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The Closing 

The new house 🏡

- It’s always the same; Marie is allowed to do everything and I am not. – Muttered little Jimmy.

Jasmine was finishing lunch as Josh arrived home.

- The kids? – Asked Josh.

- Jimmy is throwing a tantrum in his bedroom and Marie went out to play at Arrietty. – Replied Jasmine.

(…)

- So my little boy, what’s going on? – Questioned Josh.

- Nothing. – Answered Jimmy.-       That’s not an answer. – Said Josh.

 – Come here and give dad a hug.

- Sorry Daddy. – Said Jimmy whining.

- You did nothing to be sorry for, my champion. You know, being a child is a tough task. There will be moments when you’ll feel that no one notices you but you’re never going to be alone. Remember that being a dad or mom may imply sometimes in saying  no. It’s a complicated thing, grown-up stuff. – Said Josh.

(...)

- The renovation is amazing! - Asserted Josh. 

- I'm in love, I must confess. - Said Jasmine.

(...)

 - Jasmine, Jasmine, wake up! - Screamed Josh. - Jasmine you´re fine?

 - Are you alright? Yes, I think it was the smell of paints. - Said Jasmine.

Marie Mummy

Martine, do not make a mess!! 🍼🍭

  It was Saturday morning and Jasmine was starting to write down things for the upcoming lunch whilst little Jimmy was doing the dishes of last night supper. - Mom, may I go to Aunt Arrietty House? – Requested Marie. - Oh Marie, you could indeed help me like your brother is doing instead of wanting to give your aunt a hard time. – Argued Jasmine. - But Mommy, I really want to play with Martine… I swear I will behave. I promise! – pled Marie. - Do you need your father to drive you there? – Asked Jasmine. - No, I can go with my bike. – Replied Marie. - Then go upstairs and dress a warm coat because there’s a cold wave around and I will ring to Arrietty in the meantime. – Stated Jasmine. - Can I come along, mommy? – Begged Jimmy. - Not today. After lunch, we are also going to see our new home. – Said Jasmine. - I’m never allowed to do anything. – Cried out Jimmy while running to his room disappointed. (…) - Behave, Marie Jane. I will catch up later with your aunt to check if you’ve been a good girl.

Saint Amaro

Goodbye Christmas  ☔️🎄

  Heavy rain pouring outside and the cold wad more intensely felt probably due to the humidity. Willow Creek it was a very damp place because of the vegetation.  Josh left the Hospital earlier that day and decided to go fetch Jasmine at her office to grant her a nice surprise.

- I'll bring flowers to Jasmine, it's been a while since I gave her a bouquet. -Thought Josh to himself.

(...)

- Surprise!! - Shouted loud Josh.

- You scared me Josh. - Said Jasmine. 

(...)

  In Saint Amaro's day, tradition dictates to disassemble the Christmas tree and remove the decoration, thereby greeting farewell to Christmas. 

- Baby, do you feel like having a hot cocoa or a lemon tea? - Questioned Josh.

- I do, I'd like a lemon tea. - Replied Jasmine.

- A toast drink? - Offered Josh.

- A toast to what? - Asked Jasmine.

- Be criative?!- Answered Josh.

- May our next Christmas be spent in our new home! - Wished Jasmine. 

Traditions

We are here for the Singing of the Kings  👑🎶 

  In accordance to my homeland’s tradition, on the eve of King’s day people use to go door-to-door to present the Singing of the Kings. (…)   The children barely set foot at home, they grab a pair of scissors and some cardboards and they engage in the fine arts with the task of creating paper crowns.

 - Kids? What are you up to? – Questioned Jasmine.

- We are drawing crowns so that we can go and sing the Kings. – Replied Marie.

- Do you need any help? – Asked Jasmine.

- Yes, Mom, could you help us to crop them? – Requested Jimmy.

(…)

“…You all knew before and you all know now It’s today that we sing to the Kings You all knew before and you all know now It’s on the eve of the King’s Day…“

Once upon a time…

Cinderella on Ice: The Royal Ball ⛸✨

- Boys, girls, who wants to go down to Winderburg to watch an ice-skating spectacle? Asked Josh. - Me, me… - Shouted the kids with enthusiasm. (…)   Cinderella on Ice, advertised the poster displayed at the park entrance. 

  A magic show suitable for everyone to travel back in time to childhood transported and cradled by its beauty and enchantment. 

Colorful Stars

Will you mary me?💍🎆

 It’s time to say farewell to 2016 and this year was overall a year of big changes for The Gonçalves.

- Darling, you are so pretty. - Affirmed Josh.

- Your eyes, silly. - Answered Jasmine.

- You know you are beautiful, don’t you? - Asked Josh. -  But I believe there’s something missing to make you even beautiful.

 - My God, it’s amazing! - Said Jasmine astonished. 

- I belonged to my mother. Will you mary me? - Proposed Josh.

- Are you serious? - Questioned Jasmine.

- I’ve never been so serious in my life. - Replied Josh - So what’s your answer?

- Of course I do! - Said Jasmine.

 Willow Creek now represented the present and future, however, the family still missed a lot Aurora Skies. 

Happy New Year!

Winter

Northern Winds  ❄️💨

  The souverain winter arrived with majesty and the previously colourful landscape became white and pale.The northern wind freezes the forests and the prairies. The enchanted song of the flowing water is no more to be heard.

There is no easy life for the birds and the beasts of the field. No more swallows, nor flowers not even butterflies; however, winter brings not only sadness.

(…)

- Mom, why does it snow? - Questioned Marie whilst shaking the globe.´

- It snows because it is too much cold. Mother’s homeland only had snow in the mountains and then the temperature dropped drastically. - Responded Jasmine.

- Mom, shall we go outside? Please, I really want to try my ice skates. - Begged Marie.

(…)

 The ice was stiff, dry and deep.

  Marie tried ice-skating but that’s not a simple task!In the picture, her mother skated so gracefully and elegantly!

  Certainly after Marie gets a couple of lessons to control her balance,  everything will work out just fine! 

Christmas Morning

Jingle Bells…  🔔 

  It had rained all night long and the thermometer was showing 37.4 degrees Fahrenheit despite the shining sun outside.

 The jingling bells of the Cathedral awake the kids.

- It’s Christmas! It’s Christmas! – Shouted out loud the little ones as they ran down the stairs in a rush.

- Santa Claus was here! – Asserted Marie as she gazed through the door with Jimmy.

-  Mom, dad! – Yelled the kids so euphorically throwing themselves over the bed.

- Let’s open the presents!? – Suggested Jimmy.

- Calm down, the presents won’t run away. – Responded Josh still asleep.

(…) - Here’s a letter! Whose it may be? Besides there’s no sender on it. – Said Jasmine.-       But it’s address to whom? – Punctuated Jimmy.

- To Marie. – Answered Jasmine.(…) “Dear Marie. I am aware of your doubts on my existence, however, never stop dreaming. Today is a very special day. I leave behind a pair of skates for each of you and a couple of tasty treats for you to share. Thank you very much for the cookies. They were delicious.”

- What does the letter read?! Whom is it from? – Inquired Jimmy.

- Secret. – Answered Marie. 

TOC! TOCK!

“The shepherds had an angel, The wise men had a star; But what have I, a little child, To guide me home from far, Where glad stars sing together, And singing angels are? …”

Silent Night

A long time ago… ⭐️

  It’s Christmas night and all the families are gathered to celebrate the birth of the Savior.

  The mother removed the turkey from the oven and its flavorful smell took over the kitchen. – It looked really delicious.

- I am such a big fan of Christmas. – Commented Jimmy.

- Why? – Inquired Marie.

- Because people are most likely to be happy at this time. – Asserted little Jimmy.

- Kids, dinner’s ready. – Called Jasmine.

- Jimmy, please, sit straight. – Instructed Josh.

- Dad, why do we celebrate Christmas? – Questioned Marie.

- That’s a story for after dinner. – Answered Josh.

(…)

- So cold, I will light the fire. – Said Jasmine.

-  Who wants a just made hot cocoa? – Asked Josh.

- Daddy, daddy, could you tell us now the story of Christmas? – Jimmy queried.

-  Of course. – Replied Josh excited. Two thousand years ago a little boy was born in a cave in Bethlehem, the messiah…

(…)

- Thanks my love. – Greeted Jasmine.

- For what? – Asked Josh.

- For this wonderful family. – Responded Jasmine.

- Oh my silly… - Whispered Josh at Jasmine’s ear.

(…)

- Jimmy, wake up! – Said Josh.

- Santa Claus? – Mumbled Jimmy.

- It’s dad, let’s go to bed. – Josh replied.

- I must speak to Father Christmas. I want to let him know that there’s a place for baby Jesus here at home and I don’t mind to give him my bed so that he can sleep very cousy. – Said Jimmy. 

Merry Christmas!

The Telephone

Call Hello, is it Santa Claus?!  ⛸☎️

 A photo of the mother ice-skating on the lake. She was so gracious sliding on the ice. No doubt she was a great ice-skater at that time when she was around Marie’s age.

- Oh! If only I had ice-skates! – Sighed Marie.

 In the morning of the following day, Marie decided to talk with Father Christmas.

- But how? Give him a call? To where? To which number? – Wondered Marie.

Looking up in the phonebook it read: “SANTA CLAUS. A vast choice of old and new toys. Call 44.77.09.84”

- What an odd number! Let’s give it a try…? - Questioned Jimmy.

- Is he there? Is it Santa Claus?… Are you hearing me? – Inquired Marie.

- You reached Santa Claus right now, however, he is not available. Please leave a message.

- Please, I would like to be given a pair of ice-skates this Christmas. – Said Marie. 

The Toy Store

The last gifts  🎁

 Christmas was almost knocking at the door and the family was running around in a big fuss with the preparations for the big night.

(…)

 It was still necessary to pass by Ducan’s Toy to buy the last gift for the little ones and that task fell to the mother.

- Kids, I must leave. – Said Jasmine.

- Where are you going? – Inquired Jimmy.

- I am going to buy some gifts that are still missing. – Responded Jasmine.

- Can I come along? – Questioned Jimmy again.

- I shouldn’t, but, yes, you can come. – Replied Jasmine.

- Marie, don’t you want to come with us? – Asked Jimmy.

At the store

- Children, remain beside me and behave! Otherwise you’ll end up grounded when we are back home. – Commanded Jasmine.

- But mom… - Claimed Jimmy.

- No “but’s”. – Replied Jasmine interrupting her youngest son.

(…)

- Does anyone want to take a picture with Santa Claus? – Inquired Jasmine.

- Me, me… - cried out Jimmy.

- What about you? – Questioned Jasmine.

- I no longer believe in Santa Claus… I am too grown-up for these things. – Rapidly responded Marie.

- What a grown woman has become my little girl. – Replied Jasmine while laughing.

Environmental Studies 

A dedicated student 🎓

 Christmas Holidays were already in the corner, however, the school tasks in this season doubled.

 The teachers give countless homework, surveys, group work... nevertheless, the worst part was the test period and the assessments which started that week. Evaluation forms almost everyday represented a real nightmare for any student.

Do You Want To Build a Snowman?

Battles and Snowman  ⛄️

 It was snowing outside and the winter hadn't even begun yet.

 The day was inviting for an open-air activity to enjoy the enormous snowfall that had occurred early in the morning but properly wrapped up.

- Who wants to go down to the park? - Inquired Jasmine.

- I think it's an amazing idea, there we can have fun playing in the snow! - Said Jimmy.

(...)

- Everything is so white! - Exclaimed Jimmy.

Josh found himself in a state of general euphoria that he suddenly started throwing snowballs.

- Take that, honey, with lotsa love! - Cried out Josh while throwing a snowball at Jasmine.

- You'll going to pay for that! - Replied Jasmine furiously.

- You look so pretty when you're angry. - Said Josh bursting in a laughter.

And that way a battle of snowball was started between them...

- Mom, can I build a snowman? - Asked little Jimmy.

- Of course you can. - Answered Jasmine.

And so passed all the day in the park while Marie studied back home for the tests.

- I'm tired! What do you think of going for a hot drink to warm us up? - Questioned Josh.

- I think it's a great idea! - Replied Jasmine.

Christmas Spirit

Part II Balls, Lights and Ribbons 🎄

- Honey, we’re back. – Shouted Josh.

- Where is this gem? – Queried Jasmine with an ironic demeanor.

- Surprise!! Isn’t it beautiful mommy? – Questioned Marie.

- Yes, it’s definitely beautiful.  – Replied Jasmine.

- It was me who chose it. Jimmy wanted to bring one that looked more like a scarecrow. – Said Marie.

- You’re really dumb. – Cried out Jimmy almost whining.

- Who will volunteer to go to the storage to fetch the Christmas decorations? – Inquired Josh.

-  I will if Marie comes with me. – Said little Jimmy.

-  I don’t like that place; it is filled with rats and spiders. – Promptly answered Marie.

-  That’s why I don’t want to go alone, for God sake. – Responded Jimmy busting a gut laughter.

(…)

-  Daddy, daddy! – Yelled  Marie. – Do you know where the Christmas lights are?

- I don’t, they’re probably lost inside any of these boxes. – Replied Josh.

 The decoration of the Christmas tree took all afternoon long but the family felt that all the effort had paid off.

- It looks so pretty, we did an amazing job.  - Said Jasmine.

Christmas Spirit

Part I The perfect tree 🎄

  The Christmas scent was already filling the air and everywhere around one could find the traces of the season.

 “Ho ho ho ho it’s Xmas!” Cheered all Santa Claus that garnished the doors of the stores.

 Despite the Gonçalves were displaced due to the new house renovation, they wanted to spend their first Christmas in Willow Creek as tradition dictated. At first it was necessary to find a pine tree and look for the Christmas ornaments among the moving house items in order to decorate the tree chosen by the family.

(…)

- Dad, can we go out to buy a Christmas tree? – Asked Marie.

- Can we?? – Emphasized Jimmy – Please, say yes…

- Well, I am not sure. Replied Josh with a suspicious intonation. – But of course you can my little goblins.

(…)

At the store

- My God, so many pines and they’re all so beautiful. – Said Marie immersed in a rush of total euphoria.

- What do you think of this one? – Asked Jimmy.

- It’s too small with so few branches. – Replied Marie.

- What about this one? – Asked the Josh.

- No, dad. – Said Jimmy.

- Jimmy, Jimmy. Look that one! Over there! – Yelled Marie.

- It’s perfect!! – Said Jimmy.

The Corkery

Nanny McPhee

S.O.S, alone at home 🐵

  The parents went to the theater and asked the children to behave as well until the nurse arrived. Would they?

(...)

 - Hello, I'm Nanny McPhee. - Introduced the nurse.

 - I'm Marie. This is my brother Jimmy. - Said Marie. 

- Much pleasure. Have the kids done their homework? - Asked the nurse.

- No, I still have to solve math problems. Said Jimmy. 

- Then fetch the backpack because I'm going to help you. - Said the nurse.

(...)

- Now that the homework are finished what do they want to do? - The nurse asked.

- I don't know. Play monopoly, watch TV, play just dance, read Peter Pan. - Said Marie.

- I don't think we'll have time for so much but I'll find a way, but I want the kids in bed at 10pm. - Said the nurse.

Theatre 

The Nutcracker 🎭

- Honey, the company offered me two tickets for the ballet tonight at the theatre. Do you want to go? - Said Jasmine.

 - And the kids? Who will they stay with? - Asked Josh.

 - We could hire a babysitter? - Said Jasmine.

 - But how are we going to arrange that at the last minute? - Asked Josh.

Snow

A touch of magic ❄️

 The landscape outside had changed. The town woke up this morning dressed in a white robe.

- Mummy, mummy is snowing. - The kids screamed as they jumped on the country bed.

- Go back to sleep. - Jasmine said.

- But mother? - Marie insisted.

- I’m very tired from the trip. - Jasmine argued.

(…)

- Dad, Daddy.- Called Jimmy.

- There’s already a request on the way. - Said Josh, laughing.- But, anyways, say it.

- Can we go play in the snow? - Asked little Jimmy.

- After lunch can it be? I’m just finishing a report. - Josh said.

Surprise!

Back home! ❤️ 

- Sweetheart, wake up! You fell asleep on the couch.

 - Let me sleep, daddy.

 - It’s too late, let’s go to bed.

 (…) 

Knock! Knock! 

 - But who could it be at such a late hour? Thought Josh to himself. 

 - Baby?! You’re back! Yelled Josh in astonishment. – Why didn’t you send a note to pick you up at the station?

 - It wouldn’t be a surprise then! Did you miss me?! 

 - No need to ask, silly! 

 - I love you for a thousand years.

Returned

Jumping mountains through valleys 🚌

 The season at Shang Simla will come to an end and I would expect a long drive to Willon Creek…

 I missed the children a lot and Josh was about to leave home and say goodbye or one even to new friends.

 I will miss you very much, I promise to return very soon but next time on vacation and family.

Moana

Fun time 🎥

- Children, hurry up or we’ll be late for the movies.- Shouted Josh.

- Give us a minute dad, I’m not finding my blue nike tennis. - Answered Jimmy.

- They’re probably in the pantry or on the balcony. I’ll wait in the car. - Said Josh.

(…)

- What movie do you want to watch?- Asked Josh.

- Moana. - Replied the kids, in chorus.

- Right. The section is now just 8. I asked you guys to get it over because we were going to lose the time and now I’m right. - Said Josh. angrily.

Shang Simla

Call my heart forever...🏮

 I felt a great peace of mind in this place almost forgotten since the first contact I had made on the floor.

 It was difficult to explain however I felt that a part of me had belonged to this place full of traditions.

 I believe I could stay here forever if I did not have a life away from here. The memories of certain were to be kept and recorded in photographs for when the longing beats I could revive the memory, after all to remember is to live...

  My dear, Shang Simla I will take you forever in my heart. Shang Simla

Homework

Cinema, here we go! 📚📐

- Dad, daddy, can we go to the cinema tonight? - Ask Marie.

- Are you done with your homework? - Ask Josh.

- Yes! - Answer Marie.

- And your brother? - Ask Josh.

- I don’t know - Say Maria.

- Then go and ask him, please. - Say Josh.

After a few minutes…

- Father! He said not yet. - Say Marie.

- Help him, then we’ll go.- Say Josh.

- I hate literature so much, especially this stupid book. Damn Moby Dick!! – Say Jimmy, very angry.

(…)

- I’ve done them! - Shouted Jimmy.

- Then get ready, kids.- Ordered Josh.

Business world

Challenging time ⏳

 Good morning Shang Simla.

 Today, the day promises not to be easy...

 Meeting with Mr.Oiwa, elaborate a strategy contract for the overvaluation of the shares of the Landgraab group and still respond to a series of accumulated e-mails.

 Who said that the life of a stockbroker is easy?!

(...)

- Good morning Miss Baddeley. How are you and how is your stay in Shang Simla, New Crest's oldest province? - Asked Mr. Oiwa.

- I'm fine. I'm loving it, I confess. I am completely in love with this magnificent place. - Answered Jasmine.