12/22/2016
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
In case you missed "A Charlie Christmas Story - starring Charlie" in the December edition of the Insider at the Market Common here it is:
Twas a chilly night in December, and all throughout Charlie’s Pad in the Market Common, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…(definitely a good thing, if Charlie got wind of mice moving in, he’d probably move out). The fridge was stocked with delicious pies, cider and whipped cream to accompany all manner of desserts as well as ham, apples, roasted chicken, and little dog bone cookies in the shape of candy canes tied with red bows— a special surprise for Charlie. The stockings were hung by the mantle with care, in the hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. Charlie was nestled in his bed, while visions of dog treats danced in his head.
Happy and full from a day’s worth of chicken scraps, he snoozed a peaceful slumber, content in the knowing that he was a good doggie, and would probably soon be getting extra treats and at least a new chew toy for Christmas. Twittering noises woke Charlie from blissful doggie sleep, and making his way drowsily out to the balcony to investigate, he saw little twinkly lights shimmering against the backdrop of the night sky. As he peered and stared, they came closer and closer and closer and closer until pop! One landed and perched directly on his nose.
“I’ve found you!” an excited little voice exclaimed from the tip of Charlie’s nose, “the star of the Insider at the Market Common!”
“Well, I do have a few fans,” Charlie replied a bit abashed, but more than a little pleased with himself and also wondering about the zeal of his latest admirer, who had apparently flown over his balcony to greet him. Am I famous? he wondered. “Who are you?” he inquired, taking in the sparkly form still
resting on his nose. It was about three inches tall, with wings, but he knew intuitively not to try to
eat it.
“Holly, the holiday fairy,” she replied, “I’m part of the Sugar Plum family. I love goodwill and
I love community, and I heard you’re helping to build that here.” (continued on page 16)
“Well, yes, I do have a rather important role helping with the Morning Mix and Mingle,” replied Charlie, feeling a bit tongue-tied with this newest miniature fan.
“Well, I’m here to give you a gift to help you with your work,” said Holly, getting straight to the point.
Charlie thought about dog treats and chew toys, but before he had time to ask her if he could have one of those
instead, she continued, “I’m so pleased with your commitment to bring people together in fellowship, to inspire them to be more open to and involved with one another, and an active part of this beautiful place where they live, that during the holiday season, all those who pet you will receive my blessing— and be imbued with the gifts that come from strong community.”
“Wow!” exclaimed Charlie, as he tried to process all she said, “what gifts are those?”
“Peace, love, contentment, happiness, security, and fulfillment.”
“Wow!” exclaimed Charlie again, all thoughts of a chew toy now completely wiped away. And before he could speak again, Holly leaned over and kissed his nose. Charlie thought he might sneeze. Sparkles flew everywhere and he felt electrified, but in a good way. His fluffy white coat, already considerably fluffy, expanded into even greater fluffiness just begging to be touched. And as quickly as she had landed, Holly the holiday fairy, was gone.
Charlie stood on his balcony a bit bemused, staring up at the night sky. When nothing happened and all about him was stillness, he turned back to his warm bed, and in traditional doggie fashion of being in the moment, simply fell asleep.
The next morning, Charlie awoke with the memory of an odd dream. Too much chicken before bed, he considered. Then trotting over to his water bowl, and gazing down into its depths, he distinctly saw a golden sparkle fall from his nose. And there to his left, was this story.
Signed,
Holly of the Sugar Plums
