The continuing exploits of Mr. Finnegan as he conquers the world with his cuteness.

In accordance with the precepts of family tradition it is with all due deference to said principles that I perform the rites of “house-warming” in ways unique to one of my predilections.

First I must examine the Feng-Shui as it relates to shapes and colors. If only there was a huge blue sphere that I could juxtapose with rectangles and triangles. . .

Geometry in action

Once I have acquitted myself of this essential I can then pass on to the next stop in my journey of spiritual cleansing.

Is there a window where a nose can be pressed so as to resemble that of a pig? This search must be meticulous as well as demanding, for no stone can be left unturned.

Eureka!

The necessaries now completed it is established that this residence is fit for habitation.

By the schedule it is decided that next week we shall pick up stakes, as the phrase goes, and descend on the tiny hamlet of Portland, there to make hearth and home. I do so hope that the residents of that berg are prepared for what is coming.

Papa Henry and Nana Pam came to visit the other day, and I, as is my usual wont, prepared to entertain them as warm and as cordially such dear relations could expect of a loving grandson. I say that this was my initial intent, but all of a sudden I was confronted with a glorious object of such grandeur, such majesty that I quite forgot myself. For into the midst of our merry-making a vast chest of smooth wood, gird with magic bonds, and polished by faeries was dropped with sudden ferocity. I was dumbfounded.

Papa Henry demonstrates the properties of the magic chest.

After my initial awe, I cautiously approached the object, both apprehensive and filled with expectation of hidden delights. As I carefully lifted the lid I could see that something was contained within, something large and mysterious. The cries of the onlookers gave me courage, and I at last flung open the lid releasing the creature within. Up and out it came, flying high over my head, and grinning down at me.

Out it came!

Even my feline companion Hamlet, the Dane, could scarce believe his eyes, as the creature floated in the air above our heads. What magic is this? Could it be that the faeries had found me again? (See my life as a Gnome below).

Faster than time and space!

I found that I had the power to command the creature by application of force to the string located in my grasp. The creature bobbed to and fro, speeding through the air at a velocity greater than all velocities combined of all things past, present, and future. Or possibly faster, I can not say.

The magical chest I now know to have been fashioned not by faerie folk of the woods, but by my Papa Henry who is obviously a great wizard and very learned in the arts of wood magic. I shall treasure my new chest always, and strive to keep it filled with only the most deserving of magical treasures.

Two of my best friends are Devina and Orion. Whenever we meet there is always lots of fun and games.

Devina, Orion, and I

But the best thing of all is that Devina decided that I needed a hat. Not just any hat, but a fabulous hat that she made herself.

This is the hat!

The hat arrived in the mail only days after she told me she was working on it. I immediately put it to good use. As you can see it is very handy when outside picking blackberries.

Don't you just love this hat!

When I wear my new hat from Devina it reminds me of how much fun I have when she and her brother Orion play with me. I can’t wait until we get together again.

These birthdays are wonderful inventions, I will have to look into having some more of them. As my final birthday present my parents gave me a red piano sized for one of smaller stature. We set it next to the big piano in the front room, so I am prepared to play duets with anyone who is willing. As soon as the new instrument was out of its wrapping I was hard at work composing my next masterpiece.

Piano Man

I am told that Little Richard did it first, but I can play with my feet – with feeling.

This thing is great!

If music is the universal language then I will have to have a word or two with the universe. A one-ah and a two-ah.

Music of the spheres?

If there are no people willing to play a duet with me I will have to play one with myself. I play a few notes on the big piano and dash over to play a quick retort on the little red piano. Oh, what was that? Over to the big piano: here is your answer!

As I approach my later years, or year in this case, I discover that much has been planned for me. One such plan was the unforeseen party I attended this week’s end past. It was a festival of delights, filled with excitement and whimsy.

There were presents, all of which were much to my liking. One present was put to use right away, for it is to be stored for a later date. This present was a Red Flyer wagon, a chariot for my future sallies into the maelstrom. Like any pharaoh of ancient Egypt I stood triumphant awaiting my retainers who will pull me about my dominion.

Chariot of the Gods

Come! Let us away before the break of day!

Also: Let them eat cake!

Henry VIII was just as messy

I have about one week until I will be officially one year old. How to put this in perspective will be the coming challenge. The world of numbers seems to hold many mysteries that I feel I should start to investigate. I have been told that the number one is only the beginning of numbers, and yet here I am so old and wise and long on the earth and I am told that my age in “years” is but “one”. Surely this is a mistake.