So I was sleeping...

[Guest guest]

Not so long ago, in a land not too far away, there lived a giant. At

one time, the giant had been a man...living his life as men do...

drinking, playing and enjoying the world about him. However, over

time the man had suffered both physical and emotional injuries (some

dating back to his youth)and the combined effect began to take their

toll. In an effort to find solace - and to shield himself from life's

mounting pressures - food became his friend.

He hoarded his new friend, packing it into various pockets around his

body, and with each passing season the sheild about him grew thicker.

However the shield offered no real protection...especially from the

arrows shot from within. Depression and frustration became his new,

unwelcome friends. He was no longer living his old life...drink meant

nothing, pain made play impossible and enjoyment of the world's

pleasures waned.

After suffering enough of this self-imposed burden, the giant yearned

to be a man again...to enjoy life's pleasures. However his burden was

so great that the normal methods most go through would not benefit

him. So he traveled to see a wizard who had a drastic solution.

There were several simple trials that had to be passed and one larger

endeavor.

The giant made it through the first few hoops - not an insignifcant

feat considering the size of his butt - and stared at the final wall.

Letting life's travails work against him, the giant could not climb

the wall. Try and again he did, until discouragement set in and he

looked to another ill-timed friend - slumber. There he stayed for

many weeks, not having to live with his inability to climb the wall.

Then a few days ago, while still deep in lethargy, a bird happened to

fly by and see the giant. Miss Robynn Redbreast was her name...and

she landed in a branch not far from the slumbering colossus. For some

reason, she found herself intrigued and wanted to wake him. She sang

her song (in French no less) and slowly the giant rumplestilskin rose

from his dormancy.

Ms. Redbreast sang her song...sweet notes of promise and hope mixed in

with a few sour notes of a promised butt kicking should the giant not

get it in gear! And finally, she sang about the patron saint of music

and musicians...St. Cecelia...and her coming adventure. Soon would

her life story include a visit to the Land of Fremont and an exploit

with a wizard.

The giant could not sit by and let that go unrecognized. Too many

other worthy adventurers had come and gone without receiving their

due. So rust, dirt and cobwebs came off...songs are to be

written...an ode to a certain San Franciscan should be trumpeted...as

well as a sincere thank you to all my well wishers.

....and a new assault on the wall has begun.