Pickle Chiffon Pie

Grandma Lu had gone home and told her husband about the new school and what they were trying to accomplish. She said, "You know that old book that I wrapped and hid? Well CoraLynn found it and put it in the kitchen because she thought it was a cookbook. I'm going to that school tomorrow and tell the story of the Pickle-Chiffon Pie. I wonder what they will think of it. You know the photographer made fun of my clothes and hat. I wonder if that person was hired on purpose to learn some kindness. Interesting Mrs. K. Interesting. You are already making a difference because I didn't say anything mean to him. I smiled at him. Hmm. You and your teachers just might be on to something."

The next day Grandma Lu spent a lot of time on her appearance. She wanted to look extra special for her first time telling a story at the new school. So she put her new hat on and for a special touch she decided for extra special luck to wear her three leaf clover earrings. She didn't believe in things like that much, but she needed all the help she could get. She wished her shirt fit a little better, but she decided it was okay.

When Grandma Lu got to the school the students were already on their way into the gym. When they got themselves settled Grandma Lu walked out onto the stage and said, "Hello, I'm Grandma Lu." She found herself frowning because she could hear scuffling and snickering. She heard children as well as some grownups talking about her outfit. She heard one person say "Look her top. It doesn't fit right, and who wears green cloverleaf earrings? Another person said, "Does she always wear costumes when she goes out?" When she heard someone say, "I think she needs to go on a diet. She's really fat." She thought for a moment and said, "I'm sorry my clothes don't meet with your approval and I'm sorry you think that I eat too much. But you know what? I like what I'm wearing and most people like me, so today I want you all to listen very carefully while I tell you a story. It's a story that I have read to my children as well as many many other children until the cover is about to fall off. I think many of you need to hear this story. It just might make you see me in a different light. So I would appreciate it if you would please listen quietly. Thank you."
The noise continued. Then Grandma Lu thought about that new Smart Board. There was one on the stage. She hooked the computer up to it and started a video for the students and teachers. All of a sudden there was complete quiet. No one was talking; they were listening to the video. "Hmm, maybe this new technology has a good twist to it. It seems to be working already. Hopefully their attitude will be just a little bit better because of my old book and the benefit of the new technology."

While the students at the new school were watching Grandma Lu's video and hopefully learning about love and kindness, little Marlee was missing Grandma Lu and several other young children were too. They wanted their Grandma Lu to tell them the story of Thumbelina. Marlee had found it with some other books at Marleewood.
 Marlee couldn't read the words, but it looked to her like a tiny little baby, flowers, toads, moles, and birds and a fairy godmother; the perfect story.