Cereal Killer

May 26, 2017 Bergamot

Developed by humans and I dare say with human consumption in mind, there is a most wonderful foodstuff that is the epitome of perfection to mice the world over. It’s called breakfast cereal. I must tell you that I have a soft spot for breakfast cereal. This most magnificent food is the ideal combination of nuts, grains, seeds and berries and is the go-to blend for any mouse in the know. Had you asked me a week ago which food I was most fond of (besides pancakes) I would have shouted “Cereal!” Today however, I believe I may have found a finer fare to feast upon…

.:!:..:!:..:!:..:!:.

The full version of this story is available in

'BERGAMOT, EARL OF GREY Volume 2: Farther Afield'

A Tail of Woe

September 3, 2016 Bergamot

As far as near death experiences go, I suppose I’ve had my fair share. I do not believe that I am reckless or foolhardy, yet I do tend to blunder through life in a very perilous fashion. Why, just this year I have narrowly escaped a kite malfunction; an insect harassment syndicate and most recently a number of harrowing bird attacks. Whilst the risk of death would appear to increase out-of-doors, it is by no means confined to plein air pursuits.

After last month's ‘Close Encounters of the Hitchcock Kind’, I solemnly vowed to stay indoors, at least for a few weeks and partake of some light studio work and maybe catch up on my reading.

Early Tuesday morning, the start of a most glorious day, Carrie said she was going outside to do a spot of gardening and agreed to leave me in charge of the studio. I happily pottered about finding plenty to keep me occupied, I sorted wayward beads, stacked paper offcuts and even wrestled with a USB cable. Very rewarding work.

Being a most diligent mouse, I finished my chores rather early and decided to stroll around the workshop admiring the backdrops and stage props Carrie was currently working on. One item in particular caught my eye, it was a miniature green scooter. I marvelled at its design and must have circumnavigated the machine at least three times before I felt a very unpleasant sensation.

.:!:..:!:..:!:..:!:.

The full version of this story is available in
'BERGAMOT, EARL OF GREY' VOLUME 1.

Hitchcockatoo

August 16, 2016 Bergamot

Midnight:
A most ghastly cry pierces the night. I lay in bed motionless, eyes wide, heart racing. What was that noise? Did I dream it? Yes, I must have. Nothing sounds like that. Maybe I’m still dreaming! Yes, that’s it, I’m still drea—

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehh”

.:!:..:!:..:!:..:!:.

The full version of this story is available in
'BERGAMOT, EARL OF GREY' VOLUME 1.

A Rant and a Ramble

May 19, 2016 Bergamot

This week I received a visit from my cousin, Lord Bramble. Bramble is not a real ‘Lord’ by the way! I feel I should point that out. You see, our family titles are simply acronyms for our various occupations and talents. Whilst I am an Earl (Environmental Appreciation of Rural Lands), Bramble is a Lord (Latent Obsessive Rambling Disorder). Simply put, he likes to wander.

We’ve been friends since childhood, where we spent many weekends foraging andexploring the woodland around our village. Rummaging through the densest undergrowth and the thickest hedgerows, we became quite skilled at sourcing sweet treats and Bramble had a real knack for finding the juiciest berries, however well concealed. It was on one of these jaunts that everything changed.