Lucillemas - An Origami Paddler Story
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Week 1:
As fall winds down and winter draws near,
We head into a certain special time of year.
Families close by, friends and loved ones too.
It’s time to celebrate the things that mean most to you!
As we’re all preparing to commemorate the season,
Kai is no exception, though for joy he needs no reason.
So, how does a spirit guide spend his winter days?
As the weather turns cold and the skies turn to haze?
Why, on a boat of course! Seeking the stars in the sky,
With his heart full of hope and a twinkle in his eye.
His spirit full of love and peace and light,
He goes on a journey to hold his loved ones tight.
With the water beneath him and the sky as his guide,
He’ll travel the world, both far and wide.
With the holiday of Lucillemas just around the corner,
He must find Lucille gifts to properly adorn her.
Soon enough, we’ll meet up with our favorite feline,
And join them as they celebrate this special time.
As we join on his journey to far away places,
We’ll see how love grows in many different spaces.
On each different continent, we’ll meet lots of creatures,
And see different facets of nature’s great features.
His paddler will take him where the wind blows,
His heart riding the way our precious water flows.
We’ll make friends and learn lessons on the way,
Until he completes his journey one fine winter day.
Each week we’ll peek in and see what we’ve missed,
As our mystical Kai visits all on his list.
He’s starting it now, the planning and prep,
He wants to make sure he won’t miss a step.
As he plans his big journey, he can’t help but think,
What else should he pack, besides some food and some drinks?
A paddler, of course, but what else does he need?
For a trip across the globe is no small feat!
Stay tuned next week, as we all join and see,
What fun Kai’s big journey brings for you and for me!
Week 2:
We’re sure that you’ve known and surely have seen,
How much joy a big vacation can bring.
Kai’s global journey is no different, you see.
Getting ready for his trip, his spirit is relieved!
As he plans to join with friends and family abroad,
His heart skips a beat and leaps like a frog!
But wait, he stops, his mind catches on,
He has much to do before he can leave for so long.
So much planning is needed, and so much to prepare!
What should he bring? Do spirit guides need underwear?
He searches his mind for what he should pack.
A suitcase, for starters, but what after that?
He starts his list and his thoughts start to rush.
Socks! Shoes! Pants! A toothbrush!
Lucillemas gifts for his friends, with ribbons and bows.
Cards with kind notes, full of love freely shown.
A camera to catch his memories on the boat,
A festive scarf he can wrap ‘round his throat.
He may want a hat, or maybe a visor.
Some stickers, or maybe t-shirts would be wiser?
While all this is great to have and even better to give,
His presence is what’s most important to his friends and relatives.
He realizes then it’s not about what he brings,
The season we’re in isn’t just about things.
It’s about time well spent, laughter and love,
The places we know and the memories thereof.
Though all of these things are lovely and nice,
They shouldn’t be the focus as he celebrates life.
He doesn’t need bags full of clothes and big presents.
All he needs is a spirit that is loving and pleasant!
“Less packing for me!” he says happily to himself,
As he puts his big suitcase back on the shelf.
He centers his mind with a quick meditation,
Reconnecting to his heart is the best motivation.
He’s feeling more ready to head out on the sea.
His intentions are better now, don’t you agree?
He gets out his Origami Paddler with a smile,
Making sure it’s ready to head out for a while.
Now it’s time to tell his loved ones he’ll be travelling.
We’ll see you next week as Kai starts paddling!
Week 3:
No Lucillemas is complete without the sacred love of friends
Today we’ll see Kai tell his loved ones what he intends
His big visit should come as no great surprise
He thinks to himself with a sparkle in his eyes
He’ll start in Europe, riding seas of blue
Then to Asia, Africa, and Australia too!
His final destination: the Island of Nēsoi
The magical place he grew up in as a boy
There he can complete his yearly rituals
Celebrate with family, and charge up his crystals
He’s so excited, all that’s left is to start
He hops in his paddler and is ready to depart
He pushes off the dock of his home sweet home
And heads into the water - the first love he’s known
He peeks over the edge of his foldable boat
Seeing the clear blue sea and fish as they float
His Origami Paddler carries him away
He’s got a special destination for this very first day
His first visit is the most important of all
He sets out to pay our feline friend a call
It’s been too long since he saw her last
Lucille - the sweetest, kindest, prettiest cat
She parted ways with us much too soon
It seems like forever has passed since this June
Luckily for us, and luckily for Kai
No boundaries exist for our mythical guide
He travels and travels, two days and two nights
Until he beholds the loveliest of sights
He hears in the distance a very sweet “Meow”
He sees her waiting on the dock for him now
His dear, sweet friend! His heart skips a beat
He’s so glad for this time where their spirits could meet
“Happy Lucillemas, my friend!” He shouts from afar
“There she is! The season’s big star!”
As soon as he docks, he hops out to meet her
A big hug from a friend - is there anything sweeter?
With all their happiness they let out a shout
Now this is what the season is all about!
Their hearts lifted high they laugh and rejoice
And their friends round the world feel Kai’s lifted voice
“It’s time! It’s begun!” They all say to themselves
Knowing he’s on the way to the places where they dwell
Stick around for next week - you won’t want to miss it
Lucillemas has begun and all the joy that comes with it
Week 4:
Last week saw with our own two eyes
The love that’s released in shouts and cries
We laughed and celebrated with the best of friends
Our sweet Lucille living where love never ends
It’s time to dance, to laugh and rejoice
It’s time to begin and make the great choice
Choosing gratitude, you see, is the reason we’re here
To feast and make merry and reflect on the year
Let’s gather our friends and family alike
Let’s gather and create a wonderful night
Many friends, living far and wide
Are preparing to come to this moment in time
Kai wakes up to see Lucille busy preparing
Her best dishes out, her home clean and caring
“They’re on their way! They’ll be here any second!”
Lucille said to Kai, her voice expectant
With that they heard the first knock on the door
They exchanged a happy glance - who could want more?
As the door creaked open, Kai saw them standing
They all asked for hugs, arms open, demanding!
He runs to door and holds each one tight
Tears in eyes, marvelling at the sight
Dozens stand outside, smiling and happy
All dressed in their best, and looking quite snappy
First, there’s the mighty Sun, the kindest of dragons
All the way from Asia with his friend Jade the Rabbit
Mama Quilla and her friend Qasoǵonaǵa
Brought some sweet dishes and homegrown guava
From Europe, there’s Aoife and Abel the unicorns
With shimmering dishes that match their horns
As more and more creatures are welcomed in
It’s almost time for dinner to begin
“We’re still waiting on a few more guests,
But find the seat that suits you best!”
Kai turns around to see Lucille at a great table
Covered in delicacies with his friends from great fables
As they all settle in, one after another
They all take each dish and begin to uncover
The feast of legends from all around the world
And his heart leaps as he see it all unfold
“We’re so happy to be here with you tonight!
It’s been so long since we’ve been able to unite!”
Everyone agreed and shouted and hollered
The party has started and Kai stood a little taller
Bolstered by kindness and the goodness of mates
He’s ready to party and fill his plate
They laughed and ate and shared their stories
Everything they’re grateful for and all the year’s glories
“I can’t wait to come and visit you all soon!”
Kai toasted to his friends in the room
“It’s been such a year, and we’ve been through so much
But the best of friends always stay in touch.”
As the night came to a reluctant close
Kai and Lucille say goodnight as each friend goes
“That was wonderful,” Lucille said with a purr
Kai wholeheartedly agreed as he smiled at her
We’ll see them all soon as our adventure resumes
For now Kai’s just thankful for them and for you!
Week 5:
Now that the great global feast is finished
With our pants a bit tighter and our sadness diminished
It’s time to continue on with our quest
To meet our loved ones and give them our best
As Kai and Lucille talk about what’s next,
It’s time to start out on their epic trek
They saw some of their dear friends at the feast
All manner of creatures, both spirit and beast
It only seems right since they came so far
To return the favor and visit where they are
We know Kai learned at his journey’s start
It’s not what you own, but the joy in your heart
He knows he won’t need presents or gifts
No suitcase with things he can buy or thrift
He has his map and his paddler ready
His heart is open and his paddling steady
But for this journey, Lucille will be joining
Will his sweet friend find their haul disappointing?
It also occurred to him that just maybe
Lucille the cat would get sick on the sea
As he pondered his questions from the kitchen chair
He heard Lucille stirring from her room upstairs
Her furry little feet scurried down to meet Kai
As she yawned and stretched and rubbed her eyes
“Good morning my friend! What a nice day it is!”
She happily said as her paws made biscuits
His face, downcast and very concerned
Caught her off guard as her greeting was spurned
“What’s wrong? What’s happened since I’ve been asleep?”
She worried seeing Kai in his thoughts so deep
“It’s nothing,” he said, “I’ve just been thinking”
“Have you been on the seas much without sinking?”
She laughed and, relieved, shrugged her little paws
“I’ve been everywhere and I’ve seen it all!”
“I do get a bit seasick on the ocean
But I have an old trick that helps with the motion.”
She pulled out her laptop and opened her browser
And placed an order for a brand new dowser
The stick she got is a divining tool
Designed to find vibrations she can then overrule
If she knows what’s happening beneath the water
She’ll use her crystals and knowhow her spirit taught her
She can overcome any known obstacle
And suddenly any journey is possible
“All I need is this and my handy origami,
With this and my paddle I can handle the sea.”
Kai felt relieved and a bit curious
“I can’t wait to see what the water has in store for us!”
We’re sure now, more than ever before
That Lucille is the bravest cat in the world
Though cats usually don’t like to get wet
She found a way to get through without breaking a sweat
She and Kai are now more excited than ever
To embark on their journey, the worldwide endeavor
We’ll see you next week - to Europe and Asia we go!
We’ll see how our friends fare across the globe
Week 6:
Last week we found out how our fair feline friend
Fares on the seas for days on end
Her special tricks from the spiritual realm
Keep her upright at her paddler’s helm
Now that all of our concerns have dissipated
It’s time to head out, just as we’ve anticipated
Europe and Asia are our destinations today
We’ll see how Kai’s friends are along the way
Kai and Lucille meet at the dock
Their paddlers are waiting and ready to rock!
They both hop in and take one final glance
At Lucille’s little home as they head for the great expanse
Kai picks up his paddler and kicks off the jetty
And we’re off! To Europe we’re heading!
The beautiful ocean, the waves and the breeze
Kai’s oldest friend carries them away with ease
He and Lucille take turns paddling
While the sea around them continues dazzling
Birds overhead and sea creatures below
Kai’s in his element, and his heart starts to glow
Lucille pulls out her dowser, checking the vibes
Luckily she found nothing amiss during their ride
After a while of following the wind
They reach the green shores of Ireland
Kai sees and says, “We’re here! Come see!”
Sweet Lucille looks around, rather relieved
As she took in the sight, it took her breath away
The most beautiful land, a wide expanse on display
Connemara, a park that’s second to none
An enchanted place where body and spirit are one
Coming closer, she saw her friends Aoife and Abel
The unicorns from the feast and from fables
“Hello dear friends!” Shouted Kai from the paddler
And they ran to them, their magical hooves pittered and pattered
They gathered their things and headed inland to home
To a place called Pine Island, just as the sun set to gloam
Their house was simple and easily hidden
No passersby would find them unless they were bidden
As the good friends relaxed through the night,
Their unicorn hosts shared stories of love and of delight
A unicorn’s stories are magical, you see
They’ve seen so much they may be hard to believe
Kai smiled as they continued to regale
And he hung on each word and followed each detail
“So, you’re headed home to Nesoi, we hear,”
Said Abel to Kai, “Are you ready to have your family near?”
Kai look up, misty-eyed and said,
“I can’t wait to get back to my hometown again!”
“Well, we have a gift to take home and beyond”
Aiofe pulled out a vial of enchanted water from the pond
Kai was so grateful he gave them big hugs
This is a valuable gift his family would love
With that, they all headed to bed
With dreams of magical forests swimming in their heads
Week 7:
In the morning, it was sadly time to depart
They must head to Asia before it gets dark
They headed back out to the sea
And Aiofe and Abel begged them not to leave
“Thank you for your hospitality this night!
And for generously sharing your love and light!”
And with that, they were off and away
They decided to travel up and over, adding on a few days
They were headed now to China, a long way away
To meet a dragon and rabbit and spend the day
On their journey they saw many great sights
Russia, Iceland and the northern lights
The sea carried them down, past Alaska and Japan
To the spot where their good friends could land
As they pulled up the paddler on this quiet bit of shore
They saw all of the beauty and couldn’t wait to explore
“Why look who’s here!” They heard a great being bellow
They waved their arms back and shouted “Hello!”
Sun the Dragon was landing nearby
With Jade the Rabbit sitting atop as they fly
They touched down and the group exchanged hugs
They were all so happy to see each other’s mugs
“We’ll have to take you the rest of the way in,
It’s a bit of a trek to Longsheng.”
They folded up their paddler and hopped on his back
Right next to Jade, they settled in with their pack
They flew over a land of magic and fairytales
Till they landed on a hillside that looks like dragon scales
“Welcome to my home!” Sun said proudly
They admired the hills, perfect with the sky a bit cloudy
They sat there and chatted as day turned to night
And Sun and Jade filled their hearts with delight
“I want to send something with you on your way,
A bit of magic you can save for a rainy day.”
As he said it, Sun summoned a bit of rain
He bottled it for them, to relieve any future pain
“The water here is magical, under a spell
So take this and use it, be sure to use it well!”
That night Kai fell asleep, his mind full of wonder
As Lucille purred softly in her slumber
What a joy it is to have such great friends
And to celebrate them each time the year ends
Next time, we have a couple more friends to meet
Until then, we hope you have a wonderful week!
Week 8:
This week, Kai and Lucille are off to the Americas
But first they must bid farewell to their friends in China
They wake up in Longsheng from a restful night’s sleep
Ready to travel and get back on their feet
Sun and Jade greet them with smiles so bright
“We’re sad to see you go, but we’re glad you stayed the night!”
“Thank you for having us, it was nice to be near
And for sharing the magic of rain you have here!”
“No problem,” said Jade, “Come back again soon!
We’ll see you off now, it’s late - almost noon!”
With that, Sun came and scooped them onto his back
And they flew through the sky till they were back at their kayak
They all waived their goodbyes as they headed away
Their trip to their next destination would take a few days
Jumping in their Origami, they set sail
The New World was waiting across their oceanic trail
They crossed 9,000 miles of the Pacific
And as they did, their view was terrific!
They passed by Taiwan, Guam and the Philippines
And you wouldn’t believe all the things they could see.
Big, bright stars filled the night sky
And the creatures below glowed as they swam by
In the daytime, they both hung over their boat
And saw all forms of life swimming below
They finally arrived, after a while
To a sacred and beautiful tropical isle
They pulled up the boat, and landed it on the beach
When they heard a familiar voice yell and screech
Qasoǵonaǵa - the anteater, maker of storms
Was running over to land in their arms!
“Hello, old friend! I’m glad you’re in a good mood today!”
Said Kai as he watched the creature and Lucille play
“Welcome, dear friends, to Galapagos!
We’ve been waiting for you, I’ll come help with your boat!”
Kai turned and in the distance he could see her
The glowing Mother Moon, Mama Quilla
She was tall, beautiful, and kind
With love in her heart and the tides in her eyes
“Let me show you around and we can chat!”
She said to Kai and Lucille the cat
They saw land so lovely they couldn’t believe
And creatures rare in the land and sea
They reached the top of a great hill and saw
Ocean for miles around and beyond
“My job is to guide the way the moon and sea interact
And I guard the divine energy when it is attacked!”
Kai was happy to see this special place here
Where so many species could co-exist through the years
As they ventured around and chatted at length
They saw goodness, generosity, beauty and strength
At one stop, penguins; at the next birds and seals
And can you believe it? All this is real!
Kai knew they had reached a very special spot
As Lucille exclaimed “My dowser’s going off!”
Mama Quilla reached over and examined the water
“Why of course, the joyful energy has made this spot hotter!”
And up from the ground the sea seemed to dance
Greeting her guests from the great expanse
“It does that here, when this place is full of love”
She explained to them as water glittered up above
She reached out her hand and pulled a bit out
“This water is precious and it’s yours now!”
Kai took it with a hearty thank you
Knowing the goddess’s words were true
They spent the rest of the day wandering around
Then found a spot beneath the stars to lay down
Kai fell asleep with dreams in his mind
Of the moon’s great beauty, protected for all time
That’s it for today, we’ll see you again soon!
Thanks for joining us and the Goddess of the Moon
Week 9:
We have a couple more stops on our magical tour
It’s time to head back to the sea, across water so pure
As Lucille and Kai waived goodbye
They paddled on beneath the clear blue sky
They headed down south, passing all of South America
Past Peru, Chile and eventually Argentina
They passed the tip of Antarctica on their right
And shivered as they passed, sailing all through the night
They saw the snowy Sandwich Islands as they made their way north
To the shores of Africa, and the great continent came forth
As they pulled in, they heard a beautiful song
As she got closer, beckoning them along
“Hello Mami Wata! We’re so glad to see you!”
She smiled back, her hair glowing with dew
This sea goddess, with body and fin
The woman of legend drew them in
They landed on the rocky shores and sat at the edge
To catch up with their friend as she rested on the ledge
“Thank you for coming! I’m glad to see my friends
I’ll give you a tour, but first I must make amends!”
“Tonight is a big night, so I must leave a bit soon
I must go meet my sisters for the full moon!”
“That’s okay,” Kai sweetly said
“We’re just glad to visit for as long as we can.”
“In that case, let’s go for a swim,
There’s so much to see even from the sea’s brim
“I think I’ll stick to the boat,” said Lucille the cat
“I can follow along - you know, cats, water and all that.”
So, Mami Wata lead them in their paddler all around
And from their perch they could see deep down
“I protect the ocean and give it great care,
There are many who want to hurt it, aren’t there?”
“Yes,” said Lucille, “Sadly it’s so,
That’s why we need you and many more.”
With a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the sea
They all headed back as the sun started to recede
“I must leave soon, the others are coming to meet me,
But I’ll leave you with a gift,” she said sweetly
“This will provide you and your family with health
Safety, protection, and sustainable wealth!”
Kai couldn’t believe it - she gave him healing sea
To take with him home and share with his family
Suddenly, beautiful music surrounded them
And they saw a group of mermaids all around them!
Mami Wata gave them both quick hugs and swam off
And as they dove away, all their dazzling tails kicked up
“While I’m sad our visit was cut short,
What a sight that was, mermaids holding court!”
With that, they both laid down to sleep
Knowing they would finish their journey within the week
The next morning they got up, ready and chipper
To head east to Kai’s homeland, as mate and skipper
They got in their boat and pushed off the coast
They were headed east and then up north
On their way, they hit some pretty big winds
Kai shouted, “The waves are too big, we should probably head in!”
Lucille’s fur stood on end and she let out a screech
Until they landed safely on a bright, sandy beach
Not sure where they were, but happy to be there
They heard someone shout “Oi! Who have we here?”
They looked up from the sand and saw a big group
Friendly surfers on the waves, riding the loops
“You look like you got a bit tossed about”
“Yeah, looks like you could use a time out!’
The surfers all started to come in and gather
While the waves all around them crashed and lathered
“What’s this you’ve got? It folds and floats?”
They were all so impressed by Kai’s foldable boat
“It’s my Origami Paddler, a kayak and SUP,
It’s taken us around the world - my friend and me!”
“Can we try?” “That’s so cool!” “Show us how!”
All the surfer dudes shouted as they gathered around
Kai smiled as his heart leapt to teach them
He loves showing new people the easy, awesome freedom!
They headed out to the waves on the boat and on boards
And he showed them how to stand, sit and look overboard
They each took turns trying the Origami
Falling, then standing, then paddling freely
“Thanks for the lesson, hope it wasn’t a bother!”
“We love any new way to get in the water!”
As they all headed as one back to the shore
They found something on the ground, a booklet of sorts
“Oh no!” Said Lucille, very upset
“It must have fallen out! It’s your surprise Lucillemas present!”
Kai turned to her, with a grin on his face
“Can I open it? Right now - in this place?”
She sighed, then nodded, obviously happy
He was so honored, teary-eyed, sappy
He tore through the bow and all of the wrapping
As the surfers looked on, cheering and clapping
Inside was a gift, wonderful and small
But very important to each of us all
It was full of deep wisdom from ages of old
Morning Messages from Origami Paddler it was called
He looked up and smiled, “How did you know?
“I’ve been searching for new stories to be told.”
It’s a gift that is powerful for the love it passes on
Through reflections on life and all that’s gone on
He was grateful they landed here on the Tasmanian coast
Though he’s ready to get home, and see those he misses most
“This will be perfect reading for our trip, it’s a long way away,”
They said goodbye to their surfer friends as they sailed away
We’ll see you next week for our story’s conclusion
Lucillemas will be complete, a simple real life prolusion
In the meantime, read our booklet, and trust
“There is incredible greatness in each of us.”
Week 10:
It’s time for our story to come to end
But we have one more stop to make with our friends
It’s time to sail to Kai’s home filled with joy
It’s time to head out to the hidden Island of Nēsoi
Kai’s homeland is the mythical group of goddess islands
Full of wonder in the seas, and the valleys and highlands
Though no human knows their sure location,
Kai knows exactly how to reach his destination
He and Lucille head off once more
From the sparkling Australian shores
They head east, then north, then a little bit further
They sailed across the ocean with renewed fervor
They finally arrive, the beauty in sight
And Kai’s family is waiting, to his delight
Seeing them together after being apart
Brought a tear to his eye and joy to his heart
His whole family was there, they came out in droves
From the island they emerged, through the palm tree groves
“We’ve made it at last! Let the feast commence!”
And they all shouted loud in the spirit of Lucillemas
There on the beach, they enjoyed their great meal
All together at last, and full of good feels
They laughed and told the greatest of stories
They shared the year’s loves, losses, and glories
When it came time for the gift giving part
They all looked to Kai, and he stood with a start
“I come bearing gifts from far and from wide
We’ve travelled the earth in one great stride.”
“We’ve brought the waters of Ireland, from the great pond,
The enchanted rain that can only be dragon spawned.”
“We’ve brought sea that dances when happy, like a loon
And the waters of a mermaid, given under the full moon.”
“And we have the greatest gift from our sweet feline,
In the true spirit of Lucillemass - wisdom given at the coastline.”
“This book of truths spoken globally
That can only be truly mastered out on the sea.”
With that, they all applauded and cheered
For this was the best way to start the new year
The party went on for hours and days
And in one moment, Kai and Lucille slipped away
As they took it all in, all the joy and love
They smiled big smiles and shared a big hug
“Thank you for the gift of this time!
Lucillemas is a favorite yearly tradition of mine”
“Of course,” Said Lucille, and joyfully so
Glad for the time shared to learn and to grow
With that they looked out to their beautiful sea
Knowing they’d found the Easy, Awesome, Freedom we all seek