When I visit schools I take with me a number of 'props'. One is a necklace that I wear most of the time anyway, a silver bottle with red stones. At some point in the day a child will ask me, "what is in the bottle, please?"
My reply is to ask what they think is it it before I reply. This is a test, though not of the usual kind. There is no wrong answer, and my answer is always different.
Once it held kisses my children had poured in when I was going away to work for a few days, so that if I was lonely away from them, if I missed them, I could un-stopper the bottle and let out the small flutters of kisses. ( And what does a kiss look like, miss?)
Once it held the 6 o'clock misty morning air of a Venetian square.
So, my question to you is, what is in the bottle.
It is a competition.
There will be a prize, which will include an (elaborately) signed copy of The Cat and the Fiddle.
Post your comment below or leave a comment with a link to your blog and write a blog post about what is inside ( don't forget to link to the specific blog post).
I will decide the winner as I choose, depending on the post that I like the most, be it short, long or visual.
Please spread the word about the competition by blogging with links, on facebook and stumble, tumble twitter diggit etc.
Let your imagination guide you, and your wishes and desires.
( Will decide on September 8th- and link back to this posting)
( Will decide on September 8th- and link back to this posting)
truth.
ReplyDeleteIt contains the light from the shining brow of Taliesin to guide you to inspiration.
ReplyDelete"Owl whispers, children's laughter and seaspray from Achill, all mixed by a dragonfly's wings"
ReplyDeleteThis is my answer have posted it on my blog http://pushkasmarbles.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-is-in-bottle.html
I think your beautiful bottle could contain the essence of a warm Autumn day, (my favourite season!), captured while walking through meadows and woodland lit by misty,dappled, golden sunlight and smelling warm and rich and ripe, like only autumn can!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea! I'll have to get me one of those bottles...
xx Jenny
Jackie-my precious bottle holds the fluorescence of a thousand fire flies which would light my way to a safe and loving haven away from life's dark side......
ReplyDeleteCould there be a tiny genie in your magic bottle Jackie?
ReplyDeleteOne that will grant you your most longed for 3 wishes?
With a bottle like that anything is possible but you must be very careful with what you wish for as genies are known to be tricky beings...
I wonder what would you wish for....
long love?
good fortune?
big adventure?
bright inspiration?
Thank you for this chance to dream & Fairfarren!
It's clearly an Journey Spell. When you open it there are what look like tiny mixed seeds of every colour you can imagine. To activate the spell, you must find a special place where no one can see you, you must carefully unscrew the cap and gently tip some seeds into the air above your head. The seeds float like dust in a beam of sunlight in an attic, as you watch they spring tiny dandelion clock parachutes and pilot themselves down in swirling arcs to the ground. This bit is very important: you must be very quiet and stand very, very still. If you are lucky, the seeds will softly take root and then grow before your eyes into a carnival of the most fantastic creatues and characters you've ever seen. All will be well, you must screw the cap back on the bottle and your Journey will begin.
ReplyDeleteRe: what is in the bottle? It's sunshine for a rainy day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful competition: here is my entry
ReplyDeletehttp://chestofdelights.blogspot.com/2011/06/mystery-puzzlement-and-wondrous-prize.html
I am not sure if I have done that right.
Thank you Jackie, it got the creative juices going.
Dragon's Tears!
ReplyDeleteThe bottle must first be lightly stroked with a ginger cat's whisker on a new moon night, then sweetly serenaded with the mermaids song of Light and Longing before it can even be cajoled to open!
ReplyDeleteOnce it opens, a sweet fragrance drifts around and around you in a silvery mist, swirling faster and faster. Before everything is clouded in confusion, you must spin anitclockwise with your arms wide, wildly singing the Winds Song of Power and Persuasion, until the mist clears
You will then notice a honey like substance seeping from the bottle. This you must sip and savor and fill your mind with every image of light you have ever seen or imagined until the honey like essence infuses you and you the essence. Then and only then will you know the secret of what the bottle actually contains, but ah, that is another story.......
What is in the bottle?
ReplyDeleteIt is filled with words of kindness, encouragement, love and laughter. It is bulging with words packed in so tightly. Once uncapped, the words pour out in a golden stream, wrapping themselves around you in a huge colourful blanket of love, conveying their power of renew and energy just when you need it. Then the blanket will whisk you away to a special place where harmony and happiness are restored within you. Bliss…if only I owned that little bottle or maybe it could be hired out in times of need.
What a delightful way to be distracted from work on a Thursday morning. Thank you! Moira
I have added my anwer and link at the end of my last blog on Productivity and creativity. Pop over and join me!
http://dandelion-dreamer.blogspot.com/2011/06/creativity-or-productivity.html
Precious Dreams that have yet to come true
ReplyDeletewhen i first read your post, i misread "kisses from my children" as "kisses from my childhood." i thought this was so poetic... and so that is my answer.
ReplyDeletewhen you were a child, you filled it with kisses, giggles, whispers, dreams, and wonderment. so that now, when you open the bottle, you are reminded of who you are, full of joy and love, dirty hands, and magic; a never-ending source of refreshment and inspiration in adulthood.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://eastofthesunart.blogspot.com/2011/06/whats-in-bottle.html
ReplyDeleteFrom Julie, who couldn't post hers because blogger was being difficult.
This tiniest bottle,
ReplyDeleteshining as if crowned with the stars.
It holds to its heart the source of us all;
the whispering wishes of the midnight forest,
the gleam of the moon in the eye of the hare,
the sigh of the tide on the solstice shore,
the deep love from the earth for all who care…….
The bottle contains the essence of love from all your family and friends. It is like a small piece of everyone's love and joy. You carry it with you to remind you that you are loved and that you love. This makes you feel whole, content and of full-heart.
ReplyDeleteFrom Nancy in SFL:
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely! I've heard of this bottle, but never seen its like. A baby opossum told me about them, while I was feeding it a blueberry. It grasped the berry very firmly in its minuscule pink hands, got quite a serious expression on its little slanty face, and whispered to me in its sneezy baby opossum voice.
The bottle holds stories, whispered by various beings: cats, tiny dragons, baby opossums, and the voyaging spirits of bears. The red stone shows that the stories are within: safe, treasured, and loved. You can uncap the bottle, or even just hold it, and whisper in a story or a secret, and know that it will be safe. Once in the bottle, the stories like to grow and change and develop little spirits of their own.
Sometimes a story has grown wings and wants to come out. You can hear a teeny scritching sound like butterflies walking, or like an idea in the back of your head that won't come into focus. Uncap the bottle, and a story will fly out and find a new home ... it may fly out the window, or it may settle into your brush or pen or book.
If the last story ever leaves, the gem will turn to jet, the bottle's chain will break, and the magic will be gone. Wouldn't that be sad? Perhaps you'd like to whisper a story to the bottle right now...
From Nancy in SFL:
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely! I've heard of this bottle, but never seen its like. A baby opossum told me about them, while I was feeding it a blueberry. It grasped the berry very firmly in its minuscule pink hands, got quite a serious expression on its little slanty face, and whispered to me in its sneezy baby opossum voice.
The bottle holds stories, whispered by various beings: cats, tiny dragons, baby opossums, and the voyaging spirits of bears. The red stone shows that the stories are within: safe, treasured, and loved. You can uncap the bottle, or even just hold it, and whisper in a story or a secret, and know that it will be safe. Once in the bottle, the stories like to grow and change and develop little spirits of their own.
Sometimes a story has grown wings and wants to come out. You can hear a teeny scritching sound like butterflies walking, or like an idea in the back of your head that won't come into focus. Uncap the bottle, and a story will fly out and find a new home ... it may fly out the window, or it may settle into your brush or pen or book.
If the last story ever leaves, the gem will turn to jet, the bottle's chain will break, and the magic will be gone. Wouldn't that be sad? Perhaps you'd like to whisper a story to the bottle right now...
Id love to do this how long do we have Jackie? Online time is very limited this week.
ReplyDeleteI think in your bottle there is a tiny firework. When it explodes you will be taken back in time when the fields were blue and when the sea was red. When tiny dragons would bounce up and down on balloon flowers, and when herds of wild unicorns would race on the sandy, dazzling green beaches with stars in their eyes. When trolls were happy - never in a temper. When dandelions were so big you could parachute off with a dock tied to your back. When the snail was the fastest thing ever to be known on the earths crust. When lava was honey, and trees were toffee apples! Thats what I think is inside your bottle. by my daughter, Helena (age 10)
ReplyDeletePure, clear Welsh air to remind you of home when you are off travelling in foreign parts.
ReplyDeleteA traveller's precious treasure. For to touch the Garnet with intent will rouse the protection which lies deep in the darkness within. She will walk behind you and keep you safe under her misty mantle until all threat has passed. Your journey will be safe.
ReplyDeleteDear Jackie -
ReplyDeleteI picked up the gauntlet and passed it on...
http://dulverton.blogspot.com
Hope others are inspired.
in the silver bottle are sweet kisses from the ghost cat...the sounds of kiffer playing, of marthas' catsmiles & song, & of maurice...walking beside you...to comfort & bring a smile, whenever you have the need.
ReplyDeleteUntil October 4th I think. Maybe September.
ReplyDeleteOnly a simple thing, but very important. My bottle contains
ReplyDeleteHope
This bottle holds the essence of those closest to you, and can only be revealed when one is very quiet and still. Look and listen carefully for - the tiniest vibrato purr of every cat who has snuggled into you, contented sighs of children hugging you close, the softest papery swish of all the magical creatures brushed onto the page in front of you - look very carefully when you open the bottle you'll catch the faintest jewelled wil 'o' whisp of colour, swirling, gently encircling you - can you feel your skin tingling? Take a deep breath before you close the bottle, and...there! The magic returns, refreshed and ready to tumble forth in another fantastical incarnation!
ReplyDeleteMy 80 year old rabbit Strawberry lives in the bottle. She is a widow. She lives on 38east 70th Upper East Side NY CITY.
ReplyDeleteA cloud fragment, placed there by an angel.
ReplyDeleteTime - the most precious thing that is the most often wasted.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie,
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful fantastical answers in your comments! I've put mine in a blog post here...
http://wordhoards.blogspot.com/2011/06/totems-talismans-and-challenge.html
Though I'm afraid it turned out to be rather long winded!
Tomorrow I will ask my children what they think is in the bottle and let you know!
Carrie... :)
I'd say it's a solid object and is perhaps full of metal... it may even be glued shut!
ReplyDeleteYour bottle is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIn it I would have sounds of nature which would pour out when I opened the stopper, and would blot out all sounds of car, siren, humming refrigerator and computer, and all I would hear would be the wind, rustling leaves, perhaps waves in the distance, and birdsong.
It undoubtedly contains a purr from Maurice, deep and rumbling, with a hint of ginger spice.
ReplyDeletePosting this, from John Ward, who sent via email as Blogger would not allow hime to post:
ReplyDelete...is another world, and in that world another bottle - giving rise to
the speculation that our world too is contained in a bottle slung round
someone's neck...
A baby's sleeping breath and a kitten's purr suspended in the clear early morning air of a summer's day.
ReplyDeleteI think the bottle contains whispers of all the old cats that have come and gone from this life and their secrets and stories....xxx
ReplyDeleteDepending where you are your little bottle contains whatever sound/smell your heart desires at the time you open it. If you're away from home it may emit the sound of the cats purring, the smell of the hills after rain or on a crisp morning or thesound of the dogs panting. When at home between travelling the smell of the meal you most enjoyed while touring could waft out, the scent of a perfume may bring visions of a place you'd like to visit again, or the sound of a child laughing coming from your bottle could bring enjoyment of something shared.
ReplyDeleteA little bottle of memories of where you've been to remind you what you like about life and of things to be grateful for.
Your magical vessel holds the first exhaled breath of a newborn babe.
ReplyDeletehere's my entry.. Ive posted its on my blog here...
ReplyDeletehttp://somersetseasons.blogspot.com/2011/06/whats-in-bottle.html
Leanne x
Grease for the cold spring in her leg iron, for without it the joint would stutter and seize, sending hot humours to her heart, which could crack asunder like splint glass in a trice ,and then where would we be?
ReplyDeleteIt's the thousands of memories of cats like Kiffer and Maurice now gone but never forgotten. It's the purrs, the paws, the stars and whiskers, the light and the dark on ginger and white fur. It's the Storm-cat, the Wind-cat, the basking in the garden cat and all the cats in-between and beyond.
ReplyDelete,...the sweet, whispery song that the running hare sang as she skittered over the moonlight bathed hills that night so long ago,...
ReplyDeletethe Dorset Hare
Hi Jackie, heres what my girls thought...
ReplyDeleteElora aged 7 said... "There's stars in the bottle. When you open it night comes out and its really starry night and you turn into an owl and fly around in it. When you close the bottle it is day again and you turn back."
Elswyth aged 4 said... "Flowers, pink and purple ones" and when you open the bottle? "they smell nice"
(Straight forward and to the point there Elswyth!)
Hello Jackie
ReplyDeleteI have posted my thoughts on my blog, Meadow, Grove and Stream at:
http://setantii.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/a-quest/
The bottle contains instinct. It is also known as inner voice, or soul. Instinct is a very powerful substance because it uncovers your real self and shows you how to be true to that self, not just in art but in life. Everyone has a bottle of instinct, but many of us keep it hidden. We bury it deep inside us when it points to a path that’s difficult to follow, when it leads to a journey of struggle and messiness to achieve our potential and to be authentic.
ReplyDeleteAnn
I'm so glad I was carried away by my own over-active imagination before I read everyone else's wonderful stories. Here are my thoughts, no more magical and faraway than the rest: http://freyalyn.livejournal.com/77904.html
ReplyDeleteThis one is from Deb o'Brian. Blogger wouldn't let her post so here is the link
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mycelticheart.blogspot.com/2011/06/tears-of-love.html
Such a small bottle for holding magic and courage, but most of all the light of hope.
ReplyDeleteI think it holds Maurice's love for you and your love for him. How I miss seeing that dear boy. I think of him often.
ReplyDeleteMother's broken heart
ReplyDeleteThe Galaxy
ReplyDeleteSome people are having trouble commenting on here. Blogger is a bad creature sometimes. Steve Lang from http://web.mac.com/sm.lang/Maildy/Home.html wanted to post this, couldn't, so I am doing it for him:
ReplyDeleteMany years ago a young boy could not speak. Other children laughed at him. All accept one little girl. She had long curly hair and a smile that could melt the hardest of hearts.
She held his hand and said, “I love you”.
“Will we be friends forever?” he asked.
A week later her parents moved away taking the little girl with them. Before she left she gave the boy something, something very special.
She spoke softly.
“This is for you”.
“This bottle contains the very first moment you stopped feeling sad and alone. I caught it when we first kissed. Whenever you feel lost open the bottle and let a little of the essence out and you will not feel lost or alone anymore”.
Thanks Steve. Cheered me on a rain wild day.
What it contains ....the scent of gorse wafting on sea breezes, the glint of sunlight on the sea far below, the cry of dragons as they circle Carn Llidi.....
ReplyDeleteWhat it doesn't contain .... hot baked bodies crammed on the beach, the stink of petrol fumes in traffic jams, flip-flopped shorts-wearing holiday snap takers in the middle of every street...
It is empty. It is waiting to be filled with imagination.
ReplyDeleteThe essence of a rainbow.
ReplyDeleteI had to do this - it may not be quite what you had in mind but there it is: http://mrsbung.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/the-bottle-of-yearning/
ReplyDeleteSoft little kitten kisses, that feel like the tiny whispers of their whiskers as they tickle your face, and create the warmest glow of a smile as it crosses your face. Understanding, truth, and love.
ReplyDeleteThe peaceful feeling that you get at the end of a long tiring day when you are sitting at home with a purring cat on your knee. At times of stress you can open the bottle and feel the soft texture of its fur under your fingers and feel the vibration of its purr.
ReplyDeleteYour bottle contains so many things, the warm comforting purr of feline contentedness, cat kisses and warm fur, the crackling of the warm fire and the cosiness of a cat snuggled in, the scent on the breeze of a warm sunny day and the fresh bracing wind of a cool one. The scent of the sea and crashing waves and bark of the seals as they race across the shore. Comfort, warmth, peace, freshness and the call of the wild - all in one tiny container.
ReplyDeletePlease counld "anonymous' who posted the answer, 'truth' send me his or her address by email? my email is jackie@jackiemorris.co.uk
ReplyDeleteThe bottle contains a tiny piece torn from the continuum.............if you are very careful you can peer through the rip and understand everything there is to understand.......know everything that is worth knowing. It is a very important bottle.
ReplyDeletehope and joy
ReplyDeleteThis bottle holds your inner-most being, the whole essence of you. You only need to open this bottles the tiniest amount and you will be filled with mystical 'knowing', and from this you gain all your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteDelight
ReplyDeleteThe moon gazes down on the soft dew lit ground
While the stars shine their bright light each night
We sit and we listen to the wind as it whistles
Singing us it’s songs of delight.
In a hushed voice I whisper –
Does the moon smile and glitter
When I whistle my song with the wind
Do the stars flicker nightly, in time shining brightly
As we dance to the songs that we sing.
Each night do we sing, with the wind and a whistle
And each night do we dance for the moon.
Each night do the stars, shine their sparkle and twinkle
While we dance hand in hand singing tunes
I think it contains the first breath a new kitten in the household breaths onto your cheek as you pick him up and cuddle him.
ReplyDeleteA smelly brown potion of muddy water, squished leaves and berries, grit and soil & things unmentionable - just like the one my 7 year old son made for me (but in a little glass bottle).
ReplyDeleteI have posted my thoughts on farflungsky.blogspot.com - here's the link.
ReplyDeletehttp://farflungsky.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-is-in-bottle.html
The spray of the sea on your face and the freedom of the wind in your hair, warm sand underfoot and the smell of wet salty fur that speaks of loyalty and love.
ReplyDeleteIts filled with love x
ReplyDeleteDear Jackie,
ReplyDeletewhen I took a closer look at your little silver bottle, words and pictures rushed through my mind and after a while turned out like this (and please have some mercy on me, as I am a native speaker of german, only...I tried my very best, though):
What´s inside this bottle you keep asking me?
Come sit by my side and together we´ll see.
Put the tip of your finger on its silvery skin
Close your eyes, come to rest, send your mind wandering:
There´s a small dragon´s eyelash to wipe off your tears,
Two hyena teeth to crush all your fears,
A dewdrop and breadcrumb which wondrously feed
All creatures on earth, wherever, in need.
A butterfly´s wing, blue, purple and gold,
To sweep away lies as soon as they´re told.
A green spider´s web to catch every word
Of malice before it can even be heard.
And the spider itself, with its eyes shining bright,
Devouring those words with big appetite!
A sparkle of sunlight from a red squirrel`s fur
And the comfort that lies in the ginger cat´s purr
A Wensleydale`s forelock to wrap yourself in
When summer fades out and the cold times begin.
A snowflake to melt on the tip of your tongue
With your favourite flavours all assembled in one.
And not to forget the firefly´s light
To make out your friends in the dark of the night.
What did I forget? Let me think for a while…
…
Yes, you are right: A kiss and a smile!
All this is inside it, and I guess even more
Of memories and fancies and stories galore
All this holds the bottle, or won´t you agree?
For inside is all that your heart makes you see.
....................................
Have a nice week everybody,
take care,
Birgit
ovis-ridens.blogspot.com
wensleydale-longwool.blogspot.com
I think it would contain pixie dust, Since pixies are invisible so thier dust would be too. But this is magical pixie dust that can be sprinkled over a flower bed so that the holder of the bottle can see pixies as the tend to the garden.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great exercise in imagination and what great ideas I got from the other comments.I think I'll have to do a drawing of it. Thanks so much for sharing
Johnina :A
Thank you everyone for posting here. The winner for me came moments after I had posted the competition. A single word. Truth. So, afte a little detective work I tracked down the anonymous poster and will be sending the book and a few other things that I find lying around in my studio.
ReplyDeleteFor me what is in the bottle is all and everything that everyone has imagined. All and everything and whatever you want or need. Sometimes courage, sometimes love. Sometimes peace. You can tell a lot about people by what they say.
Often I am asked by grown ups what the bottle contains and I usualy answer by asking what they think might be in it. It is a test. But a test that you cannot fail.
And the more you put into the answer the more you get out.
So thank you.
There will be another competition very soon, so keep watching.