Enchanted Living
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When I was a little girl, I had a forest fort across the street from my house. My mother must have known where I was when I went over there, but it seemed to me like I was the only one in the world who knew about it. As I entered the forest lot, I had to first pass through a large field of very tall grass. In actuality, it was only about 20 yards long, but it seemed like a mile of uncharted, mysterious land. The path was barely visible as I followed the worn down grasses. It began to turn to pine needles and the surroundings darkened. I entered a secret enchanted forest. I had a choice to continue straight, and explore the tiny old abandoned chicken coop, or take a left and go into the "rock and fern rooms." Typically, I would visit the coop first, squeezing in through the rusty chicken wire and just standing inside looking out through holes in the rotted wood. I was certain I was the only one around, but the neighbor who lived next door to this little lot was probably watching me through her window - just to be sure I was safe. After I satisfied myself and had taken in the feelings secrecy held, I carefully squeezed back out and began walking toward the most enchanted parts of this mystical land. I first had to walk past some mountain laurel bushes, their sticky flowers grabbing at me and holding fast to my clothing. Next came the jack-in-the-pulpits section - a very unusual flower to me. There were only a few of them, so they must have been very special. I would sit next to them for a bit, just examining them, before I reached the most secret location of all. There were large rocks I had to crawl over to get there. The sun created sparks from their tiny bits of mica, and they seemed to glisten. There was a very small hollowed area in the woods - surrounded by rocks, seemingly being guarded and kept sacred against all intruders who were not as enchanted as I was by this spot. The sunbeams came to visit through the pine trees. The biggest tree I had ever seen in my life sat just to the side of this space. It was my friend - so strong and graceful. This was my most special place in the world. Each rock was covered with moss and some of them formed chairs, other tables. As if these were real rooms. I can recall those special feelings even now. There was a peace, a sense of being a part of something, an awe at the creations of nature, and an excitement at the beauty of the dancing sunbeams, glimmering mica chips, exotic flowers, and pine smells. As I read the articles in this issue, I understand that I have probably always connected to the faery realm - just without knowing it. The peace and safety I felt as a child in my sacred space was because of the care, preparation, and nurturance of the nature spirits that lived there. I never saw them when I was there, but I must have, on some level, known they were there. That place contained so much life - so much warmth - so much sacredness. There were altars and reverence everywhere. I guess that's why all the places I've lived in since need to have a mystical, magical quality. I tasted that as a very small child - something to be of uncompromising necessity as an adult. I feel like every time I move and buy a new property, I get closer and closer to recreating that location of my childhood. The house I live in now is pretty close. I've told you about my house in some of my other editorials, but I'd like to share about the outside now. It was built in 1870 and is surrounded by stone walls. I have moss galore - and if I had my way, would choose moss over grass for the entire property. I have two back yards - an upper and a lower. In the upper I built a sacred garden. It's small, but it has winding paths with lots of different flowers mixed with some fruit bushes. The lower back yard has a stone fountain that is in disrepair now, but worked years ago, according to my neighbors. In time, I will restore it. Surrounding two sides of the property is a brook with lots of little waterfalls. Behind the property is a nice section of woods. And best of all, I have an enchanted rock. Just near the brook is a large rock totally covered in moss. There is a very special energy to it - quite unlike any of the other rocks. There is not a doubt in my mind that this tiny little half acre of land contains magic and wonder ... and a lot of unseen life. I truly believe that on some level I am selecting properties that contain more and more faery presence. Enchantment seems to be very much a part of my world. Hey, I am even attracted to Kirk's Folly jewelry! I have little "lawn and garden trinkets" that delight me, and am always looking for what's around the bend. I love to create and follow little paths that lead to surprises. I believe that focus is a real eagerness to create a beautiful living environment for the nature spirits, faeries, etc. Go take a look at your own yard. Where can you put a little "gift"? Is there a spot for a beautiful bird bath? A gorgeous piece of stone? The planting of some new flowers? Walk through the woods and try to find a little brook. Notice the sunbeams coming down through the trees. Listen to the babble of that brook. Then see if you can sense movement from the corners of your eyes. See if you can enter into the enchanted realms through the eyes of the nature spirits and faeries. See if you too can live an enchanted life! - Dory |