Stories of Blunder Creek

This story begins in the small village of Westwood. It’s called that because all the woods are in the west part of the village. It’s sunny most days and rains at night. The air has a fresh pine smell each morning. A crisp, babbling creek runs through the village that the residents of Westwood call Blunder Creek. It’s the only creek that flows into the lakes and then into the sea. Residents learn many lessons there.

The fresh odors of flowers and pinecones in the air bring every resident out to enjoy the day. That’s because Westwood is always in bloom and the weather is always just right for anyone.”

One day, just after a cool breeze dried the grass, two of Westwood’s well-known citizens came hopping along beside Blunder Creek. They were Rosy Rabbit and Peddler Frog.

Suddenly, Peddler Frog stumbled, flipped, and fell to the ground with a thud. Rosy could not control herself and she laughed out loud. “What happened Peddler?” she giggled. Peddler looked up at her. Then he stretched out his arms and pushed himself to his feet. Disgusted, he said, “I just stumbled over something, Rosy.” They looked at a hole in the ground and Rosy laughed even harder. “Sorry,” she giggled to Peddler. “You flipped right over before landing on your knees,” she laughed, hiding her face with her arm. “And then flat on your face,” she went on with a chuckle. “Stop laughing Rosy,” demanded Peddler. “I’m glad I wasn’t hurt badly.” Rosy stopped laughing and brushed the dirt from Peddler’s orange apron of large pockets. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Come on,” said Peddler. He dusted the dirt from his knees and patted clean the pockets of his apron. Then he said, “Let’s get going or we’ll be late for Tootle Turtle’s picnic.” And off they hopped

Not very far behind was Butterfly Belle, dressed in her best purple, and Groovy Grasshopper, in his slim plaid green jogging suit. Belle fluttered and glided through the air as Groovy leaped beside her. Belle suddenly noticed some lavender daisies as Groovy landed on the ground. She excitedly flew to them, right in front of Groovy. He just barely missed her. He dodged to the left and stumbled into the hole.

“Oh!” cried Belle, peeping over one of the lavender daisy’s petals. “I’m so sorry Groovy,” she added. “I am too,” said the shaken grasshopper. “I wasn’t expecting your turn or this hole.” And he leaped out. “I’m really sorry Groovy. I got so excited when I saw those pretty lavender daisies,” she said fluttering about. “I just had to smell them in that moment. I forgot that you were hopping beside me,” she went on. Groovy patted his brow and smiled at her forgivingly. “Oh, no harm was done. We should get going or we will be late for Tootle Turtle’s picnic.” And off they went.

How strange for a hole to have been there. It wasn’t there before. Westwood citizens travel around here all the time. Someone must have dug it earlier, but who would have done such a thing?

Well yesterday, Tootle Turtle was gathering food near Blunder Creek for the picnic he was planning. But if you know turtles, it took him all day.