One might begin a grand story thus . . .

Uncle McAllister lived in Scotland. Every year he sent Louis a birthday gift for his nature collection. Little Hippo was the pet of the herd. Every morning the big hippos waited for him to wake up so they could take care of him. Let me tell you about my angels. Once upon a time there was a very old man and a very old woman. They lived in a nice clean house which had flowers all around it, except where the door was. But they couldn't be happy because they were so very lonely. Sarah Bryant was eight years old in 1787. She lived on a farm in Maine and had a spotted dog called Patches. 1855 January 15 My name is Bertha Holland, but most folks call me Birdie. The Lupine Lady lives in a small house overlooking the sea. In between the rocks around her house grow blue and purple and rose-colored flowers. The Lupine Lady is little and old.