Smorgasbord Short Stories – Tales from the Spanish Garden – Chapter Seven – Little Girl Lost by Sally Cronin

This is the prequel to Tales from the Irish garden and shares the stories of statues we inherited when we bought the house, and for the magic kingdom beneath the Magnolia Tree. The book is also available in Spanish translated by
Olga Nunez Miret

Chapter Seven – Little Girl Lost

I am a long way from home and find myself in a strange place listening to a language I do not understand. The winter nights are colder than I am used to and the wind is harsh as it brings snow and ice to fill my basket and numb my bare toes. Now the searing sun is blazing down and although I have been placed in a shady place, it is not like the green and mild garden of my home.

I was given to an old lady many years ago to stand in an alcove on a bed of lobelia that frothed around my feet with soft blue. She would look out of her window from her high backed chair and each day she would fill my basket with water for the blackbird to drink from after he had eaten his sultanas for breakfast.

As the seasons passed many people would come and go along the path beside me. I would hear them say such things as ‘Isn’t she sweet? and ‘Such a pretty little girl’. I felt that I was special and cared for. Each new season the blue ceramic pot in front of me would hold new flowers. Geraniums in the summer and wintering flowering pansies for the winter. I loved to watch the old lady spend her afternoon carefully placing the new blooms around the rim.

As the years went by my friend became frailer, and I was moved closer to the window for her to see me, but I still kept watch over the garden and the creatures that visited. On warm days she would venture outside with her stick and touch the top of my head with her frail hand.

‘How are you today my fairy princess?’

Other creatures popped into amuse us at dusk. The hedgehog who stole any sultanas left by the blackbird and the fox and her cubs. I could hear the old lady laughing as she stood by the window watching them at play.

Then one day there was no more laughter behind the window. People came and went and the garden seemed to wait with bated breath. Suddenly it went dark as I was covered by many layers of popping material and I could not see. I was packed tight between boxes and for many days I was bounced between them.

When my eyes were uncovered I found myself alone on a balcony without friend or foxes. And I was sad. But then one morning I woke to find that with the sun, had come new friends, and in my basket were special stones from around the world that had been given to me to safeguard.

I had been placed on a step with a view over the garden and mountains and strong companions stood beside me to keep me safe.

I am happy now and whilst I miss the old lady I have my friends and a place by the front door where all that come and go can see and talk to me. My new mistress whispered to me as she placed another stone in my basket. ” Wherever we go; you will go with us little fairy princess”.

©Sally Cronin Tales from the Garden 2015

About Tales from the Garden

Tales from the Garden reveals the secrets that are hidden beneath hedges and trees. You will discover what really happens at night as you sleep unaware in your bed. Stone statues and those hidden worlds within the earth are about to share their stories. The guardians who have kept the sanctuary safe for over fifty years will allow you to peek behind the scenes of this magical place. They will take you on a journey through time and expand your horizons as they transport you to the land of fairies, butterflies and lost souls who have found a home here. Fairy Stories for children of all ages from five to ninety-five that will change the way you look at your garden forever.

One of the reviews for the collection.

Robbie Cheadle 5.0 out of 5 stars An enthralling book Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2021

I really enjoyed Tales From The Garden by Sally Cronin. A collection of short stories about life and love in the garden, each tale is completely different and filled with mystery and delight. Two of my favourite tales were Trouble in Paradise and The Boy, His Dog and a Fairy Princess.

Trouble in Paradise is a traditional tale of a woman scorned except that in this particular case, the woman happens to be the Queen of the Fairies. This is a story of disappointment and retribution as well as love and forgiveness. The story is beautifully told and is full of lovely imagery. One particular sentence that I really like was “They were bitter drops of sadness and soon the lovely petals began to shrivel and fall to the ground before their time.” This sentence speaks such volumes and really describes anguish and pain.

I read the story of The Boy, His Dog and a Fairy Princess to my 11-year old son, Michael. He was quite enthralled by it. Sally’s description of the gorgeous fairy and the boy’s secret glimpses of her completely fascinated Michael. This pleased me greatly as my Michael is a “real boy” who loves swords, pirates and drumming. I was delighted to see that he was able to appreciate the delightful story and writing. Michael was especially pleased when the boy got his own puppy. Michael loves animals and was very thrilled about the idea of the boy having his own puppy all to himself (Mike has a brother he always has to share with). I must add that the story impacted Michael to such an extent that he shed a few tears at the end.

Tales From the Garden is illustrated with some very special photographs that really match the mood and tone of the book. I would recommend this book for everyone from ages 5 to 99 years old.

You can find out about my other books and their most recent reviews: :Sally’s books and reviews

 

I hope you will join me next Saturday for the next chapter in the Tales from the Spanish Garden. Thanks Sally.