Harere's Diary, Part 11

Payni 25

Dear Diary,

Tomorrow is the big day, so today I took Femi to get cleaned up a bit. We went to Mie's Cat Cleaning Services for that. She got combed and brushed, and then, much as she hates them, she got a bath. When we left, she was shining like a tomb. I made some violet paint out of some pomegranates and painted her hoop. She's going to shine like a star tomorrow. I'm even considering putting a couple lotuses in her tail and behind her ears. I really hope she wins this thing. We've been training so hard.

-Harere

Definition:

Mie: A cat-god

Harere's Diary, Part 10

Payni 24

Dear Diary,

Today Femi learned a new trick! We were playing bat the trout, and I was having the trout swing in circles. Femi did a back-flip and caught it in midair! I had her try it again and again and again, until she got it perfect. Then I brought out an old wooden hoop that I had gotten from goodness knows where, and trained Femi to do a back-flip through it, finally, without the trout. I'm considering entering her in the pet show near Merit's house. I think it's going to be in the back room of Nafrititi's House of Honeycakes, that place we always go to for dessert on Sunday nights. I just know she'll win! I know it!

-Harere

Definition:

Nafrititi: '' I arrive with beauty.''

Harere's Diary, Part 9

Payni 23

Dear Diary,

Buikhu's party was great! He was so excited when he saw the falcon, he was jumping all around the house with it on his arm. He loved all his other gifts too. He was admiring his new ball from Uncle Akhom, when Mut brought in................................the cake! The table was laid with dates dipped in honey and pomegranates and strewn with lotuses. On top of the cake, written in honey, were the words: HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUIKHU! He was lost for words! It was time for my line. I yelled ''Happy Birthday, Buikhu!'' Then the feast began! I was so stuffed by the time the party was over, that I went straight to sleep. I hope we have as good a day tomorrow!

-Harere

Definition:

Akhom: Eagle

Harere's Diary, Part 8

Payni 22

Dear Diary,

When I got to Banafrit's house today, before we entered, Banafrit told me to close my eyes and not to peek. She lead me into her living room and said ''You can open your eyes now, Harere.'' When I opened my eyes, at first I didn't see anything unusual about the room, but then I noticed that Banafrit was gesturing towards a corner of the room behind her Mut's chair. I walked over to the corner, and noticed a large bundle, draped with a rich purple velvet cloth. ''Well go on, open it!'' She sounded really excited now. I closed my eyes, reached for the cloth, and pulled. ''Banafrit, you shouldn't have!'' There, underneath it, lay the beautiful golden falcon Buikhu had wanted for soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

ooo long! '' You told me you couldn't afford the falcon, so I asked my parents to chip in a couple coins, and paid the rest myself.'' I was so happy, I thought I could pop! I hugged Banafrit, told her I'd pay her back as soon as I could, and ran skipping out her front door. The party's tomorrow. I just know he'll love it!

-Harere

Harere's Diary, Part 7

Payni 21

Dear Diary,

Today Femi and I were playing outdoors. She likes to play a game we invented, bat the trout. I hang a trout on a string and move it about as Femi tries to bat it. If she succeeds, she gets the trout and will usually devour it in mere seconds, while if she doesn't, I get the trout and will usually hand it in to Mut to cook for dinner. I was considering running inside for some more trout, (since Femi kept winning) when Banafrit ran up to the front door. "Harere, would you like to come over to my house tomorrow? We've got something to show you." When I asked what it was, she just grinned and said "Oooooh, you just wait and see!" I just can't wait to see what it is! I must go now. Mut is calling for me to come help change Awi's diaper. I can hear him screaming "No biapowr! No biapowr!" (No surprises there!)

-Harere

Harere's Diary: Part 6

Payni 20

Dear Diary,

Today I talked to my best friend, Banafrit, and she says she'll bring some fresh pomegranates from her Ab's orchard to Buikhu's suprise party. Some of my other friends have agreed to help,to. Merit is going to ask her Mut to come in and play some music, Salidji will pick some chrysanthemums from her garden, and Nebibit is going to make some lotus chains to hang from the ceiling. We're inviting almost everyone we know! The party is going to be a huge success!

-Harere

Definitions:

Banafrit: Beautiful Soul

Merit: Beloved

Salidji: Fruit Tree

Nebibit: Leopard

Harere's Diary, Part 5

Payni 19

Dear Diary,

Next week will be Buikhu's 10th birthday! I think I'll get him a falcon. He's been gazing at a particularly large golden one in a shop window for weeks! I just hope I can afford it. Actually, I rather like the bird myself. It's very pretty. I think Mut is giving him a home-made top, and when I asked Ab, he said he's getting Buikhu a miniature bow and arrows. (I'm a little worried about that one.) We're all planning a surprise party for him. I just hope I don't spill the beans. I'm no good at keeping secrets.

-Harere