Nov. 6, 2014

For today’s writing, I was inspired by innocents and the wonderment of youth.

Hope you like:

“Hurry” She cried “It’s almost time.”  She could barely contain herself, her excitement was overflowing.

“Calm down Pumpkin, we won’t miss it, I promise.” I scooped her up in my arms and swing her around as she giggled. “My, but you’re getting big.”

I made sure the door was locked behind me and we set to walking the two and half block to the park.  Even before we reached the end of the drive, we could hear the festival noises.

“Hurry,” she shouted and ran ahead a ways.

Above and beyond the roofs of the neighbouring housed, peeked the top of a large red and white tent. Sirens and shouts of merriment became clearer as we walked.

“We’re going to miss it, hurry Poppa.”

I smiles and jogged a little to catch up with her.

Her face exploded with excitement as we turned down the path to the park; clowns and balloons and candyfloss and streamers and so many people. It was too much for her little six-year-old brain to comprehend and she let out a squeal of delight.

She stood a moment taking it all in.

I scooped her up again and weaved our way through the mingle of people and neared the grandstand. Her eyes were wide, taking in every sight.

I found us a nice place to stand and watch the coming events.

An air-horn blast, and everyone’s attention was at center stage.

A young chap and an older man stood together in front of a small group of people.  The young chap adjusted the microphone and tapped it. The older man began to speak.

“Welcome everyone to the first ever Jasperville Festival!”

Everyone cheered letting out hoots and hollers. The older man went on with a few speeches and introductions, but soon enough, he summed it up. “Without any further delay, on with the Jasperville Festival Parade!” 

The crowd one again shouted their approval.

In my arms, my little miss began to wiggle. “Now Poppa, is it now?” and to her utter delight, out came the seemingly giant horses, eight at a time, pulling fancy wagons driven.

She let out another squeal and watched as the teams passed close enough to hear the beating of their hearts.  She could almost reach out and touch the fancy ribbons and shinny buckles on the bridles.

On each of the wagon, rode tumblers and jugglers performing their craft. On one wagon, several clowns were handing out balloons.

She reached out her tiny little hand and was handed a big red balloon with colourful ribbons to hold onto.  I made sure to grab a hold too, just to make sure.

She watched in awe as next, the other livestock made the rounds; goats and sheep, llamas and donkeys, cows, pigs, even some dogs took part in the show.

Even before the final participant made their way past, the crowd had began to disperse, but not us, she was determined not to miss a single thing.

Eventually, we made out way to the displays of wondrous creations, quilting, crafts, woodwork and the like. Home baked treats for sale and samples to taste, jams, jellies, and honey.

And there were games to play, the likes of which she had never imaged; fishing games, throwing games, games with balloons and darts, rings to toss and so many colourful prises to win.

By the end of the day she was so worn out that she could barely keep here eyes open.

She snuggled her face in my shoulder and quickly fell asleep. I cradled her in my arms all the way home.

What a day, such excitement, I, too was exhausted.

I struggled a bit, to get my key to unlock the door, but I managed.

I carefully carried my sweet girl upstairs and into her room.

She stirred as I placed her on her bed.

“Poppa,” She asked. “are we home?”

“Yes sweetheart,” as I took off her shoes. “Did you have fun today?”

Through sleepy eyes she looked at me, smiled and nodded. “Ya know what” she continued, “I think Momma would have had fun too.”

I smiled back at my sweet little princess as I tucked her in, “I think so too sweetie”

I kissed her gently on the forehead and she drifted off to sleep.

I wasn’t sure where this was going until I got there.

Hope you enjoyed.

Cheers.