"Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin." I am including some of these utterly charming tales here in Merrie's column so all may share the magic whatever our ages...

Editor's note: For our full Tribute to Merrie Fae Tresses, please visit Merrie's Winter 2009 Faezine column Faery Fields and Forests.

Merrie Fae very kindly and enthusiastically supported our EF Faezine from the beginning, even though she bravely informed me that she probably wouldn't even see the first year of our magazine through. Her two columns: Faery Fields and Forests, & Bringing up Baby Fae were testament to her deep appreciation of the natural beauty and gifts Mother Nature continues to bestow upon us. Each article was written with intellect, perception and comprehension, which she was naturally able to share on a level readily accessible to all. Merrie was clear from the start as to what she would include and entertained us with her wholehearted commitment to education and development by having fun, however old we are! She continued to urge us to try new things, get out there in nature and relish all the wonders so freely available. To celebrate.

I always enjoyed sending Lady Trillium little enchanted gifts and post from England; cheer-up cards she called them, and thought you might like to know that last summer Merrie Fae Tresses generously sent me one of her favourite childhood books (originally given to her by her own dear Mama) in order to use some of the illustrations, now out of copyright, for her Faezine columns. She also assured me that she would then know that the volume was in good hands, to be handed down to my own grandchildren one day.

The Turned-Into's by Elizabeth Gordon (published in 1920) is a true wonder of old. Not only was I stunned and completely overwhelmed to receive such a precious out of print book, but it served as a fascinating window onto the wondrous girlhood influences of my treasured friend.

Through the warm summer months I read and reread The Turned-Into's with pure delight, continually joyously sharing with Merrie the interesting differences in our creatures here in the UK. Often a tiny hoverfly would be near me, or a ladybird, or butterfly as I revelled in my unexpected gift, and you can imagine my excitement when one day I even found a perfect empty cocoon on our path, left by a real Turned-Into! Through those balmy, peaceful days, sitting under our White Mulberry tree surrounded by birds, I discovered and learnt new things and am honoured to say that I felt even closer to dear Merrie as a result ~ who was amused to hear that I called these daily breathing spaces my Merrie Moments. This was a real turning point for me as my friend's unique gift also reminded me to finally take more time to pause, reflect and read some, while the weather was clement enough to do so outside. Like many of you I'm sure, the cold wet winter often catches up with me before I have invested enough time to make the most of sitting outside for a spell. I have very many things to thank Merrie for.

As these stories can transport us back to perhaps more innocent times, I am including some of these utterly charming tales in Merrie's column here, so all may share the magic whatever our ages...

"Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin."  Enjoy.

Be

Editor of Faezine

By Merrie Fae Tresses

Faery Fields and Forests  &  Bringing up Baby Fae

“Procrastination is my Number One priority.”    

Merrie Fae Tresses is a Solitary Avalonian Faery Priestess of the Dru-ideology, Wit-Sidhean, and Mistress of Mists living in the Fields and Forests of Wisconsin.

Merrie is the Faerie GrandeDame moderator of Enchanted Folks' Faerie Fledglings Group.

Also known as Lady Trillium, she is the Foundress of TrilliumTriadTradition, a Woodland Fae Path.

“Truth is like the diamond on the ring we have every day of our lives at hand.  It isn't until the Light touches the diamond --JUST SO!-- that its many facets of splendor are revealed.” 

Merrie Fae has been a member of Enchanted Folk since June 2008

members.enchantedfolk.com/merriefaetresses