The Pickwick Portfolio - March Issue

Ladies and gentlemen, here, at long last, is the March issue of The Pickwick Portfolio! (Applause and much cheering) Many thanks to our dear editor Mr. Snodgrass. And a warm welcome to our newest member Mr. Winstint! Thank you all for your patience!!

-Mr. Sam Weller

Publisher

The Pickwick Portfolio

March 2015

In this issue:

• “Ancient Rome: Did She Fall Because of Trouble Within or Without?” by Sam Weller……2
  
• “Character Traits of an Ideal Canadian” by Theodore Winstint……………………………………….3
  
• “Description of a Beach in Florida” by Augustus Snodgrass…………………………………………….4
  
• “Fun Things Almanac” by Nathaniel Winkle……………………………………………………………………4
  
• “All Aboard on the Underground Railroad” by Augustus Snodgrass……………………………….5
  
• “Mountain Vacation Versus Seashore Vacation” by Theodore Winstint……………………7
  
  
• “Set of Historical Fiction Letters” by Tracy Tupman………………………………………………………..8
  
• “The History of Chocolate” by Augustus Snodgrass………………………………………………………11
  
• Quotes to Note – “Ability” compiled by Augustus Snodgrass……………………………………….13
  
• Story Time – “The Foreign Devil” by Theodore Winstint……………………………………………….14
  
• Poet’s Corner – “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow……………………………..15
  

EDITOR’S NOTE

This paper is part of a club called “The Pickwick Club.” “The Pickwick Portfolio,” as this paper is called, is designed for the good of the readers. Its purpose is to serve as a paper of news, entertainment, and fun. Please take special note of “Character Traits of an Ideal Canadian” on page three, “Mountain Vacation Versus Seashore Vacation” on page seven, and “The Foreign Devil” in the Story Time section on page fourteen, as it is written by our new member, Theodore Winstint. Also take note of our new section in this paper: Quotes to Note on page thirteen.

Sincerely,

Augustus Snodgrass

READ, LAUGH, ENJOY!

-2-

ANCIENT ROME: DID SHE FALL BECAUSE OF TROUBLE WITHIN OR WITHOUT?

by Sam Weller

Ancient Rome was one of the largest empires in the world and one of the most well known; however, the Roman Empire did eventually fall. There are many different reasons and theories as to why Rome fell. One theory is that “Rome eventually fell as an empire due to moral decline within rather than enemy invasion from without,” so we are going to examine some moral issues that Ancient Rome had, to help us decide if this theory could be true. By looking at the pagan religions, the Roman's small regard for human life, and the frivolous lifestyle lead by the wealthy class, we will look at the effect these problems may have had on the Roman Empire's fall.
    First, we will look at the many pagan religions in Ancient Rome. The Roman Empire was very large, encompassing many peoples and lands, and therefore all those people brought their religions with them.
Many of these gods were cruel and vulgar, encouraging horrific and unmentionable worship practices. People in Rome were surrounded by statues, temples, and altars to these gods. They also were entertained by games held in the god's honour, such as the famous gladiatorial games in the coliseum. People switched from god to god, as if they were the latest trend. These things most likely did not help the people retain traits like respect, loyalty, and purity.
    Next, we will look at the Roman's small regard for human life. Rome was very successful in all her wars; she was built on it. Every child was reared in the mindset that this was something to be proud of, and the Romans found much glory and pride in their military skills. With many wars, come many captives, and many captives mean many slaves. The Romans were surrounded by slaves, and thought nothing of owning a human being. The more rebellious slaves were sent to gladiatorial school, where they were trained to fight, and later were killed by the hundreds for the entertainment of others. Clearly the Romans were losing their conscience and sense of equality, as well as their respect for human life.
    Finally, we will look at the frivolous lifestyle lead by the wealthy class. The wealthy class, or the patricians (as they were known in early Rome), who were the leaders, threw lavish parties, and lived in absolute luxury. They didn't want to change anything. They were perfectly happy sitting in luxury’s lap, building new palaces for their own pleasure, or unneeded structures like temples and such that would give them credit. Besides, Rome was invincible, right? None cared if there were small attacks on their borders: nothing would happen. To the wealthy, everyone was below them; their troubles could wait. Because of this, not many helpful changes were made, money was swallowed up, and deaf ears were turned to important problems.
    Having looked at the effects of many pagan religions, the Roman's small regard for human life, and the frivolous lifestyle the wealthy lead, we can say that the theory at the beginning of this paper was true; these were some causes of Rome's fall. The many pagan religions did not encourage loyalty,
respect, or true devotion. The sense of pride and sometimes even enjoyment in killing and war, as well as the many slaves, and the treatment of them, suggests that the Romans were becoming immune to all forms of conscience, and were fast losing their respect for life. The luxurious life the wealthy rulers lead encouraged them to forget about the others around them, use as much money as they needed, and ignore the important and fast growing troubles that surrounded them. Rome's moral decline was turning them into a prideful, selfish, and self confident (but slowly weakening) empire. Then again, is our society doing much better?

-3-

CHARACTER TRAITS OF AN IDEAL CANADIAN

by Theodore Winstint

What would Canada be like if nobody worked, if there was just dishonesty in everything we did? Canada would not be the wonderful country it is today; however, if we do not watch out and take care that we keep these good character traits, our country will decline financially and morally, and Canada might become history. Three of many important character traits for an ideal Canadian are honesty, a will to work, and respect.
One of the character traits of a Canadian is honesty. The majority of Canadians are honest, and most people can be trusted. A great example of that is the way the Amish sell some of their produce. They put their products on their front lawn with a box for the money. They label their products so people know how much to pay, and the Amish trust whoever buys something that they will give them the amount they owe. No one would steal the money in the box. Another great characteristic to have as a Canadian is the willingness to work. Working men to provide for their families is a great trait for a country’s people to have. Women, if necessary, can also be very helpful at a workplace. By people working, the Canadian industry grows, and therefore Canadians benefit from their own work in more ways than one. A nation full of lazy people is very harmful to a country. Respect is another great character trait. There are many people to respect in Canada, but there are also things to respect. For example, respecting other’s property, respecting people’s privacy, respecting authority, like the Prime Minister, the Premier, the police, and other regional counselors…These all require our respect.
Honesty is important. The willingness to work is important. The most important character trait for an ideal Canadian, however, is respect. Respect for each other will result in honesty towards others. Respecting our boss and co-workers will result in being on time at work every day. Therefore, striving for honesty is significant, because the other characteristics will come along easier.




                                                                        -4-

DESCRIPTION OF A BEACH IN FLORIDA

by Augustus Snodgrass

God has made the world very beautiful. Seated on the porch on a comfortably rough beach chair, I enjoy the freshest, reddest, and juiciest grapefruit I have ever had. Below me, the lush, grassy garden seems to invite me for a stroll on the cool and soft carpet of grass. A stork stalks around the palms and bright pink and red flowers. Would I be closer I would hear the hum of the bumblebees covered in pollen. Through all this beauty towards the right I see the pool where I will soon be swimming to my heart’s content. Beyond all this I also see the beautiful, white foaming waves crashing onto the sandy beach. The smell of the salt water matches this amazing sight, as I cannot help but think of my Creator who created all this.

FUN THINGS ALMANAC

compiled by Nathaniel Winkle

TRY A TIP

• Put a piece of newspaper at the bottom of the kitchen trash bin to absorb food juices.
  
• Paper cut? Try applying some Chap Stick to soothe the cut.
  
• Is dipping your Oreo cookie a mess? Stick a fork through the cream part and dunk away!
  
• Do you carry so many keys that it's hard to find the one you are looking for right now? Try painting the keys different colours of nail polish for easier finding.
  

JOKES AND RIDDLES
Tom asks Joe, "Do you know what déjà vu is?" Joe answers, "I think I've heard of it before.”
Teacher: "Susan, please go to the map and find North America."
Susan: "Here it is."
Teacher: “Correct. Now, class, who discovered America?"
Class: "Susan!"
What is it that no man wants, but no man wants to lose?(A lawsuit)
What can travel the world in a corner?(A stamp)
Feed me and I live, yet give me a drink and I die. What am I?(Fire)

Imagine you are in a dark room full of Monsters. There are no exits. How do you get out?(Stop imagining!)

DIDN’T YOU KNOW?: BIBLE EDITION

• John the Baptist wore clothing made from camel hair (Matthew 3:1-4).
  
• In ancient Israel, men closed a deal by exchanging sandals (Ruth 4:7).
  
• Centuries before scientists proved it, Isaiah indicated that the world was round (Isaiah 40:22).
  
• Abraham had two nephews named Uz and Buz (Genesis 22:21).
  
• The name "Jesus" is mentioned 1,281 times in the Bible.
  

                                                                            -5-

ALL ABOARD ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

by Augustus Snodgrass

To be beaten and treated like an animal, to be spoken at harshly, to do a grown woman’s job at age five...Slaves in the 18^th and 19^th century had to experience these things. Would Harriet Tubman be able to abolish this great cruelty?
There were two main events leading up to Harriet Tubman establishing the Underground Railroad. A violent and daring attack on slavery occurred aboard a slave ship, the Amistad, when slaves were still being brought over from Africa. Harriet Tubman, a runaway slave herself, received a serious head injury as a child when her master threw a metal weight at her, because she would not help hold a slave that had tried to run away.
Not only were there events leading up to the Underground Railroad, there were also many people involved. John Brown launched a massive slave revolt on the federal arsenal in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. It was unsuccessful, but it did inspire others who were undecided about slavery. Frederick Douglass was a famous abolitionist and antislavery lecturer. Henry “Box” Brown, as he came to be called, was a slave that had been shipped to the Vigilance Committee’s office in a shipping crate. Inspired by Tubman, Harriet Beecher Stow wrote the book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, published in 1852. William Still managed to meet every escaping runaway that was going on to Canada and recorded their names and stories in a notebook. James Miller McKim was one of the busiest “station masters” in the Underground Railroad. All of these people, and many others, were individually important in the anti-slavery movement until it was finally abolished.
Many people had different goals that they thought the Underground Railroad would accomplish. One wanted to regain peace with the South. The other wanted to destroy the government so they could gain control. Harriet Tubman, though, had only one goal: to destroy slavery completely! That was her one and only mission for life.
Soon, the South began complaining to the government that their property was slowly disappearing only because of one small woman that was leading them away. The Fugitive Slave Act was established in 1852. This stated that if anyone helped a runaway escape, that person would be accused and punished for a crime. Also, slaves would not be safe anymore in the North until they were across the middle of Niagara Falls into Canada. Their masters could claim them at any time even if they were found in the northern anti-slave states. This made it more difficult for Harriet Tubman and runaways to escape, for no longer could they show their faces safely in the North.
Because of the Fugitive Slave Act, traveling was getting more dangerous and difficult. Some safety measures had to be set up. The members of the Underground Railroad decided to use “railroad language”. That way, it would not make any sense to an eavesdropping stranger. For example, the houses at which runaways would stay were called “stations.” The owners of the abolitionist houses where fugitives would stay were called “station masters.” The people leading the group of fugitives, as was Harriet Tubman, were called “conductors.” The runaways were called “passengers.” These and some other expressions were used to fool any overhearing slave catchers.
The “stations” and “station masters” were well equipped in case of danger. “A friend with friends” was the secret code that was whispered through the door once arrived at a “station,” just for safety that it was not a stranger. The “stations” usually had secret, built-in, underground passageways just in case slave catchers should demand to search the house. These and other safety measures saved many “station masters” and runaways alike in that perilous time.
After Abraham Lincoln was elected president in November of 1860, the members of the Underground Railroad were hoping that there would soon be no more need for the extreme caution they were taking. Little did they know how much longer it would take until their dream would be fulfilled.
On December 6, 1865, another step toward Harriet Tubman’s dream of a country without slavery was taken. President Lincoln had signed the 13^th Amendment. This did not make all slaves free, but it was an act of the government taking a turn for the abolitionists.
Now the abolitionists’ courage was boosted one notch higher. More and more slaves were escaping from the plantations, causing tension between the North and the South. As a result, the Civil War broke out.
Harriet Tubman, black herself, encouraged other fellow blacks to fight with her in the Civil War. Many successful battles, including the raid up South Carolina’s Combahee River, were fought by Negros and led by Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman and many others also spoke strongly for the women’s suffrage movement. Even though Harriet was not given the credit for winning some battles, she and her soldiers were not discouraged.

After a long, hard war, the North finally won! Then, on January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, liberating all the slaves in the South!
The Underground Railroad was a success. Harriet Tubman led over 1,000 slaves to freedom in all her life. She never lost a single “passenger” in the nineteen trips that she traveled across the United States. Harriet Tubman was determined to fulfill the words that were once written more than sixty years before on July 4, 1776 in the Declaration of Independence. “...For all men are created equal...that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...”

                                                                           -7-

MOUNTAIN VACATION VERSUS SEASHORE VACATION

by Theodore Winstint

For a vacation I prefer the mountains to the seashore. The seashore is beautiful with its crashing waves and wonderfully white sand. In pleasant weather, one will see many people swimming in the water. Others will enjoy their time by playing various games on the beach, such as volleyball or badminton. Some, however, may choose to simply lie in the sun and get a beautiful beach tan. The seashore is a wonderful place to spend one’s vacation as it also allows one to absorb more iodine by the inhaling much of the seaside air. Nevertheless, my personal preference is still the mountains. Visiting the mountains is always extraordinarily exciting, especially the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The excitement starts with the drive there. Approaching the mountains, one will be able to spot the snowy peaks in the distance. As the time goes by, one will be entering the foothills, which are sort of the beginning of this wonderful mountain range. A few more minutes and one will find himself amidst the majestic and rugged mountains. Various activities occupy one’s stay in the mountains. During the winter months, many people take the opportunity to go skiing on a nearby mountain. In summer, many places are available for hiking. Depending on one’s preference for a long and hard hike or just a short hike, there are many choices. Other fun activities include canoeing or kayaking. However, the wonderful magnificence of God’s creation is what attracts me most to the mountains. One cannot stop gazing at these complex “rocks” jutting out the earth. The mountains have a special magnificence for me that the seashore does not have.

-8-

SET OF HISTORICAL FICTION LETTERS

by Tracy Tupman

This set of historical fiction letters is designed as a peak into the past, and as a window into the lives of three historic Canadians.
A LETTER FROM A SCOTTISH IMMIGRANT COAL MINER IN BRITISH COLUMBIA TO HIS SISTER BACK HOME
Dear Cassandra,
Forgive me, dear sister, for not writing sooner. I have been awfully busy ever since we left Scotland, but I am so glad that we came! Let me tell you of our journey to Canada, and how Ella, the children, and I are doing now.
The first thing we did after leaving Fife, and reaching Liverpool, was to board our ship that was off to Canada. Oh, what a voyage! Our cabin under deck was cramped for the five of us, and with John being five, Eliza four, and Edward two, you can see how we had our hands full! Those toddlers wanted to stick every little dirty object into their mouths, and Ella was constantly seasick. It seemed to take forever to get to Montreal, and let me tell you, we were relieved to get off that boat and back on solid ground, but another journey still lay before us. We found out that the mine we were headed for was still all the way across the continent - in British Colombia!
We hopped on a train car pulled by that smoking monster of an engine across railway, the – what do they call it? – oh yes, the “National Dream”. Fortunately, in their wanderings about the constricted train car, John and Eliza made some friends, including a young gentleman who had a special way of entertaining them. Usually, Edward slept. But sometimes he bawled until we thought we’d all go mad!
Finally, we reached the mining town. I got a shift from midnight to eight o’clock in the morning. The work is hard and dirty, but it’s a steady paycheck, and not the occasional money I got from farm work or coal mining back in Scotland. Just last month, we finally got ourselves a real little house, just perfect for the six of us. Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that Ella is pregnant! With a doctor in town, the chances of her losing this one like we did the other two are so much slimmer.
Now, when I come home, Ella runs me a nice hot bath, then I have some breakfast, sleep for a few hours, and by evening am ready to host guests or be a guest. Then, I grab another four hours of sleep before going out to the mine. Almost every night is that way. When it is not, Ella and I share stories from home with the children before snuggling them into bed. It is so wonderful, being here with a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, listening to the steady breathing of the children. Really, Cassy, you and Jody and your little one should come and join us.
Hoping to hear from you,

Your brother Robert Trotter

A LETTER FROM A FARMER STRUGGLING WITH THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND “DUST BOWL” TO THE PRIME MINISTER, BEGGING FOR IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL RELIEF FROM THE GOVERNMENT. MANY PEOPLE WROTE LETTERS TO THE PRIME MINISTER ASKING FOR HELP DURING THIS HARD TIME.

Dear Mr. Bennett:
I am in deep truble. I cant grow nothin in this dust and the drout has bin 6 months and my wife and children ar starving. I owe the bank a lot and dey are want to take the farm so I need releef for now. If you could just get the bank off my back for a year, I’m sher the drout will end and we’ll be fine agin and I can pay them, right now I just need releef. I have sum cows and we are living on ther little milk and killed one last week but they are getting thin and I don’t have much grain left for them or the family. I hav 5 little ones, and one is not weened, now we are giving her most of the milk there is only 3 litres a day so that at least she is fine because my wife isn’t making any more. 3 of the yung ones are school-age, but the mother won’t let them to school anymore for fear they’ll get caught in a dust storm and they are very sad and really want to learn. I wish they could; that way no man is going to trick you into buying or selling something for more or less than its worth. I am teaching them a bit, tho, when I am not trying to keep the cows together. The wife can’t do sums or read. Only 10 cows left, and don’t know how we going to last much longer unless you give us sum releef . I want to keep just 2, a bull and a cow so I can make a new herd once this blasted drout ends. Like I said, I need the releef now and ther will be 2 votes for you in the next election my wife and me. I no that you are a good man, so please help us. I’m depending on your help.
Sincerely,
James Thomas
Saskatchewan
(Note: Spelling and grammatical errors were intentional.)

WRITTEN BY A FICTIONAL THOMAS SMITH OF ONTARIO, A SOLDIER WHO IS SIXTEEN YEARS OLD, FROM FRANCE DURING WORLD WAR I

December 8, 1914
A stinking trench in France
Dear Mother, Father, and Vanessa,
I’m really sorry that I snuck off and enlisted without you saying I could, Father. It just felt like all the other boys were getting in. I must admit that I was longing for some adventure. Doing nothing but
working in the fields, I was bored, but let me tell you, I would give anything now, even a life-time behind a plow, to get out of this primitive ditch that I’m living in right now. Why, you ask?
First of all, there is dirt everywhere. The walls and floors are made of mud, and there are no roofs to prevent the rain from adding to the mess. It’s a constant struggle to try to find a way to keep my feet dry; most of the men already have something called “trench foot” from always wet feet, which makes their feet slowly rot away. I’m scared I might have it anyways. What I do have for sure, we all have. Hang those rotten body lice! Body lice are these ridiculous pale-looking little critters that have got a taste for your blood; basically, they’re leeches. Every few days all the soldiers strip down to our underwear with a partner, and we scrape ‘em off each other using bayonets. On top of it all, I’ve got a mean cough, but everyone seems to have that too. At least I don’t have a fever like some do.
It’s so cold here. You know, I’m really thankful to the Salvation Army, because they sent us all some little packages that just really help! I got the paper, envelope, and so forth for this letter in my package. It even had clean socks and a warm hat! Boy, you have no idea how these little “care packages” cheered us all up. And now I can brush my teeth at least once a day, carefully wrapping the toothbrush in my one clean hanky once I’m done. You have no clue how great it is to have a clean mouth until you haven’t been able to brush your teeth for two months.
To try to get out of the shin-deep water, I sometimes burrow into the walls with a shovel. I never go too deep, though, or my digging will reach – well, let’s just say someone who used to be alive. If I just don’t look out over no man’s land or dig too deep, I don’t have to think about death. I’m not scared of dying, though. Really, I’ll be just fine. I’ll come home, and together we’ll laugh away all thoughts of war, because I think for sure that I think I will positively make it home, really.
If you see Sylvia around, tell her If Sylvia asks about me Say howdy to Sylvia for me.
Anyways, there isn’t much else to write about; I don’t think that there is any impending action, as we have been told that we’re pretty much settled for winter. I might as well play a round of cards with Clark before I hit the sack.
With all my love,
Thomas

                                                                           -11-

THE HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE

by Augustus Snodgrass

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I ask you to find the defendant guilty. Guilty of the crime of being so tempting, so seductive, so delicious, that even the strongest of the strong cannot resist. Honorable judges, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls: what is this decadence that melts in your mouth? It washes over your taste buds. It’s smooth, silky texture rolls around your tongue. The first bite addictively tastes like another and allusively attempts to quench your craving. Can you guess what I’ve described? If you guessed “chocolate,” you are correct. I urge you to convict chocolate “guilty” as charged. Okay, so I know I’m being a little over dramatic, but haven’t you ever wondered, especially if you are a chocoholic like me, where such an amazing product even came from? Chocolate has not always been what it is now; it has definitely come a long, long way. The whole world has participated in the development of chocolate, whether by growing the cacao tree that produce the beans, to processing the cacao beans and adding other ingredients, to probably like most of us, simply eating it! The life of chocolate could be divided into three parts: its birth and infancy; its childhood, when it was brought to the other part of the world; and finally, its maturity, what we could call “The Modern Age of Chocolate” of today.
Derived from different sources, chocolate’s birth varies from 1900 B.C. to about A.D. 500. The earliest form of chocolate known was an unsweetened, bitter, and sacred drink used by the Maya people in the sixth century. About seven hundred years later, the Aztecs used it in the same way, adding spices to it such as corn meal or even hot chili peppers! In this way, chocolate, a bitter, sacred drink, lay dormant for at least a thousand years.
The trigger point for the chocolate industry to erupt happened when Cortes, a Spanish New World explorer, brought back some cacao beans to Spain. He suggested that the bitter drink be mixed with sugar, and, promptly, chocolate became a hit, but was only consumed by nobility. Spain kept this variation a secret for almost a whole century before the chocolate fever finally erupted and spread throughout all over Europe and the United States. In the next years, chocolate variations were constantly being invented among those being Casparus van Houten’s, a Dutch chemist, who created solid chocolate. Finally, the first milk chocolate was invented in 1839! With the rising of this new addition to the chocolate industry, chocolate’s popularity skyrocketed! Consequently, chocolate producers like Cadbury, Nestle, Ghirardelli, and Hershey arose and still flourish today.
Thus, milk chocolate increased the yearly production of chocolate and is the definite favorite today, comprising about half of all the chocolate consumed. And, even now, consumption is still increasing worldwide. A 2012 report has shown several countries and their enormous per capita consumption, with Switzerland being the highest at 11.9 kilograms per person per year! The modern age of chocolate today trends a little less towards milk chocolate than before and more towards dark chocolate with its recently discovered health benefits including lowering your blood pressure; increasing blood flow to the brain; and being loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; which leads away from the sugar saturated milk chocolate with its high glycemic index, high calories, and empty nutrition. This brings us somewhat full circle back to the very early Mayan chocolate with its bitter taste.
And so, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, whether you are a milk chocolate lover or a dark chocolate lover like me, I implore you that chocolate is neither evil nor sinful and is, in fact, a nearly perfect food in nature. But I can’t defend, nor can I resist. And I’ll bet you can’t either!






















                                                                        -13-

QUOTES TO NOTE

ABILITY

compiled by Augustus Snodgrass

“A genius can't be forced; nor can you make an ape an alderman.”

– Thomas Somerville

“Ability hits the mark where presumption overshoots and diffidence falls short.”

– John Henry Newman

“Ability is a poor man's wealth.”

– M. Wren

“Ability is of little account without opportunity.”

– Napoleon Bonaparte

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

– John Wooden

“Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.”

– Malcolm S. Forbes

“All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers.”

– Anonymous

“Analyzing what you haven't got as well as what you have is a necessary ingredient of a career.”

– Grace Moor

“Aptitude found in the understanding and is often inherited. Genius coming from reason and imagination, rarely.”

– Samuel Taylor Coleridge

“As life is action and passion, it is required of a man that he should share the passion and action of his time, at the peril of being not to have lived.”

– Oliver Wendell Holmes

“As we advance in life we learn the limits of our abilities.”

– James A. Froude

“Big jobs usually go to the men who prove their ability to outgrow small ones.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage."
- C. S. Lewis

                                                                            -14-

STORY TIME

THE FOREIGN DEVIL

by Theodore Winstint

Ai-weh-deh wore Chinese clothes, but her facial complexion and brown hair colour told a different story. She lived among the Chinese as one of them, but still, she was different. Ai-we-deh owned the Inn of Eight Happinesses in Yangcheng, China. It was known among the mule drivers that her inn was where there was good food to eat and a clean, warm place to sleep, plus a bonus of a story during supper. The stories were from the Bible, and this way Ai-weh-deh, also known as Gladys Aylward back in her home country of England, was able to tell more Chinese people about Jesus and His miracles. One of His greatest miracles was from her own experiences. The fact that she was in China was a miracle in itself. When she applied to the China Inland Mission to go to China as a missionary, they told her that she could not go because she did not know the language well enough. However, Gladys was determined to go, and thus she set out on her own. This journey was filled with individual miracles. She had to go through Siberia and over Japan, and then finally, after many hardships and hindrances, she arrived in China; however, she still did not know their language and did not know how to get to her friend missionary with whom she had been corresponding. Gladys had a magnitude of faith that is unbelievable. She knew that she was supposed to spread the Gospel in China, but she had no idea how she would do it and how she would even learn their language; however, God saw her faith, and He worked everything out so that Gladys arrived safely at Mrs. Lawson’s inn in Yangcheng. Here she began to learn the Chinese language from the cook and Jennie Lawson. When Mrs. Lawson died eight months after Gladys arrived, Gladys was at a loss what to do, because the inn was not making enough income for her to live off of. She trusted God to lead her where he wanted her to go, and He did. She became the foot inspector for the area around Yangcheng. This job earned more income, but it also gave Gladys the opportunity to witness to the people while she was unbinding and massaging the women’s feet. Another act of faith was when Gladys helped suppress a riot in the Yangcheng prison. The men in the prison were running around with axes and were killing each other. Gladys went in there and just stood and looked at the men. They did not notice her until one of the men came running straight at her with an ax. Then he stopped a few feet in front of her and just looked at her. All the other men became curious and stopped running around and killing each other. Gladys talked to them, and they all quieted down. From that point on, she was no longer called the “foreign devil,” but Ai-weh-deh, which means “the Virtuous One.” Ai-weh-deh experienced God’s help through her faith many more times. Although she was a small woman in size, her faith could move mountains.

                                                                      -15-

POET’S CORNER

A PSALM OF LIFE

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

WHAT THE HEART OF THE YOUNG MAN SAID TO THE PSALMIST.

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,

   Life is but an empty dream!

For the soul is dead that slumbers,

   And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!

   And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest,

   Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,

   Is our destined end or way;

But to act, that each to-morrow

   Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,

   And our hearts, though stout and brave,

Still, like muffled drums, are beating

   Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world’s broad field of battle,

   In the bivouac of Life,

Be not like dumb, driven cattle!

   Be a hero in the strife! Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!

   Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act,— act in the living Present!

   Heart within, and God o’erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us

   We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

   Footprints on the sands of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another,

   Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,

   Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us, then, be up and doing,

   With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

   Learn to labor and to wait.

Welcome Theodore Winstint

I would like to announce and welcome our new member, Theodore Winstint! Samuel Pickwick has left us due to an increase of workload, so I trust that Theodore will be a great addition to our most honorable Pickwick Portfolio. Please make sure to check out Theodore's contributions once the March issue comes out shortly.

               - Augustus Snodgrass (editor)

The Pickwick Portfolio - February Issue

    Dearest readers, our thanks for your patience!! This months issue is here. (applause and loud cheering) Our deepest thanks to Mr. Augustus Snodgrass for his editing of out paper. So without further delay: the Pickwick Portfolio!
                  -Mr. Sam Weller
                 

The Pickwick Portfolio

February 2015

In this issue:

• “Insulin: Hope for Dying Diabetics” by Augustus Snodgrass
  
• “The Value of Facebook” by Augustus Snodgrass
• “Dog Intelligence” by Augustus Snodgrass
• Story Time – 
• “The Story of Valentine’s Day” by Sam Weller
• “The Best of Memories” by Tracy Tupman
• Poet’s Corner – 
•  “The Night Owl’s World” by Nathaniel Winkle
• “There Is No Frigate Like a Book” by Emily Dickinson
• “Splinter” by Carl Sandburg
• “Fog” by Carl Sandburg
• “Leisure” by William Henry Davies

EDITOR’S NOTE

This paper is part of a club called “The Pickwick Club.” “The Pickwick Portfolio,” as this paper is called, is designed for the good of the community. Its purpose is to serve as a paper of news, entertainment, and fun. Please take special note of our special Valentine’s Day selection this month: “The Story of Valentine’s Day,” written by Sam Weller on page seven. Also take special note of “The Night Owl’s World” on page seventeen, as it is written by our new member, Nathaniel Winkle.

Yours truly,

Augustus Snodgrass

READ, LAUGH, ENJOY!

INSULIN: HOPE FOR DYING DIABETICS

by Augustus Snodgrass

Before insulin, the disease diabetes mellitus was a silent death that went around, touched even the healthiest children, and brought them to the death bed in just months. Insulin brought hope and life to the countless diabetics everywhere. Insulin is an important medicine because of its unique discovery, interesting development, and diverse ways to use.
Insulin is an important medicine because of its unique history. According to Goebel and Wetzlich, an old document was found showing that diabetes was already well known to the early Egyptians (Goebel and Wetzlich, 12). They had noticed sugar in the urine of those with the disease, but it was not until 1869 that any discoveries were made leading up to insulin. A medical student named Paul Langerhans discovered a clump of before unnoticed cells in the pancreas which were later named Islets of Langerhans. In 1889, Oscar Minwoski and Joseph von Mering did research for the purpose of Langerhans’s discovery. Scholasticus explained that they first established the connection between the pancreas and diabetes (History of Insulin). Eugene Opie then discovered that diabetes was caused by the destruction of all or part of the Islets of Langerhans.
Therefore, based on Opie and others’ discoveries, men started experimenting with pancreatic extracts. George Zuelzer had experienced with diabetic dogs and had, according to Davidson, developed a pancreatic extract called Acomatrol that he used on five diabetic patients in 1907 (Davidson, 3). Davidson also said that the patients suffered severe side effects due to impurity of the extract (Davidson, 3). Ernest Scott had also developed an extract that lowered high blood glucose in dogs. Finally, the Romanian professor Nicolae Paulescu discovered that the Islets of Langerhans produce the hormone insulin which changes sugar in the blood into energy. He was also able to develop an aqueous pancreatic extract like Scott. It was also successful in lowering high blood glucose in dogs, but was still far too impure for humans. Insulin definitely has a unique history.
Besides having a unique history, insulin is also an important medicine because of its interesting development. In 1921, Canadian surgeon Frederick Banting was able to isolate insulin by itself. James Collip purified it, and soon insulin was ready to be injected into the first human patient, Leonard Thompson. The boy recovered within minutes. Eli Lilly was the first company to market insulin, and in 1923, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Frederick Banting and John Macleod, the professor who had helped and funded Banting’s experiments. However, some feel the prize should have been awarded to Paulescu. Ian Murray, co-founder of the International Diabetes Federation, arugued that “Insufficient recognition has been given to Paulescu, the distinguished Roumanian scientist…” (Murray, 150). De Leiva-Perez, Bruques-Bruques, and De Leiva-Hidalgo affirmed that Head of the Nobel Institute, Professor Tiselius, has admitted in a letter that he feels Paulescu was equally eligible of the prize (De Leiva-Perez, Bruques-Bruques, and De Leiva-Hidalgo, 2).

Another phase in the development of insulin was the time of its improvement. According to Diabetes.co.uk, Hans Hagedorn added protamine to insulin in 1963, and discovered that the action of insulin can be prolonged that way (History of Insulin). Insulin was chemically synthesized in 1963, and Diabetes.co.uk also mentioned that it was the first human protein to be made biotechnologically (History of Insulin). It was called human insulin and was manufactured by Eli Lilly where it was marketed as Humilin. Not only does insulin have a unique history, it also has an interesting development.
In addition to having an interesting development, insulin is an important medicine because of its diverse ways to use. One way is using an insulin pen. The traditional insulin pen includes a cartridge to hold the insulin, a disposable needle, and a dial to control the amount of insulin to be delivered. Two different types of insulin pens can be used: durable and prefilled. Durable pens have disposable cartridges, and the pen itself can be reused. Prefilled pens, however, are not reusable, and, once the insulin in the cartridge is empty, the entire pen is discarded. Some people use a syringe to inject insulin. According to National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, the most widely used way to inject insulin today is using a syringe (Alternate Devices for Taking Insulin). Although very similar to the insulin pen, Perfetti affirms that it is more cost efficient (Perfetti, 81).
Besides using an insulin pen or a syringe, another way to inject insulin is using an insulin pump, also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. An insulin pump includes a cannula or needle, a tubing system, a disposable reservoir, and the controls, processing module, and batteries. Insulin pumps better mimic a pancreas as it constantly gives tiny shots of insulin through the needle or cannula that is continually in the body. On the insulin pump, different shapes of insulin can be programmed for different every-day situations. These include standard bolus, extended bolus, combination or multiwave bolus, and super bolus. There are many benefits to using an insulin pump and Animas says that “there are plenty of reasons” why one should switch from using pens and syringes to using an insulin pump (5 big advantages of Insulin Pumps). The many and diverse ways to use also makes insulin an important medicine.
Insulin is an important medicine because of its unique discovery, interesting development, and diverse ways to use. Today, it is still the only medicine known to successfully treat diabetes even after over one hundred years since its discovery. Insulin encouraged further research on diabetes for a cure, gave doctors a better understanding of metabolism and the function of the pancreas, and most importantly gave diabetics a future.

WORKS CITED

“Alternate Devices for Taking Insulin.” 2009. http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/insulin/

(accessed May 3, 2014).

“5 big advantages of Insulin Pumps.” 2014. http://www.animas.ca/about-insulin-pumping/advantage-of-

Insulin-pump (accessed May 3, 2014).

Davidson, John K. ed. Clinical Diabetes Mellitus: A Problem-Oriented Approach. 3rd ed. New York:

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 2000.

De Leiva-Perez, A., Bruques-Bruques, E., and De Leiva-Hedalgo, A. “From pancreatic extracts to artificial

pancreas: history, science and controversies about the discovery of the pancreatic antidiabetic

hormone.” avances en Diabetologia, 2010.

Goebel, Katrin, and Wetzlich, Alexander W. Lenny explains Diabetes! Tolochenaz: Medtronic

International Trading Sarl, 2008.

“History of Insulin.” 2014. http://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/history-of-insulin.html (accessed May 3,

2014).

Murray, Ian. “Paulesco and the Isolation of Insulin.” Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied

Sciences, April 1971, 150-157.

Perfetti, Riccardo. “Reusable and Disposable Insulin Pens for the Treatment of Diabetes: Understanding

the Global Difference in User Preference and an Evaluation of Inpatient Pen Use.” Diabetes

Technology & Therapuetics, 2010.

Scholasticus, K. “History of Insulin.” 2011. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/history-of-insulin.html

accessed Mar. 25, 2014).

THE VALUE OF FACEBOOK

by Augustus Snodgrass

Approximately eighty percent of the world’s population has access to it. The average user spends more than an hour a day on it and twenty minutes every time they log on. It is the most widely used social media. Can you guess what I have just described? If you guessed Facebook, you are correct.
Facebook, launched in February 2004, has over 1 billion active users. If it were a nation, Facebook Republic, with all its users would be the third most populous country in the world! Even after eleven years, its popularity is still very much on the rise. The site has constantly adapted, and even reinvented itself in many ways according to the needs, and often the demands of its users. Such has been its impact that people would much rather communicate with each other on Facebook than through emails, or at times even meeting in person! But, even with all the setting and apps for phones that they provide, do these entertainments outweigh as far as it goes in wastefulness of time and security measures? The features of Facebook, the pros and cons about it, and whether we should use it or not, are all topics that should be addressed.
    One reason that makes Facebook so popular is that registering on the site is quite a smooth process. The only information requested is your name, gender, birth date, and email address. Very little, isn’t it?
Facebook transcends all physical boundaries, and lets you connect with long-lost friends and distant family. If you choose to do so, you could share your thoughts and even post photographs of events in your daily life. You can interact with people with similar thoughts and ideas across the globe by choosing to be part of a group with people who have a common concern, or merely just a similar interest. This can be dangerous, too, as many people do that, purposely, to take your information. You can create groups, allowing you to share specific thoughts with only a few, certain friends. These opportunities and many others seem to make Facebook a great way to stay in touch with friends.
But, do all these entertainments outweigh the harms? There are both pros and cons about it. A man in Egypt named his firstborn daughter “Facebook” as an expression of gratitude for the role it played in the Egyptian Revolution in 2011. The website can serve as good or bad, can’t it? The many online games that are part of the website let you unwind and even promote social interaction with their many multiplayer functions. On the other hand, these can be very addictive, wasting lots of time. A Facebook account requires a password to enter and they do provide privacy reinforcements. Even with all that, there have been many incidents where someone does hack into another’s account. It is always nice if people know where you are and what you are doing. But, often, things can go too far and it seems to be very little that separates your personal life from your social life. And, recent studies have shown, that students using Facebook have lower grades in academics and tend to trust and believe anyone with anything even if they are just mere acquaintances.
So, with all that said, should we still use it? The freedom of expression on Facebook is often misused and many a time abused. We, as Christians, could become used to listening to that unwholesome language and start talking like that ourselves. The Bible says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” This Scripture tells us that we are being fools if we be a coward and talk and act like the world! Besides that, the games and site itself can be addictive, which can result in spiritual destruction, as well. Also, there are loads of fake accounts, with people looking to steal your personal information. Your information is then sold and used for harmful purposes. Your images can be misused, even if all the security settings are updated. There have even been several instances of online stalkers. And, of late, there has been a rise in the number of commercial adverts on the website, which can be quite annoying.
There are many other possibilities to stay connected with distant family or friends besides Facebook. Telephone and email are just two ways! Finally, the Bible states in Psalm 144:4, “Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” In this Scripture, Jesus shows us how he has given us this little time on earth and that we are to use it all to the glory of God! Although Facebook can be useful, it can be very time-consuming. Let us use our time wisely.

DOG INTELLIGENCE

by Augustus Snodgrass

Dogs are known to be very intelligent as well as good companions for humans. They are members of the canines along with foxes and wolves. Intelligence could be defined as abstract thought, logic, self-awareness, understanding, learning, communication, retaining, having emotional knowledge, problem solving, and planning. There are three different types of dog intelligence including the following: working and obedience intelligence, instinctive intelligence, and adaptive intelligence. Working and obedience intelligence refers to the intelligence of which dogs can learn from humans; this depends on the breed of dog. Instinctive intelligence is the word relating to the dog’s capability to do the tasks that he is made for, such as herding or guarding; unlike the previous, this type of intelligence depends solely upon the individual dog. Dogs are also able to find a solution to problems, perhaps such a problem as how to escape from a yard; this is called adaptive intelligence which also depends on the individual dog. All dogs can make good friends if they are trained to use their intelligence correctly.
All three sorts of dog intelligence are important for different circumstances. Although it has been proven that the intelligence of dogs also depends on what circumstances they are in, the Border collie seems to be the smartest of all dogs. One example of a Border collie’s remarkable working and obedience intelligence is found in Rico who was able to recognize over two hundred words and remember some objects over four weeks after the last time it was presented to him! Also, Betsy, another border collie, was able to recognize items by only seeing a picture of it and could remember over 340 words! Instinctive intelligence is another remarkable aspect of dogs. According to one source, the brightest dogs include the Poodle, German shepherd, Golden retriever, Doberman pinscher, Shetland sheepdog, Labrador retriever, Rottweiler, and Papillon and some of the least smart breeds of dogs are the Afghan hound, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Blood hound, Pekingese, Beagle, and the Shih Tzu. Though adaptive intelligence may be unfavorable at times such as when a dog escapes out of a yard, it is vital for the dog to have it in times of danger. The dog uses all three kinds of intelligence for different cases, making them all critical.
If one is interested in this topic, one may consider experimenting how long it takes a certain dog breed to learn a particular trick in comparison to another. Also, one may try to see if there are certain tricks that take a dog longer to learn. A test of what changes in a dog’s daily routines (such as rations of food or lack of exercise) would affect its attentiveness might also prove to be a fascinating experiment.



                                                                   STORY TIME

THE STORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY

by Sam Weller

Valentine's Day isn't just about candy, cards, and romance. Valentine's Day has a deeper meaning; it celebrates the power of love, and the power of God's love for us. Valentine's Day also commemorates the martyrdom of St. Valentinus, after whom the holiday was named. And the story of St. Valentinus is an interesting one. Let me tell it to you. But for this story, I am just going to call him Valentine....

    A Dungeon in Rome, during the reign of Emperor Claudius the second. A man sits in a cold, dark cell, all alone, with a quill in his hand, and parchment at his side. His name is Valentine, and he is going to die soon. He sits, thinking about his life, about his accomplishments, about his hopes and dreams. He thinks of his life as a prominent and wealthy Roman citizen, respected in everyone's eyes. As a loved leader in his church; performing marriages, and leading his flock to the best of his ability. He remembers his friends, and his congregation. And he smiles sadly to himself, as a tear rolls down his cheek. He would miss them to be sure. Oh, indeed he would miss them. He sighed. Why did he give them up? Why could he have not remained quiet? Most surely he would not be in this cell, if he had.
Then he thought of Emperor Claudius, the cruel, heartless man who had persecuted his fellow believers for so many years, and most recently outlawed the marriages of the young men and women of Rome; thinking that an unmarried man would fight better than a married one; and he was glad he had spoken out, and disobeyed Claudius' orders to not perform any more marriages. Still, he could not help himself, and thought over in his mind of that life changing day, when he had defied the great Claudius.
He was in his home, with a couple from his church, and a few other special members of his congregation. He had been marrying this couple, despite the fact that the Emperor had posted the edict outlawing marriages not long before. The couple had just taken their vows, pledged themselves to each other, and exchanged rings, when the sound of horses hooves was heard in the courtyard of Valentine's large house. They heard the pounding on the door, the scurrying of the servant's feet, and then the fateful news. “Soldiers at the door, my lord!” Scarce seconds later, a dozen or so soldiers had burst in, and had made the arrest. The arrest of not only Valentine, but of the newlyweds, and all the people present.
    They were brought before Claudius immediately, and would have been executed right away, if Valentine were not so important a Roman citizen. Claudius allowed Valentine to speak, “Briefly mind you”. And so Valentine pleaded, and implored Claudius to let them all go. Claudius refused. Valentine sighed. Then he thought of something, and, defying every natural instinct in his body, he proposed another deal to the great Claudius. “If you will not release us all, Claudius, at the least release my friends, and keep me prisoner. I have nothing to lose.” Oh, he could remember that moment like it was yesterday. Claudius had paused, thinking. The room was absolutely still, no one breathed. How could you breathe, when your life hung in the answer this man would give? “Oooh, alright. Let it be so. But not because I like you at all Valentine, do I free your friends, but because of your honour, and high standing of course.” And so, his friends were released, and Valentine was a prisoner.
    Shortly after Valentine was imprisoned, he was brought before Claudius again. Claudius proposed a deal to Valentine. That he renounce his faith, and promise never to marry anyone else, ever, in his life. Then, and only then would he go free. Refuse, and he would die. To Claudius it seemed like a fair trade and easy answer, but Valentine sighed; he did not have to think over the proposition. He knew the answer. And looking up, with defiance, he gave his answer. “NO. I will not ever reject my faith, nor turn away from my beliefs. Never will I bend to any man, whether he be the strongest king, or most humble beggar, for in the end I will answer only to God. I will not, nay, I cannot do what you say Claudius. Have your way with me, but my mind is made up. I refuse your offer.” The room was silent for but a moment. “I would have thought you wiser, Valentine. Be it so then. You have made your choice. I have no further use for you. You will be executed when I see fit.” And that was that.
    Ever since then, Valentine had been sitting in this cell, waiting to die. And the worst part was that he was no longer allowed to see his friends, his congregation. All alone he sat, in the dark. But no, he wasn't all alone, was he? He smiled. No, he wasn't alone, for God was with him. And the Lord had chosen to make his burden easier, by sending him a friend. He smiled again. And he allowed himself to remember her.
    Julia, the daughter of his jailer. The sweet girl who befriended him, bringing him comfort. And he had in a way brought comfort to her as well. She was blind, and this had been a great burden to her. He had talked to her, prayed for her, and helped her be brave. And then one day, the day that Claudius found out about about Valentine's little companion, and ordered her to stop seeing him, while they were saying their farewells; Julia's sight came back to her. He remembered it all so well, the shrieks of happiness, the look of pure, blissful, joy on her face. And then the soft, loving words; “Thank you Valentine! Thank you. And thank your God for me to. I'll remember you both always.”
    He sighed. That had been yesterday. And today, he had gotten word. He would be executed that evening. He had asked for parchment, and a quill, to write his letters of farewell to everyone he loved, and thank God, the jailer had agreed. So he sat in his cell, remembering everything, and wondering what to put in his letters. He began first to write to his congregation. He told them not to grieve for him, and encouraged them in their faith. He wrote to the newlyweds, and to the servants who had served him faithfully. Finally he began to write to Julia. Oh, that special young girl! What could he say to her? He carefully ripped the parchment into the shape of a heart, and began. “My dear Julia..” He wrote of how special she was to him. Of how she could learn about his God, and how much God loved her. He thanked her for everything. “Do not grieve for me dear Julia, because for me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Besides, I will see you again soon. I thank God that he sent you to me. From Your Valentine.” He finished his letter and sighed.
    Then he heard it, the sound of guards coming. The door swung open. He was yanked to his feet. One of the guards sneered, “The Emperor said you're to be executed now.” They dragged him up the stairs, dragging him to his death. The door opened, the sun poured in, and he was warmed by its light as they dragged him to the city gates. And there it was, the place where he was to be killed. Claudius gave the signal for the execution to begin, as Valentine prayed one last prayer...

Author's note: There are very few facts about St. Valentine, so many of the ideas about what happened, as well as the characters, are legends. We don't really know if Valentine knew a Julia, or if that was even her name. So please keep in mind that this is just my retelling of the story of Valentine; and that some is legend and some is truth. The main website I used for this story was an article from CBN.com and a retelling of the story from the Our Lady of the Rosary Library website. The rest of the story was from memory of the other times I have heard it.

THE BEST OF MEMORIES

by Tracy Tupman

Kaitlin Phillips. That was her name. A fairly average 12-year-old, she had sparkling blue eyes, a largish nose, and unruly, shoulder-length brown curls which she could never keep untangled, much less straight. Although a fun-loving and often mischievous girl, she was always lending a helping hand. For instance, even after a long day of school and band practice, she often held a “homework help” session for younger kids in the school library and periodically helped her elderly next-door neighbour with house and garden work. In Oakenhaven, the small town where she lived, everyone knew everybody, so it wasn’t as hard to help out. Besides, Kaitlin found it was fun, and she loved to put a smile on people’s faces. It was her way of momentarily lightening another person’s burden of financial strain with a great big smile. Mismanagement had forced that sawmill to close three years earlier, leaving most of the families whose men had had good jobs there – including her own father, who had been the supervisor – scrambling to make ends meet. Now, two small factories on the outskirts of town kept most people employed. To make ends meet, Kaitlin’s mother worked two part-time jobs in Leemington, a town nearby, while her father worked full-time at a factory. Obviously, when Kaitlin asked for a china doll for her ninth birthday, her mother had to sigh and suggest another doll that they could better afford. But Kaitlin shook her head to that and said that no thank you, in that case she would rather have a Bobbsey Twins book instead. A china doll was the only kind of doll she wanted. In her child’s mind, she couldn’t bear a poor replacement for the doll that was supposed to help bring back memories. She’d rather have just memories than that.

~~~

“Not much longer now,” thought Kaitlin as she peered through the big front window of the Lewis Antique Shop.
“Soon, I’ll have enough money to buy you, Evelyn.”
“Well?” spoke a voice, startling Kaitlin back into the real world. “Sorry, what did you say, Casey?” asked Kaitlin, turning abruptly to face the other girl. “I didn’t notice you walk up.”
“Oh, I didn’t say anything yet,” replied her best friend as she pushed a stray strand of hair back behind her ear, brushing her stylish faux fur vest as she did so. Casey was tall for her 12 years, and skinny as a bean pole, but very pretty. Her long, black, hair, resting under a deep maroon burette, framed an elegant face bearing almond-shaped eyes - from her Asian mother. “I am curious, though: how much more money do you need to buy that china doll?”
“She’s 125 dollars, and I’ve already got sixty-nine dollars and thirty-five cents,” announced Kaitlin proudly as she fingered the odd assortment of change in her jacket pocket. “I just made three dollars raking Mr. Avery’s front yard! Now I think I’ll go see if Mrs. Allison’s needs raking, too.”

“125 dollars, eh? Now, I admire your optimism, but how are you going to get the rest of that money?” Casey casually leaned her weight back against the large store window and began to count off a list on her fingers as she stared off into space. “Let’s see – you’ve washed cars, walked dogs, mowed lawns, weeded gardens, cleaned garages and windows, sold home-made bracelets – really pretty ones at that – from door-to-door and at school, raked leaves now that it’s fall, and done something or other for almost everyone in the entire town! I don’t think they hold it against you that you keep coming back for more work, but most people around here haven’t had a lot of money since the sawmill closed down, and people keep giving you fewer and fewer tips.” Shrugging her shoulders, she shook her head as she turned to face Kaitlin. “Just how are you going to get all that money before Evelyn is gone?”
Kaitlin stared at her, her mouth agape. “How did you know what I’d named her?”
Casey laughed. “You were mumbling something about her just now as I was walking up!” As Kaitlin continued to stare Casey laughed again and then reached for her hand. “Come on; take a break for a while! Let’s go grab a final ice cream to celebrate the very, very end of summer before school starts on Monday. My treat. You have to keep saving up for Evelyn, after all! And don’t forget: we have a sleepover tonight.”
“Sounds good to me!” said Kaitlin with a wide grin. “Thanks a bunch! I’m so glad that Mom could take tonight off work so that we could have a sleepover!” Her bright blue eyes then twinkled mischievously. “But fall weather has fallen upon us at last, so you can’t call it summer, even though it’s August! So let’s call our celebration ‘the celebration of freedom of no school’!”
Their laughter ringing merrily through the clear air as Casey returned her comment with a joke, the two friends skipped down the street as a crisp, cool autumn breeze blew their hair into their faces and whipped a bounteous, colourful plethora of leaves around them.

~~~

“So,” said Casey, as Kaitlin and she finished the last bits of their ice cream cones, walking towards Kaitlin’s house to pick up Kaitlin’s sleepover gear. “Remind me again why you like that doll so very much.”
“Well, it all started with my grandma – the rich one, Mrs. Phillips, my Dad’s mom,” explained Kaitlin. “She had these beautiful porcelain dolls that she let me play with, even when I was just four! – and I would set them up to have an elegant tea party, and then whisk them away on crazy and quirky adventures when I played with the boys – though I involved a lot more magic in those adventures when I was alone. Or my grandmother would play with them with me. Oh, she was the best grandma ever! She just knew how to love on you – and always had my favorite cookie- mint chocolate chip – waiting for me at snack time.
“Well, there was this one doll - my favorite - who had beautiful long brown hair, and the most brilliant green eyes, and a blue checked gingham dress and a straw hat –“

“Just like Evelyn,” interrupted Casey.
“Yes, just like Evelyn. Now, when grandma died when I was eight, she stated in her will that she wanted all her collectible antiques sold at an auction, and the proceeds donated to a children’s charity that she was very passionate about. So, along with her other antique collections, the dolls were sold. I miss my grandma so much sometimes, Casey, and you know, Evelyn reminds me of some of the best times I spent with her.” Then she grinned. “When I think about it, though, my elegant grandmother had a lot of trouble understanding why on earth I would want an adventure up a tree with a breakable doll!”
Casey laughed. “You always were a bit crazy – in the best way I know! But come on – I`ll race you to your house!” And stuffing the last bit of cone in her cheek, she took off down the street, with Kaitlin close behind.

~~~

“I know.” Casey stated this simple phrase just as abruptly as she dropped her lunch box on the cafeteria table where her friends ate every day. School had started only three days earlier, but they had already found a lunch-time routine. She sat.
“Know what?” asked Mandy almost incoherently, her cheeks bulging with an unfinished bite of sandwich. “Yes, what?” added Trinda as she slid into the seat next to Casey.
“Know how Kaitlin can get enough money to buy her doll, that’s what!” Kaitlin and the other girls looked at each other as Casey went on. “Look, there’s an annual arts and crafts fair in Leemington in one week and LOTS of people go there – and Kaitlin’s great at making bracelets!” As if on cue, all the girls looked down at the intricate and beautiful beaded bracelets on their wrists. “I looked in the library and also found some books with great ideas on making other crafty stuff worth selling, like magnets and cards,” she added, as she unzipped her backpack and pulled out one of the said books. “If we worked together, I bet we could easily make all the money that Kaitlin needs in a weekend – maybe even extra to split up!”
“Smph super meeda pee,” said Mandy. Confused looks greeted this proposal. Mandy swallowed her mouthful and tried again: “Sounds like a great idea to me!”
“And I could even knit some scarves!” added Trinda. “My grandma just taught me this summer.” They all turned to look at Kaitlin.
“Well…” she began uncertainly. “I’m not sure about this. I mean, it would be a lot of work, and we all have homework and other commitments… and besides, how would we convince the fair to let a bunch of kids sign up for a booth?”
Promptly, they all agreed that they would gladly do this for Kaitlin, and as for the signing up? “Oh, you just leave it to me,” said Casey, a clever gleam in her eye.

~~~

“I can’t believe how much money we made!” exclaimed Kaitlin to Casey, Trinda, and Mandy. She was nearly dancing for joy, and her joy was mirrored by the bright, early-morning, October sun. The craft fair had just ended the afternoon before, and although they were all quite tired form the busy weekend, all the girls were excited for Kaitlin. In addition to getting enough money for her doll, each of the girls had another $10. At first, Kaitlin was determined to divide her quarter amongst the other girls, because she had already gotten $55 for the doll. But they insisted that she keep her “share.” “Besides,” Trinda had pointed out, “You even made cookies to sell, and you gave my little sister a bunch of free trumpet lessons.” And Mandy had added that they wouldn’t even have done the craft fair if it wasn’t for Kaitlin and her doll.
“Thank you so much for everything, guys! I may have done a bit of extra work, but you guys really made it all happen! You guys are the absolute best friends a girl could ever have!!”
“It was soo much fun, and soooo worth it!” added Mandy. “And I am so glad that you can finally have Evelyn! You are a really great friend, and I know you deserve her.” They rounded the street corner onto the street where the antique shop lay, and Kaitin eagerly ran ahead.
But then she stopped. Dead in her tracks.
The others ran up quickly. Although she had opened her mouth to speak, Casey stopped short upon casting a single glance at the window.
Evelyn was gone.
“Maybe Mr. Lewis just took her down to freshen up the display with some new things,” Casey quickly pointed out. “Let’s go inside and see.”
“He said he’d leave her – leave her there until she was sold,” said Kaitlin quietly. Nevertheless, she followed her friends into the store.
“Oh yes, that doll,” said old, moustached Mr. Lewis, who they found busily sorting a bookshelf, when he was asked about her. “Oh, yes, sold it today, I do believe, I do believe.” He turned to go back to sorting the books on another shelf.
“Do you remember who you sold her – it- too?” pressed Casey.
“Can’t rightly say, can’t rightly say, except that it may have been someone living in town,” he muttered. “And I’m not about to start checking. Far too busy, far too busy. Run along now,” he said impatiently when he saw the girls still standing there. “Do you girls have nothing better to do than watch me work?”
“No – I mean, yes – I mean, good day, sir,” responded Casey hastily. The girls left. Fast.

“Phew! I don’t know what’s gotten into Mr. Lewis today.” exclaimed Trinda. “He’s usually so obliging, he’ll dig into his dusty old records of antiques back to the War of 1812 if you asked him too!”
“Well, nothing we can do about it now, “replied Kaitlin, who had already quite recovered. “I’d best be going home to help with supper. And of course, I’ll also have to think up another way to use all this money. I’m sure God has a better way for me to use it.” She said the last bit with a smile which held only the tiniest touch of sadness. “Anyways, see you tomorrow!”
“I’m quite so sure about all of this as you are,” muttered Casey very quietly, as she waved her friend goodbye. “If I have anything to say about it, you’ll have Evelyn. Just wait and see.”

~~~

“You wanted to speak to me, Mrs. Phillips?” Casey asked a few days later when a tired but kindly woman opened the door at Kaitlin’s house. “My mother told me you called.” Kaitlin was at band practice, so Casey knew that Kaitlin wasn’t home. Oh, how she had wondered why at Mrs. Phillips had called!
“Oh, yes; do come in.” The door was opened wider, and Casey followed Mrs. Phillips through the front hall. At the end of the hall, which was wall-papered with flowers, the space opened up into a living room, with a closed-off kitchen on the left. Mrs. Phillips led her into the small kitchen. “Do sit down.” Casey settled herself on a chair and waited. In the background, she could dimly hear the sounds of Kaitlin’s younger brother Johnny, who was 8, playing in the living room. “It’s about what you are trying to do for Kaitlin. Tea?”
“Oh? Ah, yes please.”
“Yes,” continued Mrs. Phillips once she had filled a cup for Casey and had sat herself down. “We – my husband and I - have heard about how you have been going from door to door all over town to try to find out who bought that china doll from the Lewis Antique Shop, and I wanted to let you know that you can stop doing that right now.”
“Mrs. Phillips,” said Casey with a slight edge in her voice, “with all due respect, Kaitlin is the best friend that I ever had. She is always helping me with homework, making me laugh on gloomy days, and most importantly, was there for me during my parents’ divorce, and is still there for me whenever I need someone to talk to. If anyone deserves this one thing that she wants, she does. And that doesn’t even include how she teaches in Sunday school, helps younger kids with homework after school, stays home with Johnny every night while you and her father work –and actually treats him like a human, which is more than can be said for many older siblings– “
“Stop, stop, I understand,” Mrs. Phillips laughed. Casey stopped in confusion. “You see, I don’t get to talk with my own daughter very much what with my two jobs – why, I have to leave in just 5
minutes “ She added, with a glance at the clock “–and I hadn’t realized that she was saving up for the doll herself…”

~~~

Kaitlin walked slowly through the gently falling snow, taking the time to bask in its beauty. Little Timmy had had extra trouble with long division, but it was so worth it to spend an extra half hour helping him figure it out. She smiled as she remembered the light that had suddenly lit up his face after he completed one of the problems all by himself. Besides, she could have a break tomorrow. Tomorrow was Saturday, October 20, and a break from school – except for homework, she reminded herself with a rueful grin. It was also her 13^th birthday, she realized suddenly with a brilliant smile. She knew there wouldn’t be much, but Casey had agreed to join the family for a birthday supper, and her Mom and Dad had both found a way to be there, and her Mom was making her favorite cake: strawberry short cake. She had to wonder, though, where Casey, Trinda, and Mandy had run off to in such a hurry after school. Each had rushed past her with barely a good-bye. She shrugged and grinned. Obviously, they had something very important to do…. Maybe even for her! After all, her birthday was tomorrow. Naahhh… that couldn’t be. Shaking her head, she turned the corner onto her street, sauntered down the street for three houses, turned left onto her driveway, bounded up the porch steps onto the paint-chipped porch, and then walked up to the front door. Just as she was about to turn the doorknob, she thought she could here an unusual scuffle in the house beyond. Frowning for but a moment, she then shook her head and stepped inside.
“Hello, dear,” came her mother’s voice from the kitchen.
“Mom? You’re home already?” asked Kaitlin in bewilderment as she hung her jacket on an ornamented wooden coat hook. “I thought you wouldn’t be home for another twenty minutes at least!”
“Well, usually I wouldn’t be.” She walked into the hall dusting her hands on her apron. As she did so, Kaitlin noticed an unusual sparkle in her eye. “But since it’s almost your birthday, I decided that you should have a nice – “
“SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAITLIN!!!” And from the living room emerged friends and family galore! Her father, Mandy, Casey, and Trinda, her mother’s parents, her cousins who lived three hours away, and many townspeople who she knew and had helped stood crowded in her living room, wishing her a happy birthday. For several moments, Kaitlin stood there, unable to anything but grin, with one boot still on. Then, from the middle of the crowd, her little brother Johnny stepped out carrying a long rectangular box. With a beaming grin, he said, “Happy birthday, sis!” and handed her the gift. She stared at the box for a moment, he eyes wide. I wonder… she thought. Her arms trembling a little, Kaitlin took the box from him and then gradually lifted the lid. And she gasped. For inside, among soft white tissue paper, lay Evelyn, her smile warm and welcoming and her green eyes shining. Putting down the box, Kaitlin lifted the beautiful doll out and held her at arm’s length in amazement, the widest grin in the world on her face. “But how-“she asked, looking around in sudden bewilderment.

“I can explain,” said her mother, stepping forward. “Clearly, I have not been taking the time to find out how you have been doing – and what you have been doing – lately. I had no idea you were saving up to buy that doll all by yourself. However, I drove by the antique shop every day on my way to work, and finally decided that this was the year – without a doubt - that you should finally have that doll. So I asked several friends in town, and your grandparents and cousins, and they all agreed to chip in on the surprise. Even Mr. Lewis said he would discount the doll by twelve percent.”
“And so the rest of them all pitched in with a little tid-bit here and there, and bought Evelyn for you before you had the chance!” finished Casey with a flourish. “And for some reason,” she added with a rueful shake of her head,” it took your mother a long time to get a hold of me so that I could finally contribute my part, so I ended up just as surprised as you are until just last week.” Everyone laughed, remembering how Casey had knocked on their own front door.
A little later, as they sat at the long dining room table eating strawberry shortcake and ice cream, Kaitlin looked around and realized that she was surrounded by something far more important to her than a porcelain doll. Wow, she thought, with a sudden surge of love and joy, I am really so blessed to have all these people in my life who love me. I mean, they cared for me enough to buy me Evelyn, and to give me a party, and they’ve all been telling me how much I mean to them. The Stewarts gave $10, and they barely ever know where their next meal is coming from. And my cousins who live three hours away drove all the way here just to wish me a Happy Birthday! she suppressed a giggle as she thought, And Casey knocked on nearly every door in town trying to find Evelyn! And all of a sudden, she realized that her new doll was so much more than even a precious memento of her loving grandma: It would always bring back the best of memories of all the people in her life – like those gathered around her at that moment - who she loved. And who loved her.

POET’S CORNER

THE NIGHT OWL’S WORLD
by Nathaniel Winkle

I am snuggled into bed, so soft and so cozy,
like a favorite toy, tucked safely into a box.
I hear deep breathing throughout the house,

a soft calming whisper.

Random cars drive by, they too have the soothing

sound of a world calm and still.

And the wind blows strongly against my walls,

as if threatening the calmness of the moment.

But I know that I am safe, for my house is well build

and my quilts the warmest in the land.

The night light flickers in the hall,

and shadows dance upon my walls and the ceiling.

The noises of the night lull me to sleep.

And I drift off into another world, a world that does not

always make sense, but I have adventures in that world ,

The world that is mine.

SPLINTER
by Carl Sandburg

The voice of the last cricket

across the first frost

is one kind of good-bye.

It is so thin a splinter of singing.

FOG
by Carl Sandburg

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbor and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

THERE IS NO FRIGATE LIKE A BOOK
by Emily Dickinson

There is no Frigate like a Book

To take us Lands away

Nor any Coursers like a Page

Of prancing Poetry –

This Traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of Toll –

How frugal is the Chariot

That bears the Human Soul –

LEISURE
by William Henry Davies

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

It's February

Huzzah!! It's February, and that means that our February issue is due any day!!! This month's issue is now carefully being edited by our most honorable Mr. Snodgrass. Check back regularly to see it published!! Long live the Portfolio!
                Expectantly,
                                      Mr. Sam Weller