 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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! |
 |
| A lovely volunteer, discussing candle making. We were so fortunate to end up on site, just ahead of a very large school group, and have some one on one time |
 |
| dipping tallow candles |
 |
| chosing from some 18th century toys and games |
 |
| Playing Graces... I believe we'll be making a set! |
 |
| playing Graces with my girl |
 |
| Bowling hopeful pose, 1771 style |
 |
| grinding corn |
 |
| some farm cousins, peeling eggs for dinner before setting corn in the fields |
 |
| simple spring meal |
 |
| root cellar. I want one. |
 |
| hand washing |
