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.
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
Cornelia Wenoker, Illustrator
©10/01/2019
Vol. 1 Ep. 13
See The Back Stories tab at the top for all episodes.
Vol. 1 Ep. 13
See The Back Stories tab at the top for all episodes.
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!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Another fab story to raise a big smile here - brilliant. Keep 'em coming!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous card, lovely image and colours.
ReplyDeleteValerija xx
Another heart warming tale Darnell, I love it.
ReplyDeleteSue xx
Brilliant! And what wonderful illustrations Cornelia does as well. You two should collaborate and write a book.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Di xx
"OMG" this is stunning gorgeous colours and amazing story too so entertaining take care xx
ReplyDeleteAmazing story! Love th card!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Marilyn ❤️
Now I want some Weebles. Oh, to see them with my own eyes.
ReplyDeleteIsn'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]`
You two seriously need to publish a book of short stories and illustrations. Fabulous.
ReplyDeleteAn 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
ReplyDeleteYou make me smile!
ReplyDeleteVery creative story to describe that image!!
ReplyDeleteYou two definitely need to write a book! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWish 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.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteFaith x
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 :)
ReplyDeleteWonderfully brilliant Darnell. 🥰 Beautifully colored image as always! Hugs
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic imagination you have Darnell and a wonderful way with words and language! Love your little story and its' illustration. Thank you!
ReplyDeletexx
Oh Darnell, this is just the sweetest story. Love your creativity. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnother great story to go with Cornelia's wonderfully coloured card Darnell, and I love the finishing paragraph. You have such a vivid imagination. x
ReplyDeleteDarnell, Fab. We obviously need to ask the children when we don't know about something:)
ReplyDeleteHope you have had a nice day. Sue
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
ReplyDelete=]
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?
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful story to go with Cornelia's design. You two are amazing together in this conspiracy!
ReplyDeleteWOW, what an amazing imagination you have Darnell, a brilliant story to accompany the wonderful image, loved it, Kate x
ReplyDeleteHow sweet, out of the mouth of babes. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteKath x
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
ReplyDeleteAwww, what a cute story!
ReplyDeleteThat's the little critter in my Dogs biscuits, they multiplied like mad :). Love your storey and the card Cornelia created.
ReplyDeleteGreat story, Darnell; but even more impressive is Rebecca's knowledge of the Barnes Dandelion Fire Weeble!
ReplyDeleteOh, how delightful :-) xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteHaven'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!
ReplyDeleteWOW! What an amazing imagination you have my friend.
ReplyDeleteGreat little story about Rebecca, and I love the weeble xx
It's really great that you also provide us with the latest scientific and non-scientific findings.
ReplyDeleteYour writing is so realistic, that I can almost see Rebecca how she has turned her palms into the air. :-)
ReplyDeleteFantastic story and fantastic illustration.
I'm waiting for more. :-)
Hugs, Sonja
This is the best yet!!!! ")
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for the book!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful story - both sweet and funny! Made my day!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing😀 thank you
ReplyDeleteOh, 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!
ReplyDeleteAnother 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
ReplyDeleteI will now be peeking behind my Hydrangea! Sneaky little buggers.
ReplyDeleteWonderful card!
ReplyDeleteHow 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 :)
ReplyDeleteI was captivated by your sweet story:) Your card is gorgeous! Beautifully coloured and I love the bling!
ReplyDeleteCornelia did an amazing job on this card ... it's fantastic! And great work on the story Dolly! Love, Lolly
ReplyDeleteCute! Cute! Cute! By the way, when are you writing your book?
ReplyDelete:-)) 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 :-)
ReplyDeleteBożenA xx