THE QUEEN FAIRY FRANCESCA DUSTED ME JUST IN TIME

There before my eyes was a magical world. It was full of plush greenery, flowers, vines, trees, and many little creeks. There were birds, butterflies, squirrels, and other animals of the forest. I could hear a waterfall in the distance. Oh, how I love waterfalls. I walked and listened, that I might be led to the great pouring of the water from the mountain tops, into a pristine cavern where the pool would be peaceful, reflecting all the beauty from the world surrounding it...

As I walked, I noticed so many beautiful things around me. The inhabitants of this euphoric paradise did not seem to notice me at all. It was as if they were too wrapped up in the quality of their environment. Or perhaps they sensed that I was at one with them.

A rabbit of exquisite colors ran by, not in fear, but, scampering along. I followed it for a bit, until I heard the roar of the waterfall. I turned slightly to the left, and, behold, the most glorious waterfall I had ever seen was before me. I hurried to reach the pool of it gushing glory....

Such a pool it was, it had tiers of rocks, each with a pool, which drained to the pools of water below them. The sounds were lulling. So relaxing was this place I stumbled upon. I felt as if I were in Heaven.

I sat at the edge of the lowest pool, put my feet in the cool waters. It was so cool that it tickled my toes with sensation. I bent over and reached in for a handful of the water, just to feel it trickle between my fingers.

The day was young, I could stay here for a while. Though I was all alone, I had no fear; the gorgeousness of the scene was far too important for such foolishness, there was nothing but beauty and peace at every angle, nook, turn, and, bend. Yes, I would sit here for a while, and, be totally mesmerized by all that life had to offer...

Entranced by the visions before me, I failed to hear the growls behind me. I was not aware that less than 20 feet behind me stood a tawny mountain lion. When I did hear it, I was so surprised that I merely turned to see what it was. I looked at it for a full minute before it registered that I was in danger. The cat looked back at me with total disdain for my presence here.

I was not sure what to do, so, I slowly slid into the cold water. This perplexed the great cat. I did not want to thrash or make too much noise, so, I slithered along the edge, seeking some distance between it and myself. It looked at me quizzically, as if I had confused him. This gave me more courage. I continued to slither along the edge, though my body was getting very cold.

With distance between us, I looked around to see where I could go. It seemed clear that there was no escaping the lion. He had since lay down, watching me, with almost amused eyes.

All of sudden, there was great shrieking, as if a thousand eagles were in the vicinity. I looked around and saw nothing. Still the shrieking continued. The lion obviously did not like the sound of this, and, retreated into the forest; probably to watch from a close vantage point. Now, I was scared to death. I would rather see him than not...

I slowly, and, carefully pulled myself out of the frosty waters. I sat and hugged my knees to my chest, both for warmth and circulation.

I was yet curious about the shrieking, still nothing was visible to identify it with. I knew that I had to find a way out of here, but, I knew that cat would be stalking me.

As I was worrying about the situation, the area suddenly came to light. There were like thousands of tiny lights, each a different shade and hue, of every color imaginable. It was dizzying, intoxicating, and, hypnotizing. I had no idea what was going on, I just sat there and watched as the tiny lights filled every space between me and the forest.

Suddenly the lights began to take shape. They were fairies, thousands of beautiful fairies, all dancing and flitting to and fro. I was sure that I must be gone from life, but, no, I was quite alive.

Dazed, I watched them as they each came to form. Such loveliness, grace, and beauty within each one. I was smiling at the sight.

One landed on my knee that she might speak to me and look directly into my eyes. She said with a voice of extreme pitch that she was Queen of the fairies. I could tell by her great beauty and apparel. I told her I was more than happy to see her. She said she knew...

She said that her name was Francesca Faerie, and, that she knew me well. I was confused, but, that would mean nothing at this time. She said that we had had previous interaction, though I surely did not recall it, and, that she liked my nature, full of love and peaceful tidings. I told her thank you. I was humbled, excited and extremely thankful for her and the others.

We talked for a few moments. She told me that she would sprinkle me with fairy dust, and, that the dust from a Queen fairy would never dissipate, that it would serve me forevermore. I asked what the dust would mean to me, she replied that it would mean anything I wanted it to mean. She told me that at will, I could do anything, and, go anywhere, just by recalling the dusting itself.

I asked if I could leave the forest safely, and, she told me, think it and it is done. I was not ready to depart from her and the others, but, I could see that many were returning to their forms of light, and, guessed that their purpose had been fulfilled.

That was not too long ago. I was blessed with the dusting of the Queen fairy, Francesca. It has been said that she is no longer of the Earth, and, I am sure that I was her last dusted. I have yet to figure out how a fairy could be departed, but, who am I? If she is gone, then with her I send my affection and admiration, and, my love, for she touched me and saved me from no uncertain harm...

Live on Francesca, and, where ever you have landed, may it be more beautiful than the beauty which you showed unto the world, the beauty which you carried in your being and shared from your heart and soul... Go forward in the love which you so selflessly gave...Peace forever, be with you...