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The Cowardly Lion

Uncategorized

27 Apr

All this time Dorothy and her companions had been walking through the thick woods. The road was still paved with yellow brick, but these were much covered by dried branches and dead leaves from the trees, and the walking was not at all good.

There were few birds in this part of the forest, for birds love the open country where there is plenty of sunshine. But now and then there came a deep growl from some wild animal hidden among the trees. These sounds made the little girl’s heart beat fast, for she did not know what made them; but Toto knew, and he walked close to Dorothy’s side, and did not even bark in return.

“How long will it be,” the child asked of the Tin Woodman, “before we are out of the forest?”

“I cannot tell,” was the answer, “for I have never been to the Emerald City. But my father went there once, when I was a boy, and he said it was a long journey through a dangerous country, although nearer to the city where Oz dwells the country is beautiful. But I am not afraid so long as I have my oil-can, and nothing can hurt the Scarecrow, while you bear upon your forehead the mark of the Good Witch’s kiss, and that will protect you from harm.”

“But Toto!” said the girl anxiously. “What will protect him?”

“We must protect him ourselves if he is in danger,” replied the Tin Woodman.

Just as he spoke there came from the forest a terrible roar, and the next moment a great Lion bounded into the road. With one blow of his paw he sent the Scarecrow spinning over and over to the edge of the road, and then he struck at the Tin Woodman with his sharp claws. But, to the Lion’s surprise, he could make no impression on the tin, although the Woodman fell over in the road and lay still.

Little Toto, now that he had an enemy to face, ran barking toward the Lion, and the great beast had opened his mouth to bite the dog, when Dorothy, fearing Toto would be killed, and heedless of danger, rushed forward and slapped the Lion upon his nose as hard as she could, while she cried out:

“Don’t you dare to bite Toto! You ought to be ashamed of yourself, a big beast like you, to bite a poor little dog!”

“I didn’t bite him,” said the Lion, as he rubbed his nose with his paw where Dorothy had hit it.

“No, but you tried to,” she retorted. “You are nothing but a big coward.”

“I know it,” said the Lion, hanging his head in shame. “I’ve always known it. But how can I help it?”

“I don’t know, I’m sure. To think of your striking a stuffed man, like the poor Scarecrow!”

“Is he stuffed?” asked the Lion in surprise, as he watched her pick up the Scarecrow and set him upon his feet, while she patted him into shape again.

“Of course he’s stuffed,” replied Dorothy, who was still angry.

“That’s why he went over so easily,” remarked the Lion. “It astonished me to see him whirl around so. Is the other one stuffed also?”

“No,” said Dorothy, “he’s made of tin.” And she helped the Woodman up again.

“That’s why he nearly blunted my claws,” said the Lion. “When they scratched against the tin it made a cold shiver run down my back. What is that little animal you are so tender of?”

“He is my dog, Toto,” answered Dorothy.

“Is he made of tin, or stuffed?” asked the Lion.

“Neither. He’s a–a–a meat dog,” said the girl.

“Oh! He’s a curious animal and seems remarkably small, now that I look at him. No one would think of biting such a little thing, except a coward like me,” continued the Lion sadly.

“What makes you a coward?” asked Dorothy, looking at the great beast in wonder, for he was as big as a small horse.

“It’s a mystery,” replied the Lion. “I suppose I was born that way. All the other animals in the forest naturally expect me to be brave, for the Lion is everywhere thought to be the King of Beasts. I learned that if I roared very loudly every living thing was frightened and got out of my way. Whenever I’ve met a man I’ve been awfully scared; but I just roared at him, and he has always run away as fast as he could go. If the elephants and the tigers and the bears had ever tried to fight me, I should have run myself–I’m such a coward; but just as soon as they hear me roar they all try to get away from me, and of course I let them go.”

“But that isn’t right. The King of Beasts shouldn’t be a coward,” said the Scarecrow.

“I know it,” returned the Lion, wiping a tear from his eye with the tip of his tail. “It is my great sorrow, and makes my life very unhappy. But whenever there is danger, my heart begins to beat fast.”

“Perhaps you have heart disease,” said the Tin Woodman.

“It may be,” said the Lion.

“If you have,” continued the Tin Woodman, “you ought to be glad, for it proves you have a heart. For my part, I have no heart; so I cannot have heart disease.”

“Perhaps,” said the Lion thoughtfully, “if I had no heart I should not be a coward.”

“Have you brains?” asked the Scarecrow.

“I suppose so. I’ve never looked to see,” replied the Lion.

“I am going to the Great Oz to ask him to give me some,” remarked the Scarecrow, “for my head is stuffed with straw.”

“And I am going to ask him to give me a heart,” said the Woodman.

“And I am going to ask him to send Toto and me back to Kansas,” added Dorothy.

“Do you think Oz could give me courage?” asked the Cowardly Lion.

“Just as easily as he could give me brains,” said the Scarecrow.

“Or give me a heart,” said the Tin Woodman.

“Or send me back to Kansas,” said Dorothy.

“Then, if you don’t mind, I’ll go with you,” said the Lion, “for my life is simply unbearable without a bit of courage.”

“You will be very welcome,” answered Dorothy, “for you will help to keep away the other wild beasts. It seems to me they must be more cowardly than you are if they allow you to scare them so easily.”

“They really are,” said the Lion, “but that doesn’t make me any braver, and as long as I know myself to be a coward I shall be unhappy.”

So once more the little company set off upon the journey, the Lion walking with stately strides at Dorothy’s side. Toto did not approve of this new comrade at first, for he could not forget how nearly he had been crushed between the Lion’s great jaws. But after a time he became more at ease, and presently Toto and the Cowardly Lion had grown to be good friends.

During the rest of that day there was no other adventure to mar the peace of their journey. Once, indeed, the Tin Woodman stepped upon a beetle that was crawling along the road, and killed the poor little thing. This made the Tin Woodman very unhappy, for he was always careful not to hurt any living creature; and as he walked along he wept several tears of sorrow and regret. These tears ran slowly down his face and over the hinges of his jaw, and there they rusted. When Dorothy presently asked him a question the Tin Woodman could not open his mouth, for his jaws were tightly rusted together. He became greatly frightened at this and made many motions to Dorothy to relieve him, but she could not understand. The Lion was also puzzled to know what was wrong. But the Scarecrow seized the oil-can from Dorothy’s basket and oiled the Woodman’s jaws, so that after a few moments he could talk as well as before.

“This will serve me a lesson,” said he, “to look where I step. For if I should kill another bug or beetle I should surely cry again, and crying rusts my jaws so that I cannot speak.”

Thereafter he walked very carefully, with his eyes on the road, and when he saw a tiny ant toiling by he would step over it, so as not to harm it. The Tin Woodman knew very well he had no heart, and therefore he took great care never to be cruel or unkind to anything.

“You people with hearts,” he said, “have something to guide you, and need never do wrong; but I have no heart, and so I must be very careful. When Oz gives me a heart of course I needn’t mind so much.”

« The Rescue of the Tin Woodman
The Journey to the Great Oz »

About

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. My name is Julia, and I am a Postpartum Doula, Reiki Master,

Recent Posts

  • The Deadly Poppy Field
  • The Journey to the Great Oz
  • The Cowardly Lion
  • The Rescue of the Tin Woodman
  • The Road Through the Forest

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oandbloom

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May 16

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🌸I wanted to give up

🌸Then I decided to push on

🌸I had a vision and a dream

🌸That dream and bright vision gave me hope

🌸I never gave up on that vision, dream or myself

🌸I worked harder than ever

🌸I made my dream and vision a reality

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Part of my vision for this business was offering support groups for women, moms and families. 

I launched the Moth & Moon Women's Circle last month; one person bought a ticket for the first circle, but I ultimately had to cancel.

I tried again and two people bought tickets and one couldn't make it but working out for my dear friend and I to have a one-on-one that evening that was oh so beautiful.

The third try, I had six people purchase tickets, one not being able to make it but ended up having five beautiful souls in circle last night along with myself. 

Progress takes time. I didn't allow myself to quit or get upset because the first two circles were not as I planned; they were just as they needed to be. 

I kept showing up and will always, not just for myself but for others. I am doing this all for others, to offer support, a village, and safe place for all.

When I help others, it in turn helps me. I get to be surrounded by amazing people. It helps me move forward. I helps me know I am not alone. 

The Moth & Moon Women's Circle last night was magical. I was scared. It's new to me. I forgot to mention some things upon closing. But I showed up. I did my best. I left with my heart bursting with and overload of BLOOMIN' love and support. 

This is what can happen when you don't give up on yourself or your dreams. 

🌸DREAM BIG🌸

#nevergiveup #dreamsdocometrue #throughtearsandpain

oandbloom

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May 14

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The full moon in Scorpio brings with it a powerful total lunar eclipse. So, all of this energy builds upon itself for a wild ride. You are being called to your passion and purpose. But the water of Scorpio could overpower you if you are not careful. 

Call on your essence allies to ground, calm, and inspire you! 

Are you an oil gal? Then frankincense will help your focus during this intense time, while lavender and chamomile are great for ease and rest. 

This full moon provides the opportunity to move along the path of your destiny. Just be sure to breathe, practice self-care, and stay grounded! 

Join us on May 15th as we honor ourselves and the Full Moon during this month's Moth & Moon Women's Circle.

Reserve your spot and purchase your ticket here:
https://oliveandbloom.net/product/may-new-moon-moth-moon-womens-circle/

oandbloom

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May 13

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The full moon in Scorpio brings with it a powerful total lunar eclipse. So, all of this energy builds upon itself for a wild ride. You are being called to your passion and purpose. But the water of Scorpio could overpower you if you are not careful. 

Call on your plant allies to ground, calm, and inspire you! 

Herbs can be part of your ritual bath or used in teas or incense. Try passionflower to calm your anxiety, yarrow to protect yourself emotionally, or rosemary to clarify your thinking. 

This full moon provides the opportunity to move along the path of your destiny. Just be sure to breathe, practice self-care, and stay grounded! 

Join us on May 15th as we honor ourselves and the Full Moon during this month's Moth & Moon Women's Circle.

Reserve your spot and purchase your ticket here:
https://oliveandbloom.net/product/may-new-moon-moth-moon-womens-circle/

oandbloom

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May 12

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The full moon in Scorpio brings with it a powerful total lunar eclipse. So, all of this energy builds upon itself for a wild ride. You are being called to your passion and purpose. But the water of Scorpio could overpower you if you are not careful. 

Call on your crystal allies to ground, calm, and inspire you! 

Crystals that will support you through this energy are centering and earthy, such as obsidian; or calming and nurturing, like aquamarine and amethyst. Carry a stone with you, or sleep with it under your pillow for inspiration and guidance. 

This full moon provides the opportunity to move along the path of your destiny. Just be sure to breathe, practice self-care, and stay grounded! 

Join us on May 15th as we honor ourselves and the Full Moon during this month's Moth & Moon Women's Circle.

Reserve your spot and purchase your ticket here:
https://oliveandbloom.net/product/may-new-moon-moth-moon-womens-circle/

#fullmoon #Eclipse2022 #crystalmagic

oandbloom

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May 6

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Happy Friday!

I hope this week brought much Spring blooms and beauty to everyone!

I am so excited to announce that I am now a Usui Reiki Master Teacher! 

What does this mean for you all??

It means I get to teach this amazing form of energy work to you and others. Some know that I have been practicing Reiki since a child, receiving my Reiki I around the age of 8. I want nothing more than to share this amazing form of universal healing with everyone.

My mind is racing with all the ideas I have of training children, adults and folks in different professions that could use in their work. Thoughts of offering future training retreat weekends in beautiful places.... The possibilities are endless. 

Stay tuned for offerings coming your way!

🌸Here I am just Bloomin' like a Boss🌸

 #reiki #reikiusui #reikihealer #reikienergy #reikimaster #reikiteacher  #livingthedream  #lighthealstheworld  #energy

oandbloom

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May 1

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I will ALWAYS advocate for Mental Health Awareness. 

Hi, I am Julia Barton, Owner of Olive & Bloom. 

Olive & Bloom grew from my experience of Postpartum Depression. Yes, I had severe depression and didn't want to do live anymore. I thought that not one person would care or even notice if I weren't here anymore. During such a time of joy and excitement after building our dream home and having our daughter, I felt nothing of the sorts. It was an incredibly isolating time for me and my family. 

I still experience people not wanting to acknowledge it and talk about it, which has been incredible hard for me. 

Not talking about it or ignoring and avoiding conversation will not make it go away. 

This is why I shared part of my story in the book ELEVATE YOUR VOICE, to bring awareness to mental health and especially mental health among moms, whether they are new or with multiple children. 

To help spread even more awareness, I am in the process of sharing a bit more of my story in a collaborative book called DEPRESSION LIED TO ME, which will be released Fall of 2022. 

𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰??

#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #DontIgnoreDepression #mentalhealth #PPD #

oandbloom

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Apr 30

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Join me tonight for some new moon and eclipse magic! 

Moth & Moon Women's Circle, 6:30 pm Eastern Time. Join as we celebrate this phase in life celebrating our self worth and much more! The evening will include time of looking inward, sharing in a safe space and pulling oracle cards, all while we honor our beautiful BLOOM' Moon. 

Purchase tickets here:
https://oliveandbloom.net/product/april-moth-moon-womens-circle/

oandbloom

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Apr 29