Letters from
Lilac Glen
Issue One · October
A small paper for quiet evenings
Inside
An Autumn Picnic Day in Lilac Glen — a story
Honey-apple cinnamon tart · Bulbs before the frosts
In This Issue
A Note from the Glen
Beyond the mist-covered hills lies a peaceful little village called Lilac Glen, where lavender blossoms beside winding paths and cottages glow warmly beneath trees dressed in their autumn colors.
In one of those cottages lives a loving mouse family: Mommy Luna, who fills their home with tender songs and the smell of warm cinnamon treats; Daddy Milo, a kind-hearted woodworker with a soft guitar and a fireside story for every evening; and their greatest treasure, baby Pippa.
Pippa is still far too small to walk, so she discovers the Glen from Mommy's arms, Daddy's shoulder or the comfort of her little stroller — every drifting leaf and glowing lantern a wonderful new thing to see.
Together they gather rosy apples, bake cinnamon-scented treats and wander paths covered in golden leaves, treasuring the quiet happiness hidden in the simplest family moments.
Through this autumn edition, you are warmly invited to step inside their cottage and share the misty mornings and cozy evenings they spend beside the fire. Pull your chair a little closer to the hearth and settle in.
Welcome to Lilac Glen — where even the smallest moments become the most beautiful memories.
With love from the Glen
September 20
A Warm Little Day That Began with Rain
When I opened my eyes this morning, raindrops were gently tapping against the windows of Lilac Cottage. Beyond the glass, the maple leaves—washed by the rain that had fallen throughout the night—glowed in deep shades of red and gold.
My little Pippa was still sleeping peacefully beneath her yellow knitted blanket. A little while later, her tiny ash-gray-and-white face appeared from beneath it. She slowly opened her eyes, searched for me, and made the softest little sounds.
“Mmma… umma… juju…”
I gathered her into my arms and carried her to the window. Pippa watched in wonder as the raindrops raced down the glass. She stretched out one tiny paw, as though she wanted to catch every little drop.
Just then, Daddy Milo came from the kitchen carrying a small wicker breakfast tray. On it were two slices of warm toast spread with red berry jam, fresh blueberries and strawberries, and a steaming cup of herbal tea.
His smile seemed to say, “The perfect breakfast for a rainy morning.”
From my arms, Pippa stared curiously at the tray. Suddenly, one blueberry rolled across the plate toward her. She reached for it with both tiny paws and cried happily,
“Ooh… bubu… choo… juju!”
Daddy Milo and I couldn’t help laughing. I placed the blueberry safely back on the plate and kissed the tip of her tiny nose.
“When you are a little older, Mommy will make a delicious berry treat especially for you,” I whispered.
By evening, the rain had grown heavier. Daddy Milo added another log to the fire while I prepared warm pumpkin-and-carrot soup in the kitchen. I set the old wooden table with freshly baked bread, wedges of cheese, red grapes, and an apple cake sweetened with honey.
Outside, the wind whispered around the roof of Lilac Cottage. Inside, the glow of candlelight, the comforting fragrance of bread and cinnamon, and the warmth of the fire filled every corner.
Pippa rested in her leaf cradle, kicking her tiny feet while watching us. A peaceful smile rested on her face, perhaps because she knew that the two hearts that loved her most were close beside her.
September 21
A Golden Morning Spent Gathering Woodland Berries
This morning, yesterday’s rain had disappeared. Gentle golden sunlight spread across Lilac Glen, and drops of water still fell one by one from the branches. Red, orange, and yellow leaves covered the woodland path like a soft autumn carpet.
I dressed Pippa in her little yellow knitted sweater and tucked her safely against my chest in the floral cloth baby carrier. Daddy Milo picked up our small wicker basket, and together we set off into the woods.
As we walked, Pippa gazed in amazement at mushrooms larger than she was, bright red berries, and leaves sparkling with rain. When a golden leaf floated past her nose, she smiled and made a delighted little sound.
“Ahh… choo… juju… uwsha…”
A tiny robin suddenly appeared before us, hopping and fluttering from branch to branch. He kept turning around as if he wanted us to follow him and discover a secret.
We followed the robin until we reached an old oak tree. Hidden beneath it was a row of bushes filled with deep-purple blackberries and plump blue berries.
While Daddy Milo gathered the fruit, I showed the berries to Pippa. One tiny berry dropped onto the top of Daddy’s tweed cap. When Pippa saw it, her little face opened into the sweetest toothless smile.
“Bububu… juuu… mmma!”
Soon, our basket was full, and we returned to Lilac Cottage. I gently washed the berries and used them to make fragrant jam and warm blueberry bread rolls. Daddy Milo prepared a stack of delicate pancakes, spread them with berry jam, and carefully rolled them.
That evening, our table held berry-filled rolls, warm pancakes, fresh fruit, and a steaming pot of tea. A small candle glowed in the center, bathing our autumn supper in gentle golden light.
Pippa sat safely on my lap and quietly studied everything on the table. Before long, she gave a sleepy little yawn and rested her head against my chest.
“Mmma… juju…”
Her voice was as soft as the steam rising from the teapot.
When night arrived, I placed her in her leaf cradle. Beside her bed, I left one small golden leaf we had brought home from the woods. Then I covered her tiny feet with the yellow knitted blanket.
Daddy Milo kissed her forehead, and Pippa smiled faintly in her sleep.
An autumn story
An Autumn Picnic Day in Lilac Glen
Mommy Luna, Daddy Milo and little Pippa pack a basket and find a quiet spot beside the lake.
It was a beautiful morning in Lilac Glen.
Red, orange, and golden autumn leaves were drifting gently from the trees. The little path in front of Lilac Cottage was covered in soft fallen leaves, while a cool breeze moved through the lavender growing beside the windows.
Today was a special day. Mommy Luna, Daddy Milo, and little Pippa were getting ready for an autumn picnic.
The day before, Mommy Luna had already prepared honey-butter biscuits, little apple puddings, and soft cinnamon rolls.
Early that morning, Daddy Milo started making popcorn.
He placed a large, deep pot on the stove and waited until it became nice and warm. Then he added a little golden butter.
Pippa, cuddled safely in Mommy Luna’s arms, watched everything with her big curious eyes.
As the butter slowly melted, Daddy Milo poured in a handful of corn kernels, sprinkled in a little salt, and quickly covered the pot with its lid.
A few moments later—
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Pippa waved her tiny paws and looked at Daddy Milo in surprise.
What a funny sound!
Daddy Milo smiled and carefully lifted the lid.
The pot was filled with fluffy white popcorn that looked almost like little pieces of snow.
Soon, the whole of Lilac Cottage smelled of warm butter.
On the other side of the kitchen, Mommy Luna prepared fresh orange juice and warm milk coffee. Then she carefully poured chocolate over little donuts and sprinkled finely chopped nuts on top.
Pippa was still too little to eat all those treats, but she sat nearby watching everything with great interest.
Finally, Mommy Luna brought out their large wicker picnic basket and began packing it.
At the bottom she placed bottles of orange juice and milk coffee, along with strawberry jam and butter.
Next came apples, fragrant grilled chicken, cinnamon rolls, and apple pudding.
Daddy Milo put his freshly made popcorn into a little brown paper bag, and Mommy Luna tucked it carefully into one side of the basket.
Last of all, she placed the raspberries, donuts, and honey-butter biscuits on top so they would not get crushed.
“These need to stay nice and pretty,” she said with a smile.
Daddy Milo wrapped their little plates, bee-painted glasses, spoons, and forks inside a soft cloth.
Then it was time to get dressed.
Mommy Luna wore a light blue dress scattered with tiny yellow autumn flowers.
Little Pippa wore a soft cream knitted autumn dress, a tiny cardigan, and little socks. Because Pippa was still only a tiny baby, Mommy Luna kept her warm and close in her arms.
Mommy Luna and Pippa even had matching little green ribbon details.
Daddy Milo wore brown pants, a light white shirt, and his favorite brown autumn hat.
Then Daddy Milo picked up the heavy wicker basket filled with delicious food, while Mommy Luna carried the bundle of dishes and cuddled Pippa close.
Together, the three of them walked through Lilac Glen.
They crossed the little bridge and followed a winding path covered in fallen maple leaves.
At the end of the path was a peaceful grassy spot beneath the white birch trees beside the lake.
Golden leaves floated gently across the water, and little ducks were swimming in the distance.
Daddy Milo spread their picnic blanket across the grass.
Mommy Luna sat down with Pippa safely on her lap.
When the cool autumn breeze brushed past Pippa’s soft little ears, she gave the sweetest smile.
Daddy Milo picked up a beautiful golden maple leaf and held it out for her to see.
Pippa immediately reached toward it with her tiny paw.
Mommy Luna smiled.
“Looks like Pippa has found her very own autumn treasure today.”
After their picnic, they stayed beside the lake for a little while longer.
Daddy Milo sipped his warm coffee while Mommy Luna cuddled Pippa and watched the peaceful water.
And Pippa sat happily holding the golden leaf in her tiny paw, looking at it as though she had discovered the most precious thing in the whole world.
No one could really say whether the sky over Lilac Glen looked bluer that day, or whether the autumn breeze felt a little sweeter than usual.
But Mommy Luna and Daddy Milo understood one thing.
A day doesn’t need anything grand to become special.
A little delicious food, a cool autumn breeze, a few golden leaves falling from the trees… and the people you love beside you are more than enough.
Even when they returned home that evening, Pippa was still holding her little golden autumn leaf.
Later, Mommy Luna carefully placed it inside Pippa’s tiny memory box.
The rest of the issue
That is the end of the first story. The rest of this issue is waiting:
- Celestia's Birthday — a story for a birthday morning
- An Evening at Mrs. Dolly's Tea Shop
- Honey-Apple Cinnamon Tart, from Mommy Luna's kitchen
- In the Garden This Month
- Luna's October Bucket List
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With love from the Glen