Saturday, May 10, 2014

This week, in the Garden

The garden is really springing to life. I've got most beds planted, and will get our tomato plants this weekend, as is our Mother's Day tradition.







Garden and foraged salad, made by the little girl, for me





Chevre and radishes... a perfect combination

tiny carrots

little beets





baby turnips

praying mantis egg case... we love to see these little predators in the garden!

trying sweet potatoes in grow bags

Anya, in her fairy garden, beneath the maple, checking the prgress of the lily of the valley. unbeknownst to us, a robin was sitting on a nest, just above her head


One of my favorite things to do, in the garden

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

May Day

Yesterday, we celebrated May Day with our beloved homeschool group. The morning began with decorating the May pole and making head garlands. After a gathering circle during which everyone received a beautiful branch or bud of May, we processed with drums and bells, singing Hal and Tow, down to the May pole.  Rousing group dances (Rattlin' Bog-- a perennial favorite, along with some that were new to me) and a beautiful story of the first May pole dance preceded our own weaving with the ribbons. Each class group presented a recorder piece, then danced a  May pole dance. Potluck lunch ended the day.
Decorating the May pole

lining up to process down to the May pole circle



Beautiful Spring banner, made by a talented mama


One of our wonderful, dedicated lead teachers, sharing a May day story. I will have to see if I can track the source and reference it.. it was lovely. In the end, each of the ribbons represent a different kind  a love that exsists in the world, all of them valid and necessary 



Playing Spring Recorder song



Monday, May 5, 2014

Faerie Festival

 **WARNING** photo heavy post. Well... it seems they all tend to be, eh?


The much adored Twig. Little gathered gifts for her, ahead of time, representing all of the elements. So very heartfelt, thoughtful, and sweet

Twig sat down, on the spot, and slowly, mindfully took each tiny treasure (there were many of them, from burnt wood from our fire, to a luna moth wing.. a crystal, a feather......) and looked it over and exclaimed, in her expressive, wordless way, over the beauty of each thing. Seriously, I had to step away, for fear of being silly emotional. It was beyond sweet.


Another highlight of this festival is apprenticing with the amazing Miss Pixi Thistlelily, of Circus in the Woods.
What little fairy doesn't love to learn to fly, and do awesome aerial tricks on the silks? I love what this sweet friend brings to children through this work. Anya, here, doing Bow and arrow.

Little inverted yogi

Anya's favorite-- Gazelle. "It's tricky, Mom!"


I love the setting of this festival.... a beautiful, organic CSA farm

Purple fairy costume for day 2


Half of the fun is meeting up with friends, many of whom we see only once a year, at this event

Racing to the gate, gardenside, on the second day, with Sherpa Troll daddy following quickly behind

Our shady home base, at the top of a big, grassy hill, above a main stage. A great vantage point and connection point with friends

A glimpse at the bustling fairy marketplace... so many treasures and beauty. A visual feast of art, craft, handmade jewery, clothing, masks, and so much more. 

And Goblins. Nice ones... who really want to be fairies...... 

A kiss from her fairy Godfather, the Abbott of the Beloved Order of the Greenman

followed closely by a bop from Woton the Fairy Smasher... 



There is a very special trail, through the forest. If you look closely, there are fairy houses, new and old. Some are obvious, others well hidden



Ending the day, creekside,  with dear friends, doing what they all love to do. Exploring, discovering, creating, and being outside


This marked our 15th year coming to the Spoutwood Faerie Festival. The first, my eldest daughter was 2. Much has changed since then, but we strive to make it each year, to revel and reconnect with friends and celebrate the May.  These photos don't do the event justice... it's just so wonderful and full of delight. Great music, fabulous performers, gorgeous wares by talented artists and artisans. We come home full in spirit. Happy May to you all!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

This Moment

One image, no words... a moment I wish to capture and hold in my heart