Holding Back and Giving Grace

Hello Dear Faeries and Fauns, Satyrs, Selkies, and Fey Folk of All Sorts!

This may be a bit of a strange newsletter, since so much has happened but I'm not sure how much of it I will be sharing with you all. I just finished writing and posting a blog explaining that even though I took another eleven day trip to England and many wondrous and magical experiences occurred, I'm not sure how much I'll ever share. And that's ok. It's just that I'm not used to it. In these newsletters I normally talk about all of the wonderful moments, large and small, that have occurred since the last newsletter, and now here's a gap of eleven wondrous days I won't be sharing. 

In the blog post I wrote, I talked about what is likely one big reason why I am uncomfortable keeping anything for myself. But my struggle is also a symptom of our internet culture as well. We are constantly told that if we don't keep being interesting on a constantly rotating and fresh basis, we will lose people...followers and maybe even friends. Our consumer culture has become all-consuming...eating up any new creations, stories, artworks, etc. and admiring for a little while then saying "now what? More!" It's nerve-wracking to instead be a little boring, or to hold something back. It's one reason why I've been hesitant to really dive into working on writing my novel, because I worry that if I work on something that will take months if not years, there won't be enough of me left to feed the algorithm, to keep anyone's interest. This decision to keep this trip to myself is I suppose also a dipped toe into the waters to see if I have the courage to be a bit boring for a while.  

I will say that Glastonbury was a wonderful whirlwind! I agreed to write an article about it for the next issue of Karen Kay's FAE Magazine (I have a new column in there, did you know? The first article is in the current issue!), so you'll definitely be hearing from me about that. The faeries from America invaded this longstanding and wonderful Albion event, and hopefully those from both sides of the pond were delighted by the invasion. I know I was. Highlights included...

-Attending the Froud Faerie Ball in a gown that made me feel like I stepped out of one of Brian's paintings, thanks to my fairy godmother, D.M. Anderson. Who, by the way, has a new Patreon. Backdrop is by Chianna Fae.

-Falling in love with an Armorel's Faybles being by the name of Moyque-Runes. (“Moy-kyew”) I told myself that if he was still at her booth when I came down from visiting the Frouds, (they were up on the stage in the room) that it would mean he was meant to be mine. Dearies, he was still there. And now he's home with me. I hope to introduce him on the blog too, but so far he has been a bit shy about individual photos. This picture was taken by Armorel.

-The moment that Bryonie leaned over with excitement to tell me (she was helping Brian and Wendy get ready on the first event day) "They have Tapestry with them!" Tapestry is tied with The Faery Hare as my favorite Brian Froud painting he has ever made, and I've desperately wanted a print of it for over ten years. It's also the one I did a photographic homage of. (Photographer Chris McDonough) Tapestry is currently at the framers getting a deluxe treatment, and I can't wait to share her once she's done. 

-Meeting people I've known online for years in person!! And seeing almost all of my beloved Goblin Girls again (missed you Annie!)

Not a part of the event, but also from the trip, here is the story of two Wendy Froud faerie sisters who are now a part of my faemily and the surprising way they came to me. It’s a pretty incredible tale you don’t want to miss.

If you want to hear more about me adventuring in England, I assure you that the last two days of my November trip are still forthcoming on my blog. And if you want to immerse yourself in magical England, I have nine days worth of trip blogs already up from that trip. (I apparently really enjoy doing eleven day trips, lol) 

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9

So what's coming up for me? Well, first of all I have a fire lit in me from this journey and the magic within. I have been working on further writing a short story (and sharing it in monthly portions to the $10+ tiers of my Patreon) I mentioned in the last newsletter. I also received notice right before I left on my trip that I had a short story accepted for publication by Fairy Tale Magazine's next issue. April 27th I'll be hosting the next Faerie Faith and Folklore group meeting at the Magical Druid store in Columbus. And who knows what else. Some gardening I'm sure, as the weather warms and spring fully arrives. Some home decorating I strongly suspect. Seeing beautiful maximalist homes of inspiring people just has me wanting to put more more more in my own home! (And strangely enough also to downsize all that isn't serving me well anymore too!)

And writing. More writing. It may not be the most photogenic of creative endeavors, or social media - friendly, but it's the calling of my heart and I won't deny it. <3 

Speaking of stories, why don't I close by telling you what I've been "reading" lately in audiobook format? This month I've read...

-Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics. 3.5 stars. A charming sapphic historical romance. 

-The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill. 3.5 stars. Enjoyable take on faerie bargaining, gifting. Minus some stars for Faerie being so very reliant on humanity. 

-A Fragile Enchantment. 3 stars. Admittedly I read this mostly for the super pretty cover. It was rather tropey, but sometimes a "just fine" story hits the spot. 

-Thistlefoot. Just started this one so it's not rated yet. But I wanted to mention it here because so far it's delightful. So extremely well written I am getting a bit jealous at some of the wordplay and phrasing, and the plot rather reminds me of Charles de Lint and other early mythic fiction writers in a very very complimentary way. 

And that's it for now! What signs of spring are you seeing in your area? I went to the local arboretum today to take some pictures and near the entrance there's a stunning circle of butter yellow daffodils. The forsythia at the end of my street is also in triumphant full solar yellow blaze, and I have sweet little johnny jump ups popping up all around my patio between the bricks. The trees may not have received the message in Ohio yet, but spring is here, and will be in all her glory soon. 

Much love. With faerie wings and magical things,

Grace