autumn fantasy

by Bill Tiepelman

Little Keeper of Autumn Magic

In a quiet corner of the enchanted forest, under the dappled, golden light of autumn, sat the "Little Keeper of Autumn Magic," a pint-sized elf with a big attitude. She may look sweet, with her wide eyes and innocent expression, but don't let the adorable hat fool you—she's got a bit of a bite. This autumn, her job was to watch over the pumpkin patch and make sure none of the forest creatures got too enthusiastic about their seasonal snacking. Every year, the deer, squirrels, and the occasional overzealous hedgehog would tear through her precious pumpkins like kids at a candy shop. The Patch Patrol So there she sat, on her little tree stump throne, swinging her boots in the crisp autumn air. Her hat was as big as her attitude, brim overflowing with autumn leaves, berries, and what she would tell you were "the very essence of fall." (She had a flair for drama.) She even fashioned herself a little stick she called the "Rod of Righteous Reprimands," which she waved at every passing critter with suspicious eyes. “Oi! You there! Yes, you, fat-bottomed squirrel—step AWAY from the squash!” she shouted one afternoon, brandishing her stick. The squirrel paused, mid-pounce, looking from her to the pumpkin with a mix of guilt and confusion. “Don’t give me that look,” she said, arms crossed. “Just because you’re fluffy doesn’t mean you’re sly. I’ve got my eye on you.” She pointed to a small pile of acorns she’d left out as a peace offering. “Now, you can have those, but touch my pumpkins, and you’ll answer to me. And trust me, that’s not a walk in the woods you want to take.” A Visitor in the Night One chilly evening, just as the sun was setting, a particularly large raccoon came sniffing around the patch. He was the size of a small bear, his eyes glinting with the unmistakable gluttony of someone who thought he’d stumbled upon an all-you-can-eat buffet. “Oy!” she yelled, hopping off her stump and stomping over, stick in hand. “Where do you think you’re going, pal?” The raccoon froze, his tiny paws clutching a miniature pumpkin. They locked eyes for a moment, and the raccoon did what any guilty forest creature would do—he doubled down. With a haughty chitter, he crammed the pumpkin into his mouth and stared her down, unblinking. The elf narrowed her eyes, one hand on her hip. “Alright, big guy, you wanna dance?” She pointed her stick at him dramatically. “Because I am in no mood to lose another pumpkin to a creature with hygiene standards so low it thinks a garbage can is a five-star dining experience.” The raccoon, however, was undeterred. He gave her a slow blink, finished chewing his ill-gotten pumpkin prize, and sauntered off, tail flicking behind him in defiance. “Unbelievable,” she muttered. “The nerve of these woodland hooligans.” She stomped back to her stump, muttering about the “downfall of forest society” and the “moral corruption of raccoons.” A Fateful Encounter The next day, a handsome young fox sauntered into the clearing, sniffing the air. Now, the Little Keeper of Autumn Magic would tell you she was far too busy to be interested in romance, but she couldn’t help noticing his elegant tail and the debonair way he looked over the pumpkins. “Good evening, miss,” the fox said smoothly, with a little bow. “Might I sample one of your gourds?” She blushed, adjusting her hat. “Well… um, as long as it’s just one. And… you know, you’re respectful about it.” The fox winked. “Respect is my middle name.” He picked out a particularly plump pumpkin, and she watched him nibble it with uncharacteristic bashfulness. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a sneaky squirrel making off with a gourd while she was distracted. “Oi! Get back here!” she shrieked, abandoning her conversation with the fox to chase down the wayward thief. The fox just chuckled, finishing his pumpkin in peace. “Quite the little keeper of autumn magic, indeed,” he murmured, watching her dart after the squirrel with her stick held high. And the Magic of Fall Rolls On As the leaves continued to turn, the elf maintained her vigilant post, armed with her oversized hat, her fierce spirit, and her trusty "Rod of Righteous Reprimands." While the forest creatures occasionally got the better of her, she always managed to restore order to her pumpkin patch—more or less. It was her own chaotic little kingdom, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, there’s magic in the mayhem, and if autumn wasn’t a little wild, it just wouldn’t be autumn at all. And somewhere in the background, a certain fox watched her antics with an amused twinkle in his eye, patiently waiting for his next chance to charm the Little Keeper of Autumn Magic.    Bring the Little Keeper of Autumn Magic Into Your Home If the charm of our “Little Keeper of Autumn Magic” has enchanted you, bring a touch of her cozy woodland world into your own space! Whether you're looking to decorate for fall or simply love whimsical art, these beautiful items make it easy to keep the spirit of autumn close year-round. Wood Print: Add rustic charm to any wall with this artwork printed on durable wood, perfect for giving your space that cozy, magical vibe. Tapestry: Make a statement with this enchanting tapestry, ideal for transforming any room into a woodland wonderland. Tote Bag: Take a little autumn magic with you wherever you go. This tote bag is both practical and charming, a perfect blend of art and functionality. Throw Pillow: Cozy up with the Little Keeper herself. This throw pillow is a delightful way to add a touch of whimsy to your couch or favorite chair. Whether you're decorating for the season or looking for the perfect gift for a friend who loves a bit of fantasy, these pieces capture the essence of autumn magic. Embrace the cozy vibes and invite a little bit of woodland wonder into your life!

by Bill Tiepelman

The Harvest Watcher

The Harvest Watcher’s Halloween Havoc It was Halloween night, the one night when The Harvest Watcher, a tiny elf with a sass level rivaled only by her height (about three inches, but don’t tell her that), had to keep a sharp eye on her pumpkin patch. She loved her job, really. Guarding pumpkins was her calling. But tonight, the forest felt different. The wind howled louder, the trees seemed darker, and somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted in a way that sounded suspiciously like laughter. This wasn’t just any Halloween—it was the full-moon kind, and every nutty ghoul and clueless mortal was about to waltz right into her patch. “Not on my watch,” she muttered, cracking her knuckles and adjusting her hat, which was festooned with berries, leaves, and enough autumn flair to put a Pinterest board to shame. She had barely settled onto her favorite stump when she heard a rustling in the bushes. Her heart sank. "Who goes there?” she called, her tiny voice echoing with a surprising authority. Out of the shadows slunk a group of costumed kids, about ten of them, carrying flashlights and candy bags already half-full. “Look, there she is! The forest elf!” one of them squealed, pointing right at her. Oh, for pumpkin’s sake. The Harvest Watcher sighed. She was hoping for at least another hour before the Halloween thrill-seekers showed up. But there was no stopping them once the stories got out. She glared at them, hands on her tiny hips. “What do you think you’re doing here? Don’t you have houses to egg or candy to steal?” she demanded, her voice dripping with annoyance. “We’re looking for the legendary forest treasures,” one particularly bold kid declared, flashing an annoyingly toothy grin. “We heard the elf would grant us a wish if we found her!” The Harvest Watcher snorted. “A wish? The only thing I’m going to grant you is a swift kick in the keister if you touch a single pumpkin.” But the kids only giggled, clearly unbothered by her threats. “Alright, last warning, kiddos,” she hissed, grabbing her trusty staff—a tiny twig but enchanted to pack a punch. They weren’t scared, so she figured it was time to give them a taste of her power. With a flourish, she waved her twig-staff, and the pumpkins began to glow with an eerie orange light. Their carved faces twisted and grinned, and the forest seemed to whisper, "Turn back…." Most of the kids screamed and took off, but one stubborn kid—the one who probably still believed in Santa at age fifteen—stood his ground, staring her down. “I’m not scared of you, tiny elf!” he taunted. “I’ll just take this pumpkin here and…” Before he could finish, the Harvest Watcher flicked her fingers, and the pumpkin he was reaching for came to life, sprouting vine-arms that wrapped around his legs. “HELP!” he yelped as he struggled to break free. The vines held firm, dragging him backwards as his friends yelled, “Leave it, Todd! She’s real! Run!” With a smirk, The Harvest Watcher released him, and he bolted after his friends, his dignity left somewhere between the forest entrance and the nearest pumpkin. Good riddance. She dusted off her hands. But the night wasn’t over yet. Far from it. Just as she was about to settle back down, she heard another rustling sound—this time from behind. “Please, let this be another raccoon in a witch hat,” she muttered, turning around. But what she saw made her jaw drop. Out of the trees sauntered three full-grown adults dressed as vampires. And not the classy, “I-hung-out-with-Dracula” type vampires. No, these were the bargain-bin, black-lipstick, ripped-fishnet-wearing kind. And judging by the bottles in their hands, they’d been celebrating since sundown. “Look, it’s the elf,” one of them slurred, leaning on his friend. “The one from the legends, right? If we catch her, we get a… a… prize or something?” The friend shrugged, mumbling something about how they “didn’t come all this way to get spooked by a forest pixie.” The Harvest Watcher groaned. “Alright, boys, turn around and head back to your party. I’m not here to entertain drunken vampires.” But they kept advancing, circling her pumpkin patch like wolves around a chicken coop. “Fine,” she said, cracking her knuckles again. “You want a Halloween scare? You’ve got it.” She chanted a few words in an ancient elfin tongue, and suddenly the pumpkins erupted into a roaring blaze of orange and green fire, illuminating the forest in an otherworldly light. The three men froze, their faces pale under the flickering glow. But that wasn’t enough for The Harvest Watcher. She flicked her wrist, and one of the pumpkins sprouted legs, hopping over to the lead vampire and letting out a tiny but menacing roar. “AHHH!” he shrieked, dropping his bottle and scrambling backwards. “And don’t come back!” she yelled after them as they stumbled and tripped their way out of the forest, half of them babbling apologies and the other half screaming about “demon pumpkins.” By now, the forest was quiet, and she was almost ready to call it a night. But Halloween had one last surprise for her. From the shadows, a cloaked figure emerged, small but dignified, with a pumpkin head carved with an elaborate, toothy grin. “Watcher,” he said in a low, gravelly voice. The Harvest Watcher narrowed her eyes. “Jack. You’re late.” Jack-o’-Lantern, the spirit of Halloween himself, shrugged. “Busy night, you know how it is. I just wanted to stop by and thank you for keeping things in order here.” “All in a night’s work, Jack. But you owe me. These mortals are getting more obnoxious every year.” Jack chuckled. “Fine. Next year, I’ll send you some reinforcements. Maybe a few werewolves to liven things up.” He gave her a wink, his carved face casting eerie shadows in the moonlight. And with that, he vanished into the mist, leaving The Harvest Watcher alone with her pumpkins and the lingering smell of cider and firelight. She gave one last look around her patch, satisfied that she’d held her ground. “Happy Halloween,” she whispered to her pumpkins. “Now rest up…there’s always next year.”    As the night grew quiet, The Harvest Watcher finally leaned back, content that her pumpkins were safe for another Halloween. But for those who wished to bring a piece of her pumpkin-protecting magic home, she’d left behind a few enchanted treasures of her own. Celebrate the spirit of Halloween year-round with The Harvest Watcher collection, available in charming forms: Throw Pillow – Bring cozy, whimsical charm to your space with this delightful pillow featuring The Harvest Watcher herself. Puzzle – Embrace a magical challenge and piece together this enchanting autumn scene, one pumpkin at a time. Tote Bag – Carry a bit of Halloween magic wherever you go with this sturdy, stylish tote bag. Tapestry – Transform any room into an autumn forest with a tapestry that captures all the whimsy and wonder of The Harvest Watcher’s realm. Whether you're a lover of Halloween, a fan of fantasy, or simply want to enjoy a touch of fall magic, The Harvest Watcher collection is here to bring a little enchantment to your everyday life. Happy Halloween…and remember, keep an eye on your pumpkins!

by Bill Tiepelman

Fall’s Fiery Duo: Phoenix and Dragon in Autumn Water

It was a perfect autumn day in the enchanted forest—the kind where the trees shed their golden leaves, squirrels planned their tiny revolutions, and somewhere, a centaur was probably wondering if he could pull off skinny jeans. In the middle of all this, a young phoenix named Blaze was making a ruckus, splashing around in the forest pond like it was his personal birdbath. Blaze wasn’t alone. His partner in crime, a baby dragon named Scorch, was right there with him. Scorch, despite having the scales of a dragon, was terrified of fire—ironic, considering he lived with a walking bonfire like Blaze. But today, it wasn’t fire he had to worry about. No, today was all about causing as much watery chaos as possible. “Last one to splash the biggest leaf has to clean the other’s nest for a month!” Blaze shouted, his fiery wings sending water droplets and a couple of startled frogs flying in all directions. Scorch puffed up his tiny chest. “I don’t even have a nest, you overgrown feather duster! And good luck beating me—I’m part water dragon!” he bragged, which was technically true. He had a cousin who swam once. The same cousin also peed in the pond, but no one talked about that. The Splash Showdown Blaze eyed the giant maple leaf floating nearby. His beak curled into a grin. “Prepare to be dethroned, lizard breath!” With a screech, Blaze flapped his wings with all his might, launching himself into the air. A blur of fiery feathers shot toward the leaf, his wings glowing against the autumn sky. The leaf, in all its golden glory, was about to be obliterated by the splash of the century. Except… Blaze didn’t account for the fact that wet feathers are slippery. Mid-flight, his wings gave out, and the phoenix plummeted. He hit the water with an epic belly-flop that sent ripples across the pond, a wave of water shooting up and drenching Scorch from snout to tail. Blaze emerged, sputtering, his feathers plastered to his body like a soggy chicken. “Nice one, Blaze! Maybe next time aim for the water instead of trying to fly through it!” Scorch roared with laughter, his wings flapping in delight. Blaze shot him a glare, but with his drenched appearance, it wasn’t exactly intimidating. Scorch's Big Moment Feeling cocky, Scorch decided to show Blaze how it’s done. He flapped his wings and paddled toward the floating maple leaf. “Watch and learn, Blaze. This is how a real dragon does it!” He smirked as he prepared to unleash a tidal wave with his own splash. He pumped his tiny wings, took a deep breath, and dove. What he didn’t realize was that there was a rather sizeable fish in the pond—one that had taken a particular interest in Scorch’s wiggling tail. Just as Scorch was about to dive, the fish chomped down on his tail with an audible snap. The baby dragon yelped, his dive turning into a flailing mess of wings, tail, and water. He spun in circles, trying to shake off the fish, his attempts only managing to launch him into a spectacular, but very undignified, belly-flop of his own. Blaze burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the forest. “Well, well! Looks like you’ve got your own problems to deal with now, Scales McFlop!” Chaos Ensues The fish, perhaps thinking this was all a game, continued to chase Scorch, nibbling at his tail every time he tried to take flight. Scorch screeched and flailed, sending sprays of water everywhere. By now, the pond had become a battlefield of flailing limbs, fire-colored feathers, and the occasional fiery sneeze from Blaze, who was too busy laughing to care about getting wet again. At one point, a pair of ducks—clearly annoyed by the ruckus—decided they’d had enough and waddled over to investigate. They honked indignantly, but when Blaze turned to sneeze and accidentally lit one of the ducks’ tails on fire, they quickly decided that retreat was the better option. The Aftermath Eventually, the fish got bored, Scorch managed to paddle away to safety, and Blaze, still soaked, was wheezing from laughing too hard. They both floated in the water, surrounded by the drifting leaves of autumn, their chaotic energy finally subdued for the moment. “That was… actually pretty fun,” Scorch admitted, still shaking water from his scales. “But next time, we leave the fish out of it.” “Deal,” Blaze agreed, smoothing down his soggy feathers. “And maybe next time, you can actually manage to splash a leaf without getting eaten by a fish.” Scorch rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, featherbrain.” He paused and grinned. “But at least I didn’t almost set a duck on fire.” Blaze froze. “Wait… where’s the duck?” They both looked to the shore where the ducks had fled. In the distance, a faint trail of smoke could be seen disappearing into the forest. “Let’s, uh… let’s just pretend we didn’t see that,” Blaze suggested. Scorch nodded. “Agreed.” And with that, the fiery duo floated there, enjoying the crisp autumn air and deciding that maybe next time, they’d pick a pond without such feisty fish—or flammable wildlife.     Bring the Magic of Blaze and Scorch to Your Home! If you laughed along with Blaze and Scorch’s chaotic splash in the autumn pond, why not bring some of that magical mischief into your own life? Check out these delightful products featuring the duo from "Fall's Fiery Duo": Tapestry – Transform your space with a stunning tapestry of Blaze and Scorch, perfect for adding a touch of autumn magic to any room. Fleece Blanket – Snuggle up with a cozy blanket featuring your favorite fiery duo. Whether you’re enjoying a book or planning your next splash, Blaze and Scorch will keep you warm. Jigsaw Puzzle – Piece together the autumn adventure with this vibrant puzzle, capturing Blaze and Scorch’s playful moment in the enchanted pond. Tote Bag – Take Blaze and Scorch with you wherever you go with this colorful tote bag. Whether you’re heading to the library or off on an adventure, they’ll be right by your side. Don’t miss your chance to bring home a little piece of Blaze and Scorch’s magical world. Perfect for gifts, decor, or just indulging your love for all things whimsical and fiery!