October 10, 2013
Willa’s Fairy Festival
– Robert R. McCammon, Boys’ Life
It happens to all of us. But that is why I keep the media minimal, why I let the Fairy Festival trump dance class, and why my girls believe Freidah, Lunah, and Gelsey (their fairies) will visit with every equinox and solstice. I want to preserve the innocence. I want them to live the magic as long as they can.
Too soon the big, harsh world comes clattering down. People we love die, accidents happen, and we come face to face with real disappointment, loneliness, weakness.
The world is going to need adults who had imaginative childhoods. Who know how to dream, create, and push us into new levels of exploration, science, technology. It needs parents who can raise a healthy, strong generation. A generation that values innocence and goodness.
So we tiptoed through the fairy gardens, noticed twin fairy babes tucked into a walnut shell.
Took our picture next to the floating castle.
Oooohed and Ahhhhed over the many miniature fairy dwellings.
And oohed and ahhhed over the treats. Cupcakes, cake pops, brownies, lollies.
All proceeds benefit a charity or cause, in the name of baby Willa. This year money went to local scholarships for women.
The girls’ were allowed one treasure. A glow ring for Ali, a purse for Eliza, a fairy dust necklace for Samantha.
Kara joined us, with little Caleb on her back. I love those teensy toes.
This year they even had a swing that sailed out over the creek.
It’s amazing. All the hours of work and preparation that go into pulling this one night together.
We left, dancing and spinning with fairy wands.
So when Eliza saw the sign at our local nursery for Halloween Fairy Gardens, I said yes.
The girls picked crab apples and placed them in little wheel barrows, formed rock paths, lined them with moss, and hung tiny black lanterns on a hook.
Eliza and Sami had the idea of making banners. Each with a different message.
Trick or Treat!
October!
Halloween!
These two were so giggly I couldn’t get them to hold still.
Oh, I mourn the thought of moving past these magical days. Things will change for us in the next few years. Eliza is asking difficult questions lately, wanting to understand the world. And my boys? They’re looking so long and lanky, talking so confidently, saying their full names.
Thankfully, when I ask for a hug, they still come running, throw their arms round my neck with gusto. Hug me tight, grit their teeth, and show their muscle.
“Stay a child while you can be a child.”
Lately, I am extremely aware of my weaknesses. But my children look beyond my mistakes. They heal my soul. Again and again. I need their clarity and love.
It’s like… magic.
Chocolate on my Cranium
This was magical to read! I think I will surprise my girls with a craft day to make their own fairy gardens too. I have one daughter who absolutely loves to garden but is so sad when everything dies down in the fall. This will be great fun for her!
knit one, knit two
Beautiful post!
Lynley
That was so beautiful Cath! Spoke right to my heart!
catharvy
chocolate – your daughter sounds so tender. what a sweetheart. i've found fairy garden "decor" at michael's, on amazon, and at local nurseries in our area. good luck! i'd love to see how they turn out!
knit one, knit two – good to hear from you. sending you much happiness.
lynley – you are so kind to read. can't tell you how much i appreciated your note here.
R a c h e l
Such a gorgeous post, thank you. Spoke right into my soul 🙂
Heather
Beautiful! Loved reading your thoughts.
Michelle
I love every word, every photo. You are such a gifted writer. I love your ability to create magic and the fairy dust you sprinkle into my life.
Lisa
Such a pleasure to meet you again last weekend. What a beautiful post and reminder how precious imagination and childhood go hand in hand. I believe in fairies…I do I do!
Elizabeth
That quote by McCammon is amazing.