Saturday 12 July 2014

The Ballad of Hortense Hare


UPDATE:
Hortense has chosen, and Harriet will be going to live with Witchy J (who is now in contact with Captain Horatio to arrange passage)
Thank you all for your lovely comments :D


Welcome to my offering for this years Mad Tea Party.
As promised I bring you news of Hortense, Horatio and Harriet.
To begin I will share one of Horatio's favourite little ditties, to be heard, sung with gusto and glee amongst the sailors of the Red Queens fleet...

The Ballad of Hortense Hare

Hortense Hare has a most arresting stare,
some people say as it's quite haughty.
But for those who would dare, to challenge her glare,
They find her deliciously naughty!

With a glance that would kill (if she e'er had the will)
She holds her nose ever aloft.
Though some will attest, that when she gives her best
Her nose is most downy and soft!

With the flick of an ear she inspires most to fear.
While the glint in her eye may spark danger.
But you may see her blush, and her face all a flush,
At a glimpse of some pretty new stranger!

For Hortense you see, was born wild and free,
For no man to tame or to tether.
So though Lady she's now
With the lift of a brow,
She'll be found running wild in the heather!

Now Hortense's stare is beyond compare
And could hypnotize all in a flash.
And on hot summer days when folk meet up to graze,
It can lead her to being quite brash!

(usually ending with a loud chorus of cheers as Captain Horatio enters the room)

Now Hortense Hare is a very strong willed Lady. Let's face it, you have to be if your going to survive in the employ of Her Majesty the Queen of Hearts.
She is the lead seamstress to Her Maj, which means that she spends many hours in close company with her, gossiping about other courtiers and swapping personal successes.
One of Hortense's favourite pastimes is winding-up Her Majesty. As you are already aware, Hortense has many suitors, one of whom is an extremely officious gentleman, with a penchant for white cotton gloves and pocket watches. He is also one of the Queen's favoured Croquet partners. Hortense  will regularly entice him away, just to make him late for a match.

Her second favourite "wind-up" is to tease the Queen about her rose garden.
"Red to white...white to red...why don't you just settle for Pink?" she will jibe.
Hortense has a lovely garden filled with pink roses, all lovingly delivered by her only "True love" Captain Horatio Hornbeam.

Horatio is an avid explorer, searching the world over for the reddest of red roses, or the snowiest of white roses,(depending on what mood the Queen is in as he sets out). But the most fragrant pink blooms he brings home to Hortense.

He is fully aware of Hortense's "partying"in is absence, but as he says "She is a Fine, Energetic woman, who would expect any less of her?", and the second his ship is spotted on the horizon, Hortense's door is closed to all but him.
The third member of our happy little trio is Harriet.

 She is Hortense's daughter(but clearly NOT by Horatio). Hortense was originally quite concerned as to how the gallant Captain would react to the news of Harriet's arrival, but true love heals all. Horatio merely pointed out that, had he been home more often, Harriet would be one of many children running around their home. He had kissed the little furbub and smiled, naming himself her Protector, and had raised her as his own. (it is easy to see why Hortense adores him so)
When the Queen asked Hortense about her "arrangements" she was quite candid.
"When one takes up with a Sea Captain, one can never be sure he will ever return. So a smart woman plans for all probabilities!"
This time when Horatio landed, he was greeted with a new rumour about Hortense. Usually he puffed up with pride at her outrageous antics, but this time he was worried.
You see, Harriet's parentage had always been a matter of interest to most everyone at Court, especially the Queen. This was the one secret Hortense had refused to share even with her. But as Harriet was reaching maturity, little give aways were becoming plainly obvious. Her complexion was VERY pale, and she had a much smaller, softer muzzle than her mother's......she had taken to wearing white cotton gloves(no matter what the colour of her gown), but most notably, she was a fanatic about never being late!

The Queen was starting to put 2 and 2 together, and getting Harriet! Her Majesty was rumoured to be VERY angry that a certain Croquet  partner may have been deliberately late in order to embarrass her, and Horatio was extremely concerned about her new habit of "head removal".
The kind hearted Captain has decided it would be best if Harriet went away to live with friends. Hortense was quite upset at first, but the Captain presented them with matching pendants as a remembrance of each other. He was also concerned that Hortense's other suitors may start getting ideas about Harriet having similar "habits" to her mother, so Hortense has agreed that Harriet should adventure elsewhere, on condition that she gets to choose the destination.
Hortense is inviting anyone who thinks they would be a suitable companion to leave a message in the comments section of this post. After careful consideration she will make a public announcement, and Captain Horatio will arrange safe passage for his beloved bunny.
In the meantime, they are off to enjoy a fabulous day together at the Mad Tea Party. (Hortense is under strict instructions NOT to annoy the Queen....until Harriet is safely away). Once Harriet is safely ensconced in her new home, Horatio has promised he will retire and keep Hortense company from now on (hopefully with her head intact!).


Enjoy :D XXX 

Photobucket

49 comments:

  1. Your cloth dolls are super cute. I love their costumes! Hope you're having a great weekend and I'd love to have you stop by my Mad Tea Party post, as well!

    Blessings,
    Sarah

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  2. What a thoroughly enchanting story!

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  3. Your talent ooooozes out of every pour, Gina. A really really great and interesting post! xoDonna LOVE the bunnies!

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  4. I had a lovely time at your party. Thank you for having me. I just loved everything. please visit me:
    momentsinaneye.blogspot.com

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    1. I did visit your gloriously colourful tea party Linda...and especially loved the candle lit piano, but I couldn't get comments to open. Tat happened on a few blogs I visited. guess my pute was overwhelmed lol

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  5. You have quite a wonderful imagination, very whimsical. Thanks for visiting me.

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  6. Oh my.... you are a wonderful story teller and your dolls are spectacular! Aaanndd I would love to provide a safe port in a storm for Harriet! We have regular tea parties in our garden and there are plenty of lovely bunnies for her to play with! No nasty Off-with-her-head Queens about either! Hortense can rest at ease as well as Horatio and if she would ever like to visit her family I would arrange passage for her.
    Thank you for such a lovely story and party!
    Tricia

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  7. PS... thank you so much for visiting me!

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  8. I like you Mad Tea Party....
    Happy Unbirthday to you
    Kerstin
    Cobblestone Prims

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  9. OH, la ! Hortense is "fine and energetic" - would that we all were so ! :D

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  10. The whole of the rabbiting family are extremely wonderful. Thank you for your lovely tale. You are so talented. Oma Linda

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  11. Lovely story, and Hortense is a Hare after my own heart!

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  12. What a truly magickal post!! Absolutely loved it. May the MAD TEA PARTY go on & on & on indefinitely... -xo

    "Trusting In The Truth Of Nature"... we seem to have both that & autism awareness in common. CHEERS to us!

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  13. I think this may be one unbirthday tale that may continue! Harriet's dress is lovely!
    Thank you for stopping by my way! Cheers! :)

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  14. Great poem and awesome tale Gina, what fun!

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  15. Oh poor Harriet has to leave her family. :-(
    Do you think she would like to live in Germany? I bet the queen wouldn't find her here. And Harriet, Horatio and you would be invited to visit her from time to time.

    I love your work, Gina. You've such a talent to put a smile onto my face!

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  16. Hortense is a "bunny" after my own heart! Sailors come and go, but the Captain is her true love! ( I love your poems! ) The mean Queen is know match for the cunning Hortense! I will sad that Harriet must leave her home, but it's time for her journey in life to begin!
    Delightful tale that must be properly bound! xoDebi

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  17. So much funny with the bunnies! And a fun little story to read and share. Thank you so much!

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  18. Oh what perfect creatures. One look at those faces and I was hooked. Bravo to you, storyteller.
    Thank you for visiting earlier.
    xoxo

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  19. I always knew you'd be a GREAT storyteller! Lovely! Huggs, Kate

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  20. Oh my!! Your creations, your tales, just dreamy!! You are amazing, I love them!!
    Happiest merriest unbirthday to you!!

    <3 Vanessa {a fanciful twist}

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  21. They are so lovely Gina! And the story was magical.. Loved every word of it! You are such a talented Lady xoxoxo

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  22. Thanks for coming to my tea party. I see you had a wild and mad crew at yours too.

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  23. You are such a talented lady! I adore your creations! Thank you for inviting me! Thank you for stopping by my party earlier as well!
    xoxo
    Gigi

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  24. Wow, what a lovely story and poem! I got quite scared when it got to the bit about head chopping! If Harriet would like to come down under to live in the Antipodes known as Australia, she is welcome here!

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  25. Haha. I find Hortense Hare most "deliciously naughty!" Hortense, Horatio and Harriet are all adorable, you clever lady!!

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  26. Gina I am totally awed be your talent but not surprised. Over the time we have known each other, you often make me laugh and have inspired me many times. This latest interest of these dolls is class. These little people for they are people. You have brought them to life with names and stories as well as poem.
    Of course hortense must come to live with me. I have a sewing room so she can make clothing or whatever she chooses. We have a garden for her to take a turn. We would be totally honoured to have her here. And of course any visitors she would care to invite ��
    I'm must also say china and tea parties are a regularity if she so requires. Please let hortense stay with us. But if not, I hope she will be safe from the nasty old queen of hearts xx

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  27. Hortense is deliciously naughty indeed! Your creations are absolutely wonderful Gina!

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  28. Happy UnBirThDaY and thank you for continued harey tales.
    I could not help myself but I was singing Hortense's tune to a ballad melody associated with an Island inhabited by 5 fateful passengers, a Skipper and a mate named Gilligan.

    Harriet is such a blessed bunny to enjoy so much love in her life.

    Will Hortense continue to enjoy her own healthy appetite? (Me thinks she will)
    What does the Captain do while he is away?

    Curiouser and Curiouser

    http://dogsmomvisits.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-fanciful-twists-7th-annual-mad-tea.html

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  29. I'm so enthralled with your tale and feel so concerned for poor Harriet. If she'd like to make the short hop to Nottinghamshire I'd gladly give her a loving home. We've a couple of other bunnies of the fabric kind to keep her company, and a few dragons to guard and keep her safe. A nice pot of tea is always on offer, tea parties a regular treat with a garden for her to wander in. Finally I can offer her a collection of pocket watches to help keep her amused and content.

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  30. What a wonderful tale, I loved it. :-)

    http://phoenixra.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/fairyland-goes-tea-party-crazy.html

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  31. Your poem and story were so fun!!! And I do love the characters so much! I do hope Dear Harriet finds a nice home soon! Wishing her a Bon Voyage!! And thank you so much for visiting with me at my tea party!!!

    Wishing you a great rest of your Mad Tea Party weekend!

    Betty

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  32. Oh what a delight! Your photos really bring the story to life!

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  33. Oh my. Rabbits do get themselves into such curious situations! I, for one, would be afraid to do anything that might upset the Queen. I think I'm going to take my leave while I still have my head. Thank you, though, for such a wonderful time!

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  34. How I love Hortense! What a creative tale you've spun here, I enjoyed your party so much!

    http://broomsticksandlace.blogspot.ca/2014/07/a-fanciful-twist-mad-tea-party-2014.html

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  35. Harriet must come to stay with me Gina. I have china tea parties and lots of clocks and white gloves for this sweet sweet girl.

    She would make the odd appearance on FB just so Hortense is sure she is safe from 'The Queen'. What a delightful story. I'm in love with her.

    I do hope I am lucky enough to show this young lady in society at many a T Party. If however I'm not ...... Devastated as I will be I am sure she will be happy with any of your lovely visitors. Love Dawn xx

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  36. To be as talented as You would be a blessing for sure :)

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  37. Gina,
    Thanks you so very much for inviting me for tea♥
    Blessings

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  38. Ooh I loved your poem. I'm a big appreciator

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  39. Oh wow! I love your dolls that are adorable!!

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  40. Fabulous!! Your celebration is delightful, my Dear...I'm so glad I stopped by!
    Hugs,
    Anne
    www.alittlefurinthepaint.blogspot.com

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  41. Fabulous!! Your celebration is delightful, my Dear...I'm so glad I stopped by!
    Hugs,
    Anne
    www.alittlefurinthepaint.blogspot.com

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  42. I did visit your lovely post, but couldn't leave a comment. Thank you for dropping by so I could let you know <3

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  43. I have an old side plate of my grandmothers (crinoline lady design) and have collected pieces ever since. even have a matching cake stand now lol

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  44. Hi, Gina!
    This was a fabulous story! That naughty White Rabbit! Ha!
    And I LUUVVV this background as the 'header' is the same as mine, I just didn't know how to add the sidebar inserts as I love them too!
    I need to email you as I noticed in your 'about me' section you listed under books: 'The Two Babylons'. We have had that book in the family for over 50 years, so I know it well. I just don't know too many people who have read it! It really tells 'ALL' about where Paganism and Christianity 'merged'.
    Anyway, this was an intriguing Mad Tea Party weekend.
    I'm late, like the White Rabbit in doing my post!
    XO
    Teresa in California
    http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/
    tscat@sbcglobal.net
    And all the rabbits are so charming!

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    1. Hi Teresa, go here http://blo64rt.blogspot.co.uk/ and she tells you how to decorate your blog...and has loads of yummy images to use for free.
      (love the Two Babylons...was told about it by a Jehovahs Witness many years ago when researching my spirituality) XXX

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    2. Hi Teresa, go here http://blo64rt.blogspot.co.uk/ she tells you how to add stuff and has loads of free blog designs to use.

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  45. Goodness! Poor Harriet! How very confusing for her. I hope wherever she goes, she will have lots of clean white gloves, as one can never have enough. And I'm rather delighted to see Hortense and Horatio will set up together after Harriet is safe.. As long as they keep their heads, eh? Thank you so much for the invitation to tea!

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  46. Sorry I'm late!!! Great story Gina ;o) I love your rabbit creations ;o) Excellent my friend ;o)

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