the mad tea party

"There will be a tea party " whispered the dragonfly to Alice. "Right here in Miss Saucy's garden. You must find your way there... but first you must find the pink ticket that will admit you."

Alice just had to find her way there, but it would be difficult. She knew it was somewhere in Saucy's garden.

Alice decided to follow the pink ribbon strewn upon the ground, surely it would lead her to the tea party! Unfortunately, Loopy often left a trail of ribbons wherever she went, so this proved to be no lead at all. Soon she heard a voice say, "would you like directions, Miss?"

"I know you!" she exclaimed when she saw the cat. "What on earth are you doing here?" Alice asked. "Head into the Candy Forest" he purred.

Alice was apprehensive. She wrung her hands in fear.

Regardless, she bravely ventured forth. There was nothing to be afraid of. This was Saucy's garden, after all. What could there possibly be to be fearful of?

Soon enough she came across a flock of pink chicks. "Do you know where the tea party is?" she inquired politely. "We have no idea" chirp-chirped the chicks. "Find The Mayor and ask him, he will surely know where the festivities are."

Alice found the Mayor right where the chicks said he would be - near the peppermint patch. "Of course I know where the tea party is" cluck-clucked The Mayor. But before you go, you simply must enjoy some ice cream, the crop this year is excellent!"'

And so she did. He was right, it was excellent this year. When she was done, she picked herself up and began to follow The Mayor's directions. She headed off to find the button vines first.

They were looking a wee bit thirsty, so she gave them a drink. It was a good deed on her part, as Saucy lurrves to pick a patch of pretty pink buttons. Alice knew that Saucy would be disappointed if the buttons were awfully tiny this year.

She stopped to see a few sights along the way.

Then she happened upon the garden fairy who lived in Little Melfie's fairy jar, who was also looking for the party. Alice said, "I took a wrong turn at the button vines, I'm hoping that you know the way." The frogs and the hare laughed. Of course she knew the way! The garden fairy directed Alice over the rainbow.

Whoops, wrong story. Terribly sorry about that. Carrying on...

Alice stumbled through the bundles of roses that Veto brought Saucy for their anniversary. She began to count but it made her sleepy. Then, she spotted a bear fixing tea.

"Yes, this is the tea for the party," said the little old lady bear. "Mind you, you'll need one of these pink tickets to get in." And so Alice helped herself and off she went. "What direction?" she asked as she departed.

"Past the butterfly house and beyond" said the old lady tea maker. "But mind don't open the door of the house as you pass!"

Alice didn't hear that last part. She was far too excited. She was on her way to the tea party... finally! Ticket in hand.

Suddenly she came across a lovely cage. She could not resist... she opened the door to peek inside.

Out flew dozens of butterflies! She decided to follow them, as they all went the same direction...

... they led her to a cake stand, whereupon sat a lovely tea party!

There was a chair waiting for Alice, the honoured guest... a spot to enjoy tea or a cool drink...

... and a lovely new frock too!

Tea was served in the daintiest of sets.

Along with the tea, the guests enjoyed the sweetest homemade cake. It was delicious vanilla cake layered with sweet strawberries, which Alice thought funny, since she'd not seen a strawberry patch in Saucy's garden but she had seen button vines, lollipop patches and ice cream growing by the cones. What a funny garden this Saucy has!

Oh, and there were presents! Lots of wonderful gifts, even something special mailed from Amy at Inspireco. It was all delightful beyond words.

Alice was so glad she found the tea party... and her garden friends. And you. Thank you for visiting. If you come back on Monday, you might catch a glimpse of Saucy's entire garden... and find a fabulous giveaway for her peeps! Peep, peep! Peeps to the right!


A Fanciful Twist is hosting the Second Annual Mad Tea Party today. Do pop over for a visit if you enjoy tea, baked goods and tall tales.