her, with DISGUST written all over her face.

“Florence Eleanor Clermont Bridgeham, what a disgrace! No proper lady would exit their bed like that,” scolded her mother.

Flora gulped, no one ever called her with her full name, except her mother.

Quickly fixing her covers, she solemnly stated,

“I regret my actions, mother. I will never repeat them.”

Satisfied, Ada responded,

“Wonderful, now get dressed and “elegantly” come downstairs to the drawing room. I have a surprise!”

Flora nodded and thought,” mother might have the same intention as me, for my future.”

Flora hurried downstairs, in a rush to know what surprise was awaiting her, but still elegantly as her mother had instructed. Ada tried to contain her excitement, because no proper lady would burst ecstatically and bounce up and down. Flora entered the drawing room and saw her mother holding a pamphlet… was it? Could it be?

“Florence, you will be attending…,” said Ada.

“Engineering SCHOOL!” ended Flora in a loud voice.

“No, that’s a ridiculous thought. Only boys and tomboys would attend a school like that, where you become all dirty and musty. You will be attending Miriam’s Etiquette School for Proper Young Ladies,” Ada responded

“NOOOO! MY DREAMS HAVE BEEN CRUSHED!” Flora sobbed. 😭

CHAPTER 4: The Truth

While Lyah, Cynthia and Lizzie were packing their bags. I quickly snatched the locket from my aunt’s clammy, cold hand. She was laying on the floor, lifeless. Would Lyah accuse me of my aunt’s sudden fall?If she did, would I be trialed or sent to jail straightaway sent to prison? Whatever I do, I have to be careful. I packed a few clothes and of course the locket. This locket is more stranger than a detective movie. In the boarding house, once a year, we got to watch one movie.

Every year, we chose a detective movie. Now I hardly get a break. The only time I get to relax my body are meal-times and when I am sleeping. Oh…, how I crave my life back at the boarding house. I don’t even get to watch anything on the television. Sometimes I creep downstairs, only to my aunt and her three daughters watching ” A Royal Family’s Life.” I find that show boring. So before we went to the hospital, Lyah took some money from my aunt’s purse. Cynthia sneaked some money into her pocket. She was going to buy candy. Cynthia loved candy,…she was CRAZY for it! I wasn’t going to dob on her to Lyah. Lyah would just sneer rude remarks, such as, “Liar, you never tell the truth” or “Why do you care, you have probably done it before”.

Lyah ordered me to get the wheelbarrow from the garden. With great effort, I heaved the wheelbarrow towards Lyah. Then Lyah’s plan with the wheelbarrow made sense. She was going to place our aunt into the wheelbarrow and of course make me push it to to hospital. If Lyah asked me to push the wheelbarrow, which was 99% going to happen, I would refuse. The wheelbarrow alone was quite heavy, but my aunt on it, would be unimaginable. My aunt won’t do any exercise or even lift a finger to help me in my chores. Not to mention she only eats sweets and junk food. I could already imagine me fainting, because of the strain. No matter what, I had to convince Lyah to not make me push it, but people change.

Surprise, surprise! Lyah heaved my aunt onto the wheelbarrow and started pushing. Lizzie and Cynthia silently followed. I stayed as still as a statue, with my mouth hanging wide open and I didn’t care if flies got into my mouth.

“Daisy are you coming. we’re going to the hospital,” Lyah said with a monotonous voice. I was even more surprised. Lyah didn’t hint a single bit of rudeness and called me my proper name. I paused, expecting a mean comment to shoot out from her mouth.

“Well, hurry up! Are you coming?” Lizzie blurted out impatiently.

Before making my decision, I thought,”If I don’t go with them, then I can escape and maybe live with Maisie.” Then guilt washed over me. It was partially my fault that my aunt fainted and Lyah, Lizzie and Cynthia probably did not know how to take care of themselves, because everything was always done for them.

I sighed and replied,”Yes, I will come with you.”

We shuffled our way through the crowds and made our way to the hospital. When we reached the hospital, Lyah explained our situation. Taking pity on us, the nurses let us in. The doctor met us in a few minutes and examined our aunt.

“What is her name?” he questioned.

Lyah responded,”Cordiella Spier.”

Cynthia squealed,” No…, her name is Cordiella Greg!”

Lizzie shook her head and said,” Cordiella Smith.”

Confused, I said,” She told me her name was Cordiella Stout.”

The doctor frowned and said,” Her identification card says her name is Cordiella Johnson.”

CHAPTER 3- My Aunt’s Fall

The next day I insisted on going shopping again.

My aunt frowned and then said,” off you go then.”

I returned home with depression written all over my face, because I didn’t see my sister. When I reached home, I went to my my bedroom, the attic, and searched for the necklace and locket Maisie gave me. After I made sure I checked every nook and cranny of the room, I sighed with frustration and went downstairs. On the kitchen table, Cynthia, Lizzie and Lyah were crowding over something.

“Where is my…,” I began to say, but Lyah interrupted

“Looking for this, little scoundrel?” Lyah held up the golden-yellow necklace with the locket attached to it.

“Mine now,” she sniggered.

“No, MINE!” Lizzie and Cynthia screamed in unsion.

My aunt snatched the necklace from Lyah and growled,” let’s ask her for the key to the locket.”

I frowned. What Key??

“There is no key,”I blurted out honestly.

“Liar! Open it now” my aunt yelled at the top of her lungs while she slapped me.

With my bare hands I opened locket. My aunt and her three daughters gaped at me.

“Give it to me now and retreat to your room,” my aunt demanded with a hint of fear. I thrust the necklace into her hands and stomped of to my room.

“Goodness gracious me!” my aunt murmured under her breath. “D…Dai…Daisy?” was all she managed to stutter.

I walked back downstairs and Cynthia, Lizzie and Lyah still had their mouths wide open, but not because of how I could open the locket with my hands, all their attention was on my aunt. She was on the ground. She had fainted. Lizzie’s ears turned red and she opened her mouth to yell at me, but all she let out were tears from her eyes and a slight sniffle.

Lyah whispered,” Get your bags and clothes for a few days, we’re going to the hospital.” T

CHAPTER 2: THE STRANGE GIRL

September 5th 1974 >>>

This was the date every year I regretted coming with this city lady which I call ‘AUNT’. I wasn’t even sure if she was my Aunt because I’ve never seen my mother, so I can’t really justify her as my Aunt. Working in my Aunt’s house was worse than the boarding house. I had to polish and dust every bit of furniture in my Aunt’s mansion. My Aunt had 3 daughters with posh names: Cynthia Rose, Lizzie Yasmin and the oldest and most meanest, Lyah Michelle. They teased me everyday! It was my birthday on September 24th, I was officially 13! I woke up thinking there would be streamers everywhere and a small cake on the table top, at least that was what my friends in the boarding house did. My expectations were not the least granted. My birthday morning was having Lizzie and Cynthia barge into the attic, where I slept, and have them jump on my bed.

Cynthia yelled,” GET OFF SERVANT DAISY AND NOW GO TO THE DUMPSTER WHERE YOU BELONG!”

I rolled my eyes and sat on the floor. Lyah walked into the attic and sat on my bed.

“Lyah, you’re 17, my bed can’t bear that much weight, please get off!” I told her.

“Lyah, you’re 17, my bed can’t bear that much weight, please get off!” mimicked Lyah. “You aren’t the boss of me,” Lyah snarled, while glaring at me with pure hatred.

After breakfast, my Aunt asked me to go to the shops and buy some groceries. When I was coming back, this girl was staring at me. She had long, brown hair and emerald eyes, just like me. She tilted her head, as though I was an alien.

She softly said,” Hi I’m Maisie, you’re Daisy right?”

“Yeah, I am, how did you know?” I asked her.

“Well… don’t get shocked, I’m your sister,” she answered.

I gaped at her in awe.

“You’d better go, our Aunt will be waiting. She hates me, so don’t mention me in front of her,” Maisie blabbered. “Oops…, I forgot to give you this,” she said. It was a golden necklace with a locket. Inside the locket was a picture of a beautiful lady. “That’s our mother,” Maisie said pointing at the picture. “I’d better go,” she said. I wanted to ask her so many things, like how she got the locket and why our Aunt hated her but I nodded obediently like a dog. While walking back to my Aunt’s house I daydreamed about having a sister. I was in such deep thoughts, I almost walked into our neighbour’s mailbox. When I reached my Aunt’s house, I dropped the grocery bag on the platform, I sank into the couch , sighed contentedly and gazed at the ceiling with a smile. “Daisy, why are you so happy, you normally complain about how much your muscles ache and why one of my daughters can’t go to the shops?” my Aunt questioned me. I just shrugged, I wasn’t going to let my Aunt’s grouchiness ruin my happiness. I was usually not happy, so I must have looked weird.

Once upon a time, there lived a little Sheila called Little Green ’n’ Gold. She lived in an old shack in the outback with her mum.

One day, her mum wanted her to go to her nanna’s hut and give her a lamington and some beer. So, she piled it all in an Esky grabbed her sunnies and started to walk to her nan’s.

As she walked through the dry, barren bush, she heard the dry leaves crunching under her feet. She could smell the burnt wood and see black remains of ashes and the partially felled trees.

Suddenly, she heard a noise and turned around. Standing in front of her was a huge, cruel and wicked dingo but Little Green’n’ Gold Sheila wasn’t a wuss. The dingo said in his sweetest voice,” G’Day little Sheila, where are you of to?”

“Why should I tell you,” she said.

“Well, I’m the most trusted dingo by humans in Oz,” he replied.

“I’m going to nanna’s because she is sick,” she said. “She lives right near the waratah bush.”
“Well, little Sheila, why don’t you pick a few gum leaves to clear up her blocked nose,” said the dingo.
“Oh, that is a great idea!”she exclaimed. “I’ll be at her hut by this arvo!” She scampered into the thorny bushes near the fresh gum trees to pick some leaves.

In the meanwhile, the cunning dingo went to Nan’s old hut and knocked on the hatch gently. “Who is it?”nan wheezed.
“It’s me your darling Sheila,” the dingo replied.
“Which one, the naughty Sheila or the good Sheila?”Nanna asked again. This question puzzled the dingo, he wasn’t sure what to answer so, instead of answering he pushed the hatch open.
Nanna was confused how her darling sheila had such big ears, a big mouth, a nose and big hands. As soon as the dingo had opened the door he shut nanna in her closet and took her clothes! After picking a few gum leaves the Little Green’n’Gold Sheila went to her nanna’s house and found the door to be burst in. She felt a little afraid to go in but she knew her nan was very weak and needed help.

She gasped when she saw her nan, and screamed and then fainted. A group of tourists who were visiting the outback heard the scream and rushed to the hut and found the dingo relaxing. They shot the dingo with a gun and he lay dead. They woke up The Little Green’n’Gold sheila she found her nanna and gave her clothes back to her. After having a long exhausting day the Little Green’n’ Gold Sheila, her nan and the group of tourists had a nice barbie and lived happily ever after.

THE END!

Happy Mother’s Day!
Relax and Play!

But I have much more to say…

Let’s ride imaginary sleighs,

And glide over cafes.

Instead of completing essays,

Let’s enjoy a buffet.

We will do ballet,

then hang from archways.

We’ll make souffle’s,

Until your birthday,

Where all this will replay!

Happy Mother’s Day!