U.S.A
California
San Fernando
[7 Jan,1975]
- - Newgate Mansion - -
As the sun rises, the morning rays slipped through the gaps of the window curtain which has fallen on the 3-4 years old boy.
The boy groggily covered his face with his bed sheet.
When he thought about going back to sleep, he woke up abruptly and looked around.
Then remembers his dreams for the past seven days and accepted that he was reborn/reincarnated…. something like that. Yes, he was reborn with his memories and along with some perks i.e., enhanced physique and talent in all directions without any op abilities.
Enhanced physique increases his overall physical qualities like strength, agility, dexterity, stamina, IQ, EQ and minor resistance towards illness, diseases etc and talent in arts, studies, sports etc. Damn! It is an increase over like one in a hundred thousand talent like Hunter X Hunter world.
Let's see… now, my name is Edward Newgate…. Born on 21 Jan 1972…. lives with my uncle Robert Newgate. My father and mother left the world after an accident and got adopted by uncle.
Hmm… I am in Newgate mansion, San Fernando… Damn!... I am now living near Hollywood.
I have an uncle, Robert Newgate, my only relative retired at 30 years old from military and started a studio in Hollywood got reality check in 2 years and then started involving in dark side... B-grade movie industry.
Also has a toy company, three hotels, fifteen stores as family business.
Damn! I am Rich! RICH…
Okay, calm down... Take a deep breath, don't be so excited now.
I have come from future, I know the trends… I will become even more rich… let's not get too excited.
Hmm… First, I need to know the current affairs and trends; Second, prepare a plan; Third, learn as much as knowledge possible, after all I have lots of talent.
Then make myself look like a prodigy or genius at learning new things and show off the skills and earn money.
Good, it seems feasible.
- - Two weeks later - -
[21 Jan, 1975]
After learning the trends, the summary is …
Ella Grasso becomes Governor of Connecticut, the first woman U.S. governor…
Super Bowl IX; The Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Minnesota Vikings 16–6 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The United States Atomic Energy Commission is divided between the Energy Research and Development Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, partly in response to the 1973 oil crisis.
Talent agent Michael Ovitz founds the Creative Artists Agency.
Governor of California: Ronald Reagan (Republican) (until January 6), Jerry Brown (Democratic) (starting January 6)
The history lessons I learnt from my memories say…
Vietnam War ended in may;
Apollo and Soyuz link up;
Microsoft founded;
Margaret Thatcher elected;
Watergate scandal…
Whatever! Let's see what I can do without being seen as a monster or as a demon…
As I was thinking, a maid came into the room and said "Edward, Robert is asking you to get ready for the tour. Let me help you dress up and prepare the things you want to eat as snacks in the journey."
"Okay… I am done. Please come and help me dress up for the tour" as I replied.
After getting ready and all, I along with Uncle Rob sat in the car. He looked up and down at me and said "You look dashing, kid… but not as handsome as me."
"Now, as you asked for… the birthday gift, a tour around the Hollywood studios. Prepare yourself for the feast, young one!"
Sigh, as narcissistic as ever.
"Ok, Uncle." I replied with a nonchalant look.
As the car was going around the studios, I am so happy that I fulfilled my wish of my past life to see all the studios and tour around the place.
After the tour we went to a big, fancy restaurant and had a good meal. When we finished the meal and left through the door, I caught a glimpse of the greeting card which resembling 'Strawberry Shortcake'.
I paused for a bit and an idea presented itself like destiny guided itself to me.
After that, we reached home.
I said "Thanks for the gift, Uncle. Good night…" and gave him a tight hug, then went to my room. He also wished me a good sleep and left to his room.
After I came to my room, I am thinking about that greeting card the 'Strawberry Shortcake' created by the American Greetings, which became a billion-dollar business.
Hymn… now I have an idea of my starting work.
With that I drifted to sleep as this small body although blessed is thoroughly exhausted.
-----
After a good night sleep, I feel energized. Since I have good perks I should also focus on them. Let's start with morning routine exercise and studying some of the books in the small library and then start practicing the drawing techniques and related skills.
- - Three months later - -
[31 March, 1975]
After months of practice, I am feeling the effects in my body.
I can feel like having more stamina, strength, flexibility and dexterity. I can also feel like my learning ability improving. My mind becoming sharper, remembering more of my learned stuff and past memories.
Now I feel more assurance as I showed my attitude in learning, practicing and my improvement over the time made my uncle and maid acknowledge me as genius.
So, I started the first project to the riches; The 'Strawberry Shortcake', 'Care Bears' and 'My Little Pony'…
These three are cost effective, especially now, there are no specific story behind the characters of greeting cards in these time period.
So, I spent the three months training my hand grip, wrist movements, hand to eye coordination, and also spent my time researching if there are any legal complication or they have been created.
Because I have seen there is a card resembling 'Strawberry Shortcake', but not the entire set of their world.
It seems like the 'Strawberry Shortcake' character is not much valued right now.
I can first create the cards and show them to Uncle Rob. Then ask him to help me earn money.
I did those enquiries by using my baby charm and curiosity, then Aunt Sarah (the Maid) will satisfy my curiosity.
As I was getting deep into it, Aunt Sarah asked "Why do you ask such things?"
Then I replied "I am going to earn my own money and I need to see if I am doing anything wrong."
Aunt Sarah looked surprised and asked "How are you going to earn money?"
I said "I am doing a secret project. After I complete it, I will show it to you… Don't tell Uncle Rob about it!" with a serious look.
She looked at my serious yet still cute expression and said "Okay, I will not tell to Sir Robert. But if you need help, you should come to me or your Uncle Robert."
I replied "Okay, Aunt Sarah! I will."
After that small episode, I spent time remembering every detail and noted them in the note book in these months.
I also sketched the characters and noted down their abilities; about villains: and also, how the story should progress; what is it based on…
Then started with the drawings of the core characters.
Strawberry Shortcake: The main character, known for her red hair and love of strawberries. She often runs a bakery or a café.
Custard: Strawberry Shortcake's pink cat.
Lemon Meringue: A friend who owns a hair salon. Along with her frog, Frappe.
Blueberry Muffin: A friend who loves to read and often runs a book store. Along with her mouse, Cheesecake.
Raspberry Tart: A friend who is a talented fashion designer and tailor. Along with her monkey, Rhubarb.
Orange Blossom: A friend who runs a general store. Along with her butterfly, Marmalade.
Huckleberry Pie: Often the only boy in the Core group, he is simple and helpful friend who sometimes helps dogs find homes. Alon with his dog, Pupcake.
Also, Apple Dumplin: With her turtle, Teatime.
Apricot: With her bunny, Hopsalot.
Lime Chiffon: With her parrot, Parfait.
Cherry Cuddler: With her goose, Gooseberry.
Etc…
After that, I started to create a simple timeline for the introduction of the characters.
The storyline is kept as simple as possible. Also made sure to note down the other characters which will appear in the future, like the other international characters introduced in the original.
Then finally created a draft with their appearance, colour, dimensions etc. and put them with the note book in which their story is written along with possible suggestions or important points.
Next, I took a new note book and started the new work 'Care Bears'.
I started with the ten original Care Bears; Bedtime Bear, Birthday Bear, Cheer Bear, friend Bear, Funshine Bear, Good Luck Bear, Grumpy Bear, Love-a-lot Bear, Tenderheart Bear, and Wish Bear.
With villains same as shown in the first season like Professor Coldheart, his sidekick Frostbite, and Auntie Freeze.
After finishing writing the core characters, I also noted down the following characters like their cousins, and new villain like No Heart, Beastly, Shreeky, Dr Fright, Sour Sam, Bluster and his Bad Crowd in the note book.
I also created the first season plan; along with the timeline.
--- Next Day ---
I spent the day light fine tuning the details in the 'Strawberry Shortcake' project.
When I heard the car engine sound coming, I looked from the window and saw that Uncle Rob is returning from work.
Then, I got the draft named 'Strawberry Shortcake' and prepared to present it to Uncle Robert.
I went downstairs to meet him in the hall.
Uncle Robert came and sat on the sofa after putting down his belongings.
I went to him and put down the draft folder and sat beside him.
He looked at me and asked "Kid! How was our day?"
"Did you complete your secret little project? When will you show me?"
I replied "It was good, Uncle. I have also completed my money-making plan."
"There, I put it on the table."
After saying this, I picked it up and gave him the folder.
Then Uncle Rob took the folder and opened it to read my work. At first, he didn't look seriously and skimmed through them and then he started to look inti it seriously and after 5 minutes he looked at and said "Are you sure you did it all these yourself?"
I replied with a serious expression "Yes, Uncle. I did all these. It took me almost three months."
He looked at me and said "You… You done good job, kid! I can say with confidence that this is a wonderful work done with your age. So, where did you get this idea from?"
I replied "Uncle, didn't we go on a trip on my birthday, there I saw this greeting card 'Strawberry Girl'."
"Then, I remembered that Mom used to say that she like to have girl like in that greeting card as a daughter and to me as a sister."
"So, I took that card and drew the girl Mom wanted, and made another group of cards with her."
"Not only that, I also made a story. So that, I will always remember my Mom, whenever I see them or others buy them."
After say this I put on a sad face for real.
This body's mother has always wanted a girl as a daughter and wanted his son to protect.
She always played with him, spent time telling stories and made sure he is doing well even she is busy with her work.
Unlike this body's father, who always spend time managing the Newgate's hotels and ways to expand the business, she was always there for him.
While I am thinking of her, I started to feel wet around my cheek and my eyes to blurry.
Then Uncle Rob hugged me suddenly and said "Okay… Okay… Don't cry. My bad."
"I am sure your mom will be proud of your work."
He then started patting my head and calm me down slowly.
'Damn, this body's age is affecting me as well. I didn't know when I started crying.'
'But I feel strong attachment when I think of her. She did protect me with her life in the car accident. I can recall the boy's memories at that time. A bit fragmented but it shows her resolve and love for the boy.'
'I think I heard her voice when this boy was losing his consciousness saying "Live… I will always watch over you… My pudding…" What a women… I will make her proud for sure, after all I took over son after his death.'
'Hope the son meet his mom in heaven.'
After getting by bearing, Uncle Robert said "Okay, kid! Don't worry, I will contact my friends and help you to get it copyrighted and make those characters come to life."
After that we talked, discussed argued and went to sleep after dinner.
In my bed as I was drifting to sleep, I smile happily as I achieved my first step towards my goal.
----
Note:
Strawberry Shortcake: Strawberry Shortcake is a cartoon character used in greeting card published by American Greetings.
Created by: Barbi Sargent in 1972-73.
Finished by: Fran Kariotakis
Then Rex Conners, American Greeting's staff art director felt this card will be a hit and developed four cards for Mega test market in July, 1977.
Next Muriel Fahrion, further developed 32 characters.
Later Cindy Mayer Patton and Janet Jones developed new characters.
-----
\ So, till 1977, there will no one finding it's real potential.
All Edward had to do is take that copyright and make sure not to get entangled in lawsuits for further development of the series of cards drawn from its inspiration. /
Thanks for the support.