The sun is peeking over the misty shrouded mountains as four year old Moira happily strolls through the gate and carefully shuts it to keep the sheep out of the garden. She is dressed in her favorite plaid wool skirt and a bright red jumper which contrasts nicely with her bright green "wellies." These are extraordinary Wellington boots because painted on each toe is the face of a frog with enormous yellow eyes.

Moira's home is a 5,000 acre sheep farm located on the mountainous island of Skye in Northwest Scotland. The farm is in the middle of "lambing" season. It is the busiest time of year for a hill farm. More than one thousand ewes are giving birth. Night and day Moira's Mom and Dad watch the sheep to make sure all lambs arrive safely. Moira understands her parent's having to care for the sheep and is content to wander the low land areas of the farm.

The barn contains all the sheep who have given birth to twin lambs or had difficulties with at birth and is one of Moira's favorite places. First thing in the morning, Moira usually goes to the barn to see the new lambs born the night before. Today, however she turns away from the barn and starts down the winding road leading to the ocean. Moira stops at a field about half way to the bay. Climbing the wet shiny rock fence, she hurries toward a far corner where a secret lies. The only sounds are the fog hushed bleating of lambs and the gentle pounding of the waves against the rocks. Kneeling on the soft green grass Moira inspects fragile yellow and white flowers. Each miniature daisy is graced with brilliant glass beads of dew. The tiny blossoms resemble fine jewels resting in the lush velvet grass. Moira carefully picks two of the tiny flowers and twines them together making a ring for her finger.

"Oh how pretty!" She cries. "I will make a necklace for Mom, a ring for Dad and a crown for baby sister Fiona."

Becoming covered with mist just like the trees, grass and sheep, Moira picks several of the tiny daisies. As soon as she has a small bunch of flowers, she dashes back toward home.

Not wanting anyone to see the flowers until they become finery, she goes to the barn instead of the house. Finding a small cave made out of straw, she starts to weave the precious flowers. With only the sheep and the baby lambs for company she is able to perform her task quickly.

Completing the three flower treasures, she takes time to watch the frolicking lambs and giggles at their wagging tails as they nurse. One of Moira's jobs is to help Mom bottle feed the lambs who lost their mothers. She gives each of these orphan lambs a pat on the head and promises to return with milk.

Finding a small box in a corner she lines it with grass and places the fragile flower jewelry in the center. After careful inspection she decides they are perfect and scurries toward the house.

As she again opens and shuts the gate, she hears her Mom calling her for breakfast.

"I'm here," she answers as she runs to the door to remove the frog wellies. Removing her boots, she once again stares with pride at her beautiful creations. When she presents the gift to her family, they give her a great big hug. Moira's Mum is so touched a joyful tear trails down her cheek. At that moment Moira knows how wonderful it is to be a "child of the hills." Free to wander with only the animals, flowers and sea for company only to return to a warm house and a family who loves her.

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