A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

October 1, 2019

The Barnes Dandelion Fire Weeble

This is Frank Meredith of CBS Science News.

A press conference was held at the University Entomology Department earlier today. Dr. Phillip Barnes, a renowned entomologist, was answering questions about his history-making discovery last week of the bug shown in the photo. As is usual for discoveries in the scientific community, the bug has been officially named the Barnes Dandelion Fire Weeble. This elusive bug is believed to be a part of the firefly family (Lampyridae). 
 
As far as scientists can tell the little weeble only comes out near day break when the silky strands of ripe dandelions are laden with dew drops. While the weebles drink, it is fascinating to watch their chests light up with a golden glow and their little raisin-shaped bodies slowly expand and grow until they are the shape of a dew drop themselves.

When asked about the apparent giant horn on the top of the bug's head, Dr. Barnes replied: "Since we have never been able to capture a Dandelion Fire Weeble, we are unsure about its physiognomy."

Suddenly a very young voice could be heard saying, "I know." 

All eyes and cameras turned to a small child near the back of the room. An older reporter next to her spoke up, "This is my granddaughter, Rebecca." Dr. Barnes stepped down from the podium and came to kneel in front of the little girl. "Go ahead, Rebecca," he smiled, "tell us what you know."

Rebecca smiled back at Dr. Barnes, but her eyes questioned her grandfather. "Go ahead," he whispered. 

Rebecca shrugged her tiny shoulders and her little munchkin voice declared, 

"After the little bugs drink the night water and the light in their hearts turns on, they fly behind the hydrangea bushes where the fairies live. And then, I mean, the little bugs fit perfectly in the fairy's hands," she added, holding her hands cupped to show what she meant. 

"The fairies turn the little bugs upside down and they drink the water that comes out of the pipe on the bug's head until the bug gets skinny. Then they, um, it flies back out and fills back up again!"

Rebecca fell silent. Her eyes inspected her little pink tennis shoes, as if suddenly afraid she had said too much. The only sound was the clicking of the cameras. 

After a minute, Dr. Barnes asked quietly, "Then what happens, Rebecca?"

Rebecca lifted her head and turned her palms into the air. She cocked her head to the side and said, "Well, geez, then the day gets too bright and I can't see them anymore!"

Darnell J. Knauss, Author
Cornelia Wenoker, Illustrator

©10/01/2019
Vol. 1 Ep. 13
See The Back Stories tab at the top for all episodes.

49 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

This is priceless Darnell - thank you for sharing your amazing creativity with words, and humour/sarcasm - you had me laughing out loud with the ending of this story!!
Blessings
Maxine

Aquarius said...

Another fab story to raise a big smile here - brilliant. Keep 'em coming!!

Valerija said...

Fabulous card, lovely image and colours.
Valerija xx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Another heart warming tale Darnell, I love it.

Sue xx

Di said...

Brilliant! And what wonderful illustrations Cornelia does as well. You two should collaborate and write a book.

Hugs

Di xx

Sandra H said...

"OMG" this is stunning gorgeous colours and amazing story too so entertaining take care xx

Marilyn said...

Amazing story! Love th card!
Have a great day!
Marilyn ❤️

Bunny said...

Now I want some Weebles. Oh, to see them with my own eyes.

Isn't that the great part of reading? The lovely way one can read something and conjure up the visions of what the Weebles do during the day and what their life is like and what good helpers they are.

A cute illustration, too. [Bunny]`

Cat Craig said...

You two seriously need to publish a book of short stories and illustrations. Fabulous.

Robyn Oliver said...

An absolutely fantastic imagination you have Darnell, your story telling of the cards Cornelia creates captures us and in a few short words takes us into the world behind the fabulous images and the ending lands you back on terra firms. There must be fairies and Weebles living in your tiny studio. Please keep entertaining us..Hugs Robyn

Jean said...

You make me smile!

Lisa Babitz said...

Very creative story to describe that image!!

Em Louise Fairley said...

You two definitely need to write a book! xoxo

Brenda in IN said...

Wish all bugs were as cute and colorful as Cornelia's and that every child in the world is listened to. This is the best story yet, Darnell.

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

I'm not spending time on my computer atm, only to delete most of my emails. BUT when this delightful image, card and fabulous story came through, I just had to say you brought a warmth to my heart that has been missing of late. Thank you for the joy this whole post has given me.
Faith x

Carol L said...

Weebles wobble but they don't fall down. Where have I heard that before? LOL Love your weebles story and the illustration - now I know what a weeble looks like! I learn so much by coming here :)

Nan G said...

Wonderfully brilliant Darnell. 🥰 Beautifully colored image as always! Hugs

Chris said...

What a fantastic imagination you have Darnell and a wonderful way with words and language! Love your little story and its' illustration. Thank you!
xx

JoAnn said...

Oh Darnell, this is just the sweetest story. Love your creativity. Thanks for sharing.

Pat said...

Another great story to go with Cornelia's wonderfully coloured card Darnell, and I love the finishing paragraph. You have such a vivid imagination. x

Sue said...

Darnell, Fab. We obviously need to ask the children when we don't know about something:)

Hope you have had a nice day. Sue

I Card Everyone said...

As sweet as this story is, I was totally waiting for Rebecca's description of how the bug excretes his juices! Perhaps that was a side story shared with only her gramps. xx
=]

conil said...

Wow! This story brought tears to my eyes. Having a wonderful imagination like this little girl's is a true blessing. In addition, being able to see magic happen is a gift to treasure. When is your book being published?

Verna Angerhofer said...

Another wonderful story to go with Cornelia's design. You two are amazing together in this conspiracy!

cuilliesocks said...

WOW, what an amazing imagination you have Darnell, a brilliant story to accompany the wonderful image, loved it, Kate x

Kathleen said...

How sweet, out of the mouth of babes. Keep up the good work.

Kath x

Redanne said...

This is such a wonderfully imaginative story Darnell, I love it and Cornelia's drawing is brilliant. A new favourite my friend! Hugs, Annie xxx

Lisa Elton said...

Awww, what a cute story!

Christine Alexander said...

That's the little critter in my Dogs biscuits, they multiplied like mad :). Love your storey and the card Cornelia created.

TK said...

Great story, Darnell; but even more impressive is Rebecca's knowledge of the Barnes Dandelion Fire Weeble!

ike said...

Oh, how delightful :-) xxxxxx

Cheryl W. said...

Haven't we all met a little person like Rebecca who seems to have the inside scoop on some small corner of this amazing world. Love your stories, Darnell, and the illustration is perfect!

Linda said...

WOW! What an amazing imagination you have my friend.
Great little story about Rebecca, and I love the weeble xx

papierelle said...

It's really great that you also provide us with the latest scientific and non-scientific findings.

oldpunca said...

Your writing is so realistic, that I can almost see Rebecca how she has turned her palms into the air. :-)
Fantastic story and fantastic illustration.
I'm waiting for more. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

luvhymns said...

This is the best yet!!!! ")

Bobby said...

Your grandboys must have loved you telling them bedtime stories when they were young, Darnell. Your imagination is amazing as is the way you express yourself.

Donna said...

I'm ready for the book!!

Susan said...

Wonderful story - both sweet and funny! Made my day!

frommycraftroom said...

You are amazing😀 thank you

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my. I really believed in the little girl when I read this. Why did her voice choke me up? It just seemed so sweet and precious... and then I got to thinking that the voice came out of your head. Interesting. Great story, great card!

Gerrina said...

Another great story to compagnion the beautiful illustration! I spent a little more time on my break between my work today just to read this! It made me smile again! Hugs, Gerrina

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

I will now be peeking behind my Hydrangea! Sneaky little buggers.

Fikreta said...

Wonderful card!

Anita in France said...

How utterly sweet, Darnell ... your imagination is just so magical ... I was right there, glued to every word Rebecca had to say! LYAMYLALMA ... HYHHOF! Big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

My Paper Epiphany said...

I was captivated by your sweet story:) Your card is gorgeous! Beautifully coloured and I love the bling!

Loll said...

Cornelia did an amazing job on this card ... it's fantastic! And great work on the story Dolly! Love, Lolly

JD/ Jill said...

Cute! Cute! Cute! By the way, when are you writing your book?

BożenA said...

:-)) Do you also believe in fairies? I have them full ... and in the corner behind the wardrobe they have a house elves. The devil looks at them, but they chase him away and he escapes with loud mewing. Yes, I know this world too :-)
BożenA xx