#The author had forgotten about the lichen as well

[sunny374940]

Did you hit your head? pt.2

Hello, I'm back with more pining as an apology for the emotional devastation that was the last story. It's Emmrich's turn now and he can pine reaaally well. Part one is here. cw: description of a fracture

Here on ao3. And here are my other stories.

(Editing to summon my guys. I will not be hurting you this time, promise. @mercars-musings, @starfleetteddybear, @sorrowsfallallaround, @redheadsramblings, I hope you don't mind me calling upon you)

Emmrich was staring after Rook's retreating back. His fingers were still tingling with his brief touch and he flexed them, trying to commit the feeling to memory. Rook seemed to be nervous in his presence lately, yet he insisted on taking him on every outing. It didn't matter whether they were fighting Venatori or shopping in Treviso, Rook would have him there. Not that he complained, as he did enjoy the company of the young elf. He was ever so cheerful, always ready with an encouraging word (and the occasional horrible pun) and so charmingly earnest. 

Rook was also undeniably attractive. He was so graceful, his lean body moving in such precise ways it captivated Emmrich. And those bright eyes, the way he smiled when Emmrich was talking to him, hanging on his every word, almost as if his interest ran deeper than Emmrich's words. As if…

But he couldn't allow himself to act on his impulses, not with Rook being under so much pressure from all sides. And he was so much younger! There was a good quarter of a century between them and he wouldn't take advantage of his youth, he had to be better than that. 

He was torn out of his musings by Assan, who was chirping at them from up a tree and sure enough, an Usnea cavernosa was growing there, and quite a quality specimen as well.

“Thank you, Assan, well done,” he called to him. “But it is quite high up. Davrin, do you think Assan could bring his find here?”

“He'll probably crush it in his beak, sorry Emmrich,” Davrin said, validating his suspicions. So how in the world would they-

“I'll go get it!” 

Rook was already removing his armor and weapons, keeping only his pants and the sleeveless tunic he wore to keep the armor from chafing against his skin. The sight of his bare arms was doing things to Emmrich that he wouldn't dare mention in polite company, so he forced himself to look Rook in the eyes instead. 

“Rook, are you certain this is wise?” he asked, as he was a little worried, given Rook's previous fall.

“Yeah, I'll be fine, I've climbed hundreds of trees,” Rook said, not assuaging his fears in the slightest. He had probably also walked upon hundreds of roads and yet he managed to tumble off one earlier.

But Rook started climbing anyway and Emmrich allowed himself to appreciate the muscles of his arms as they bulged from the effort of getting him up the tree. Rook couldn't see him now that he was otherwise occupied and it certainly wouldn't hurt to just look, would it? And Rook seemed to be showing off a little, jumping from branch to branch, lithe as a cat, making his way up to his goal. Assan followed him in his ascent, chirping in delight at having a playmate in his own domain, so far away from the ground. 

Rook was quick in getting up the tree and he carefully plucked the lichen from its branch.

He was now using only one hand to climb back down and Emmrich was none too happy about that.

“Rook, do be careful!” he called up, worried at his recklessness. Assan was following Rook close with concerned squawks and suddenly Rook's foot slipped and he nearly fell, just barely managing to catch himself with his free hand. He was dangling there, trying to pull himself up, and Assan tried to reach him, to help, but he was going too fast and Emmrich could see what was about to happen and cursed his inability to stop it.

“Assan, no!” Davrin shouted, but it was too late. Assan landed on the branch Rook was hanging from too hard and the force of his impact shook Rook loose, and he was falling the rest of the way down, landing on the ground with a thud.

Emmrich ran to him, but Davrin got there first, rolling him over onto his back, causing a pained whimper to leave Rook's lips. His right forearm was bent unnaturally and he was pale from the pain of it, his eyes squeezed shut. Emmrich was no stranger to mending broken bones and he knew how this had to go, though he didn't entirely like the knowledge.

“Davrin, I need to set the bone before I heal him. You will have to hold him still, I'm afraid.”

Davrin nodded and made Rook sit up with his back against his chest, winding his arms and legs around him to keep him from moving. Rook was now watching him with wide eyes and Emmrich was so sorry for what he was about to do, but there was no way around it.

“I apologize, my dear boy, but this will hurt for a moment,” he said with a gentle stroke of his hand against Rook's shoulder and pretended that nothing stirred at the way Rook seemed to lean into him.

He took hold of Rook’s forearm where it met the wrist and tugged to make the broken parts of bone separate from where they were crushed together and Rook was shaking, trying to free himself, making Davrin hold him tighter. Emmrich could see that it pained Davrin to be doing this just as much as it did him. His brow was furrowed and he was humming quietly, as if trying to calm a spooked halla. Emmrich then jerked the bone back into alignment with one quick motion. Rook cried out, still trembling, and Emmrich could finally send a healing spell into the fracture, watching with great relief as color returned to Rook's cheeks at last.

“Stop being a dumbass, okay? I've had enough for today,” Davrin said, mussing up Rook's hair with his hand, and he stalked off to Assan who was watching them with a rather sad expression.

“It's alright, boy, you did good,” Emmrich heard Davrin say and he smiled to himself before turning his attention back to Rook.

He took hold of his wrist once more, checking his pulse to make sure that the arteries healed correctly (and nothing more than that, not at all!). He looked up into Rook’s face to tell him that his arm was mended and their eyes met and Emmrich's breath hitched from the way Rook was looking at him, eyes round and full of longing. And Rook's pointed ears were an absolutely beautiful shade of pink and Emmrich had a bad feeling that his own ears were beginning to redden as well. He made his hand fall away before he did anything he would regret. He stood up, clearing his throat.

“Gentlemen, I believe this is enough adventure for the day. Shall we return to camp?”

“Good idea, let's get back before Rook manages to kill himself,” Davrin said and Emmrich noticed that Rook shot him quite a dirty look.

Rook stood up as well and dusted himself off. He went to get his armor and weapons from where he left them under the tree and then he walked back to Emmrich, stopping close enough to him that he could feel the warmth radiating off him.

“Okay, I'm ready to go. And thanks, Emmrich. But I could pass up on the bone-setting next time, that really hurt,” he said, but there was no resentment in the words. Emmrich wanted to apologize anyway, but Rook was smiling at him so brightly that he found himself wanting to kiss him instead.

“That's what you get for being a goddamn idiot!” Davrin said to him from where he was comforting Asssan and Rook stuck his tongue out at him, causing Emmrich to chuckle despite himself. He was secretly glad for the interruption, because he really was about to kiss Rook right there and he just couldn’t be doing such things! He was a distinguished professor, not some lovesick fool!

Emmrich found his hand reaching for the small of Rook’s back of its own volition and that at least he allowed himself and a spark of joy ran through him when Rook relaxed into the touch. 

Oh. Oh no. He was a lovesick fool and he absolutely shouldn’t be doing this, he should be above taking advantage of him. But he didn't have the heart to take his hand away either when he saw the blush rising on Rook's cheeks, so it stayed where it was for the whole walk back to the campsite. Emmrich kept telling himself that he was simply making sure that Rook wouldn't come to any more harm, but he couldn't quite make himself believe it. He was out of excuses by the time they reached Rook's tent and he regretted having to let go of him.

“Thanks for, well, everything,” Rook said with an expansive gesture, turning to face him. He was shorter than Emmrich and he had to tilt his back a little to look him in the face with how close he was standing. Emmrich’s throat ran dry. There were freckles on his cheeks, arranged into little constellations and Emmrich longed to map them out with his lips, but he couldn't do that, so he reached out to take his hand instead, much like Rook had done to him before. He squeezed his fingers and felt Rook do the same and what was it he wanted to say? Ah, yes.

“You are welcome, Rook, but please take better care of yourself. I hate seeing you get hurt.”

“Y-yeah, I'll try. Sorry, Emmrich,” he said, stammering his way through the words and he was blushing so prettily again. 

“Oh, here's your lichen,” he added, handing it to him and Emmrich realized he had completely forgotten about it.

“I- I'm gonna go rest now. Bye!”

Rook released his hand and hurried into his tent without letting Emmrich thank him, leaving him staring after his retreating back once again, this time with lichen in hand. He realized with a start that there would be no going back for him, as he was utterly smitten with this silly young man. But he couldn't allow himself to act on his wants, not now.

He noticed that Davrin was watching him with a knowing smirk from where he was sitting in front of his tent and Emmrich quickly ducked into his own to avoid any smart remarks about his obvious pining.

[ace-malarky]

Consider This; Step Four

The Quest archetype, which I had to... I fudged it slightly.

 This is supposed to be like the Odyssey? Mine - Sky’s Necklace - is more just about finding things. Which sort of tracks.

 Been up on Patreon since last September! So’s a whole lot more!

~

Consider this; there are four steps, set upon a mountain. They are not high, they are not shallow. They are half a day’s climb from the nearest settlement, and though everyone knows of them, no one knows who made them. They just are.

The steps are softening at the edges, and the splotches of lichen are growing in spirals across the leeward side and creeping across the tops.

They look old, but nothing looks as old as everyone believes they are.

No one climbs them. No one sets hoof or horn, foot or paw, talon or claw near them.

These are stairs with no purpose, because the buildings have fallen away from about them and left only the stairs as a memory of what might once have been. They are paces up the mountain, and there are stories to go with them.

This is the fourth;

Once upon a time, there was a child that was gifted a great heirloom for safe keeping. Together (the child was told), they would keep each other safe. The child grew up, and passed the heirloom down to the next generation with the same words; keep it safe, and it will return the favour. Its true owner will return for it someday.

And so the line continues and the heirloom is passed down and kept safe through wars and upheavals and the rise and fall (and rise again) of their fortunes, all the while knowing that its true owner would arrive one day to take it away.

With all that weight of history behind it, there is little wonder that when it is eventually stolen (there have been many tries throughout the years, of course - safeguard something that fastidiously and it is bound to get noticed and gain notoriety), the effort to get it back is massive and is the catalyst for the Penultimate Great Change of the world.

The family goes to the north (this is not part of the Quest as such but-) for the stories say that that is where all lost things go. Perhaps the necklace considers itself lost and forgotten, they reason on the ship, and so has ended up here.

A handy excuse, when the trip to the north is truly for research and has been planned for a long while.

They don’t find the necklace there. Instead, they find a savage wreck of a person who can barely speak their language and won’t let them go far into the land.

The savage refuses, time and again, and any scout party that goes alone finds itself turned around, trapped and hunted and stalked by what little is left to live there (they begin to whisper of great leathery wings and hard blue scales, the clicking of claws and snarls between ivory teeth the size of tusks).

When they return to their land, the savage is with them. The savage is intrigued by their quest, and though - and though they won’t admit it, something has been calling them back to the land of the humans.

The search is undertaken by the authorities in the well-lit streets and higher halls of society, where the family treads their gallant steps and asks of their acquaintances if they have heard whisperings of the lost treasure (their acquaintances feign polite concern, all the while plotting to turn this to their advantage, to find the treasure first).

They search and they ask and they search some more, but it is the savage - no longer a savage, really, but something of the wilds stays with them yet - that finds the trail. They find it in the alleys and in the ruins, in the rubbish and the wreckage, where they are vicious and sharp and unafraid and - comfortable, when they haven’t been amongst the upper echelons of society.

The savage finds the culprit and finds the necklace, but it is the Matriarch, whose job it was to keep the necklace safe, that brings it home. She brings it home, and the no-longer-a-savage comes with them and it is revealed. Their history is shared, to an extent. Enough to prove ownership.

Though the family do not know the lineage of that long ago trustee, the not-savage treats them with deference even as the matriarch gifts them the necklace that was theirs, that is theirs.

The savage isn’t a savage, but they aren’t quite human, either. They are old, but they don’t look it. They are old and haven’t aged and haven’t forgotten anything and it hurts, but

But this is not their story. This is the story of a family and a search and a treasure returned. This is the story of a piece set right with the world.

With quest completed and heirloom restored, they part ways. It is - not a sad ending, despite that which happens. A brief parting of the ways.

But such as it is, our story ends and the step is taken.

[reylofanfictionanthology]

THE REYLO FANFICTION ANTHOLOGY ST. VALENTINE’S DAY LOVE FEST

This year, to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, we wanted to show the Reylo Writing Community a little bit of love by hosting a Reylo Fanfiction St. Valentine’s Day Love Fest.

We will accept recommendations for this project until the end of February.  You can find details about how to submit a recommendation to the project here.

LOVE FEST LIST #5/?

REYLO COMMUNITY RECOMMENDATIONS

Starlight, Your Memories by NatMatryoshka

Summary: "Ben Solo was ten years old when, in the outskirts of the capital, a little girl was born. Her parents called her Rey and, after she was old enough to walk, they left her in the care of Master Luke Skywalker and vanished without a trace soon after. No one knew who they were, or why they chose an odd hermit as guardian of their only daughter, but many could smell the scent of cheap wine in the father’s breath: they were two derelicts, and maybe they had realized in time they couldn’t do anything good for their daughter. Rey was a Sensitive, just like Ben. The Force had entwined their lives a long time before."

Recommendation by @the-witch-of-the-web: “Because it has a wonderful fairytale vibe to it, and the author is great at portraying the inner turmoil and subtle feelings of the main characters. The style is great, considering they're not a native English speaker, and I'd really love to see more recognition for their stories. This one in particular offers a unique and amazing storyline, I also love the way they describe the locations in which the story takes place.”

Tokens by Trish47

Summary: A year after Leia's death, Rey invites Ben to Endor to make his peace.

Recommendation by @ceallaigheirinn: “This is truly a beautiful piece in its quiet agony wrapped in comfort. The detente was perfect with its shared promise to each other as they part. I am a sucker for remembrance fics, and this one is perfect.”

I don't want (to set the world on fire) by OccasionallyCreative

Summary: Rey goes on a mission to answer a distress signal on a Force-sensitive alien planet and finds something that might just save her if it doesn't lead to her ruin.

Recommendation by @apisa-b: “This canonverse story pulls the reader into a fever dream, in which the Force is kind, but at the same time monstrous in how it imposes its will.”

Nothing but Themselves by Knight_of_Cookies

Summary: Sometimes what you ask for is not what you actually wanted. Rey wanted a family. Kylo wanted Rey. Now an adopted father is dead and Kylo is captured for it. Kylo is Rey's prisoner, and her family does not take such a death lightly. Vengrat'tua. There will be vengeance. Pirunir Sur'haaise. Make him pay for what he did.

Recommendation by @persimonne: “The writing is something very different, direct and "cinematic": while reading images pop directly into your brain and they're so vivid! The plot features prisoner!Kylo vs Rey living with a brand new adoptive family and working as a mechanic.”

echoes (again) by reflectionslie (fallsink)

Summary: again and again, she slips from his grasp like moonlight (reincarnation au where ben seeks her through their past lives and maybe, just maybe this time this time will be the last) [prev name: it goes round and round (everything falling)]

Recommendation by @politicalmamaduck: “It is so beautifully written and such a gorgeous take on the idea of soulmates and reincarnation, so perfectly suited to Reylo. If you loved the art Anthology's 25 Lives Project, this is definitely the fic for you--it takes the same poem as its inspiration and theme!”

The Tale of Blue Ben by flypaper_brain

Summary: Some escaped goats and a chance encounter land Rey in the middle of a fairy tale. She is the happy ending. And she is not alone.

Recommendation by @leofgyth: “Ben is a dragon! He's heartbreakingly wonderful. And Rey is a witch, a competent witch. And there are goats. And a spell to break (maybe more than one spell). It's just very sweet.”

RFFA WRITERS SELF RECOMMENDATIONS

The Water Packed my Pockets Full of Stones by LilibethSonar

Summary: When Finn turned the car she saw Ben in the rearview mirror. Standing by the house, unmoving as if he wasn’t… alive. She didn’t cry on their way back to the bay: lichens and rocks outside her window were really picturesque, that’s all. When Rey saw the ocean again, her emotions ebbed. The sight of the Marauder calmed her completely, taking away her uncertainty. The truth was bitter; he brought it on himself.

“It's the first long-ish fic in English that I've written and finished. I had so much fun writing it, and I hope that reading it can bring someone joy. Also, worldbuilding.”

In Un'Altra Vita by NatMatryoshka

Summary: "Sometimes, after hundreds of failures you finally get something precious, don’t you believe it?” Rey, a reporter, falls in love with Venezia and its Carnival. Ben Solo, a photographer, starts to dream about a mysterious boy and a world he doesn't know. Maybe their souls are more similar than they think.

“I loved to write about Venezia and its Carnival. It's one of my favourite places to visit and its magic fills every corner: I thought it was the perfect place to set a Reylo fic about dreams and alternative realities. I loved to travel through Venezia with my imagination, I hope readers would love to do it, too!”

Scars by punkeraa

Summary: a smuggler!Ben x jedi!Rey AU Certain scars run deeper than others, leaving behind marks on the soul, irreversibly altering the person forever. Ben Solo drinks to drown demons he'd rather run away from than face head on, a traumatic event in his youth that still tightly grips him sixteen years later. Rey scavenges, starves, and suffers at the hands of Unkar Plutt in the Jakku wasteland waiting for her mother, anchored to the sands with a promise and a half forgotten tune. When the drunkard and the scavenger cross paths, their scars refuse to be ignored any longer. With an enemy lurking in the shadows and ready to strike, they must work together to confront their deep seated fears and grow beyond. A story about wanting revenge. A story about running away and not dealing with one’s trauma and pain. A story about acknowledging one’s anger while actively dealing with the painful scars life inflicts upon us.

“i love this fic because it was born out of intense trauma as a way for me to deal with it. it's a smuggler!Ben AU but (i believe) pretty different from most of the ones out there. in this story, Ben is an alcoholic suffering from PTSD after watching his parents murdered in front of him as a young child; he wants to run away from his trauma and drink himself silly rather than confronting the pain. Rey is stuck on Jakku b/c she's afraid of being truly on her own and would rather deal with Plutt's abuse than leave in case her mother actually comes back. this is one of my more inventive stories, introducing a new villain as well as Rey's mother. both of these characters represent halves of my own trauma and how i dealt with it, and their journeys in the story somewhat mirror my own non-linear path towards healing. there's a trigger warning for alcohol abuse but that's pretty much it. i've poured a lot of myself into this fic and would just like if others can read it and see what they think”

Serendipity by Ceallaigh

Summary: When she had decided to start shepherding the Adept, Rey had made a vow to herself to help them all—even those imprisoned by their own internal darkness. Camouflaged with the cuff, Kylo would never know that Hux’s war dog was closing in on him until it was too late. That was one death she didn’t want weighing down on her conscience. She’d had the opportunity twice to kill him, but she was still convinced his life was not hers to take. The Force still had a plan for Ben Solo, that she was certain, and securing his safety was just as important and making sure the little girl she sought made it off world and survived as well.

“I’m a sucker for the Ben Solo I’m exile genre, and this is a riff on self-imposes exile/on the run. This inenof the first fic I have completed where he truly is starting to see himself more as Ben Solo and not Kylo Ren. It was a prompt fic, and I adored the prompts! Saw it as a chance to work with a new character and to do some world building!”

[burnsopale]

Burgeoning ch3, Ralf/Johnny

Title: Burgeoning, part 3 Pairing: Ralf/Johnny Rating: PG for now Summary: Ralf comes up with a solution to his problem.

Author’s notes: I am so sleepy, I won’t be surprised if I wake to find the last part of this is complete gibberish.

The occupant of the four-poster bed groaned in pain as the door opened, wiggled his butt and shoved his face deeper into the pillows. “It can’t be time for breakfast yet.”

“No, not yet,” Ralf answered absentmindedly, looking around the familiar room.

McGregor sat bolt upright. “You?” He put a hand to his head, glanced at the clock on the nightstand and lay gingerly back down, turning his back. “Urgh. Fuck off. It’s six in the morning.”

“It’s my room.”

“And your house and your ancestors and your lichen-infested werewolf forest, I don’t care, you won’t get rid of me, I’ll tie myself to the bedpost-”

“This is my old bedroom,” Ralf clarified a bit more emphatically.

A pair of sleepy eyes peeked over the duvet again. “Oh.” The boy sat up properly and leaned his elbow on his knee. He had a clean, white t-shirt on in place of the ruined nightgown. His nose was red, his voice was hoarse, and he looked like he needed coffee. “So what do you want?”

Ralf had to wrench his brain away from thinking about the naked wrists and tussled hair that had rested on his pillows. He turned away instead and ended up contemplating an old chair.

“Nanny would fall asleep in this while reading to me. I’d read on by myself until the candles burned down, or Mother came and found us.” The rose pattern on the cushion was faded, making it look even more old-fashioned than it was. “I’d almost forgotten.”

“You’re seventeen,” McGregor said, coughing to clear his throat. “How are you forgetting your childhood already? Also who uses candles?” He lay back with his hands behind his head. “How long have you been seventeen?”

“Very funny.”

“I’m trying to imagine you as a child, but all I’m getting is Little Lord Fauntleroy.”

“Try spending less energy on mockery and more on getting well again. I came here to give you a chance.”

McGregor’s eyes widened. He sat up again. “But you said-”

Ralf held up a hand, forestalling the misunderstanding. “Not a rematch. Just a chance.” He took a deep breath, put his hands behind his back and began, “Since you are clearly not going to give up, and I am not going to give in, we’ve come to an impasse. I’d have you forcibly removed, but-”

“I’d come back.” The boy crossed his arms over his chest.

Ralf raised an unhappy eyebrow. “I know, so I've come up with a solution; we’ll play a game, something we’re both confident in, and the winner can decide on a penalty for the loser.”

The sarcasm and sullen defiance disappeared from the boy’s expression, replaced by a mixture of hope and wary consideration. “If I win," he said slowly. "I can ask for a Beybattle, and you have to accept."

Ralf inclined his head.

“But if you win,” the boy continued. “… you can demand I never challenge you again.”

A soft knock on the door interrupted them.

“Come,” they both answered at the same time.

“It’s my house,” Ralf reminded his guest even as Johan entered the room.

McGregor scoffed. “And your ancestors and your non-existent dogs and your ugly shoulder pads, and look here's your nanny, but I’m the one staying in this room.”

Ralf felt his face go all weird and stiff and hot. “You-! Ugl-! So what if-!”

Johan cleared his throat a little desperately. “Good morning, Master Johnny. Master Ralf, I wondered where you- … Master Ralf, wie geht es dir?”

“Ich will ihn raushaben, Johan,” Ralf said, voice strangled.

“Er ist krank, Master Ralf.”

“Yeah, somebody’s cranky,” McGregor said, though his laughter trailed off into coughing. Johan moved over to fluff up his pillow and help him sit back against it.

“Do you accept my challenge?” Ralf asked very slowly and with great difficulty. He was going to throw the boy from the highest window.

McGregor looked at him, and once again the laughter was gone. He hesitated. "Let me ... Let me think about it."

"What's there to think about?" Ralf demanded. "You can seize this chance or you can go home."

“A challenge, sir?” Johan said with sudden innocent curiosity, obviously trying to buy the boy time.

But Ralf wasn't having that. He stalked to the nearest window and drew the curtains back, letting in the early morning light. Then he went to the bedside to study his wary-looking guest. "Do you accept my challenge?"

"Give me a moment to consider it!"

Ralf reached, and though the boy shrank back Ralf still got a hold of his chin, pulling him back and tipping his face into the light to search his eyes. "You put your big boots on and stomp your way into my life, you mock me, you disrupt my day, and you refuse to respect my philosophy, and when despite all that I offer you a chance to get what you came for, you would rather not? Does your passion evaporate in the morning light?" What was he doing? He wasn't sure which one of them was blushing harder or even why. Behind the heat of bed and fever, the boy's skin was smooth to the touch, and even in sickness he was unexpectedly lovely. Ralf was barely aware of what he was saying. "Where is the fire you showed me in the tournament?"

"Master Ralf, is this really the time-"

Ralf startled as McGregor grabbed his wrist and shoved it away, glaring up at him.

There it was.

"What game did you have in mind?"

"That depends on you."

The boy looked away for a moment, considering. A haughty smile appeared on his lips. "How is your chess, Jürgens?"

Johan rose from the bedside and turned his back, clearing his throat demonstrably.

But Ralf only smiled. "I've played it once or twice."

McGregor nodded to himself. "So ... after breakfast?"

"What? No! You are still sick. I will not have it said I beat you because you couldn't concentrate. Get well first. As fast as you can. Then we'll play."

A few hours later, Ralf was taking breakfast, and feeling very satisfied with himself. Johan, on the other hand, had been in a strange mood all morning.

"Are you going to share?" Ralf asked eventually, giving his butler an exasperated look.

Johan stopped passive-aggressively pouring tea and straightened up. "You might have told him, Master Ralf."

Ralf unfolded the paper again. "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Maybe I will tell him."

A small stab in the satisfaction, but nothing could spoil Ralf's mood right now, and in truth he hadn't intended to actually keep the facts from McGregor forever. "By all means, tell him. It is the right thing to do."

"Yes, it is." Now seemingly placated, Johan put the teapot back on the tray. "And as I will be telling him that you've had training from the regional chess champion, that being me, I should also tell you that Master Johnny has had training of his own."

"Oh?" Ralf looked up curiously. "From who?"

"His older sister. She's apparently quite the genius. I suspect it will be an exciting game."

With a wiggle of his moustache, and as sweetly as milk, the man picked up the tea tray and walked out of the room, leaving Ralf behind to contemplate the impossible; that he might actually lose.

[wanangwa-diaries]

Sapitwa's Bananas In A No Show

Let me tell you a story. On top of Malawi in Mulanje Mountain, at 3002 metres above sea level is a placard with an epitaph in portuguese translating: Is it worth it? It's all worth it if the soul is not small. It is an epitaph in honour of Gabriel Buchmann, a Brazilian national who died in July, 2009 as he retreated from climbing Sapitwa, the highest peak in Malawi. He was initially reported missing and found dead 19 days later. Six years earlier, in 2003, a Dutch social worker, Linda Pronk, went hiking up Sapitwa and never came back. She was never found and no one knows what happened to her.

In February, 2019 a group of young Malawian hiking enthusiasts predominantly from Blantyre are planning a climb up Sapitwa. The author is one of them and when he is set that he will go, he calls his parents to tell them of his planned journey to Sapitwa. "Isn't that where people go missing?" is his Mum's response when he introduces the topic. He tries to quell her fears with assurances that they will have guides and they are well prepared. He can hear the doubts in her faint "okay". And he is not the only one of the group meeting probing eyes when the topic is introduced. Most of his friends too are facing some kind of resistance. And with Sapitwa's history preceding them, who could blame the unconvinced relation or friend who are simply looking out for the safety of a loved one?

On 2nd March, 2019 we woke up early enough to meet at the rendezvous point in Limbe by 3 a.m. The one hour drive to Mulanje was unadventurous. We stopped at Chitakale to pick our guides and porters before leaving for Mulanje Mountain Lodge where we parked our vehicles and set off on our adventure.

We took the Kara O Mula road at the Mulanje Market and just before the District Commissioner's office we branched off the road to the left, crossed a rivulet which our tour guide Steve failed to name, and found ourselves in the Eastern Produce Estate at the Boma. After a good walk, we parted ways with the captivating sea of green at the foot of the massive Mulanje Mountain and started the real climb after crossing a second river. Still, Steve couldn't place a name.

We connected into the famous Boma path with its very steep slope overlooking the Chitakale - Mulanje stretch below like a giant guardian angel or protector of mortals, unpertubed but alert. Boma path sapped a lot of our energy. You could see from the muffled voices in dialogue and the hushed breathing that Boma path would not be forgotten anytime soon. A respite came when we reached the top of the monolith and we could no longer see the world below...no more ascent in sight. But after a short while, we had to deal with rains which took us all the way to Lichenya hut where we would spend our night before starting off for the final lap the following morning.

Lichenya Hut was our first real meeting with the wilderness. With complete disconnection from the outside world, all we had was ourselves. We listened to stories and sang along to music around bonfires. It felt so authentic. Some played Deck of Cards, others bawo, and still others just watched the Lichenya peak to the north east as it reflected what remained of the day's sun. After supper, we went to sleep memories on our minds of the beauty of Mount Mulanje while looking forward to meeting Sapitwa the following day.

North of Lichenya Hut, a mass of rock rises sharply from the surrounding plateau cutting through the greyish sky like the cap of a budding parasol. "Is that Sapitwa?" I asked. "No. Sapitwa is almost impossible to see from here. What you are seeing is what they call the North Peak. Sapitwa sits to its east, at a kilometre or two." The guide said 'they' almost scornfully, kind of revealing his long held disdain at calling it the North Peak. Maybe it has its local name like most of the peaks on this espansive inselberg. "North Peak" I almost blurted out as I shook my head in amazement and retreated to a bonfire in the sky, 1500 metres above the world below.

We left Lichenya early morning of the next day and headed north welcomed a few minutes in by a large swathe of grassland with mild slopes and a good number of rivers. To our left, Chambe Peak on Mulanje mountain's west kept following us until we reached a junction where the trail from Chambe and ours met in a small forest. It had been a good 2 hours walk. We turned right at the junction towards our second hut of the journey. The first real ascent of the day was when we met a steep and rocky climb called Kaufiti shortly after getting out of the forest. It really outdid it's name on the day. Kaufiti's best relief was that it provided our first contact with the world in over 24 hours through a rare taste of mobile network. There was excitement as people scumpered through their bags looking for phones to be kept abreast of what had happened in the previous 24 hours. The world below was still moving even in our absence.

After Kaufiti, the walk to Chisepo Hut was relatively easy and short. We hurriedly left our bags, changed into our group t-shirts and left for Sapitwa, a return distance of 5 hours or so. The plan was to spend the night at Chisepo after Sapitwa.

From Chisepo Hut to Sapitwa, it was continuous climbing of rocks full of lichens but by this time our bodies had become one with the mountain. We were virtually just gliding through, up the trails...we could see Zomba Mountain to the north west and Chiradzulu to the west the few times that the Mulanje clouds allowed us to.

Walking under rocks, squeezing ourselves in small spaces and crawling on our stomachs in some instances made the whole experience even more adventurous. When we arrived at the top, I was caught up in delirium for a good minute. Everyone was just shouting and the whole atmosphere was heavenly. It was difficult to remember at that point the drizzles falling from the sky or the cold....it was electric. One of the team members had said as we approached the top, "You do not see Sapitwa, you feel it". She was right.

Gabriel Buchmann's epitaph was there on a small placard if we ever needed a reminder of the essence of what we had achieved and the enormity of the task that lay ahead of us in descent. I muttered a small silent prayer as I believe did most of my friends. The experience was worth it.

As we descended Sapitwa back to Chisepo, we remembered the words of a drunk at Chitakale who warned us that we would not come back if we did not take him along. There we were, Sapitwa conquerors! Of course with the small matter of descent to finish, which we did. We may not have signed up for crawling on our backs, walking on half knees, and falling but what is a hike without any of those? At some point, at the advice of our guide, we had to throw away our customized sticks as they were making the descent even more complicated.

The following morning, 4th March, 2019, we woke up late, a testament of what Sapitwa had done to our bodies. We would not make it down on that day as initially planned as rivers had supposedly filled. We therefore were going to take the same route back but instead of turning to Lichenya Hut we would proceed to Chambe Hut from where we would descend the following morning. As we were about to leave for Chambe, we recieved a morale boost: all the sticks we had thrown away on our descent from Sapitwa were picked by a more experienced hiker with his guide and given back to us. Heartwarming.

We made it to Chambe Hut, knackered, contented, and anxious to get home. We had not been able to communicate with family that we would spend an extra day in the mountain and we could sense the anxiety building in them down there.

We made it back the following day from Chambe through the Skyline trail down to Likhubula CCAP Guest House.

It had been an all encompassing 3 days in the mountain. Fun, fatigue, laughter, despair, fulfillment, prayer, hope, love. We had seen it all and gone through it all. But there were no bananas from the spirits at Sapitwa, even if there was a point we wished the myth about food from the Sapitwa spirits was true. We didn't even encounter any spirits! Make a date.

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Our Experience of the World

when the alchemy of Nature transmutes the sylvan landscape to one vivid and almost homogeneous mass of green;…in such surroundings the mind loses its perspective; time and space become trivial and unreal, and echoes of a forgotten prehistoric past beat insistently upon the enthralled consciousness. Here at your fingertips is a literal book extravaganza! These books have the potential to be life changing, and it is a pleasure to draw attention to the value that these books bring to homes, schools, and communities as truly, “nothing else takes bookworms on such magical, extraordinary and exciting adventures”~WBD National book tokens.

�� Blue heron

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)

Richard St. Barbe Baker, himself, was a notable author, writing books as a way to raise money in an effort to save forests and trees around the world. There is a personal warmth in all the books that Baker wrote, in his speeches, and public appearances and it is felt that we knew him in a sort of personal way, as if we had shaken hands with him, and heard his voice; and we always have a feeling that he is addressing us in our own person.

If you were to walk in nature, and write a book, what is your story, your most vivid memory of your natural world? Here is an introduction to other writers, authors, and publishers who also have written about biodiversity, wildlife, nature, and the province of Saskatchewan we have all grown to know and love.

“I believe in the Oneness of Mankind and all living things and the interdependence of each and all.”~ Richard St. Barbe Baker

Paul Hanley wrote The Spirit of Agriculture, Eleven (eleven people will  share this planet by century’s end.  Adding 4 billion to an already overburdened world will force everyone to change everything.), and of course Hanley also wrote the biography Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist, written by Paul Hanley with a foreword by HRH Prince Charles and introduction by Jane Goodall

Nature Viewing Sites in and around Saskatoon (3rd edition) (includes the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area)

Nature Saskatchewan’s book  Birds of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan wildlife federation book: Wonders of Wildlife – Lori Milligan An activity manual for teachers and youth leaders for expanding the awareness of nature to young conservationists. A guide book to get youth become more involved in the outdoors, which mitigates Vitamin N deficiency.

Written by Candace Savage. Prairie: a natural history. Bees: nature’s little wonders. Curious by Nature: one woman’s exploration of the natural world. Crows: encounters with the wise guys of the avian world.  The Nature of Wolves. Bird Brains:   the intelligence of ravens, crows, magpies and jays.  Wild Mammals of Western Canada.  The Wonder of Canadian Birds.  Aurora:  the mysterious northern lights.

The Great Sand Hills: A Prairie Oasis Text by Rebecca L. Grambo Photography by Branimir Gjetvaj

Saskatchewan Breeding bird Atlas in the process of compilation as we write this. Citizen scientists and professional bird watchers between 2017-2022 will collaborate to map the distribution and relative abundance of breeding birds in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan nature books compilation from Eco-friendly Saskatchewan Updates

Trevor Herriot’s latest books

Towards a Prairie Atonement

The Road is How: A Prairie Pilgrimage through Nature, Desire, and Soul

Grass, Sky, Song: Promise and Peril in the World of Grassland Birds

Saskatchewan: The Luminous Landscape, Prairie Light, Prairie Skies by Courtney Milne and Old Man on His Back: Portrait of a Prairie Landscape, which he co-authored with writer Sharon Butala. Both Milne, and his wife Sherill Miller worked alongside environmental green groups raising awareness, and reclaiming our natural biodiversity.

The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List,Photographer’s Guide to Saskatchewan and Western Canadian Farm Trivia Challenge Saskatchewan published by Robin and Arlene Karpan

Lone Pine publishing nature books

Flora of Saskatchewan books and book reviews from Nature along with a number of other great Nature publications

Conifers and Catkin-Bearing Trees and Shrubs of Saskatchewan (July 2016)

Grasses of Saskatchewan (August 2014)

Sedges (Carex) of Saskatchewan (March 2012)

Lilies, Irises and Orchids of Saskatchewan (October 2011)

Ferns and Fern Allies of Saskatchewan (June 2011)

When the Ice Goes Out on Dore Lake

Dragonflies and Damselflies in the Hand

Grasses of Saskatchewan

Getting to Know Saskatchewan Lichens

Great Sand Hills: A Prairie Oasis

On the Living Edge: Your Handbook for Waterfront Living

Prairie Phoenix: The Red Lily in Saskatchewan

Birds of the Saskatoon Area

Atlas of Saskatchewan Birds

Robert David Symons, Countryman – The Life of a Cultural Giant

A Country Boy by R.D. Symons – A Prairie Classic

Birds of the Rosetown-Biggar District

Environment Canada publications relating to biodiversity ecosystems, migratory birds, species at risk, wildlife habitat and nature Saskatchewan wild and other Saskatchewan books. Listing from Saskmade

Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre Publications Biodiversity

Biodiversity Handbook [online] featuring for the prairies:

Mixedwood Forest Society ” A campaign to protect mixed forest, wetland, and river landscapes—and the unique species they contain—in the Swan River & Porcupine Hills regions of western Manitoba.”

Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan “A project to increase conservation of native prairie and at-risk species within the Prairie Ecozone in Saskatchewan”

Saskatchewan books Prairies North listing

So today, April 23, 2019 is World Book Day. How can we, the shepherds of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area celebrate the authors, illustrators and books today? On this 20th anniversary of this United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Book Day celebrate, come together, and explore the pleasures of exploring nature, biodiversity, wildlife, the ecosystem to open your eyes and senses next time you are out in the afforestation area. If you are a primary school teacher or home school educator check out these fabulous activities and another 20 ideas.

Another marvelous concept would be to support a green group with a purchase of one of the books they have published as a fund-raising initiative as listed above. However, don’t stay inside too long. Don’t become Vitamin N deficient, or acquire Nature Deficit Syndrome. A most excellent way to be healthy, enjoy nature and its excellent bio-diversity would be to obtain one, two or more nature field guides as listed above,  and set out on an explore!

Help create the Saskatchewan Breeding bird Atlas with your bird watching skills. Take out a field guide, and discover what wild plants and flowers are blooming this spring. Wander among the tall prairie grasslands and identify butterflies, trees, prairie grasses and sedges along the way with the help of a guide book or two. Reading can really help you open your eyes as to what you are seeing around you on your walks.

Please advise if there are any other most excellent books on the environment, nature, wildlife, flora and fauna which should be included to celebrate World Book Day this April 23, 2019. The Easter pasque flower, the crocus, should be peeking out any time as Easter this year is on April 21, 2019, oh, what amazing flora and fauna you may come to recognize as you go out and about this spring.

“Mid-summer … when the alchemy of Nature transmutes the sylvan landscape to one vivid and almost homogeneous mass of green; when the senses are well-nigh intoxicated with the surging seas of moist verdure and the subtly indefinable odours of the soil and the vegetation. In such surroundings the mind loses its perspective; time and space become trivial and unreal, and echoes of a forgotten prehistoric past beat insistently upon the enthralled consciousness.”~H. P. Lovecraft

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area,  George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

P4G Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth The P4G consists of the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, the Town of Osler and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; planning for areas around the afforestation area and West Swale outside of Saskatoon city limits

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′ Addresses: Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Twitter: StBarbeBaker

You Tube Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

You Tube George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Should you wish to help protect / enhance the afforestation areas, please contact the City of Saskatoon, Corporate Revenue Division, 222 3rd Ave N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5…to support the afforestation area with your donation please state that your donation should support the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, or the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, or both afforestation areas located in the Blairmore Sector. Please and thank you!  Your donation is greatly appreciated.

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

  “St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger

“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: *** 1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ***

Our Experience of the World Our Experience of the World when the alchemy of Nature transmutes the sylvan landscape to one vivid and almost homogeneous mass of green;…in such surroundings the mind loses its perspective; time and space become trivial and unreal, and echoes of a forgotten prehistoric past beat insistently upon the enthralled consciousness.

[azyri-blog]

#76      

  Глава 5. Т: минус 10. 2056 год н.э. Практик

   - Вы будете высказываться? - Спросил Леонид.

   - Не будем мы высказываться, - помотал головой Василий. - я точно не буду, неинтересно.

   - Как же? - возмутилась Лиза, глядя на изображение у себя на экране. - Это важно! Марсианский год вдвое длиннее! Нам нужно свое летоисчисление, свой календарь, свои часы, если уж на то пошло. Я устала от этого "короткого полуночного часа" в тридцать девять минут и тридцать шесть секунд. Мы вообще на другой планете живем, если кто забыл.

     - Любимая, не нервничай так, молоко пропадет, - вкрадчиво попросил Леонид. - Василий просто не понимает...

   - Да фигня это все, часы, стрелки, календари. Джек вот напишет что-нибудь на форумах, он умеет красиво излагать...

   Это была чистая правда. Джек, под своим настоящим именем, официальный AI, не скрывающий этого и не прячущийся за масками людей, временами производил фурор на местных форумах своими высказываниями.

   Хотя бы тем, что всегда умел внятно отвечать на любые реплики собеседников.

   Как это удавалось программистам с Земли - даже Грег лишь разводил руками, признавая, что вряд ли он сумеет такое объяснить.

   - Джек, - устало попросила Лиза, - ты уж напиши там... правильно. Нам нужен свой календарь. Понятно, что совмещенный разумный образом с земным, но свой. Иначе эта путаница будет вечной.

   - А там что, голосование открылось?

   - Еще нет, предварительные прения пока. Но после них вполне могут объявить и голосование. А если кто-то из "властей", - Лиза пошевелила пальцами рук, изображая кавычки, - будет против, то введем народный календарь. Вы же знаете, как это бывает. Введется сам собой.

   Грег оторвался от чтения сообщений с Земли:

   - Переговоры с европейцами завершены. После того, как они не сумели заработать даже первую монету, стали податливей. В финале два варианта. Первый: мы самостоятельно распространяем споры и водоросли на их территории, и получаем за это пятьдесят процентов.

   - Хм..., - Василий подпер рукой подбродок, - боюсь спросить, какой же тогда второй вариант? Первый выглядит как разводка.

   Грег кивнул:

   - Второй вариант: Мы предоставляем им двести пятьдесят килограмм биологически активных спор лишайников, о��ну тонну живой хлореллы. Получаем каждую четвертую их монету.

   - Где ж я вам тонну взращу? - возмутился Николай.

   - В твоей любимой крытой луже, - тут же ответил Василий.

   - Да. Можно и там, - подтвердил Грег. - Можно сейчас уже и с озера Генри, если придумаем, как ее оттуда протралить.

   - Второй вариант хоть похож на правду, - хмуро сообщил Василий. - Надеюсь, самовывоз?

   - Да, это было жестким условием Тимура, - кивнул Грег. - Они зафрахтуют грузовой самолет у Агентства.

   - Надо проверить аварийную полосу, - Василий, не откладывая в долгий ящик, вывел на экране спутниковое изображение взлетно-посадочной полосы, которые киберы расчистили от всех крупных камней и выровняли, как смогли. - За булыжники я не волнуюсь, но некоторые...

   Василий многозначительно посмотрел на Николая:

   -... Некоторые любят швырять свои семена куда ни попадя.

   - Не семена, а споры, - невозмутимо поправил Николай. - И эти споры зарабатывают нам деньги.

   - Так и что? - не понял Данила. - Второй вариант?

   - Конечно, - подтвердил Грег. - У нас тут своих забот хватает, чтобы еще за них озера хлореллой набивать. Пусть сами. Четверть - это тоже хорошо.

   - Рождество скоро, покачиваясь, глядя на свой экран и чему-то улыбаясь, - напомнила Лиза. - Может, в гости кого пригласим? Может, те же европейцы до нас доберутся? Или все еще нет?

   - Все еще нет, - ответил Леонид. - Но ты не волнуйся, милая, мы и сами все хорошо сделаем, красиво.

   - Елка уже есть, маленькая немного правда, - поддержал его Николай. - Но я ее в горшок пересажу и сюда притащу. Нарядим.

   Лиза кивнула, не отрывая взгляд от экрана.

   - Будут вам гости, - неожиданно громко заявил Грег. - Будут!

   Он поднялся от своего компьютера и подошел к стене, на которой сейчас светилась карта с анализом выживаемости лишайников на всех засеянных территориях вокруг базы. Потом повернулся к остальным:

   - У меня для вас "преприятнейшее" известие! К нам едет Контролер! Мы это сделали! Сто километров.

Chapter 5. T: minus 10. 2056 AD Practitioner   - Will you speak out? - Leonid asked.   "We will not speak out," Vasily shook his head. - I definitely will not, not interested.   - How? - Liza outraged, looking at the image on her screen. - It is important! The Martian year is twice as long! We need our chronology, our calendar, our hours, for that matter. I'm tired of this "short midnight hour" at thirty-nine minutes and thirty-six seconds. We live on another planet, if anyone has forgotten.     "Beloved, do not be nervous, milk will be lost," Leonid insinuated. - Basil just does not understand ...   - Yes, it's all garbage, watches, arrows, calendars. Jack here will write something on the forums, he knows how to beautifully set out ...   It was the truth. Jack, under his real name, the official AI, who does not hide this and does not hide behind the masks of people, occasionally made a furore in local forums with his statements.   At least by the fact that he always knew how to respond clearly to any replies of his interlocutors.   As it was possible to programmers from the Earth - even Greg only spread his hands, admitting that he is unlikely to be able to explain this.   "Jack," Lisa asked wearily, "you should write there ... correctly." We need your calendar. It is clear that combined in a reasonable way with the earthly, but its own. Otherwise, this confusion will be eternal.   - And there that, the voting has opened?   - Not yet, preliminary debate so far. But after them may well announce a vote. And if someone from the "authorities" - Lisa wiggled her fingers, depicting the quotes - will be against, then we will introduce the national calendar. You know how it happens. It will be entered by itself.   Greg looked up from reading the messages from Earth:   - Negotiations with Europeans are over. After they failed to earn even the first coin, they became more pliable. In the final two options. First: we independently distribute spores and algae on their territory, and get fifty percent for it.   - Hmm ..., - Vasily propped a hand under his head, - I'm afraid to ask, what then is the second option? The first looks like a easy fraud.   Greg nodded.   - The second option: We provide them with two hundred and fifty kilograms of biologically active lichen spores, one ton of live chlorella. We get every fourth of their coins.   "Where can I grow a ton for you?" - Nicholas was indignant.   "In your favorite covered puddle," Vasili answered immediately.   - Yes. You can and there, "Greg confirmed. "It's possible now even from Lake Henry, if we figure out how to patrol it from there."   "The second option is at least similar to the truth," Vasily said glumly. - I hope self-delivery?   "Yes, it was Timur's tough condition," Greg nodded. - They charter a cargo plane from the Agency.   - It is necessary to check the emergency lane. - Vasily, without delay, displayed on the screen a satellite image of the runway, which the cybers had cleared from all the large stones and leveled, as they could. "I'm not worried about cobblestones, but some ..."   Vasily looked pointedly at Nikolai:   -... Some like to throw their seeds wherever they are.   "It's not the seeds, it's the arguments," Nicholas calmly corrected. "And these disputes earn us money."   "So what?" Danil did not understand. - The second option?   "Of course," Greg confirmed. "We have enough of our own to fill the lakes with chlorella for them." Let them themselves. A quarter is also good.   "Christmas is coming soon, swaying, looking at your screen and smiling," Lisa reminded. "Maybe we'll invite them to visit." Maybe the same Europeans will get to us? Or still not?   "Still not," answered Leonid. "But do not worry, dear, we will do it all ourselves, beautifully."   "The Christmas tree is already there, the little one is a little true," Nicholas supported him. "But I'll change it into a pot and bring it here." We'll dress up.   Lisa nodded, not taking her eyes off the screen.   "You will have guests," Greg suddenly announced loudly. - They will!   He got up from his computer and walked to the wall, on which a map with an analysis of the survival of lichens in all the sown areas around the base was now glowing. Then he turned to the others:   "I have the" most favorable "news for you! The Controller is coming to us! We did it! Hundred kilometers.

   Василий поднялся:

   - Ну точно надо идти полосу проверять. Сам пойду, лично.

   Василий подумал и сел обратно:

   - Завтра. А то стемнело уже. Грег не выпустит.

   Грег посмотрел на него слегка отстраненно и кивнул:

   - Не выпущу. А то мало ли. А у нас на полосе ночное освещение есть?

   Пока они обсуждали благоустройство "Коммерческого аэропорта компании ITSK", Данила подошел к Лизе сзади и посмотрел на экран, от которого она почти не отрывала взгляд.

   Младенец спал в люльке, подвешенной к потолку.

   Люльку старательно покачивал кибер. В красной шапочке и шарфе, намотанном "под художника".

   Что характерно, на младенце, названном Тимуром в честь "отца-основателя", оказалась одета точная уменьшенная копия красной шапочки, что была на кибере.

   Идиллия.

     ***

Vasily got up:   - Well, you just need to check the strip. I'll go myself, personally.   Vasily thought and sat back:   - Tomorrow. And then it was already dark. Greg will not release.   Greg looked at him a little detached and nodded.   - I will not let it out. And then it is not enough. And we have night lighting on the strip?   While they were discussing the improvement of the "ITSK Commercial Airport", Danila went to Lisa from behind and looked at the screen, from which she almost did not take her eyes off.   The infant slept in a cradle suspended from the ceiling.   The cyber was shaking diligently. In a red cap and scarf, wrapped "under the artist."   What is characteristic, on the baby, named Timur in honor of the "founding father", was an exact replica of the red cap that was on the kiber.   Idyll.     ***

   Несмотря на то, что взлетную полосу чистили долго и тщательно, самолет садился тяжело.

   Либо он просто не был предназначен для таких площадок, либо пилотам не хватало опыта, чтобы сажать такую махину грациозно и элегантно, так, что ни у кого из пассажиров или встречающих и в мыслях не возникнет, что полет в воздухе вообще связан хоть с какой-то опасностью.

   Видимо, у людей внутри остались те же ощущения, что и у группы встречающих, потому что из самолета долго никто не выходил.

   Он вообще не шевелился, мертво встав на красноватом грунте, заботливо выровненном киберами, кое-где даже залитым цементирующим раствором.

   Все, в принципе, соглашались, что аэропорт у них так себе, но в условиях Марса, да на базу с шестью людьми, должно быть достаточно. Нечасто к ним прилетали самолеты.

   Нечасто - не то слово.

   Данила неожиданно понял, что впервые увидит новых людей. Впервые за почти что шесть лет. Вот так вживую, на расстоянии руки, а не через экран компьютера.

   "Тимур не считается, - тут же оговорился он про себя. - Тимур, считай, был с нами всегда".

   Пока они ждали, он начал вспоминать, как все носились вокруг новорожденного, пытаясь подсказать, что тому лучше и что хуже. Что можно есть Лизе и что нельзя. Как его одевать, какой температурный режим должен быть в медицинском боксе, где он провел первые несколько недель.

   И это все несмотря на то, что у Лизы были на руках пошаговые, почасовые, по-граммные инструкции что есть, пить, когда и как спать, разработанные на Земле с учетом индивидуальных особенностей мамы и малыша. Плюс медицинская станция, непрерывно мониторившая состояние младенца.

   Пожалуй что младенца, более окруженного заботой, чем этого, сложно было сыскать во всей солнечной системе.

   Особенно после того, как к нему допустили киберов. Как сказал Джек: "для обеспечения системы дублирующейся безопасности и непрерывного контроля за жизнедеятельностью".

   Поспорить хотел было Леонид, но Лиза в какой-то момент сказала, что ей надо работать. И или ей кто-то будет помогать, или это будет Леонид.

   Киберы, управляемые Джеком, оправдали ожидания. До смены пеленок их, конечно, не допускали, но ука��ивали малыша они прекрасно.

   Скрежет откидывающегося трапа заставил Данилу вернуться в действительность.

   Они подошли поближе, помогая гостям спуститься.

   Контролер, ступивший на поверхность первым спросил:

   - Слышно нас? Извините за задержку, процедуры. Проверяли герметичность скафандров. Я уж и отвык там много времени проводить в обмундировании. Кстати, понятно, что я все это видел со спутников, но посмотреть своими глазами - это совсем другое. Знаете, что лишайники у вас встречаются уже за двести километров от центра?

   - Рады приветствовать вас на территории базы нашей компании. - Начал было заготовленную речь Грег, явно не успев скорректировать ее под слова Контролера. Его тут же оттеснил в сторону Василий.

   - Конечно, знаем. Сами сажали, - гордо сказал Василий. - Позвольте вас проводить. Осторожно, тут камень, не споткнитесь. Киберы совсем разленились. Вы бы знали, как в наше время тяжело найти хороших работников. Это вот у нас теплицы.

   - Держите, Василий, это ваше, - перебил его Контролер, протягивая маленький чемоданчик.

   - Джек, будь добр, - Рука Джека тут же появилась из ниоткуда и осторожно перехватила кейс.

   - Там еще девяносто монет, - с опаской отпуская груз, сообщил Контролер. - Ну вы ведите, Василий, ведите. И не показывайте мне каждый камень, я на них в принципе насмотрелся. Ходить умею. А это, как я понимаю, ваша смотровая башня виднеется? Очень элегантно...

   ***

Despite the fact that the runway was cleaned long and carefully, the plane landed heavily.   Either it was simply not designed for such sites, or the pilots lacked the experience to plant such a carpenter gracefully and elegantly, so that none of the passengers or those meeting and in thoughts will not appear that the flight in the air is generally connected, then a danger.   Apparently, the people inside had the same feelings as the group that met them, because no one left the plane for long.   He did not move at all, deadly standing on the reddish soil, carefully leveled by cybers, here and there, even with a grouted cementing solution.   All, in principle, agreed that the airport they have so-so, but in Mars, and on the base with six people, should be enough. Infrequently they were flown by planes.

.Not often -not exact the word.

Danila suddenly realized that he would see new people for the first time. For the first time in almost six years. That's so live, at arm's length, and not through the computer screen.   "Timur does not count," he immediately said to himself, "Timur, count, was always with us."   While they waited, he began to remember how everyone was hanging around the newborn, trying to tell what was better and worse. What you can eat Lisa and what not. How to dress it, what temperature regime should be in the medical box, where he spent the first few weeks.   And all this despite the fact that Lisa had on hand step-by-step, hourly, gram-book instructions on what to eat, drink when and how to sleep, designed on the Earth, taking into account the individual characteristics of mom and baby. Plus a medical station that continuously monitored the baby's condition.   Perhaps that baby, more surrounded by care than this, it was difficult to find in the entire solar system.   Especially after he was allowed to cyber. As Jack said: "to ensure a system of duplicating security and continuous monitoring of life".   It was Leonid who wanted to argue, but Liza at one point said that she had to work. And or someone will help her, or it will be Leonid.   Cybers, managed by Jack, lived up to expectations. Before the change of diapers, of course, they were not allowed, but they swayed the baby perfectly.   The rattle of the reclining ladder made Danil come back to reality.   They came closer, helping the guests to descend.   The controller, who stepped on the surface first asked:   "Can you hear us?" Sorry for the delay, the procedure. Checked tightness of spacesuits. I really did not get used to spending much time in uniforms. By the way, it's clear that I've seen all this from satellites, but it's quite another to see with my own eyes. Do you know that lichens are already found two hundred kilometers from the center?   - We are glad to welcome you on the territory of our company base. - Greg began to prepare a speech, obviously not having time to correct it under the words of the Controller. He was immediately pushed aside by Basil.

- Of course, we know. We planted it, - Vasily proudly said. "Let me carry you out." Careful, here is the stone, do not stumble. The Cybers were completely pissed off. You would know how hard it is to find good workers in our time. This is our greenhouse.

"Hold it, Vasily, this is yours," interrupted the Controller, holding out a small briefcase.   "Jack, be kind." Jack's hand immediately appeared out of nowhere and carefully intercepted the case.   "There are ninety more coins," the Controller said, cautiously letting go of the cargo. - Well, you lead, Vasily, lead. And do not show me every stone, I basically saw enough of them. I can walk. And this, I understand, your view tower is visible? Very elegant...   ***

Контролер похвалил переходный бункер, с точки зрения "грамотного обеспечения безопасности", заставив Грега засмущаться от удовольствия.

   Когда он и два пилота, наконец, распаковались из скафандров и прошли внутрь, то сначала их покормили.

   - Эти мне перелеты через полпланеты... - говорил Контролер, налегая на салат. Василий старательно ему подкладывал, преданно так смотря, как он ест. - Василий, прекратите паясничать, у меня помидоры в горле застревают от вашего взгляда.

   Лиза усмехнулась на другом конце стола и похлопала по плечу Николая. Сам того не зная, Контролер опять поднял тему помидоров, которую биологу уже почти что забыли.

   - Это единственный грузовик, способный их осуществлять и при этом садиться на таких площадках. Есть еще модель полегче, мы бы полетели на ней, но из-за европейцев...

   - А что европейцы? - удивился Василий, прикрывая разговором действия Джека, который в этот момент подкладывал на тарелку Контролера еще салатика.

   - Политика. Не так много они и заплатили, больше обошлись разговорами, что все мы делаем нужное и важное дело.

   - Да, только не у всех реакторы в аварийный шат-даун уходят, - буркнул издали Николай. Едва слышно.

   - Ну да, - тем не менее расслышал его Контролер. - В-общем, мою поездку подвели не просто под контроль аппаратуры, но и под забор груза. Вы контейнер с топливом подтащили?

   - Подтащили, завтра дозаправитесь. Там не многовато топлива то?

   - Нормально, - успокоил Василия Контролер. - Остатки припрячьте, на будущее, Агентство даже заплатит какие-то копейки за обеспечение его хранения. В контейнер - груз для европейцев. И завтра мы улетаем. Да, парни?

   Пилоты что-то неразборчиво промычали в ответ с набитыми ртами. Чувствовалось, что с развитием садоводства на базе Агенства напряг.

   - Мы вам с собой соберем, - предложила Лиза. - Огурчиков там, яблочек.

   - Кстати об яблочках, - произнес Контролер, глядя, как пилоты активно кивают на предложен��е Лизы. - Мы летели под последний прогноз. И завтра уже обратно, иначе можем застрять. У нас в трюме киберы, помогут с погрузкой. А вы бы показали базу и я бы взглянул на датчики Агентства, пока светло.

   - А как стемнеет? - подсказал Василий.

   - А как стемнеет, с удовольствием попробую обещанный сидр. Вы же еще не праздновали свои сто квадратов?

   - Я накрою наверху, - предложила Лиза.

   - Но тогда кому-то придется остаться, - Грег столкнулся с проблемой. Видно было, что ему в этот раз совсем не хочется быть тем, кто останется внизу.

   - Ничего, - ответила Лиза. - Я останусь. Все равно с вами спокойно не посидишь. И медблок предписывает в это время мне спать.

   - Елизавета, а малыша покажете? Он третий, но первые два на периферийных базах, где я в��обще не бывал. Можно ведь на него посмотреть, хотя бы издали?

   - Да чего уж издали, - усмехнулась Лиза. - Смотрите, мы не сахарные. Даже полезно, а то он совсем у нас как из инкубатора. Стерильный дальше некуда.

   ***

The controller praised the transitional bunker, in terms of "competent security", forcing Greg to embarrass himself with pleasure.   When he and the two pilots finally unpacked from the spacesuits and went inside, they were first fed.   "These flights to me through half a planet ..." said the Controller, leaning on the salad. Vasily diligently put it to him, faithfully looking as he eats. - Vasily, stop juggling, tomatoes in my throat get stuck from your gaze.   Lisa grinned at the other end of the table and patted Nicholas's shoulder. Without knowing it, the Controller again raised the topic of tomatoes, which the biologist had almost forgotten.   - This is the only truck that can carry them out and at the same time sit on such platforms. There is still a model easier, we would fly on it, but because of the Europeans ...   - And what about the Europeans? - Vasili was surprised, covering the conversation with Jack's actions, which at that moment was putting a salad on the Controller's plate.   - Policy. Not much they paid, more talked about, that we all do the right and important thing.   "Yes, but not all reactors are in emergency shat-down," Nikolai grumbled from a distance. Hardly heard.   "Well, yes," the Controller nonetheless heard. - In general, my trip was brought not just under the control of equipment, but also under the fence of the cargo. You dragged a container of fuel?   "They dragged you, refuel tomorrow." There is not too much fuel then?   - It's normal, - Vasily Controller reassured. - Hide the remains, for the future, the Agency will even pay some coins for ensuring its storage. In a container - a load for Europeans. And tomorrow we depart. Yes, guys?   The pilots inaudibly muttered in response with their mouths full. It was felt that with the development of agroculture on the basis of the Agency strained.   "We'll get you together," Lisa suggested. - There are cucumbers there, apples.   "Speaking of apples, by the way," said the Controller, watching the pilots nodding actively at Lisa's offer. - We flew under the last forecast. And tomorrow already back, otherwise we can get stuck. We have cybers in the hold, will help with loading. And you would have shown the base and I would have looked at the sensors of the Agency, while it's light.   "How's it going to get dark?" - suggested Vasily.   - As it gets dark, I'll try the promised cider with pleasure. You have not celebrated your one hundred squares yet?   "I'll cover upstairs," Lisa suggested.   "But then someone will have to stay," Greg ran into a problem. It was evident that this time he did not want to be the one who remained below.   "Nothing," Lisa answered. "I'll stay." Still, you can not sit quietly with me. And medblok prescribes me to sleep at this time.   "Elizabeth, will you show the baby?" He is the third, but the first two on peripheral bases, where I have never been. You can look at it, at least from afar?   "Why so long ago," Lisa laughed. "Look, we're not sugar." Even useful, and then he is quite with us as an incubator. The sterile is nowhere to go.   ***

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Here at your fingertips is a literal book extravaganza! These books have the potential to be life changing, and it is a pleasure to draw attention to the value that these books bring to homes, schools, and communities as truly, “nothing else takes bookworms on such magical, extraordinary and exciting adventures”~WBD National book tokens.

White-tailed Deer Fawn. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Saskatoon, SK, CA

Red-Winged Blackbird. West Swale Wetlands Chappell Marsh. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, SK

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA

Colorado Blue Spruce Cone. Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK, CA

American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Courtesy D. Gordon E. Robertson

Richard St. Barbe Baker, himself, was a notable author, writing books as a way to raise money in an effort to save forests and trees around the world. There is a personal warmth in all the books that Baker wrote, in his speeches, and public appearances and it is felt that we knew him in a sort of personal way, as if we had shaken hands with him, and heard his voice; and we always have a feeling that he is addressing us in our own person.

If you were to walk in nature, and write a book, what is your story, your most vivid memory of your natural world? Here is an introduction to other writers, authors, and publishers who also have written about biodiversity, wildlife, nature, and the province of Saskatchewan we have all grown to know and love.

“I believe in the Oneness of Mankind and all living things and the interdependence of each and all.”~ Richard St. Barbe Baker

Saskatchewan wildlife federation book: Wonders of Wildlife – Lori Milligan An activity manual for teachers and youth leaders for expanding the awareness of nature to young conservationists. A guide book to get youth become more involved in the outdoors, which mitigates Vitamin N deficiency.

The Great Sand Hills: A Prairie Oasis Text by Rebecca L. Grambo Photography by Branimir Gjetvaj

Saskatchewan Breeding bird Atlas in the process of compilation as we write this. Citizen scientists and professional bird watchers between 2017-2022 will collaborate to map the distribution and relative abundance of breeding birds in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan nature books compilation from Eco-friendly Saskatchewan Updates

Nature Viewing Sites in and around Saskatoon (3rd edition) (includes the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area)

Trevor Herriot’s latest books

Towards a Prairie Atonement

The Road is How: A Prairie Pilgrimage through Nature, Desire, and Soul

Grass, Sky, Song: Promise and Peril in the World of Grassland Birds

Saskatchewan: The Luminous Landscape, Prairie Light, Prairie Skies by Courtney Milne and Old Man on His Back: Portrait of a Prairie Landscape, which he co-authored with writer Sharon Butala. Both Milne, and his wife Sherill Miller worked alongside environmental green groups raising awareness, and reclaiming our natural biodiversity.

The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List,Photographer’s Guide to Saskatchewan and Western Canadian Farm Trivia Challenge Saskatchewan published by Robin and Arlene Karpan

Lone Pine publishing nature books

Flora of Saskatchewan books and book reviews from Nature along with a number of other great Nature publications

Conifers and Catkin-Bearing Trees and Shrubs of Saskatchewan (July 2016)

Grasses of Saskatchewan (August 2014)

Sedges (Carex) of Saskatchewan (March 2012)

Lilies, Irises and Orchids of Saskatchewan (October 2011)

Ferns and Fern Allies of Saskatchewan (June 2011)

When the Ice Goes Out on Dore Lake

Dragonflies and Damselflies in the Hand

Grasses of Saskatchewan

Getting to Know Saskatchewan Lichens

Great Sand Hills: A Prairie Oasis

On the Living Edge: Your Handbook for Waterfront Living

Prairie Phoenix: The Red Lily in Saskatchewan

Birds of the Saskatoon Area

Atlas of Saskatchewan Birds

Robert David Symons, Countryman – The Life of a Cultural Giant

A Country Boy by R.D. Symons – A Prairie Classic

Birds of the Rosetown-Biggar District

Nature Saskatchewan also compiled another excellent listing of books;

A Land Manager’s Guide to Grassland Birds of Saskatchewan. 2002. Saskatchewan Watershed Authority.

Benefits of Biodiversity. 1999. U.S. Council for Agriculture Science & Technology. Task F orce Report.

Biodiversity in Agroecosystems. 1999. W.W. Collins and C.O. Qualset (eds). CRC Press. Washingto n D.C.

Canadian Cattle Producers and the Protection of Species. 1998. Canadian Cattleman’s Association.

Conservation of Canadian Prairie Grasslands: A Landowner’s Guide. 1992. Canadian Wildlife Service.

Global Warming and Agriculture. 2003. Best Management Practices Series. Soil Conservation Counc il of Canada.

Grazing: A Natural Component of Grassland Ecozone Riparian Syst ems. 2004. K. LaForge. Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration.

Landowner’s Toolkit Series. Alberta Conservation Association.

Managing Saskatchewan Wetlands. Saskatchewan Watershed Authority.

Managing Your Native Prairie Parcels. 1998. Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation.

Prairie Agricultural Landscapes: A Land Resource Review. 2000. Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration.

Prairie Conservation Action Plan 2003 – 2008. 2003. PCAP Partnership. Canadian Plains Research Centre.

Preserving Working Ranches in the Canadian West. 2000. Southern Alberta Land Trust, The Land Conservancy of British Columbia and The Sonoran Institute.

Ranching Along the Stream. Saskatchewan Watershed Authority.

Saskatchewan’s Native Prairie. 2001. Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan and Canadian Plains Research Centre.

The Diversity of Life. 1992. E.O. Wilson. Harvard University Press.

The Future of Life. 2002. E.O. Wilson. Vintage Books

Environment Canada publications relating to biodiversity ecosystems, migratory birds, species at risk, wildlife habitat and nature Saskatchewan wild and other Saskatchewan books. Listing from Saskmade

Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre Publications Biodiversity

Biodiversity Handbook [online]featuring for the prairies:

Mixedwood Forest Society ” A campaign to protect mixed forest, wetland, and river landscapes—and the unique species they contain—in the Swan River & Porcupine Hills regions of western Manitoba.”

Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan “A project to increase conservation of native prairie and at-risk species within the Prairie Ecozone in Saskatchewan”

Saskatchewan books Prairies North listing

So today, March 5, 2017 is World Book Day. How can we, the shepherds of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area celebrate the authors, illustrators and books today? On this 20th anniversary of this United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Book Day celebrate, come together, and explore the pleasures of exploring nature, biodiversity, wildlife, the ecosystem to open your eyes and senses next time you are out in the afforestation area. If you are a primary school teacher or home school educator check out these fabulous activities and another 20 ideas.

Another marvelous concept would be to support a green group with a purchase of one of the books they have published as a fund-raising initiative as listed above. However, don’t stay inside too long. Don’t become Vitamin N deficient, or acquire Nature Deficit Syndrome. A most excellent way to be healthy, enjoy nature and its excellent bio-diversity would be to obtain one, two or more nature field guides as listed above,  and set out on an explore!

Help create the Saskatchewan Breeding bird Atlas with your bird watching skills. Take out a field guide, and discover what wild plants and flowers are blooming this spring. Wander among the tall prairie grasslands and identify butterflies, trees, prairie grasses and sedges along the way with the help of a guide book or two. Reading can really help you open your eyes as to what you are seeing around you on your walks.

Please advise if there are any other most excellent books on the environment, nature, wildlife, flora and fauna which should be included to celebrate World Book Day this Sunday March 5, 2017. If we get reading now, while the snow whitens the ground, by the time the crocus pop up on April 16, 2017, oh, what amazing flora and fauna you may come to recognize by the time the Easter pasque flower shows its head.

“Mid-summer … when the alchemy of Nature transmutes the sylvan landscape to one vivid and almost homogeneous mass of green; when the senses are well-nigh intoxicated with the surging seas of moist verdure and the subtly indefinable odours of the soil and the vegetation. In such surroundings the mind loses its perspective; time and space become trivial and unreal, and echoes of a forgotten prehistoric past beat insistently upon the enthralled consciousness.”~H. P. Lovecraft

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti

For more information:

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, SK, CA north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Facebook: StBarbeBaker Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Facebook: South West OLRA If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque please to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund” (MVA RSBBAA trust fund) and mail it to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area c/o Meewasin Valley Authority, 402 Third Ave S, Saskatoon SK S7K 3G5. Thank you kindly! Twitter: St Barbe Baker Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Our Experience of the World Here at your fingertips is a literal book extravaganza! These books have the potential to be life changing, and it is a pleasure to draw attention to the value that these books bring to homes, schools, and communities as truly, "nothing else takes bookworms on such magical, extraordinary and exciting adventures”~WBD National book tokens.