Heliotrope

Memo to Philip the Pun:

You've stumped the storyteller. While there are a number of associations for the word "heliotrope," it has no meaning for me other than its Greek reference to the sun. According to some sources, the scent is akin to vanilla. Other sources say heliotrope smells more like cherry pie. Until I myself come into contact with a heliotrope plant (and I'll be careful not to eat it-- if it's poisonous to cattle, it can't be all that good for my innards), I shall invoke clause #3 of my Storytelling Guidelines and provide for you a fairy tale in the common domain that uses the word "heliotrope." Here it is:

How Summer Came to Canada

If Cecily Barker's flower fairy art is to your taste, you may find interesting her interpretation of The Heliotrope Fairy. I myself am not a fan of Barker's work. I think fairies should be portrayed with dirt-encrusted toenails and wild, tangled hair. Barker's fairies look as if they were on their way to a costume ball and stopped in the meadow for a pastoral photo opportunity.