Saturday, August 22, 2009

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ GALA

The old woman climbed the stairs that led to the attic. She moved quickly, reaching the top in less time than it would have taken someone half her age. She stopped on the last step and looked around. This room, with all it’s clutter, always had the same effect on her............she felt as if she’d just stepped back in time. Maybe it was seeing all the familiar objects. The things that had been such a part of her every day life as a young girl, growing up on the farm with Auntie Em and Uncle Henry. Maybe it was because there were so many memories tucked away in drawers and boxes, just waiting to be rediscovered. Whatever the reason, in this dusty old attic, the distance between the past and the present always seemed to disappear.

Something on the table by the window caught her eye. It was the little black hat that Auntie Em always wore when she was going out. Auntie Em wasn't a materialistic person, mind you, but when she saw that handsome little hat, in a storefront window in Collierville, her heart skipped a beat. Uncle Henry noticed how h
er face lit up as she tried it on. She saw him looking at her and quickly put it back on the mannequin. He bought it for her the following week.

The hat still smelled faintly of lavender...............Auntie Em's favorite fragrance.








Now where are my .............the words trailed off, as she lifted the parcel onto her lap, and untied the faded ribbons. She carefully brought the small figures out of the box and lined them up across the table. Hickory had carved them for her, after the cyclone. She had described her friends to him, and he carved every detail to her specifications. She held them in her hand now, and studied them carefully, one by one.









She finally found the trunk she'd climbed all those stairs for. Uncle Henry's straw hat sat on top. She picked up the hat, wrapped her arms around it and hugged it to her body. She closed her eyes and pictured Uncle Henry working in the sun, with a fringe of white hair peeking out from under that straw hat. He only took it off to eat and sleep.

She missed Auntie Em and Uncle Henry.




Then she pried open the trunk, lifted the lid..........and peeked inside. OH MY! Had it really been seventy years since the cyclone had swirled the farm house right out of Kansas, and dropped it (with her inside) in that beautiful, yet sometimes frightening place, far, far away?








She often dreamed of going back. There were constant reminders. Why, even the dandelions, growing in the lane, reminded her of the "Yellow Brick Road."










She began pulling things from the trunk. "My old picnic basket," she cried. It had been a favorite hiding place for Toto, her beloved dog.

She missed Toto.












She shivered a little, as she uncovered the next two items. The broom and cape were the spoils of a quest, that resulted in life altering, self discovery for each of the four friends.









She found the testimonial that the Wizard had given the Scarecrow.......in recognition of his prowess as a deep thinker.





the heart medallion that the Tin Man had received, in recognition of his great capacity to love, but more importantly, to be loved.






Of course, his heart was so tender that tears would flow at the drop of a hat........necessitating the constant availability of an oil can, lest he rust solid.



She unwrapped a little gold case. Inside she found the "Medal Of Valor" the Wizard had awarded her feline friend, the Lion................whose unflinching courage in the face of danger, had saved them all.

She missed her friends
.




She wrestled the Ruby Slippers free of the layers of old newspaper that covered them. Even in the fading light, fro
m the attic's one small window........they still sparkled after all these years.







As she gazed at the shiny shoes, the words she had spoken so many years ago, flashed across her mind

"If you ever go looking for your heart's desire, look no further than your own back yard, because...............................................THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!"

She had lived the last seventy years of her life right here, on this little farm, in the middle of Kansas.

She paused, seemingly lost in thought...............




Then the old woman eased herself into the threadbare old arm chair that used to sit in the parlor........pulled on the Ruby Slippers............closed her eyes.
.................and


drifted off

OVER THE RAINBOW.



..........................................................................................................................................................................
The sepia toned pictures at the beginning of my story, are a reference to the 1939 movie. that was shot in TECHNICOLOR, with the exception of the opening farm and cyclone scenes, which were done in sepia. The film makes the change from sepia to color as Dorothy opens the farm house door, after the cyclone drops them in Oz.
My pictures change from sepia to color when Dorothy opens the trunk.

The movie "THE WIZARD OF OZ" was adapted from the book "THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ" written by L. Frank Baum.

Here are two examples of early editions.















Judy Garland, as DOROTHY holding TOTO.



Original movie poster from 1939.

and

Original 1939 cast.


Have a wonderful weekend,

Kay


Many thanks to Twyla and Lindsey for hosting today's WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ GALA.
Be sure to visit TWO CRAZY CRAFTERS for links to all the Emerald City fun.

22 comments:

the old schoolhouse said...

What a lovely post, was just wandering through your blog and i really enjoyed myself thank you best wishes from Ireland, Angie [Pams sister]

Claudia said...

Kay, what a fabulous post - beautifully and exquisitely done! I just loved spending time here today. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

L♥ved this post!

You have a gift girl!!!

Happy Oz Gala Day!☺

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What a beautiful post! And your banner is amazing! One of the prettiest I've ever seen!

Visit me today, too!

Anonymous said...

Ah, you are a fine writer! Happy Oz Day!

Jorgelina said...

Hi!
What a beautiful post!
Happy wizard of Oz gala!!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Your post made me tear up. Especially where she misses Toto (there I go again). For some reason I had never thought of what happened to Dorothy after she got home. Of course she missed everyone. What a poignant tale of Dorothy's latter years. I so appreciate you joining our celebration today! Thanks, Twyla

marble rose said...

That was just such a thoughtful, beautiful post - thank you so much. I never thought about Dorothy after her journey to Oz - a lovely concept.


Thank You

Fleur
xx

Peg said...

You took a lot of time and effort in doing this beautiful post... well done! I hope your granddaughters read your blog; they will enjoy this story!

Jessica said...

Lovely post :)

Colleen said...

I have so enjoyed reading your sequel story to the Wizard of Oz. Thank you for sharing your talent for this fine day! Take a look at my quilts!

Betty said...

This is an absolutely wonderful post! What a surprise! Thank you for the gift of your words.

Tiffany said...

What a wonderful post! I loved your tribute here to the wizzard of Oz! ~Blessings!

The Vintage Vagablonde said...

Loved your post..it was filled with lovely images.

Please stop by and visit me too :)

parasols and maryjanes said...

Your story is a treasure. I love it so much. Baum himself couldn't have written anything finer--so nostalgic....when you pulled out the basket, like Twyla, I teared up. Thank you for taking such care with the Oz celebration.
Carol R

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Hi,
I love your beautiful tale of Dorothy in her latter years .Great Pics, also. I have enjoyed my visit. You are invited to visit my party. 8-)
~Myrna

shabbyscraps said...

GREAT post ! loved it!! what fun memories...
xoxo, Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Hi Kay,

I enjoy visiting your blog once again! Your photos are always amazing. A very creative perspective you have taken on the Oz journey.Thank you for making my days so lovely!

Best to you!
Debbykay @ Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm

Nikki via The Scarlett Rose Garden said...

What an enjoyable post!
I'm still making the Gala rounds, I'm very behind!

Thank you so much for visiting Kay. Your blog is lovely. I look forward to seeing you at the GWTW Ball.
I have a copy of the program, wish it were the real deal!
Best,
Nikki

Outstanding Stranger said...

Truely a lovely post. Kay you can write!!!! What fun, and all the pictures are lovely to. Thank you for sharing this creative masterpiece. Hugs, Diane

white o'morn cottage said...

PURE MAGIC!

KayEllen said...

Wonderful Kay...a loved your pictures and following your story and wizard of oz...

Dorthy and Toto...ruby slippers:)))
Beautiful Props and treasures you have!!!!

Now I want to watch the movie!!!

Thank you for your sweet comments.

Hugs,
K