If you look carefully at me running on the top of this page, you may notice droplets of silver that surround me every couple of steps. They are not real noticeable; but they are there, and you can see them if you look for them. And, no... those droplets are not glistening perspiration I may be a "little" out of shape (ha, ha, ha, some of you can be sooo funny)... those drops are truly droplets of silver. And, those droplets were awarded to me during my visit to Figland.

How many of you have been to Figland? The name sounds a little unusual; and yet, somehow - familiar. Figland is a little-known empire located within the San Joaquin Valley. And, like any other realm, it has its own little set of problems... (but, I am getting a little ahead of myself in this story). The Guardian of the Grindstone is very powerful figure within Figland. In fact, if you have watched "The Wizard of Oz," you may know what I mean! The Guardian of the Grindstone (G.G. for short) may work "behind the curtain," but follows everything that goes on in Figland.

Check back soon... I cannot wait to tell you more! ...Just waiting for "Fingers For Hire" to get back from lunch, again. In the meantime, keep on attempting the absurd... have fun, and you can achieve the impossible!

I do not like to talk a lot about my past, but sometimes the best stories start at the beginning. And, mine started on a drug/discount store shelf. Living among the family of "Banks," I knew I did not belong... that somewhere there was "royalty" flowing through my yellowed veins.

When I saw CoQueen Sharon and Lady Chelle walk in to that small-town store, I knew they were true Royalty Purple and red, feathers and lace, and those sparkly Queen pins... they were a sight to behold. Now, remember CoQueen Sharon is Her Highness of Hospitality, blah, blah, blah... she never even looked my way!

There I was, sitting among my clowns, bears, and 70s retro "Banks" family... I guess in a way, I was a sight to behold, myself. I was covered in dust (protective coating is what "Nana Banks" always called it). Lady Chelle, the Imperial Instigator of Impetuous Ideas (she loves that title, so I try to humor her)... sorry, I lost my chain of thought there... oh, yeah! Anyway, she (the I.I. of I.I.) saw me sitting there and thought that I might "be of some use." She picked me up, tossed out a couple of coins, and whisked me into a bag. I truly was not sure that my future life was going to be much better than what I had. After all, I have royalty flowing through my veins, and now, I am being treated like a common pheasant! Okay, deep breath... I still get a little worked up, and I am quite thrilled with my life now... and yes, I meant that I felt like a "peasant"... a pheasant is a bird. (LOL) I am almost crying puddles of laughter... just because I wear red and purple feathers... I am not a bird! Oh, that is toooo funny!

Okay, okay... (LOL)... back to my story. CoQ Sharon was driving her royal "carriage" to a Z&R's Chapter Event. I could hear her and Lady Chelle talking about making ME an "Official" mascot~ WOW! To quote a great movie line, "That's all I've got to say about that." (Do you recognize that movie quote? If you do, let me know!)

Ya� know, computers can be so frustrating (especially when one cannot use "individual" yellow fingers)... And... you know, I am not one to spread gossip... but I received the following e-mail warning. I would hate to think that this could actually happen to my own "Nana Banks."

Hey, while I am on the subject of computers, did you notice the little "quip" on Z&R�s home page. It was right below my jumping out of a "Kiss" to welcome you!~ If you did not notice, you have to go back and check it out... I am soooo cute. Anyway, I wanted to give recognition to CoQueen Sharon. She is very clever. I declare "hold your hat with your right and hug with your left" as the "unofficial" Z&R greeting.

Sorry, I am off and running again... will continue later this week! Maybe, next week?... My yellow fingers do not work too well (arthritis?... or maybe a factory defect!). Anyway, I have to wait for my gal-pal from "Fingers-For-Hire" to show up, again, so I can finish "dictating" my latest adventure~

Zinny, Royal Keeper of the Funn Money

There is no place like... any place else... when I am out
with my Z&R Red Hat Sisters!