A patriotic parcel

Look, even the SOSF (Society of Secret Fairies) are supporting England in the footy - all those little St George crosses!

A very edible parcel indeed, which was diminished in size in no time...sesame bars, flat nougat 'pies', sandwiched between circles of rice paper, with bitter orange and honey, which were a bit unusual at first, but two bites in I was hooked...I may have to put in a regular order with the producers.

Perching rather stickily on the half eaten 'pie' a dear little dragonfly pendant, which nestles just above my decolletage, a sweet crocodile finger puppet, teddy bear pencil and, most intriguing of all, Greek worry beads, or komboloi, which I am still fiddling with, in an inelegant attempt to nonchalantly dicker with them, astounding my friends and flummoxing my foes. The card is a dead give away to who sent these delights...one day her work will be in all good shops everywhere, I'm sure. In the meantime, she has a lovely Etsy shop, here.

On a sadder note, RIP Fred Trueman, died today, one of the giants of English cricket. It is a spectacularly hot day over here, blue skies and singing birds - absolutely super cricketing weather, and the height of the season. I hope somewhere he's bowling a few fast ones to the angels. Tribute to Trueman.

Lavender fairies

It's been a strange week, with Andy on holiday while I was stuck working...it poured with rain for most of it, so I was quite glad to be studiobound - I forgot how long an A2 poster takes to paint up and there are still two chapters of 'Pinwheel Days' to go. It was on one of these dismal, rainy mornings that our Posty knocked on the door, looking somewhat grumpy as I cheerily carolled 'oooh, look at you!' while the rain drops streamed off his shoulders and twinkled in his thinning hair. He thrust a parcel in my hand and stumped off crossly. Can't think why. I made a fresh pot of tea and took my box off to investigate. Very exciting. Airmail tags, nice stickers and 2 colours of felt pen. From America. Society of Secret Fairies had struck again. Aromas of coffee and lavender as I slit open the lid to find my ship had truly come in.

What was in it? What wasn't in it?! There was alder smoked wild salmon from Seabear, a seeded herbal bookmark from Bastyr, (an alternative natural healing university), a pretty lavender bag (of course!) exquisite hand made booklets, chocolates (didn't last long), enough lavender sugar for a batch of lavender shortbread, (recipe included), delicious biscotti, playing cards, which reminded me I haven't played Patience for a very long time (because I haven't had a decent set of cards), yummy fruit leather, mellow ground coffee from Tullys, organic lavender chocolate, (sensational - I made the supreme sacrifice and shared it...) and all tied up with violet ribbons, scattered with little messages and kindness (you can't see that, but it was there).

And who was my secret fairy? She resides here. A thousand thanks to her for cheering up a dull week.

The SSF is open to anyone. There are no rules, except to remember that it is not necessary to spend a fortune to send a parcel of happiness, or even simply a card. It really is the thought that counts.

Kind fairies

If last year was officially the Year of Stress and Striving, then I think this year is going to be the Year of Blessings. Three times I have been woken by the postman bringing a parcel from across the sea. I will have to buy new pajamas.

Three is such a magical, mystical number. Just the right amount for kind, generous fairies.

The bead fairy sent me this treasure trove of tiny baubles, nestling in organza, with three (there's that three again!) tiny paper boats, for magical journeys. I saw three ships come sailing in...
In moments of self indulgence, I take them out and gloat over them, like a dragon hoarding jewels.


The book fairy has to remain anonymous, but she sent a selection of lovely titles, including one I hadn't heard of - although I have his other great book, 'Frog and Toad are Friends'. Arnold Lobels 'Owl at Home' is a small masterpiece. I could ramble on about why this is a classic study in genius illustration, but - I won't. Oh well, just the one point then... Lobel created such a believable world, that it is easy to overlook a major twist...nowhere in the book does Owl fly. Indoors he is seen wearing pajamas/dressing gown, as owls sleep in the day. But even when he goes outside, he walks everywhere, and at no point do you even think about it, unless you're an pedantic illustration nerd like myself. It is these little tweaks that make truly great childrens books. Every children's illustration student should be encouraged to study this book.

The third fairy sent rainbows. I am a very amateur knitter...I have just finished a shambolic scarf, and if you can't knit a straight scarf...but I can knit socks, even though they are knitted on four needles and should be quite tricky. Well, a girl's got to have a hobby and I have been inspired by Stuntmother's amazing ability to churn out lovely knits in seconds flat. I was not, however, impressed with the Witney Woolshop lady, who looked bewildered when I asked for sock patterns. Amid thousands of leaflets they had one - for gentlemen's knee high Highland dress socks. "But sock knitting is the Latest Thing in America' I wailed. Pursed lips from the shopkeeper. 'Yes - well - we're not IN America, are we?' To which there is no sensible answer. So I will find my pattern online. I shall knit cosy socks for cold studio feet. And every time I put them on, there will be an extra glow when I remember how I came by them. Thank you so much again to the knitting fairy.

All of which makes me think that it's my turn to brighten someone's day with an unexpected gift or two...