Golden Nuggets

Page one

Golden Nuggets

In

The little black book.

🌅 📓

Page two.

It was a warm sunny day in the highlands,Marie looked out the window, she could see the deer not far from her home , the sun was shining on the water making it look like silver. She was excited . Today was the highland games She always enjoyed them, especially the band parade at the end of the games, seeing everyone in their Kilts, and different colours, they came from Canada, and America, and Ireland to participate with the local Scots. She also loved the crafts on sale, the tastings, and seeing what was on offer. She was especially excited because their was a new platform this year, a poetry competition, and she was astounded, at the prizes they had to offer. she was entering one of her own poems, she would not know the results that day. Representatives of the company holding the competition, were going to be there to accept the entries, and they will take them back to their publishing company, and have them judged, the lucky people who are selected to win a prize will be notified in another six weeks time. She knew the top prize was for twenty thousand, dollars she could certainly do with it, If she was lucky enough to win, she knew exactly how she would use it, for her future. Marie picked up her little black notebook, that held her golden nuggets, as she liked to call them, she had an envelope inside with her entry. She took the entry out, and checked it again, for the third time, making sure there were no spelling mistakes, and everything flowed. She hoped she had picked the right one, her black notebook was full of them, but she liked this poem.She read it out loud to make sure it flowed.

Page three

Scotland

I am beautiful and rugged,

And very brave in heart.

We should never, ever be

Many years apart.

So come and climb my lovely hills

And walk on through my glens,

And even pay a visit,

To my but and bens.

Eat my salmon and my trout,

Try a little fishing out.

Castles and Lochs are everywhere,

Why not see, if Nessie is there.

I know I am a country

that you would love to see

I have my own wee treasures

And lots of history.

I am famous for my haggis,

And the bagpipe band.

You will always find a welcome,

Here in Bonny Scotland.

Page four.

Yes she was happy with that, she just hoped the people who judged it , liked it also, more importantly .

Marie had decided to take a picnic with her, Joan her dear friend was meeting her there, and she knew they would be out all day. After the band parade at the end of the games they had fireworks. She also knew from experience because of the magnitude of the crowds, it could be very hard to get something to eat, or get near the bars. Also as it got later in the afternoon early evening it could get colder. A picnic blanket was a must. Having lived in the highlands for so many years, it was always better to be prepared, she had witness four seasons in one day, over the years. Scottish weather was so unpredictable. She put the food In Her basket, and just to be on the safe side, a rain coat, sweater and blankets. Hoping she would Not need them, that the day would stay dry and sunny.

Maries home, was at one end of the loch, and the games were twenty minutes away, at another part of the Loch. They were being held at Inveraray castle, also on the Loch, they had a beautiful little town, which had an interesting story. The castle used to be where the town was, and the town where the castle was located.But the Earl who owned the castle, wasn’t happy and had them moved about. The whole area was stunning, beautiful mountains, trees, and the loch. When Scotland had the good weather , there where not many places in the world who could better it. This little village was a tourist attraction all the year round. Marie took a last look in the mirror, checking she looked her best, looking back at her she saw a woman in her Thirties, with long blonde hair, with beautiful almond shaped eyes, and a very generous mouth. Small and petite . Marie had a certain presence about her, a tranquility, you could feel the peace emanating from her. Everyone who met with her all said the same thing. She picked up her car keys and got into her little yellow car. Marie loved that car, she smiled at the thought it brought her, so many times people she never knew, would smile and wave to her, as she would drive up and down over the mountain, which was often. She like nothing more, than getting into her car and just drive, the scenery all around her, was amazing. Joan was there when Marie arrived, she was leaning against her own car in the parking lot. It was ten o'clock in the morning . The highland dancers had already started, and you could hear people practicing with their instruments.

Marie got out the car, smiling to her friend. She said.

“ Hi Joan, so good to see you, have you been here long,?”

“ Hi Marie, no just arrived . I was just admiring the scenery, your so lucky to live here, it’s really beautiful.”

They hugged each other, as it had been a year since they saw each other, They had been friends for forty years, Joan had moved to America to be with her new husband, and they only saw each other, once a year. Joan would normally come home visit family and friends ,and stay for a few days with Marie.” Ok we can leave the cars here.and find a good spot to sit, before it gets too busy. Have you anything you want to bring with you ? . Oh! What was that ? She heard a noise from Joans car.

“ yes I have this little guy, hope you don’t mind but I brought him with me, it’s my sisters little dog, “

She reached into the car, and brought a little white Scottish terrier.

“ aah Joan he is gorgeous, no I don’t mind, not at all.I love dogs. How is Wilma these days, any better?”.

She still keeps having strokes, but she has a strong desire to live, and she pushes herself.She has great support with the care workers who look after her. But I do worry being so far away.”

“Yes I am sure you do. But then you also have your troubles back in America with your other sister, you can only do what you can,I know you want to be there for everyone. But as I said you can only do what you can. Come on.let’s take this little guy and find a spot.”. Fully armed with the picnic basket, blankets and the dog , they made their way towards the grounds of the castle, they mingled among the people and found a good spot.They could see the highland dancers, and the tossing of the caber, and they were not too far away from the stalls that were set up with goods to buy.the pipers were on later, and there was a show later on ,which they had tickets for. Marie handed in her entry for the poetry competition, smiled at Joan and said, here’s hoping. Fingers crossed.

The day stayed dry and sunny, they had spent a wonderful day ,ate their full and were both tired.The evening had drawn in and the firework display was just starting. Joan said.

“ How long is the firework display do you know ?”

“ They normally take about thirty minutes it’s not too long, are you tired ?,”

“ Yes a bit, it’s all this lovely fresh air,. “

“ I am tired myself, but I am thankful we have had a good day. I really enjoyed it. At least we are not too far from the house, and we do not have to be up early tomorrow to go anywhere, we can relax and rest.”.

They watched the firework display, with a lot of oohs and aahs. Then they made their way home, happy and content.

Marie had enjoyed Joan being there, yes it was a lovely place , but she did miss company. The weeks flew by very quickly. She got up with an excitement in her spirit, it was the sixth week, and she wondered if she would hear anything, was she successful. It was late afternoon when she received a telephone call from the publishers, They called to congratulate her, she had won first prize the twenty thousand dollars, and they would confirm it in writing. she screamed with joy dancing around the room so happy. She thanked them profusely, and immediately telephoned Joan, who was back in America. She could hardly talk with being so excited. She heard Joan pick up the phone at the other end, she did not even wait for her to say hello she shouted down the phone.

“ Joan I won ! I won, can you believe it.”

“ You won, oh that is marvellous Marie, I am so proud of You, for a minute there I wondered who was on the phone, your always so calm, but yes I would be shouting for joy too if it was me. I am so happy for you.

Well done