My Little Pony Monthly Issue 7 (October 1,
1997)
My Little Pony Monthly
Established June 1997
If you do not want to be on our mailing list, e-mail Tabby at
TabbyMLP@aol.com.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 7
October 1997
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letters to the Editor
Subj: Boiling about the Newsletter
From: archie2002@mail2.theonramp.net
I am very disappointed that Windwhistler was not included in any of the stories or
activities. I have lots of interesting stories and at least like to be invited to things like the
Olympics, etc. No, my life is not at all sucking up to Megan and trying to act like a smart aleck..
I have feelings too... I just don't like expressing them at the drop of a hat. Please include or at
least invite me to events such as Baby Bonnet School of Dance Recitals, etc. I would love to see
the babies dance and enjoy themselves. I would love to add more stuff into the newsletter but I
don't have any time! Excuse me! You would think in 4 pages you would put one word... one
name... WW...(wipes tear) Thank you, Tabby, for at least including me in your Newsletter so that
at least I can see what I am missing...(sniffle) Bye...
~ Windwhistler
Subj: Re: MLP Monthly(part 1)
From: GramaDoll@aol.com
Just wanted to let you know that I think you have done a GREAT job on the MLP
Monthly :)
Thanks for including me on your list!
Grama
Subj: mlp news
From: dyej@hotmail.com
I just have to say that I LOVE your MLP newsletter. Keep up the good work!
(-:
Subj: Great newsletter
From: LynneJean@aol.com
Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know....I think you are doing a GREAT
job on the newsletter. I REALLY enjoyed reading it. Please pass these Congratulations on a job
WELL done to the other pony writers.
Happy pony collecting!!
Jeanne
Subj: newsletter
From: bluflyer@juno.com
I just found out something kinda neat!! Well, reading a story on Tabby's
newsletter, I read the story "Happy b-day Baby Glory." Ha! My birthday is the same as my
favorite Baby Pony!!
Blu Flyer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PONY PET PARADE
Today I saw Firefly, Snuzzle, Salty, and a Bushwoolie running across the yard with
Quackers and Duck Soup chasing after them. No, I wasn't dreaming; they're some of my pets!
Firefly, Snuzzle, Salty, and Bushwoolie (Woolie for short) are kittens that are four months old.
Quackers and Duck Soup are two rouan ducks, also four months old. Firefly is a very
affectionate black and white kitten. Snuzzle is curious, and she's gray. Salty is an independent
exploring kitten; he's gray and white. Quackers, a male, is very protective of Duck Soup, the
female. They are inseparable and constantly happy.
by Tabby
If you would like to send something in about some of your pets that you named
after MLP's, e-mail it to Tabby at TabbyMLP@aol.com and it will be in the next issue of MLP
Monthly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Have you ever noticed....?"
by Fizzy
Hi, pony fans!! Here are some little facts about ponies that not everyone notices. Here's a
list to think about and look for. =)
Have you ever noticed.....
#1 Look for Shady's evil twin in My Little Pony the Movie... you can catch a glimpse of a
pink pony with yellow hair but flowers on her instead of sunglasses!!
#2 In My Little Pony Tales, in Somnambula, that is the only show you ever see Baby
Sleepy Pie in... but she never talks!!
#3 How the moms are twinkle-eyed, and the babies never match.
#4 How the babies have mommies but never dads.
#5 Was there ever a Baby Sundance?
#6 How those bubbles get out of Fizzy's horn... hehehe.
#7 Why some peek-a-boo babies are first-toothed, and others aren't.
#8 The bad Blockbuster movie reviews they gave the MLP's.
#9 Why ponies get that black stuff inside them..
#10 Why we adore, love, and cherish them so very much!! =)
Happy pony hunting everyone!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brightblade Warpony
An Epic
Recorded by Clipper as dictated by the bard Ramon
Chapter 1
It was a mild autumn day in the hills north of Ponyland. Brightblade stood atop a
high hill. The sun gleamed off the whorled horn of his war-helm. He felt a slight breeze in his
mane, breathed deeply the fresh air, and remembered the last time he had stood atop this
hill.
It had been spring, only five months earlier, but it seemed like an eternity. The
weather had been similar, but the breeze was warmer, from the lowlands rather than the
mountains. It had been on that spring day so long ago that Brightblade had first encountered the
mysterious Epona. Brightblade had been enjoying a pleasant walk when a strange unicorn
appeared, as if out of nowhere. Her coat was the color of sunlight and her main and tail were fiery
red, much as Brightblade's own. On her rump was the image of a key.
"Good day!" Brightblade had greeted her. "I've not seen you here abouts before;
what part of Ponyland do you hail from?"
The unicorn ignored his question. "Brave warpony!" she called playfully, "join me,
won't you, on a grand quest!"
Brightblade answered in fun, "Surely maiden, but what manner of quest do you
propose?"
"For a champion as dashing as yourself, only the grandest quest will do; you should
slay the beast that threatens Ponyland." The last part was spoken with deadly seriousness.
Realizing that the stranger was not speaking of play, Brightblade inquired as to her
name. She replied, "I am called Epona, and as you may have guessed, the quest I have proposed is
all too real." Brightblade was too shocked to reply. Epona explained further. "Ponyland is in
danger; I need your help to save it."
"M-me, but why?" was all Brightblade could manage to utter.
"You are a warrior, if not yet in action then in spirit. You alone among the ponies
have the power to save Ponyland."
"But I'm no warrior! What could I do?"
"Come near and see." Epona touched her horn to a pool of water, all that remained
of the morning's showers. As the ripples spread in ever increasing circles an image appeared.
Brightblade recognized the land as Ponyland, but it had changed; the sky was filled
with dark clouds, the rivers and ponds were stagnant and green, the grass was brown. Thorn
bushes choked out all other vegetation. Once open fields were crowded with row on row of dark
mud-brick buildings; through the dark windows the glowing red eyes of the inhabitants could be
seen darting about. The ponies Brightblade could recognize were in a similarly pathetic state as
their land. Tex, thin and bony, pulled a heavily laden cart along a muddy path; others tread straw
into mud for bricks.
"You asked what you could do, Warpony? You could prevent this."
Brightblade stared, spellbound, at the pool as the image faded. "W-what?
How?"
"That was the future, or at least one possible future. The most probable future, if
you do not partake the quest I have proposed."
Brightblade was silent for a time and when he spoke, he spoke softly, "Where am I
in this future?"
"Do not ask a question unless you want to know the answer," Epona warned.
"Show me ... please."
"I cannot, unless - until - you have accepted the quest."
"If you show me, then I will accept your quest."
Epona hesitantly touched her horn to the water once again. Again the image
appeared of a Ponyland cloaked in gloom. This time there were no mud-brick houses or
hard-driven ponies, only a clearing in the thorns where the grass was still a little green.
Brightblade
recognized the place, it was a favorite spot of his to picnic, but there now stood a number of
crosses carved from stone. Names were chiseled into the crosses: Sundance, Fizzy, Windwhistler,
Firefly, and Brightblade. "G-graves," Brightblade stammered.
Epona nodded, "You have a warrior's spirit, and you will find it, now or later. Now
you can make a difference; later it will be useless."
Brightblade was silent again, longer this time. When he spoke, it was with a sense of
despair; "But how can I slay a monster that can destroy all of Ponyland?"
"You ask too many questions, Warpony." Epona's voice was less grave. "You have
strong hooves." She reared and kicked at the air with forelegs. "Use your head." She fenced with
her horn.
"But I haven't got a horn," Brightblade complained.
Epona paused a moment, "Oh? Then you'll have to get one."
"How can I get a horn? You've got to be born with them."
"Do you think I would have gone to all this trouble had I not prepared for such an
obvious occurance? You will find your horn to the west, beyond the Valley of Thorns. There, in
the temple of light, lies the Warrior's Horn. All you have to do is claim it. Once you have the
horn, return to this place; then the true quest will begin."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Find these hidden pony names! Glory, Cherries Jubilee, Baby Halfnote, Applejack, Tootsie,
Morning Glory, and Whizzer. Have fun!!
TOOTSIEADFFJWOFIWFIOAFNSKXIQ0OSLFRTOOTSAFJEJCNSDSIWOFJQOEJFIWFIE
NFIQOSALKFGHQNWIDJDKSOQHGIEOAPGHJQWERTYUIOPASDFGHJKKLAWHIZZER
IFGJWPDKLMFKEOELMNBVCXMNVMNVMNVCXZLKJHGFDSAPOIUYTREWQQWER
TYUIOPASDFGHJKLZXCVBQAZWSXEDCRFVTGBYHNUJMIKOLPPO
IGHOWGHPPPOJGGIIIIIGGPPGLORYIUIDKFJWKLFIPPLOKMIJNUHBYGVTFCRDXES
ZWAQASDLKJHGFGHYTISHNCIWOFNSDFIWOFWOIFWFNWIFOWFNWOIFHA
LLLLLJFIWFNWOFCHERRIESJUBILEEIIWHFNSKLFIWNWOJHSDFJEWOWFIHWI
FEFJWOJHFNWOFKLSJFJWIFLWJFIFLFIWELSWEASLEIYOWNFOWNCWJCNCI
PJFNCVJWIORIOEWHFIOWHFWOIFHOGSUIWQOPEBABYHALFNOTESHIVERM
SFEWLAJWIFMNWIFOWNFABOWIEHCYQPSLFKMNZJXIEKFHQIDQPDSFALDIQJ
APPLEJACKDFJSOFUOWYOIWHFOIWHFMORNINGGLORYOWPSLAJGHVBDHF
-By Lickety-Split
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invento Ponies
by Tabby
Name: Iggy
Body Color: lime green
Hair Color: white
Symbol: green iguana
Breed: earth pony
Name: Dundee
Body Color: dark green
Hair Color: gold
Symbol: Nile crocodile
Breed: big brother
Name: Alli
Body Color: dark lavender
Hair Color: off white
Symbol: American alligator
Breed: pegasus
Name: Slither
Body Color: gray-brown
Hair Color: black
Symbol: black mamba snake
Breed: earth pony
Name: Shelly
Body Color: yellow
Hair Color: red
Symbol: painted turtle
Breed: unicorn
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIDDLE ME THIS
by Sugarberry
"She's no fun. Don't invite her!" A group of ponies were sipping hot cider and
eating snacks in the cozy kitchen at Paradise Estate. A chilly wind was whistling through the
trees outside.
"Remember at last year's party?" asked Tossles. "When we bobbed for apples, she
explained the physical principle of objects floating on water." The other ponies giggled.
"Yes, and when we played ‘Pin the Crown on the Bushwoolie' she gave a lecture
on how dizziness is caused by turning in a circle," added Confetti. More laughter and titters
followed.
"Worst of all," said Bouncy, trying not to choke, "when we carved the pumpkins,
she carved mathematical equations into her pumpkin." The ponies held their sides as they
guffawed and howled in glee.
Sweet Pop waited for the noise to settle down before she spoke. "Windwhistler is
very intelligent," she began. "She sees so much more in what we do than just the action-- she
sees why it happens."
"Who cares why it happens, as long as it's fun!" gasped a collapsed pony.
"Yeah," agreed Tossles. "A party is a time for fun."
Sweet Pop thought while the others began discussing party decorations. Suddenly,
a smile lit her face. "I have it," she exclaimed.
"You have what?" queried Best Wishes, who had just finished describing her ideas
for hanging cobwebs and spiders from every ceiling in Paradise Estate.
"Well, I was just thinking of how we could involve Windwhistler in our party,"
Sweet Pop explained.
"You mean, like play twenty questions from the Advanced Nuclear Physics
textbook?" snickered Bouncy. The ponies erupted into another laughing fit.
"Not exactly, but you have the right idea," continued Sweet Pop. "I'm thinking of a
huge maze built in the meadow out of hay bales; at each intersection, a question will be asked. If
the pony answers correctly, she will be directed along a safe path. If, however, she answers
incorrectly, she will be directed onto a path that deadends in a dark, haunted room."
"Sounds to me like wrong answers would be the most fun," giggled Hippity Hop as
she refilled her mug of cider.
"Depends on your idea of ‘fun,' of course," admitted Sweet Pop, "but the first pony
to successfully get through the maze would be the winner."
"Of what?" asked Confetti.
"Hmmm, I don't know. It would have to be something really special," said Sweet
Pop thoughtfully.
"How about a dozen caramel apples?" asked Sweet Tooth as she nibbled on the last
caramel apple in the kitchen.
"Not everyone likes food as much as you do, Sweet Tooth," griped Confetti. "I say
the prize should be something athletic, like season tickets to the Ponyland Pigskins football
games."
"Or how about a free style and perm at the Perm Shoppe?" asked Star Gleamer.
"We all like that."
"What about the guys?" wondered Best Wishes.
"Okay," said Sweet Pop. "We could offer the winner a choice: either tickets to the
Pigskins or a visit to the Perm Shoppe."
"Sounds good to me!" declared Wave Runner. "I need to do something with this
sun-bleached mane of mine. Think I can win?"
"No, because I'll win," grinned Tossles.
"Hey, what kind of questions will we have to answer; if you make them hard
enough for
Windwhistler, I'll never stand a chance," groaned Yum Yum.
"I can't reveal that information," stated Sweet Pop. "However, I'll only include
questions that are fair to all ponies."
Just then, Sweet Tooth yawned. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready
to call it a day."
Hippity Hop looked at the clock. "Yikes, it is late and I have to be up early to help
Bouncy pick pumpkins," she exclaimed. "Good night, all!"
* * *
The party was set-up and all preparations were made. The Paradise Estate had
taken on the appearance of a dank and dreary dungeon. Spider webs and spiders were draped
with careless abandon over every nook and cranny. Candlelight was the only source of
illumination, giving a ghostly aura to the entire scene. In the spirit of the season, Reeka and
Draggle had agreed to serve the party refreshments to the ponies.
In the meadow outside of the estate, Sweet Pop had constructed a huge hay-bale
maze with the help of the Grundles. Only she and they knew the directions on how to
successfully navigate through the tangle of lanes.
At each intersection within the maze stood a Grundle ready to ask a question of any
pony who reached his or her station. A correct answer would receive the correct directions; an
incorrect answer would receive directions to........well, let's just say it wasn't a pretty sight.
As more and more ponies showed-up to party, Paradise Estate filled with sounds of
laughter, conversation, and music. In addition, eerie sounds were being heard in every part of the
estate, thanks to the loudspeaker system and CD of spooky noises which Swinger had assembled
just for the party.
Sweet Pop seemed to be everywhere, making sure everyone was happy and well-fed.
"More spiced cider?" she asked Cherry Treats. "Try a pumpkin bar," she urged Lemon
Treats. "Move those chairs over there so ponies can dance," she directed 4-Speed. "Oh,
Windwhistler, welcome to the party!"
Windwhistler's first concern was the safety of Paradise Estate with all the candles
burning. "Are you sure it's safe to have so many candles lit with all the ponies around?" she
worriedly asked.
"We're covered!" Sweet Pop explained. "After the Bushwoolies bad experience at
Spike's birthday party, they volunteered to be fire guards. Each Bushwoolie is patroling the
estate grounds with a fire extinguisher in hand; Chief was able to pull a deal for us. In addition,
Edgar is standing by at the pool."
"That is a wise precaution," Windwhistler said. "We do not want to endanger
anyone."
At that moment, Reeka approached Windwhistler with a refreshment tray. As
Windwhistler chose her cider and pretzels, Confetti commented to Sweet Pop about the hay bales.
"I hope they're not on the menu for tonight!" she quipped.
"That certainly would not supply us with a well-rounded supply of carbohydrates,
protein, and vitamins," Windwhistler stated. "In fact, hay would be mostly roughage, which is
beneficial but only in a well-rounded diet."
Fortunately for Windwhistler Draggle happened to trip over a Bushwoolie at that
moment and the resulting confusion as the tray and its contents splattered across the room
covered the true source of the ponies merriment. In a dark, webby corner Tossels whispered to
Bouncy, "I told you so!"
* * *
Suddenly a frightening scream pierced the jovial sounds of the festivities. Every
pony looked around for the source of the horrifying wail that raised the hair on their manes. In
the ensuing stillness, Sweet Tooth raised her voice, "Sorry if we frightened you, but we figured it
was the only way to get your complete attention. Thanks, Sea Breeze, for that petrifying
scream."
All the ponies applauded as Sea Breeze took a bow. Sweet Pop continued, "It's
time for the Maze Craze. Anyone who wants to try their hoof at conquering the maze should
report to the meadow now. The path to the entrance of the maze is lit with torches; once you're
inside, you'll each need a flashlight to see. Barnacle will be handing them out when you get there.
When you reach a Grundle, he or she will ask you a question and your answer will determine your
path. Good luck, and may the best pony win!"
With a shout and high spirits, the ponies headed to the maze in the meadow.
Seashell nervously wondered if she dared to go into the dark, ominous maze. By the time she
arrived, she'd convinced herself to sit this one out. Windwhistler volunteered to keep her
company, but Seashell told her to go ahead; she'd wait with Barnacle.
One by one, the ponies entered the intimidating tunnel of hay. "Can you imagine
eating this stuff?" Hippity Hop commented as she disappeared into the darkness. To Seashell, it
seemed as if a giant mouth was swallowing each of her friends in turn. As Windwhistler entered,
she turned to Seashell and winked; "See you later," she called. And she disappeared within.
* * *
As Seashell, Barnacle, Sugarberry, Snuzzle, and Sundance waited in the flickering
light of the blazing torches, they could hear paralyzing screams intermittently from within the hay
maze. "I made the right decision," quivered Seashell. The rest agreed with her.
Just then a deep-voiced whinny from within the maze was heard to exclaim, "I hate
snakes!" Everyone stepped back further from the prickly hay bales. "Sounds like Slugger met his
match," laughed Barnacle.
More time passed as the ponies exchanged stories of their spookiest memories.
Seashell was beginning to look nervously left and right. Just then, an excited, happy sound filled
the air. "Windwhistler! Windwhistler! You made it through the maze!" Sweet Pop had been
waiting at the exit, and her voice carried the news of the winner to the waiting ponies.
Barnacle called into the maze to the nearest Grundle to pass the word that a winner
had made it. The other participants who had failed in their attempt could be released from their
waiting area.
Tossles was the first pony to reappear. "It was gross in there--spiders, snakes,
ghosts, lizards, all kinds of yucky things. It was SUPER!" she chattered.
"Wait until I get my hands on the pony who put snakes in there," declared Slugger.
"I'll show no mercy!"
"Sorry, Slugger," giggled Sweet Pop as she and Windwhistler joined the rowdy
group. "But they were only plastic."
"A snake is a snake," grunted Slugger. "My worst nightmare is being trapped in a
snake pit, and this was as close as I hope I ever get to that reality."
Confetti was still trembling. "Someone stuck a bat in my mane; and, see, it's still
there!" She closed her eyes as Best Wishes carefully removed the black plastic bat.
Cherry Treats looked mischievously at Sweet Pop. "You may have only put plastic
snaked in there, but a few local residents decided to join the party." She held out a wriggly
four-foot long garter snake.
Slugger and Seashell and some of the others immediately headed to Paradise Estate.
Sea Breeze and Hippity Hop took the startled snake from Cherry Treats and returned him gently
to a quieter spot in the meadow. Then everyone trailed off to join the continuing festivities at
Paradise Estate.
Sweet Pop led Windwhistler to a raised platform near the doorway and as
Windwhistler stepped up, every pony, Grundle, Bushwookie and even Reeka and Draggle cheered
for her success in defeating the Hay Maze; Sweet Pop proudly presented her with her prize and
everyone burst out singing, "For she's a jolly good pony." Windwhistler blushed.
"Speech! Speech!" called out Wigwam.
As the room quieted down, Windwhistler thanked everyone for making her evening
so much fun, and for making her think so hard. When she was finished, Tossles, Confetti, and
Bouncy showered her with streamers and popcorn. Windwhistler had never looked
happier.
Sweet Pop stood back and sighed contentedly. It had been a lot of work but her
plan had been successful. Windwhistler had truly enjoyed the party and everyone was happy to
have Windwhistler join the festivities. "Yes," she thought contentedly, "it certainly was worth
it!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOW PONY FANS: How would you have fared in the Hay Maze? Would you have
equaled Windwhistler's performance? Here's your chance to find out.
Sweet Pop chose riddles for the Grundles to ask the ponies to solve. Each riddle is
listed below; can you solve them? They came from a book that Miss Hackney has every one of
her students read. If you were a good student, the riddles should be easy. If not, they might
prove tough. Good luck!
Let us know how you do on these; we'll post the results next time.
Riddle #1: What has roots as nobody sees,
Is taller than trees,
Up, up it goes,
And yet never grows?
Riddle #2: Thirty white horses on a red hill,
First they champ,
Then they stamp,
Then they stand still.
Riddle #3: Voiceless it cries,
Wingless flutters,
Toothless bites,
Mouthless mutters.
Riddle #4: An eye in a blue face
Saw an eye in a green face.
"That eye is like to this eye"
Said the first eye,
"But in low place,
Not in high place."
Riddle #5: It cannot be seen, cannot be felt,
Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt.
It lies behind stars and under hills,
And empty holes it fills.
It comes first and follows after,
Ends life, kills laughter.
Riddle #6: A box without hinges, key, or lid,
Yet golden treasure inside is hid.
Riddle #7: Alive without breath,
As cold as death;
Never thirsty, ever drinking,
All in mail never clinking.
Riddle #8: This thing all things devours:
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays king, ruins town,
And beats high mountain down.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Web Pages for Ponies
by Tabby
A class for making web pages will be held at Pony Pride University each
Wednesday night in October. The basics of web page development will be taught. Some
computer experience is preferred. A charge of $20 can be paid at the first class.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A grooming tip from Sailor Scorpio/Seashell: I've found that Barbie curlers are just the
right size for forelocks. Also, be sure to let curly hair dry totally before combing through after a
bath.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Big Night
by Magic
"One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four!" Buttons projected across the stage.
Some of the babies were huffing and puffing and looked out of zip. Maybe that's enough for
now, she thought to herself. "All right, little ponies! Time to take a break! You all did great!"
She watched as, one by one, the little ones fell to the floor gasping for air.
"That long workout, Buttons," breathed Baby Heart Throb.
"I know, but we need more practice. The recital is tomorrow night," the teacher
told her.
"Is that all for today? Please?" whined Baby Lickety Split. Buttons looked around
at all those pleading faces and sighed.
"Oh, okay. But... this evening I want to see each of you perform your dance one
more time."
"Okay, Buttons. Bye!" they all cried back.
Buttons smiled to herself. Maybe I did work them a little too hard today, but
the way they're running, you'd think they just got up from a nap. Then she noticed one little
baby who hadn't run off with the others. A small yellow pegasus was twirling and leaping in one
corner of the stage all by herself.
"Baby Lofty, you can go play now," she told her softly.
"That's okay, Buttons. I'm practicing. Can I show you my dance now?" she
looked questionably into Button's eyes.
"Baby Lofty, you need your rest. Why don't you take a nap so you'll have lots of
energy for tonight?"
The baby thought about this for a while, and then said, "Okay, Buttons. I'll go take
a nap. Bye!"
Satisfied, Buttons spun and pranced her way backstage to work on the backdrops
for the recital.
* * *
That evening, the baby ballerinas were enjoying themselves perfecting their dances
in the cool air. They now were overflowing with energy and bouncing all over the place.
Buttons' eight students seemed to double before her eyes.
"Great, Half Note! Just work on that last turn and you'll be all set. Who's
next?"
"Me, Buttons," Baby Lofty squeaked. She came up and nodded her head in front of
her teacher. All of a sudden, her body swerved and she spun on her toes quickly many times to
end up in a corner. There she jumped three times and then stopped.
"What's wrong, Baby Lofty?" asked her teacher worriedly.
"I, I forget what's next," she replied sheepishly.
"Here, Lofty. Why don't you go and practice some more. You can use that sheet
to memorize your moves. Then when you're ready, you can show me again," Buttons
smiled.
"Okay."
Baby Lofty went in the practice room of the school and began her routine again...
and again... and again. The sky outside had grown darker and almost all the other babies had
already left. Soon only Baby Heart Throb and Baby Lofty were still there.
"Baby Lofty, are you going to show me your dance again?"
"I'm not ready yet, Buttons!" the pegasus baby yelled back.
"It's getting late!"
"Hey, Lofty, can't you remember your dance like everyone else?" Baby Heart
Throb teased her.
"I... I'm getting better. See!" And Baby Lofty twirled and jumped and did almost
her whole dance perfectly.
"Show off," mumbled Baby Heart Throb. Lofty winced.
* * *
Buttons saw Baby Heart Throb approach. "Good night, Heart Throb," she said.
"Where's Lofty?"
"Oh, she left already. She went out the side door."
"Okay, just making sure. See you tomorrow."
After Heart Throb left, Buttons closed up the Baby Bonnet School of Dance.
Lofty was probably just too embarrassed to try again.
It was in the very middle of the night when she stopped for a break.
"Buttons, you wanna see my dance now?" she called out. "Buttons?" she started
running around the school and was about to run outside when she saw the wall. "Oh, no!" she
cried. She started beating on the door and yelled, "Help, Buttons!"
When she had exhausted herself, she slumped down against the wall and started
crying. She thought she saw shadows moving towards her and she heard strange noises. Then
she started to hum to herself the song that accompanied her performance tomorrow, and pretty
soon she found herself dancing. She went through her dance and then flopped onto the floor and
fell asleep.
That morning, Buttons was surprised to see a sound asleep Baby Lofty in the
practice room of the ballet school.
"Baby Lofty!"
"Wha... Buttons?"
"Baby Heart Throb!" Buttons fumed. "You lied to me!"
"I'm, I'm sorry Buttons," she whispered.
"But why did you do it?"
"I was mad at her..."
"That's no excuse. Now I want you to apologize when you're good and ready and
you better mean it. It was a very cruel thing to do." Buttons turned to Baby Lofty. "Are you
okay?"
"I'm fine, Buttons... and I think I'm ready for the recital now," she smiled.
That evening, the lights were on and the music was playing. All of the ballet
students' parents were watching the recital and eagerly awaiting the time when their child would
be on.
All too soon, it was Baby Lofty's turn. She felt herself being pushed through the
curtain and watched Buttons, waiting for her nod. She vaguely remembered seeing Buttons' head
bob and heard her music and began to dance. Her flowing yellow mane and tail glistened in the
spotlights and her hooves were swift and graceful as she lost her stage fright instantly and only
thought of the beautiful music surrounding her. She didn't even need to concentrate on her
moves, it seemed to come naturally.
She was surprised when she ended and heard the crowd erupt with cheers. She
bowed gracefully and smiled when she heard her mother cheering the loudest; her eyes glowed
with happiness.
Well, at least there was something good about Heart Throb's trick, she
thought
to herself as she pranced off the stage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Discussion
by Tabby
The monthly book discussion group will meet Monday evening at Ponyland Public
Library. The selected book to be discussed is The Pony in the Iron Mask. For those interested in
getting an early start on next month's book, November's selection will be Fizzy in Wonderland.
Streaky will be the discussion moderator. New members are invited to attend.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SURVEY
How many My Little Ponies do you have in your collection? E-mail Tabby at
TabbyMLP@aol.com. The results will be in the next issue of MLP Monthly!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PONY OF THE MONTH
Magic Star
(yellow rearing So Soft earth pony with green hair and wand on
rump)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I Wish I May
by Tabby
Magic Star was shopping at the mall with Taffy.
"So what did you have to tell me?" Taffy asked Magic Star.
Magic Star answered, "I got asked to be one of the chaperones at the Dark Forest
High School Homecoming this year. I'm so excited!"
"Well, congratulations!" exclaimed Taffy. "You'll definitely need a new outfit.
Let's go look for something!"
"Oh, you're right! I will need something new to wear! Let's go!" Magic Star said
excitedly.
The two ponies rushed off to Dream Valley Fashions, the best clothing store
around. When they got there, Magic Star stared at a display in the window.
"Just look at it! Wouldn't it be absolutely perfect?" Magic Star sighed
dreamily.
Taffy had to agree with her; it was a set with black velvet pants, red silk blouse, and
a jacquard vest.
Magic Star excitedly said, "Come on! I have to find out the price!"
She ran inside the store to check the price. When she saw it, she gasped. "Seventy-five
dollars!" Magic Star told Taffy. "And I only have fifty!"
"It's too bad," Taffy said sympathetically. "But maybe you'll get more money
before the Homecoming."
"I don't think so," Magic Star said gloomily. "I might as well just forget about
it."
"We can at least see what else they have," Taffy suggested. "Maybe you'll see
something you like for less money."
So they looked at everything in the store but Magic Star didn't see anything she
liked.
Magic Star said, "Let's go back home. Maybe they'll have something new another
day."
* * *
That night, Magic Star was taking a stroll outside. She looked up into the dark sky
and saw a bright star twinkling. "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I
wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight," she said while watching the star. Then she silently
wished for the outfit at Dream Valley Fashions. She turned and walked back to her room for the
night.
* * *
The next morning Magic Star ran into Speedy outside the Perm Shoppe.
"Oh! Magic Star!" Speedy exclaimed. "I just heard you're going to be a chaperone
at the Homecoming!"
Magic Star said, "I just can't wait!" and then frowned when she suddenly
remembered the outfit she wanted.
"What's wrong?" asked Speedy, curiously.
"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking of an outfit I want for Homecoming, but I can't
afford it," Magic Star explained.
"That's so sad!" Speedy said. "But, you never know what will happen before
then!"
"I guess," said Magic Star, forcing a smile. "Hey, what are you doing
today?"
"After I get my hair done, I was planning on going over to the mall," Speedy
answered. "Want to come with me?"
Even though she didn't want to go to the mall again, Magic Star said, "Sure!" to
Speedy's invitation. After Speedy was done at the Perm Shoppe, they walked over to the
mall.
"It's air-conditioned in here, at least!" Speedy exclaimed. "It was absolutely boiling
outside."
But Magic Star had already wandered over to Dream Valley Fashions and was
staring at the outfit displayed in the window.
"I'll go over to the bookstore, then," said Speedy to herself. "Hopefully Magic Star
will be done over there when I come out."
Speedy browsed through all the books and finally picked one out. After she'd
payed for it, she went looking for Magic Star. She was still looking at the outfit.
"Magic Star!" Speedy said. "While you were drooling over that outfit, I got done
at the bookstore!"
"That's great!" said Magic Star. "Where do you want to go next?"
"You pick," Speedy answered.
"Okay, let's get some ice cream then!" Magic Star exclaimed.
So Speedy and Magic Star walked over to the ice cream shop and each ordered an
ice cream. When they were done, they walked throught the mall again.
When they went past Dream Valley Fashions, Magic Star exclaimed, "Oh, no!
Look! Somebody else must have bought my outfit!"
She was right; the store window was now empty. Magic Star walked home looking
gloomy. When she got to Paradise Estate, she met Mimic, Gusty, and Tabby around the
pool.
"You're just in time," Gusty called to Magic Star, "to see Mimic dive for us!"
So Magic Star sat down with Gusty and Tabby. After Mimic dived, she dared
Tabby to do it.
Tabby went out on the diving board but before she could jump into the water, she
fell off the board. Magic Star turned to tell them that she was going up to her room, but they
were already busy splashing each other.
Magic Star wandered up to her room and when she opened her door, she gasped.
Sitting on her bed was the black and red outfit from the mall! She rushed over to it and saw that
there was a note on top of the outfit. But when she picked it up and unfolded it, she found it was
only the receipt.
Magic Star then ran back down to the pool to tell her friends.
"Why're you back?" asked Gusty.
"Did you miss us?" chimed in Tabby.
Magic Star just thrust the receipt she'd gotten with the outfit at them.
After looking at it, Mimic exclaimed, "Wow, Magic! So what came with
this?"
Magic Star explained, "An outfit from the mall I really wanted for
Homecoming!"
"I wonder who sent it," mused Gusty.
"Can we see the outfit?" asked Tabby.
"Of course!" said Magic Star. So they all went up to her room.
Mimic went over to the outfit and picked it up. "It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.
"But I wonder why whoever did it left the receipt?"
"Yeah! That's hilarious!" giggled Gusty.
"I'm dying to know how it got here, and from whom," frowned Magic Star. "Did
you guys see anybody?"
Tabby, Gusty, and Mimic thought carefully. "Hmmm, I saw the mailman go, but
he only delivered some letters," said Tabby.
"Oh, yeah, I saw Taffy cut through the kitchen, but she seemed to be in a hurry, so I
didn't speak to her," remembered Mimic.
"Taffy!" yelped Magic Star. "That's it! She was with me when I first fell in love
with that outfit."
"It makes sense then," agreed Gusty, "but where would Taffy get that kind of
money?"
"Good question," said Magic Star. "Let's go ask her."