A Government (Replete with Stump Speeches) is Born

So many things have happened in the last two weeks.

Cleopatra, who had intended to stay in Kemet Ptolemy for only one week, extended her visit. In her second week with us she toured the Village site itself, taking note of the farms and personal properties.

The outcome of her visit, as found in a letter from her Divine Majesty, which arrived last week, was a stern request to put more attention into both ventures as well as a demand to complete the Mummification Temple. It appears that the Romans are restless and it is upon us, as with all such villages in Egypt, to provide ample grain to feed and sustain the legions of Roman soldiers.

Our Villagers have applied themselves to their personal properties and homes with renewed vigor...less so with the Village farms. Well, we'll see how that turns out.

Meanwhile, the Village economy is booming. Managers of the Bank, Trading Post and Accountants offices are completing their terms of employment and calling for fresh applicants; some employees are moving up, others are changing jobs altogether. With all this change in employment comes a fresh round of resumes being written and references to give and check - always an eye opening process.

The results of the recent government elections were recalled last week due to a hasty process and a questionable final tally. The second round was, I must say, awe inspiring. The day began with an open discussion on what a government was for and what sort of qualities one hoped for in an elected official. Following that all candidates were asked to deliver a short speech declaring their qualifications and why they would be a good choice. Some were nominated with either no speech prepared or chose not to speak for themselves. In these cases speeches were given by the nominators. In all cases the speeches were humble but bold, honest and delivered from the heart.

This was just one of the many times that I have wished that you parents could be a "fly on the wall". To hear these amazing young people acknowledge themselves and each other for such qualities as honesty, compassion, diplomacy, visionary thinking, and all the rest was beyond description. I walked away inspired that these are the ones to whom our future belongs.

Of course there was crafting, journalism, planning, building and all the rest as well - It was, in short, another great day in Village!

Yours in Village,
Cheryl, Carey, Paul and Julie

A Welcome Fit for a Queen

Queen Cleopatra  Surveys the Goings On of Kemet Ptolemy

Many weeks ago Her divine Majesty Cleopatra sent Roman spies to discover the truth about our humble Village. Had we honored our agreements , or not? She had bestowed upon us fertile land and funds for the establishment of a Village, we were to have planted crops to feed the Roman soldiers, built and dedicated temples in Her Glorious Name, and  honored the many Sacred rites and Rituals of the Great Egyptian Empire.

What the Roman spies discovered was that most, if not all, of the Villagers were following their own whims and fancies; opening private businesses, pursuing personal interests and in general, letting the Empire take care of its self in what ever manner happened along. Hearing this aroused Her Majesty's wrath and a Royal Visit was announced, along with a stern reminder of what was expected.

Although it's true that some were heard to scoff and exhibit disdain for agreements, Romans and Empresses, most of the Villagers launched themselves into furious action and, with only a few weeks to prepare, produced stunning results.

First came the Feast, which was spectacular. The finest foods from far and near were laid out in a tempting array  - everyone, Peeps and Gigantors alike, ate and ate and ate. All were satisfied and contented. After Feasting Cleopatra held Audience and was introduced to all of the Peeps who contributed to the establishment of the Village. Thanks to the Primary Class the Nile River, along with it's flora and fauna, were represented. In addition there was a Temple to Isis , a Mummification Compound, a Roman style bath house, a Shrine to Bastet, a Throne and, to top it all off, the finest house in the land was outfitted for Her Majesty's comfort and repose.

I am happy to report that Cleopatra was quite pleased and She surprised us all by announcing that She would be staying for a week or so more. Cleopatra was so tired from her long journey, the Feasting and the Audiences that she had to postpone touring the Village site itself. She has, therefore, yet to see the farms that have been planted or the home sites, nor has she seen the fine handicrafts of the Villagers, which are rumored to be of high quality. It is our hope that she is as pleased with these things as she seems to be about the Public buildings.

Yours in Village,

Cheryl, Carey, Paul and Julie

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