Ca D'Zan

My mom is yelling at me, and I want to scream! But I guess I'm getting the cart before the horse. Seems like I do that a lot lately. Anyhow my name is Belle~ Mabel actually, but that is just too old fashioned for words!

Back to my mom, she has been after me all week to get our attic cleaned out. If the job is not finished by tonight I'll be grounded,"Forever!" So here goes. I really dread going up into that dark, cobwebbed space. I'm having trouble breathing already...

As I stumble through the doorway, I spot a large dark shape in the far corner, and as I make my way toward it, and stretch out my arm to grope in the overhead darkness for that dangling light bulb, I scream as I lunge for the chain and manage to pull it hard enough for the light to flicker on and comfort the creepy darkness. As I move closer, I realize the shape is a pile of blankets on top of what looks like an old steamer trunk.

Cautiously I move the blankets and slowly open the lid, revealing it's unknown contents. Near the top I see a dusty velvet covered book. Curiously, I open the cover and see the name of my great-grandmother! Flipping through the yellowed pages I see dates and written entries and now realize that this is a diary! Eagerly, I make a comfortable nest in the blankets and begin reading.

April 25, 1926 I'm so excited, I can hardly sit still! We are entering the grounds of the Ringling Estate, and can already smell the sweet scent of roses in full bloom. I've read that they are Mrs. Ringling's favorite!

As we climb the concrete steps up to the four story mansion, the heavy, dark, ornate wooden doorway opens as if by magic.

The butler motions us into the entryway, and patiently waits to take our wraps. We are then escorted into the greeting room, off to the right where a small positioned table holds a guest book, & quill pen where we proudly add our names to the many others listed within the thick guest book!

We are further instructed, to be seated, and to wait for our hosts to appear. Listening to the mingling of some conversations of the people gathered there, I learned a bit more about our fascinating new friends. One story was an account of a construction worker who greatly upset Mr. Ringling, by taking a bath in the specially designed, carved grey marble bathtub, even before Mr. Ringling had a chance to use it! The poor fellow was banned off the estate for a period of six months!

Apparently, on their frequent travels throughout Europe the Ringlings acquired many Italian, antique, pieces of furniture, crystal chandeliers, and beveled stained glass window pieces that they brought back with them to decorate their own magnificent home.

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