Grand Prize Story from Region 2:
By: Cathy W.
Figurine: Mischief Maker, Hum 342

Peter was frustrated as he trudged home from his trumpet lesson. He had taken lessons for four weeks and the only sound he was able to produce was a piercing noise that resembled the call of an elephant with a bad head cold.
"The other kids are playing songs," he thought as he kicked at a stone, "Why can't I get it right?" The other children laughed as he tried to play. His teacher cringed and suggested that the violin may be more to his liking.
He flopped on a fence by the road. As he moped, he felt a sharp pain on the back of his neck. "Ouch!" he cried, looking up. Sitting on a branch above him was a crow with an acorn in its beak. He apparently had just dropped one on Peter and was about to launch another. He eyed Peter mischievously. "I see I got your attention," he said. "Yes, you did Ð and stop that!" cried Peter.
"No," retorted the crow. "You're on my fence and I want you off."
"I don't see your name on it," said Peter..
"Maybe not, but I have more acorns and I'll throw them all at you if you don't leave."
On better days, Peter may have walked away, but he already was angry and was determined not to allow the crow to bully him. "I'm not moving," he stated, defiantly.
"Fine, you asked for it." The crow dropped his acorn on Peter and was about to pick up another when he saw something gleam in Peter's Hand.
"What's in your hands?" the crow asked.
"It's my trumpet," replied Peter.
"I love music, especially the Polka. I'll make you a deal. Play me a bouncy Polka, and I'll let you stay."
Peter didn't know what to do. He didn't know what a Polka was, much less how to play one, but this was his opportunity to stay put. "All right, I'll do it," he said as he nervously put the trumpet to his lips. He took a deep breath, waited a second, and then blew the loudest, most sour sick elephant wail that anyone ever heard.
He looked at the stunned crow. "Either you move, or I'll play some more."
"No!" shrieked the crow. "You win - just don't blow that thing again," and he flew away.
Peter grinned. "Sometimes," he thought, "doing something badly isn't so bad after all."

First Prize Story for Region 1:
By: Carol H.
Figurine: The Baker, Hum 128

Once upon a time, in a far away land, there lived a King in a huge castle. The castle had many rooms. The King's favorite room was the dining room. He had a very big table and a very big chair. The King loved to eat, but he was very unhappy. Even though there was always plenty of food, he longed for the "perfect dessert". He had the finest cooks in the land. They made fabulous meals but they could not make good desserts.

One day, the King decided he would have to seek out an extraordinary baker if he were ever to be happy again. He summoned his court and made an announcement. "Two days from now there will be a baking contest, and the winner will be known to all the land as my official baker and I will bestow many riches upon them.", said the King. The news traveled fast through out the kingdom and all the lands near and far.

As the day drew near, people scurried around their kitchens trying to create the "perfect dessert". When the day came, there were hundreds of men and women who lined up at the castle's gates. The King decided that he would be the one who would sample each creation. There were puddings, fancy cookies, cream pies, and cakes of all kinds. The King tasted each one and it took him all day and into the night, but not any of the desserts made him smile.

The King was getting very tired and he had given up all hope. Suddenly, he saw that there was a young boy at the end of the line holding a dessert. He called to the young boy to bring him the dessert that he had made. The King looked at it carefully. It was shape like a round pound cake with frosting. The King asked the young boy what was the name of his dessert. "Gugelhupf", the boy replied. The King took a small piece of the cake and put it in his mouth. Then he took another to be sure. Suddenly the King stood up and with a smile on his face, the King said, "This young boy has created the perfect dessert and from this day forward he will be known as my official baker."

The young boy was given an official's baker hat and apron, plus the many riches the King had promised. The boy was very happy because his family had been poor and they were rich. The King was very happy as well especially when it was "dessert time".

First Prize Story for Region 2:
By: Phyllis Ann A.
Figurine: Weary Wanderer, Hum 204

If I hadn't lost my pretty red sweater a few days ago, things wouldn't be so bad, but today I lost my shoe. Now I'm in big trouble. My tummy feels awfully sick when I think of what my mother will say; and what will father say?

It all began this afternoon on my way to Lauderbach where grandmom and grandpop live. It is just a short distance from our little town, so I can go to see them almost every day. I love to take flowers from our garden or some warm cookies I helped my mother bake. They are so happy when we make their favorite - lebkuchen! Sometimes our neighbor's puppy Gretchen runs alongside of me while I walk.

Today she was just full of mischief. When I sat down to shake a pebble from my shoe, that naughty puppy must have thought I wanted to play. She grabbed my shoe and ran like the wind. I tried my best to catch her, but I couldn't; the stones on the road hurt my foot, and she was so very fast. Before I could reach her she had scurried under a hedge and out of sight.

All I can do now is go back home and face the music. I'd better take my sock off - I wouldn't want a hole in it. Oh! There is mother in our garden. She lovers her flower garden and works in it every day. That is why it is so beautiful to look at. "Hello Mommy!" I said. "I have something I must tell you."

"Yes, dear," she said, "But first, here is your shoe. You must have dropped it in the daisy patch. Please be more careful, Caroline, good shoes are expensive." Now I know where that darling little Gretchen ran to. I think she needs a big cookie as a reward!

First Prize Story for Region 3:
By: Camille D.
Figurine: Ride Into Christmas, Hum 396/I

It is cold. It is so cold that the flame on the candle in the lantern seems to shiver. It is so cold the snow has not melted since November and crunches in a cheerful way as you step on it. But the cold does not chill the warmth of the Christmas season.

Everyone is busy. The house is warm and smells good enough to eat. Mama is baking spice cookies and holiday treats. The girls are busy making the house beautiful. They place the little stable on the mantle - the place of honor where everyone can look upon the child who brought the blessing of Christmas to the world.

This year Henry is going into the woods, alone, to get it. And now it is time. Henry takes care to wax the runners on his sled and makes sure the ax has a keen edge. He is glad to have the lantern, though he will be back before dark. Its glow seems to keep him company. He must pick a fir tree, not too small, but not too big. It will fill the room with cheer and the fragrance of the woods. Always before, papa and Henry picked the tree together. This year papa has to be away.

Henry misses his father, but he is proud that he is big enough and strong enough to be trusted with this very special job. In the stillness of the woods, his ax rings loudly and the tree is soon cut and tied to the sled. Face flushed with excitement and the cold, Henry mounts the sled and races down the slope. The lantern, like the Christmas star, is leading him home again.

All is ready. The tree adds it beauty to the home and the lantern is again hanging by the door. It is lighting the way for Christmas visitors. After Christmas, it will remain lit, in waiting - watching to light father's way home.

First Prize Story for Region 4:
By: Laura Ann. M.
Figurine: Little Sweeper, Hum 171

"Swish...swish...swish..." What was that? I sat up in bed. It's the middle of the night, so everyone's sleeping.

"Swish...swish...swish..." I heard it again. It was coming from downstairs, so I got up to check it out and to see who was awake.

As I entered the kitchen, I saw her: a little girl, and she was sweeping the kitchen floor. I asked her, "What's your name?" She answered, "Little Sweeper."

I answered back, "Yes, I know you're a 'little sweeper', but what is your name?" She replied, "Little Sweeper. I'm a Hummel."

This was not the answer I wanted. So, I picked up a broom and started sweeping with her to get her name. As we swept the floor together I told her, "In my family tree, I'm a Hummel, too. But, my first name is Laura."

"And, my name is Wendy, also known to you as Mom!" Startled, I look up. It was my mom standing at the kitchen doorway! Her hands were on her hips with a puzzled look on her face. "Laura Ann, what are you doing? Are you sleep walking again?", she asks me. I look to my side and "Little Sweeper" was gone!

"Mom, the 'Little Sweeper' was here and I was just talking to her...really!" As mom shook her head in disbelief, she takes the broom from my hands, and we head back upstairs to my bedroom. After Mom tucked me into bed, I lay there waiting to fall asleep, when I hear it again: "Swish...swish..." I hop out of bed and in the hall, to find my curio cabinet lit up. There she was, right at the top shelf: "Little Sweeper!"

I ask her, "now what are you doing, Little Sweeper?" She replies, "I'll sweep the dust from these shelves. You can finish sweeping the kitchen."

I tell her, "OK, Little Sweeper. But, I still don't know your name. What is it?" But then my mom calls out, "Laura Ann, I hear you in the hallway. Are you sleep walking again?"

Quickly, I run back to my bed, hop in, and reply, "I'm in bed, Mom. I was just doing a LITTLE SWEEP-talking with my friend."

First Prize Story for Region 5:
By: Harriet G.
Figurine: What's New, Hum 418

Tomorrow's Newspaperwoman! A tale of today for parents, a dream for daughters, inspired by Hummel.

A sweet little girl with a red bow in her hair sits with her parents on a Sunday morning. They are reading their favorite sections of the week's biggest newspaper: sports for daddy, fashions for mommy. Addie is reading, too - a big, soft book she's pretending is her very own newspaper.

Addie knows that some day, when she's all grown up, she'll not only be reading the real newspaper, but writing in it. Addie isn't sure what "reporter" actually means, but she's heard mommy and daddy use the word enough that she's positive she herself wants to be one. She has learned from that words are important, and that "reporter", whatever it means, is a very important world.

Ah, reporter! You get to the fires, and watch them being put out! You can visit the police station whenever you want, when you're not even in trouble. You are asked to attend many, many meetings and write down what happens there - city council meetings, committee meetings, and commission meetings. Those are big words that you don't understand when you're a little girl like Addie, but you do understand that they're important, because daddy and mommy use them a lot.

One day, when I grow up, I'll be a reporter, Addie thinks to herself, and I'll know what all those words mean. I'll go to all those meetings, and then I'll read the words I've written about them in the newspaper - with my name across the top!

Daddy's head stays hidden behind the sports pages that are so important to him. ButmMommy peeks out from over her paper, sees Addie concentrating on her book, and she smiles happily. She knows that reading is important, that words are important, and that her daughter will be important someday, too.

Addie looks up briefly, smiles at hermMother, and then goes back to her book. She looks at a picture of a pretty house with trees on the side, fluffy clouds above, and the letters in the background. Soon she will be recognize the letters that spell house, tree, cloud and mountain, and learn to put them together, and be able to paint her own pictures in her head with the words that are the same as these things. She will read then, and write, and be on her way to being a reporter when she's all grown up.

But for now, the picture is enough.

First Prize Story for Region 6:
By: Helen M.
Figurine: Heavenly Protection, Hum 88

Timmie pushed the peas around on his plate and listened impatiently as the adult talk flowed around him. He wasn't interested in hearing about the old days and witches and angels and stuff like that. He wanted to be excused and get back outside. Right now, his Oma was talking about when she was a little girl in Germany and how she and her brother had gotten lost and had to find their way home all alone. It was dark and they were so afraid, but an angel came and spread her wings over them and kept them safe. Timmie looked at his sister and they communicated silently. Yeah, right, an angel! Old people sure had imaginative memories.

Finally, they were excused and ran out to play. It was still raining, but so what? It was the best time to float their boats downstream. Their river was almost the same as always, except maybe it was just a bit higher and faster. The hours flew by and the water seemed to be rising steadily. Maybe they'd better go back home. Then, a surge of water pushed the river from its banks and it raged on. Timmie couldn't believe his eyes, he knew they would have to dash for safety. But where?

The bank on the other side rose up to higher ground, but they'd have to cross the bridge to get there. Knees shaking with fright, they held each other's hands and started across. "Don't look down," he thought he heard someone say, "just put one foot in front of the other and you'll be fine." He didn't see anyone, but suddenly felt safe, and didn't know why. Much later, when he thought back over what happened, he remembered his Oma's story. Could it have been? Nah, there was no one there and besides, he didn't believe in those old time stories anyway.

Runner-Up Story for Region 1:
By: Laurel H.
Figurine: Nature's Gift, Hum 729 & Garden Treasure, Hum 727

Hope flew in on windswept wings
And perched upon the still sleeping spring branches
Waiting patiently for Faith to emerge
From her winter cocoon
Where she lay
Still wrapped in her silken covers.
Faith, ever constant,
Unfurled her leaves
And emerged
Under the beaming
Countenance of Charity
Whose warm rays
Smiled down upon them all
Bringing peace to the Garden
And all who entered there.

Runner-Up Story for Region 2:
By: Kathleen K.
Figurine: Blessed Event, Hum 333

"It's a mystery," the young girl whispered to her little brother, who looked at her wide-eyed and frightened. After all, their own mother had changed in appearance and their father had spent many hours shut in his carpentry shop making something "special". Father, a talented carver, also made toys, including the doll the girl carried everywhere. One blustery day, the family traveled to the train station to meet grandmother, who was coming for a visit. That evening, grandmother held both children on her lap and hugged them, saying, "There is such a blessed event coming soon!"

"A blest vent," they echoed. "What is that? Are we getting a pet?" Grandmother laughed, "Oh no, it's much more exciting, I promise. You wait and see!"

"But we can't wait, please tell us," they implored her. "Is it like Christmas?" Visions of candy, toys, and presents fueled their childish imaginations.

"I'll let your father tell you all about it tomorrow," she smiled. "Now, run along to bed." There was very sleep had by the children that night. They could hardly contain their excitement as they tossed and turned in their little hand-carved beds. Oh, the goodies they envisioned!

Sure enough, the next day father showed them the something "special". It was a little painted cradle with hearts and flowers carved along the sides. "Is this the special surprise?" a disappointed little girl asked.

"Why yes," father laughed. "But wait until you see what will go in it!" "What do I want with an ol' cradle," pouted the boy as he ran from the room. "Soon mother and I will bring home a precious baby," father explained. "Isn't that fabulous news!" Hanging her head, the girl was unable to hide her chagrin as her visions of glorious bounty faded away.

Two weeks later the cradle was filled with the most adorable new, pink, dimpled occupant. As friends and family gathered at the home to celebrate, two very curious children tip-toed into the baby's room. They stood peering down, taking inventory of the wee one's tiny fingers, wispy hair and pink rosebud mouth. As they watched, two sky-blue eyes opened and to their delight, a slight smile flickered at the corner of the little mouth. Finally, the girl exclaimed - and her brother agreed - this was just as grandmother had promised...a very wonderful BLESSED EVENT!

Runner-Up Story for Region 3:
By: Barbara L.
Figurine: Garden Treasures, Hum 727

While digging about her garden, planting seeds to grow into beautiful plants and flowers, the little gardener was always looking for the magical treasure she knew was somewhere in her garden soil. Each hole she digs she looks carefully, hoping to find her magic Genie.

Then finally, she sees a shiny object in the next hole she digs. The little girl bent down to examine her treasure. It was just an old tin can, but to her it was the magical Genie she knew she would find one day. The little girl had heard stories about how the magic Genie could grant wishes to the person who owns it, so she was very excited with her find. But she was puzzled about what kind of wishes she could make. So she buried the treasure, placing it back in the hole, and covered it with the garden soil.

She then went home to her mother what kind of wishes she would make because she found a magic Genie. Her mother thought carefully and then told the little girl that making wishes would have to be done with much care because a wish is usually for something very special and very important, and if it was a good wish, it would most always come true. Then the mother asked the little girl if she had ever made a wish before this. Well, yes, she told her mother. Every day when I awake I wish for a good day to go out to my garden and dig and do my plantings so I can watch my garden grow. Then her mother told her that she would be thankful and happy because certainly many of her everyday wishes already had been granted.

The next day when the little girl went out to her garden she was very pleased and filled with joy to see that some of her seeds were beginning to sprout. The little girl realized her wishes had been granted many times before and that was certainly because she had a magic Genie right there, buried in her garden all the time.

So every time the little girl walks through her beautiful garden and passes by the place where her buried magic treasure is, she is very thankful for all the good gardening days she has been granted.

Runner-Up Story for Region 4:
By: Juleanne M.
Figurine: Kiss Me, Hum 311

There once was a Princess who was very spoiled and got everything she wanted. Her father, the King, made sure her every wish was granted. One Christmas the little Princess wanted a special doll. So the King sought out a famous German doll maker and instructed him to create this doll for his daughter. The doll maker decided to make a lifelike doll that would be a cherished companion for the Princess who was always alone. The doll was lifelike and had beautiful golden braids and the face of an angel. She could walk, talk, smile and even cry. Her clothes were simple but that only added to her lifelike beauty of a loveable child.

When the Princess received this doll she said, "Throw it away, I wanted a royal doll whose clothes were made of silks and has diamonds in her hair not ribbons." The King ordered the doll to be thrown away at once and had the doll maker put in jail for not pleasing his daughter. Everyday there was a poor woman who visited the castle to search their garbage dumps for scraps of food to feed her family.

She had two girls but one died of a fever and the other girl was so lonely without her sister. That morning as the poor woman searched the dumps for food she was shocked to find this beautiful doll among the garbage. She quickly took the doll and the food scraps and hurried home. That night when her daughter was fast asleep she took the doll and laid it next to her sweet little girl. In the morning when her daughter woke up she turned and looked at the doll and said, "Oh mama, look my sister has come home." She picked up the doll and said, "Good morning sister, Kiss Me."

Runner-Up Story for Region 5:
By: Constance L.
Figurine: Proud Moments, Hum 800

The abandoned floppy-eared puppy lay shivering under a car parked on a rainy city street. Hearing a whimper, the girl stopped, got down on her knees, and peered right into two sad brown eyes. I can't keep you, she thought, but I think my sister and her husband will love you. "Tucker" had found a family.

From his first day home, Tucker was dubbed "the funniest dog in the world!" He was so happy to be safe and warm that his daily walk became a chore. The moment the leash went on and all the way down the sidewalk, the little dog dug his heels and dragged his bottom as he was coaxed along. Only when it came time to turn around and go back was Tucker happy to run.

Tucker went with his new family to puppy school. He soon became "the smartest dog in the world!" He loved to play ball, so every afternoon, Tucker would like up his six yellow balls on the window sill and prop his face beside them to get a first glimpse of his family coming home to play. One day, the balls were joined by a chewed up shoe from the closet, but who could scold such a smart dog?

A time came when Tucker's family had to take a trip, leaving the dog and the family car behind at a relative's house. What a huge wooded yard complete with other dogs as playmates Tucker had! But when the dogs were called for dinner, Tucker was gone. A hole, freshly dug under the fence, was the only clue. Everyone searched frantically. As darkness fell, someone heard a sound from the end of the driveway. And there, patiently waiting beside his family car for someone to open the back door, was Tucker. He'd had his fun, and now it was time to go home. That's when Tucker was declared "the most loyal dog in the world".

Tucker went to his own small bed every night after his bedtime story. But his masters had a big bed with three soft pillows. One night, Tucker's family was startled when they came to bed to see a small spotted head on the middle pillow and the covers pulled up to Tucker's neck. The little beagle was fast asleep. Another busy day had ended for "the best dog in the world!"

Runner-Up Story for Region 6:
By: Allyson B.
Figurine: Farm Days, Hum 2165

One morning Dick and I were awakened by the sound of bawling. It was Gladdie! I ran into Dick's room. He was propped up in bed, furtively looking through his curtains. "Dorrie, what's wrong with Gladdie?"

"I don't know, Dick. We'd better dress and get out there quick. She sounds awful!" I answered as the noises from the barnyard became more frantic. Dick and I hurried into our overalls and rushed out to the barn. Daddy was there trying to help Gladdie.

"What's wrong with Gladdie?" I asked with a frightened look into the stall where Gladdie was kept. Dick blurted out, "Is she going to be all right?"

Daddy was tired and sweaty. "I don't know. Dick, run and call the vet. Gladdie's going to have a baby and she's having trouble. Dorrie, stay here and help me." As Dick ran off to call the vet, Daddy told me that the calf was coming backwards.

"What can I do to help?" I asked anxiously.

"We-ll, you can...fill that basin over there wi-th warm water." my father panted as he pulled on the calf's legs to straighten them out. I hurriedly got the water and sloshed it over to him as best I could for a ten-year-old.

Dick came running down to the barn. "Daddy the-the vet's out on another call. He can't come for at least half an hour!"

I looked up at Daddy. I was very worried now. What would we do?

Daddy was still pulling to the calf's legs out. "I'm beat!" He gasped as he bent down and rinsed his arms with the water I had brought him.

Dick asked, "What's wrong?"

"I can't seem to get the calf" our father answered still struggling to deliver the calf. I had an idea! "I know! I know! Daddy, why don't you get some cold cream to help Gladdie give birth. Mummy used that when she couldn't get her rings off after the bee stung her.

Daddy started to say, "You can't really use cold cream," when he interrupted himself with, "-wait, I do remember an old story about a man around here who used linseed oil in delivering calves!"

The linseed oil was brought, applied, and with a bit less struggling a beautiful baby girl calf was born to the Kern farmstead.