There Was No Job But There Was Christmas Magic

 Charlotte was certainly puzzled when she saw that red Christmas ornament in her suitcase. She had no idea where it had come from. She didn't have time to waste thinking about it. She picked it up and put it in her coat pocket and promptly forgot about it. She needed to get busy and get down the street hopefully to get the job as a waitress. Oh how she hoped she would get it. Her children had already said that they were hungry. She told them that she loved them and would try to bring home some food for them on her way home. "Now be good children and I'll be back soon. These nice people will take care of you while I am gone."

She easily found the place. When she walked in, the cafe was empty, but a nice lady was behind the counter and said, "Hello there. What may I get you?"

Charlotte said, "I heard that you were in need of a waitress. May I apply for the job?" The lady laughed and said, "Do you see any people in here? I don't have enough customers to keep me busy let alone hire someone. I'm sorry, but I have no idea who told you that I needed help. Times are tough nowadays. Would you like a cup of coffee, maybe a fresh roll? They are just about ready to come out of the oven. I had a friend that made them from scratch. She said they were a Christmas gift. I would love to share them with you."

The tears were falling down Charlotte's cheeks. She was tired, beat down, and now no job. Why had that lady told her a lie? She wiped her face with the back of her hand and said, "Sure, could I have three of those rolls? My children are at the boarding house and they are hungry."

The lady said, "We don't have a boarding house in our little town, dear. The only big house in town is owned by a mean old man that is so stingy he won't even celebrate Christmas with his bookkeeper. The poor guy; he has a little boy that could sure use a Christmas gift. He doesn't have enough money to buy him one. Are you sure you are alright? I'd better go get you something to eat. I think you need food and something hot to drink. Take your coat off and warm up a bit. I'll be right back."

The nice lady nor Charlotte noticed when the magic red ball dropped out of her coat pocket onto the floor nor that a bright light and an angel appeared watching over her.

At the North Pole Mrs. Claus was handing Santa Claus a red Christmas ornament as she kissed him goodbye. "Here, dear, I think that a little more magic is needed this year. Make sure you drop it off where it is needed the most. Remember when you dropped off one of these magic red balls in England? That was about three hundred years ago, wasn't it? Boy, that was a sad state of affairs, wasn't it?"

"If I remember right, that little boy's name was Chardon. He was a son of an inn keeper. In those days it was little more than a tavern. There were a lot of men gambling and drinking. Chardon's mother was having a hard time there. Men sometimes yelled at her and even hit her. It made Chardon so angry that he wasn't big enough to help her when his father did nothing about those men abusing his mother. Remember, Santa, when a rich nobleman came in? He had gotten into a fight and didn't want the king to find out. He had given Chardon a red ruby. It was very valuable. The nobleman told Chardon to hide his horse and never tell anyone that he had been there. Chardon did as he was told. As he was outside hiding the rich man's horse in the stable he made himself a promise. "Someday I am going to get on a big ship and get my mother and me out of this country. We need to be free and able to be happy. We need a miracle."

Chardon looked over his shoulder and watched some noisy men playing a sport in the alley between the two buildings. He heard his father yell for him and went back into the inn to see what he wanted.

Good News Bad News On Christmas Eve

 As Charlotte walked the streets of the strange town she hoped and prayed that her mother's rich old uncle would allow them to stay with him until she found a job and could save enough money to find a place of their own. That was not to be the case however. He turned out to be a mean old man that told her to find her own way in the world. He said, "No one ever  helped me, now be off with you. I have money to count."

She couldn't believe her bad luck. It was Christmas Eve and never in her life did she imagine that she would be not only broke, but homeless as well. "It's alright, children. We will find a place." But as she trudged down the street she thought, "What a Scrooge." She turned to him and said, "Merry Christmas!" As they walked away they heard, "Bah hum bug to you."

Charlotte had only two dollars to her name. That money had to buy food and a room for her and her two children until she got a job. But what would she do with her children? Who would take care of them? This was the worst Christmas she could ever imagine. No gifts for her little ones and barely enough money to feed them.

Charlotte was too discouraged to even cry. She was determined that she could do this. As they walked she saw a sign. She couldn't believer her eyes. A room for rent for seventy-five cents!

She quickly hurried the children into the office and asked if they still had a room for rent. The nice couple said they sure did. They wanted to know how long she and the children were going to stay. Charlotte said, "Until I can get a job and save some money for our own place."

The man and lady looked at each other and grinned and said, "Do you have any experience in being a waitress? We know the little diner down the street was looking for someone. Why don't you get yourself settled and unpacked. If you would like, We can watch the children for you while you are gone."

Charlotte could not believe her luck. She didn't have much experience in being a waitress, but how hard could it be? It seemed to her that she had been told that there were grandmothers or something that had been waitresses; an old aunt maybe. She shook her head, "You got this, girl." She was nervous but excited and hurried her children into the small little room. She started to unpack a suitcase and was surprised by what she found inside.

Santa Makes Secret Stops Before Loading His Sleigh

 Kaysyn woke up to the sound of a familiar voice saying, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight as he flew over Kansas. She grinned and said, "I see you, Santa! Merry Christmas to you too!" As Kaysyn was waving to Santa, Marlee was dreaming of Christmas morning and Santa. What she didn't know was that Santa had also made a secret visit at her house on his way back to the North Pole. He had left her a little red Christmas ornament with a bit of magic in it. She would discover it in the morning when she woke up.

Santa remembered that he needed to see Maddox and give him a little magic to hang on his Christmas tree. He whispered, "You are the youngest of your family, but you will continue to carry on the Christmas magic for years and years. I have faith that your grandchildren will remember my visit tonight, sweet boy."

On his way back to the North Pole Santa made his last secret visit. He needed to stop at Arieanna and Livy's house in Massachusetts. He left Arie the magic filled red Christmas ornament. He explained that since she was older she needed to hang the pretty red ball on their Christmas tree and tell her baby sister that it had Christmas magic in it. He assured her that she was on his "nice" list and he would be back while she was asleep on Christmas Eve. And he was...

For generations Santa's magic had been shared with children, but there was a sad lady that had no thoughts of Christmas let alone magic. She had two children to support and no family or job. Christmas for her would be to find a job and somewhere to live that she could afford.  A big part of her money had gone towards a bus ticket to a small town in Missouri. Her name was Charlotte.

Santa's Visit

 Yes, the timber was buzzing alright. The news had spread far and wide about the wicked witch, Stella and the good Fairy Godmother, Deidra. Grandma Lu had helped them settle their differences once and for all. Of course, there was always trouble stirring in the timber. Crickets were rubbing their little wings together, birds were singing Grandma Lu's praises, well some of them were. Others liked the feuding and enjoyed watching the stories play out. Who would like such a thing? Isn't happiness the ultimate goal? The good knight, Lady Finnely, thought so and fought for happiness her whole life under King Arthur's rule.

The good knight, Lady Finnley, had been awarded her knighthood by the king himself along with her steadfast companion, Sir Buzz. They were together in the timber when three children came sliding down the tunnel all talking at once about Santa. They were telling every timber creature they could see that Santa was on his way. Siddalee, Raelie and Caden said that they had been good all year long so they were sure their names were on Santa's good list.

They said they knew that because Miles had been out in the timber and saw a reindeer with a man that said he was Santa's helper. He said that he was helping load up the sleigh when he got lost. Miles and his dog had helped him and rushed back to the house to tell his mom. The man said he would be sure to tell Santa that Mile's name would be on Santa's good list.

Just on the edge of the timber lived a small baby. Her name was Ellie.  Ellie had rolled over to the Christmas tree to see the the tree that her mama and daddy called a Christmas tree. Oh it was so pretty. As she lay there staring at the beautiful lights, Santa came to visit her on a rare, but sometimes necessary trip to the mainland before Christmas Eve. He whispered in her ear, "Here, Ellie, look at this beautiful red ball. It has just a little bit of Christmas magic on the inside. I am going to hang it on this Christmas tree and you can help spread my magic to your children and their children's children to come for hundreds of years. Believe, dear Ellie, believe."

In a flash he was gone. He had so much work to do before Christmas Eve, but visiting Ellie was so very important he had had to stop and visit with her before he was on his way back to the North Pole.

On his way out of Texas, Addie smiled and said, "See you soon, Santa. Merry Christmas."

Marlee Breaks The News To Whitlee Jo

 Grandma Lu's party had been a success, if not for too many people, and too many cats, the folks at Marleewood had shared something very special. A friendship that would last for years to come. They talked and laughed and played games, ate ice cream they had made themselves and ate
lots of good food. They stayed at Marleewood long into the evening, some after the Grandmas had left. The weather was beautiful and they had been cooped up in their homes far too long because of the dreaded virus that had caused so much illness around the world.

Family after family eventually took their tired children home for a much needed rest for the night.

Charlie had enjoyed her visit with her Grandma whom she called Nanny. Nanny had told her stories about her family and one especially about her great Aunt Charlotte. Charlie went to sleep thinking about the lady that she had never seen or heard of before. She would have loved to have known her...

Marlee had enough time to talk to Whitlee Jo and tell her all about Grandma Lu.

Marlee was surprised to find out that Whitlee knew all about Grandma Lu because she had come to know her last Christmas when she had lost her shoes. She had visited her in her sleep and told her not to worry. She said that she would spread the word and get her a pair for Christmas. She had told her that she personally knew Santa and she knew that he would help her and he did. Whitlee said, "So I know she believes in Santa and that kind of stuff."

Marlee said, "That's cool, but I need to tell you about my fairy wings. It's all Grandma Lu's doing. People and kids think she just tells stories at Marleewood, but that's just the beginning. She believes in magic. Look at me. I have wings! Nobody else has wings. She started this stuff over two years ago just about your age. She told Grandma B that I looked like I would like to go on adventures. She has had me on one adventure after another. It has been really fun, but I am telling you this because you are next. The way Grandma Lu was acting at the party today I think it's going to happen pretty soon. I've got your back, but if I were you I would stay away from the timber, just sayin.'"

Marlee was right because the timber was just buzzing with all that was happening this holiday season.

The Quiet Room Was What She Needed

 Grandma Lu was not feeling a bit well. She had been sneezing and her eyes were itching something fierce. She had a feeling there were some uninvited cats at the party. She had been overwhelmed by all the people that came. She was so very glad to see everyone, but instead of really enjoying herself, after awhile she found herself wanting to stay away from her friends. She needed some quiet and somewhere to sit down for a bit. She had gone out to the kitchen to see if her friend, Grandma B, needed any help and there in the cupboards, wouldn't you just know it, was a cat! Achoo! Achoo! "Mercy! I have to get out of here."

She happened to think about where she could go to just be quiet for a few minutes to  catch her breath. She knew just where she wanted to go; the Quiet Room. The Quiet Room was one of Grandma Lu's proudest accomplishments along with her friends at Marleewood. It was a room with a beautiful window, a comfortable chair, some books, but most of all quiet! When you wanted to use it you had to check to see if it was available. If someone was using it there was a Do Not Disturb sign that people hung up. Hoping against hope that her favorite room was available she saw with a smile that the sign wasn't up. She found the sign, hung it up and closed the door. As she started toward her favorite chair she said, "Oh my goodness! Someone has decorated for Christmas. What a beautiful Christmas quilt and a little Christmas tree. Oh this will be just what I need. And there is a sweet little stuffed dog. Oh yes, I will just sit for a minute, maybe just rest my eyes, just for a minute or two...

While Grandma Lu rested, there were some shenanigans going on. She woke up with a buzzing in her ear. The Fairy Godmother said, "Grandma Lu, wake up wake up! Hurry!" Stella the witch croaked, "Willow you silly cat, can't you do anything right? You were supposed to knock over a Christmas tree out there! You are fired!"

Willow yelled back, "I did what you told me to and I got all tangled up in the silly lights. You can't fire me, I quit!"

What Grandma Lu heard was angry voices; both thinking they were right. Then she grinned. She remembered a similar thing happening with her young children over fifty years ago. Her little girl and little boy were always fighting about who was right and who was wrong. These two needed to duke it out so she could have some peace and quiet. She was old enough to know all about the feud with Stella and Deidra in Grandma B's timber. Like her mother used to say, "You started it, I'm going to end it!" And of course, with Jackson as a referee all would be fair.

Of course, the beautiful little wood nymph had no clue what was going on in the Quiet Room. She had followed Grandma B and Whitlee Jo back to the mini farm. At long last she would be able to talk to her baby sister. Yes, she would explain her fairy wings and how she got them. It was time that Whitlee knew just what had been going on for the last two years. She had to tell her about Grandma Lu.

A Wink And All Was Well

 Witch Stella was getting up in years. She said to herself, "I just might be getting too old for this witching work. I have been here in this same old timber for two hundred years. I made a mistake and it just might cost me my retirement. I made the wrong Addie a witch. Marleewood has three Addies. I can't keep up. I have to get ahold of that cat, Willow. It's all his fault. I saw another Addie having fun at her birthday party. I'll make her a witch and make the other Addie trimming a Christmas tree. Then I'll have Willow knock it down. She will get into trouble for sure! But what should I do with the first Addie? Oh I know....

What Witch Stella didn't know was that The Fairy Godmother had already gotten her undercover fairies on the job. They were going to put a stop to her evil spells.

Everyone at Marleewood was having such a good time. Some of them had decided to make gingerbread and cookie houses and have a contest. Willow had sneaked inside and decided that this activity was right up his alley; not that he was an alley cat...

He watched and watched the grownups making and completing their projects. He jumped up and sat ever so quietly sitting by their finished work to see what mischief he could do with those children. They looked like they were having way too much fun. He had orders from Witch Stella to ruin it. Of course, the poor cat didn't know he was going to get fired from head cat to a poor stray kitten in the cold cold north no matter what he did from here on out. That's the bad witch for you.

Willow saw his chance to have some fun. He watched the little boys put the last letter of Marleewood on their gingerbread house. They were so proud. He just couldn't have that! In just a second Joshua and Liam let out a hoop and a holler! "We are in the gingerbread house! Help, mama, help!"

Other folks making gingerbread houses were surprised too! One grandma said, "Hang on! Little One. I think there is a Grinch at this party." Oh my goodness, what did Willow do? Or was it Willow's fault at all?

Kaydence would have helped, but she was already on her way down the secret tunnel to help Addie get down and out of her witch outfit. Her family was waiting for her to do family pictures. Oh she was so happy to do that. She would think of a different costume for Halloween next year, that's for sure!

The little wood nymph had to get to Whitlee Jo. She had to tell her about so many things that were happening on the mini farm and about Grandma Lu. She had to find her fast so she changed into her regular clothes and found her in the dining room with some of her other friends. She took one look and thought, "Ha! Santa has things under control. I should have known. I will talk to Whitlee after the party." With that she winked at the old man and sat down with her friends to have some fun.

The Fairy Godmother Had A Plan

 Tiny was a field mouse. He lived in Grandma B's timber. Sometimes he would visit Grandma B's porch when Marlee would visit because she would feed him cake even though at times he was a bit naughty. Most of the time though, he lived happily out in the timber. He had a best friend that lived in a beautiful tree house. Her name was Deidra, the Fairy Godmother. She was beautiful and kind, but there was someone in the timber that didn't like her just because she was so nice. 

One day Tiny ran as fast as his little legs would carry him to the Fairy Godmother's house. He could hardly catch his breath by the time he got there. "What on earth is the matter little mouse? Is something trying to eat you?"  He took a gulp of air and said, "No, it is even worse than that. Stella the witch has put a spell on Willow the cat. She told him to ruin Grandma Lu's party. He invited many many cats and kittens to go to Marleewood because Stella told him that Grandma Lu is allergic to cats. He also has put the blame on all of his naughty tricks on the dogs and Grandma Lu. But there is something way way worse. She said that she is going to find a way to trick Mylee and Addie into doing naughty things at Marleewood. You have to stop her! Can't you stop her?"

The Fairy Godmother had run into this problem before with Stella. She was always trying to put a spell on animals and humans. But she knew just what to do. She would call her best little wood nymph to come to help. She was visiting the fairies in Grandma B's fairy garden today. She decided to send Tiny over there to go get her. "Be quick, little guy. I will give you some cheese if you bring her back to me quick like a fox." 

Tiny found the beautiful little wood nymph and said, "Sit on my back we need to get to the Fairy Godmother's house right away. There is going to be trouble at Marleewood. Oh the little wood nymph loved Grandma Lu and all of her friends. She said, "Okay, but you sit on my back. When I get my wings wound up I can go even faster than you! Let's go quick."

When they got there The Fairy Godmother told them her plans. She had a friend and her little girl that could come and go as humans and invisible fairies. 

She said that they did this kind of undercover work for free because they loved Marlee and all her Marleewood friends. It was decided; she would have them go to Marleewood to stop Witch Stella's plans. Her next step was to get them to her home and make a plan.

                                                       ********

The problem is that Willow was already back at Marleewood. Just see him grin and meow with glee. Everything was going according to plan. He had talked a sweet little witch to fly high over Marleewood. But who is that on the lawn? Is Lucky really a lucky dog? Is that the wood nymph hovering over Marleewood? Is that Emma and Tristan walking into trouble? Where are the undercover wood nymphs? Where is the other sweet little Addie? So many questions, so much mystery...

Mrs. Anderson Attends The Party

 It wasn't very long before everyone was done eating. There was lasagna, hotdogs, pizza, and all kinds of sandwiches and lots of different cold drinks. It was such fun, but what is a party without games? Grandma Lu's friend, Laura, had an idea for both dessert and a game. What? How fun would that be? Grandma Lu and Grandma B quickly got all the ingredients together. They called outside for ice and the game began. What fun! They were so lucky there were enough Ziploc bags and gloves for everyone to make their own ice cream.

There was enough eggs and milk and sugar so everyone could have some! 

Johnny Belle got a little chocolate on her face, but that was okay, Myla, Braxton, and Caydon had theirs outside. Tim was at the beach and couldn't come, but sent a text showing his yummy ice cream. Out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of Noah, but couldn't see who he was with. He was getting so big! She had missed him. She was so glad he was at the party.

Chata was so happy there was even some for her. As everyone was enjoying their ice cream there was some laughing and hugging going on at the front door. Oh my goodness, what a wonderful surprise! Mrs. Anderson was here. Laura had surprised everyone and had invited her. The party was definitely a huge success.

*********

Out in the timber there was a wicked witch that was talking to Willow. She was cackling and telling him what a good cat he was to follow her instructions at the party. He did just what she said to do. Grandma Lu and the dogs all got the blame for getting in the trash and making a mess. Now he was to go back to Marleewood to spoil the party.  Marlee was soon going to tell Whitlee Jo about Grandma Lu and he was going to help stop her. She opened up her spell book and said:

 "Willow, Willow go and be

 the naughty cat and they will see

 just who is strong and who is weak

 the truth not only will they seek

 but more and more the fairies fail

and all will see who will prevail."