Fairy blessings after a very bad week

This past week has been a shit show. (Pardon my french.)

News of heart attacks, cancer, deaths, the Fort Mac fire, then amoral asshats, contemptible copycats, and a million little things, like a million little stinging pin pricks, taking their toll. There's only so much 'chin up and stiff upper lip' or 'count to ten and breathe' a girl can endure.

At one point I considered taking everything I've built, and taking it down. All the posts, all the projects... poof! But then what?

I thought of the people who tell me my work inspires them in some small way, the sweet stories, encouraging words and the thanks. All of those kindnesses that make this the very best job in the world... and it made me even more irate to know that some think so little of it.

So, I went to the garden in search of a bit happiness.

I chanced upon a blue fairy sitting in the forget-me-nots. There were few words exchanged, but she was kind and sympathetic. "Just a little longer, and all will be right as rain." she said. I felt a little better.

Continuing on my walk, I encountered a tiny scouting pixie in one of the mossy old stumps on our hill. She said she was keeping an eye out for any trouble or foreseeable mischief. She assured me that although she looked quite young, I would be safe under her watch. And immediately, I felt more secure.

The next little fairy didn't say anything at all, but was so sweet that I could feel my heart lighten after watching her beneath the dandelions for just a few moments.

This fairy didn't speak either, but motioned me to follow her to the back garden, through the moss and clover. I'm fairly certain she was some sort of fairy godmother because her frock was impractical and she gifted me with pockets of glitter. She handed me a dandelion puff and encouraged me to make a wish.

After making my wish, I opened my eyes and saw this fellow leaning against some fresh yellow dandelion heads. "Did you wish for more wishes? Because these ones won't be ready for another week." I sat next to him on the grass and we talked for a very long while. We looked at the blue sky and watched the clouds. The little fellow winked at me, and I found a bit of happiness.


EDIT: Thanks for all the kind words. I wasn't fishing for pity, but you guys totally made my day. Sometimes things just pile up so high it's hard to see the point of continuing the climb. It happens to everyone in some way or another. I'm extremely fortunate to have so many people cheering me on. I hope you know that I'm rooting for you too. Don't worry about me, I'll keep tinkering.

Faerie Weaponry

Today I'll be exploring faerie weaponry. 

Faerie weapons are used for protection, to cause harm (in the case of malicious faeries like boggarts and goblins), for ceremony, and as tools. As with the other artifacts we have examined, they are made (mostly) of natural materials and difficult to uncover in the wild.

1. Pixie Bow and Thorned Arrow: The Pixie Bow is a lightweight weapon used primarily for protection. The tiny thorn tipped projectile does not cause massive damage, its hit being likened to a bee sting.

2. Feather Blow Dart with Sliver Points: Made from a hollowed feather shaft the blow dart is an excellent choice for faerie folk who wish to keep their distance and remain silent. Slivers of wood are often used as ammunition. Injury may not be immediately felt but may result in infection.

3. Unknown Bone Staff: I readily admit that I am not absolutely certain of the origins of this object. It may, in fact, be a ceremonial artifact. That being said, it is quite possible (and rather more likely) that this claw tipped bone once belonged to a Dunter. This is a logical conclusion as the objects effectiveness as a weapon would being secondary to it's ability to intimidate.

4. Faerie Pike and Pine Cone Shield: An unusual metal tipped specimen. Fair folk are usually reluctant to use steel, preferring shards of glass, stone or sharpened bone to tip their weapons. Whoever created this pike could not resist the allure of a discarded cutting blade. The shield, made from a pine cone has moss embedded between the 'cones'. The moss is likely included for it's healing properties, to pack any wounds incurred during a clash.

5. Twiggy Slingshot with Dried Bean Shot: A very simple but effective weapon and tool. Commonly used to plant seeds by shooting them into the earth. A favourite weapon to protect against cats.

6. Wishbone Slingshot: A stronger, larger version of the Twiggy Slingshot more likely to be used during a ruckus, rumble or rumpus than it's wooden counterpart.

7. Wooden Tuck Sword: A simple point carved from wood with a woolen grip. A common accessory for many little people. It is especially useful for poking, prodding, pricking, piercing, and puncturing.

These artifacts will be on display at Pixie Hill throughout the summer. Open house dates can be found HERE. 

Note: Our first open house is this weekend, please be aware the garden/fairy tour is NOT yet set up. The tour will be revealed on July 4th. This Saturday is for studio snooping only.

Faeries, Frocks and Godmothers

With the arrival of the glorious spring weather the faeries have come out of hiding and hibernation. I thought it might be a good time to talk about them, the fair folk, and share some faerie truths.

When one thinks of faeries they often imagine tiny winged pretty ladies either scantily clad or clothed in frilly frocks.

While it is true that in the throes of summer many fae opt for minimal covering (they don't have air conditioning after all), I am assured they do not pose with arched backs nor push their bosom forward seductively. That said, please beware that there ARE several varieties of faerie who like to lure men into harms way. Long story short, if you happen upon a sexy faerie, tis best to run in the opposite direction.

Now, about those frilly frocks...

Five inch frock worn by Miss Gwendoline Twinkle during the strawberry harvest festival of 1913.

Frilly frocks and pretty dresses are rarely worn by the fair folk. The little people usually prefer clothing that is comfortable and practical. The above dress and slippers fit neither category. There is an exception to this general rule: Fairy Godmothers.

Full 6" dress, boots, hat and wand from the closet of Miss Mulberry Threadbare.

While Fairy Godmothers are soft hearted and mostly very nice and down to earth, there is a recent trend among the younger faction to wear large ornamental dresses and completely impractical footwear. The appeal seems to be gaining momentum through the ranks of Godmotherhood, extending as far as the matronly Eldermothers.

While many faerie folk believe these dresses to be ostentatious and showy (some rolling their eyes at the mere mention of them) they also know that there is no harm in it. 

The general consensus is "So long as their job is done, let them look as silly as they like."

The frocks pictured above will be on display at Pixie Hill throughout the summer. You can find the current "Open House" schedule HERE.