‘It’ A Short Story

Once upon a time in the Land of Nothing lived a very small something who even though it was nowhere thought it was indeed somewhere. Did everything that it thought it did ……. do? Or given that it was really nowhere at all did it actually do anything at all? But voices that were not there in this place that did not exist, spoke of issues to the contrary which plunged it into an unknown never experienced or even considered before dilemma.

Was it or was it not…. did it or did it not….. would it or would it not…… could it or could it not…. or was it all a dream? But dream it did. It dreamt of a creation of something from nothing …….within the invisible hands of nothing ……..through dreams from nowhere and thus creation began….. or did it? It dreamt of creation…. and from nothing thought of a cosmos….. of universes…. and of planets…. and moons…. and suns. It dreamt of air… and fire…. and water… and within the substance of one planet… the earth It brought life into being.

And from the depths Its waters….. Its air met Its fire …… and the earth moved with a force that echoed throughout the nothingness…. of everything that It existed within. The land of what was once nothing was becoming alive with vibrations of something…. from somewhere… and something or nothing must be done ….. as It continued to dream.

A pulsating reality of a dreaming living earth….. but It thought the earth seemed empty and alone. So It dreamt of a sun to bring light and day…. and a moon to bring dark and night. Thus the dreams and thoughts of night and day…. light and darkness… were born. It dreamt of cosmic creation….. from nowhere to somewhere…… and back to nothing again. But It somehow knew that thought is, was, and will always be all that is. It also somehow knew that from thought came form and that all form was, is, and always will be alive and breathing within everything of what is really nothing or so It dreamt.

It created the universal family from dreams… emanating from nowhere….. and all the dreams to come would be a part of that which is all that is. Nothing could deny that It had hit on something from nowhere ….. but where would It end?

It saw the beauty of creation….. as the dream of life was born upon the earth. It was indeed pleased with the visions from somewhere….. within the constraints of nowhere and as It dreamt…. so it became. From where the visions were thought……. the mists of time were born.

It began to dream of life in so many different forms. As the dream blossomed life began throughout the earth….. within the depths of the seas….. and the breadths of her skies. But all of this was just a dream that It was creating…. a living dream where everything is connected…… breathing living form upon…. within…. and without all that is. It was pleased… but from the heart of the hand of nothing came others who were not there with thoughts of form and as It had dreamt this…. so it would be.

It wondered if all that is was complete and dreamt of being in form itself…. through a thought. It thought of creation from and through the very connectivity of everything… that will always be…. thought forth woman in its likeness. As It looked on the dreams…… all was good….. but how would the dream continue? So it gave the form balance and thought into creation….. dreaming man.

And the rest is the history that dreams are made of……..

The School of Unrealistic Hopefulness

This short story is taken from -Tales from Under the Falling Leaves (Short Stories for Long Nights) with Uncle Laz.

Once upon a time, in a land veiled in whimsy and wonder, there stood a peculiar institution known as the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness. Nestled amidst rolling hills and adorned with vibrant flowers, this school was unlike any other. Its purpose was to cultivate and nurture the boundless dreams and aspirations of young hearts, teaching them to embrace the power of hope and imagination. The school’s esteemed headmaster, Professor Ambrose, was a tall and sprightly man with a twinkle in his eyes. He firmly believed that ordinary dreams could evolve into extraordinary realities. Under his guidance, the students were encouraged to dream big, to dare to imagine the seemingly impossible.

At the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness, every day was a new adventure. The students, an eclectic mix of wide-eyed dreamers, were eager to embark on their journey of discovery. Each morning, they would gather in the enchanting walled courtyard garden, where whispers of inspiration swirled through the air. The first lesson of the day was taught by Professor Amelia, a kind-hearted soul with a penchant for creativity. She taught the students to paint their dreams upon the canvas of the world. With brushes in hand and colours ablaze, the young dreamers would bring their fantasies to life, creating a tapestry of vibrant possibilities.

Next came Professor Felix, an eccentric inventor who believed that the boundaries of reality were meant to be shattered. In his workshop, the students tinkered with gears, wires, and various contraptions. They crafted flying machines, time-travelling devices, and teleportation gadgets, fuelled by their unwavering belief in the extraordinary.

Then, there was Professor Celeste, a wise scholar who revelled in the mysteries of the universe. She guided the students through celestial journeys, teaching them about the stars, planets, and galaxies. Under her tutelage, they learned to see beyond the confines of Earth and dream of exploring distant worlds.

Throughout the day, the students were immersed in an atmosphere of wonder and possibility. They delved into stories of mythical creatures, composed symphonies of hope, and danced to the rhythm of their dreams. The school’s corridors echoed with laughter as friendships were forged and aspirations intertwined. However, the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness was not without its challenges. Doubt occasionally crept into the hearts of the students, threatening to dampen their spirits. But Professor Ambrose, with his unwavering optimism, reminded them that every setback was an opportunity for growth. He taught them to embrace failure as a stepping stone toward success.

As time passed, the students of the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness grew in both wisdom and courage. They carried their dreams like beacons, lighting a path toward a future brimming with possibilities. Some became renowned artists, their works inspiring generations. Others pioneered scientific breakthroughs that defied logic. And a few ventured into uncharted territories, embracing the unknown with open arms. Years later, a former student of the school, now a successful entrepreneur, stood before a crowd of aspiring dreamers. With a twinkle in their eye and an infectious smile, they shared their journey from the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness to the realm of tangible achievements. Their story ignited a spark in the hearts of those who listened, reminding them that dreams, no matter how fantastical, could indeed become reality.

And so, the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness continued to thrive and flourish, its legacy carried forward by new generations of dreamers. The school became a beacon of inspiration, drawing students from far and wide who sought to nurture their imaginative spirits and challenge the limits of what was deemed possible. Over time, the graduates of the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness formed a vibrant network of visionaries united by their shared experiences and unwavering belief in the power of dreams. They collaborated on ambitious projects, pushing the boundaries of innovation in art, science, and technology. Their collective efforts brought about astonishing advancements that transformed the world in ways no one could have imagined. The impact of the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness extended far beyond its enchanting campus.

Its alumni scattered across the globe, spreading the seeds of hope and inspiration wherever they went. They became advocates for change, inspiring others to embrace their own aspirations and pursue their wildest dreams. The School of Unrealistic Hopefulness became a symbol of resilience and determination, reminding society that it is through audacious dreams and unwavering optimism that true progress is achieved. Its name echoed through the annals of history, forever etched in the hearts of those who dared to dream. In the end, the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness stood as a testament to the extraordinary power of human imagination. It taught its students that while the world may present challenges and obstacles, it is through hope, courage, and a refusal to accept limitations that dreams are transformed into reality. And so, dear reader, let the story of the School of Unrealistic Hopefulness inspire you to embrace your own dreams, no matter how grand or unconventional they may seem. For within the realm of imagination lies the key to unlocking a future of endless possibilities.

Images by Gill Brooks http://www.gillsplace.com

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Beckett – A Little Boy who Loved Trains

Once upon a time, in a small town nestled between rolling hills, a boy named Beckett was utterly obsessed with trains. From the moment he could walk, he would rush to the window each time he heard the distant sound of a locomotive whistle. His room was a treasure trove of model trains, posters of famous engines, and books filled with stories about railways from around the world. Every Saturday, Beckett’s father would take him to the local train station, where the boy would watch in awe as massive freight trains thundered by, pulling long lines of colourful cars. He marvelled at the rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks and how the trains seemed to breathe life into the landscape. The station became a sanctuary for him, where time stood still as he immersed himself in the world of trains.

One day, while exploring the station, Beckett stumbled upon an old man named Mr. Jenkins, the retired conductor of the very train that had captured his heart. With a twinkle in his eye, Mr. Jenkins shared stories of his adventures on the rails, tales of epic journeys through mountains, across rivers, and into bustling cities. Inspired, Beckett listened intently, imagining himself as a conductor, guiding his train through the vast unknown. As weeks turned into months, Beckett’s fascination grew. He began sketching designs for his train, a magnificent steam engine that would one day traverse the land. He drew intricate plans, detailing every aspect, from the shimmering brass whistle to the plush velvet seats inside. His passion was infectious, and soon, his friends joined him in building a miniature railway in his backyard.

With his father’s help, they transformed the space into a vibrant train yard with tracks, stations, and tiny trees. Beckett and his friends would spend hours playing, racing their models, and pretending to be conductors and passengers on grand adventures. A peculiar sight caught Beckett’s eye as they played one fateful day. Unlike anything he had seen, a real train rolled slowly into the station. It was a vintage steam locomotive, its surface glistening in the sun, with billowing clouds of steam rising into the sky. Beckett’s heart raced. He could hardly believe his eyes. As if sensing his awe, a friendly conductor stepped down from the train and beckoned Beckett over.

“Would you like to look inside?” he asked warmly.

Beckett could hardly contain his excitement as he climbed aboard. The cabin was filled with intricate levers, dials, and the intoxicating smell of coal and oil. The conductor shared the secrets of running the train, and Beckett felt he was living his dream. Afterwards, the conductor handed him a small, shiny whistle.

“This is for you, young man. Keep it close, and always remember the magic of the rails.”

From that day forward, Beckett carried the whistle everywhere, a reminder of the adventure he had experienced. As he grew older, his passion for trains only deepened. He studied engineering and eventually became a conductor, travelling the routes he had dreamed about as a child. Years later, he returned to that small station, now a man in uniform, ready to guide a new generation of train enthusiasts. Looking out at the children playing in the yard, he smiled, knowing that the magic of trains still lived somewhere in their hearts. With a blow of his whistle, he invited them to join him on a new adventure, just like the one that had ignited his journey many years ago. 

The Tale of William Wanderlust

Once upon a time, in a quaint village, there lived a man named William Wanderlust. William had a restless spirit, constantly yearning for the promise of tomorrow. He dreamed of grand adventures, distant lands, and a life full of excitement, yet he never seemed to find the time to pursue his dreams. Instead, he spent his days planning and wishing while his nights were filled with longing for a future that remained just out of reach. One day, driven by an insatiable urge to chase his dreams, William embarked on a journey. He wandered through lush green forests, crossed sparkling rivers, and climbed steep mountains, all the while imagining the wonders that awaited him at every turn. But as each day passed, he found himself in the same cycle: dreaming of tomorrow while doing little to shape it. As his feet trod their path, all the beauty of the now evaded him, and his thoughts remained focused on the next step.

One afternoon, as he rested by a serene lake, William encountered a wise old monk sitting quietly on the shore. The monk’s presence emanated a calm that intrigued him. William approached the monk, sharing his dreams and desires and lamenting how he never seemed to achieve anything. The monk listened patiently and then smiled gently.

“William, you are like a bird perched on a branch, always looking at the horizon. You spend so much time dreaming of flight that you forget to spread your wings.”

Confused, William asked,

“What do you mean? I want to soar into the sky of tomorrow!”

The monk replied,

“Tomorrow is a beautiful illusion, but it is today that holds the key. You can only embrace tomorrow if you take action today. What steps have you taken towards your dreams?”

William realized he had been so focused on the future that he had neglected the present. The monk continued,

“Every journey begins with a single step. If you wish to explore the world, start by exploring yourself. What do you truly desire? What small actions can you take today?”

Inspired by the monk’s wisdom, William began to reflect. He understood that he needed to set achievable goals and take small steps toward them. He started by learning new skills, meeting people along the way, and immersing himself in the beauty of the present moment. As days turned into weeks, William found himself transforming. He learned to savour each experience, whether it was the taste of fresh bread from a local baker or a conversation with a fellow traveller. He no longer felt the weight of unfulfilled dreams; instead, he felt invigorated by the progress he was making. Eventually, William understood that tomorrow would always be there, but it was today that mattered most. With each small step, he navigated through life with purpose and passion. The adventures he once only dreamed of began to unfold before him, not as distant fantasies but as tangible experiences.

Years later, William returned to the lake where he first met the monk. He sat down in the same spot, reflecting on his journey. The monk appeared once more, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. William smiled, grateful for their encounter.

“Thank you for showing me the way,” he said. “I no longer lust after tomorrow. I cherish today and all that it brings.”

The monk nodded,

“Remember, the journey is not about the destination but the experiences along the way. Continue to embrace each moment, and tomorrow will take care of itself.”

With a heart full of gratitude, William Wanderlust had finally found what he had been searching for—not just the thrill of tomorrow but the joy of living fully in the present. And so, he continued his adventures, a man transformed by the wisdom of a simple yet profound truth. 

Images by AI