http://fairiefabels.com faeries through the ivy hedge Sun, 13 Feb 2011 00:50:07 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 faeries through the ivy hedge The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry no faeries through the ivy hedge http://fairiefabels.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://fairiefabels.com/category/gnomes/ http://fairiefabels.com/2010/05/lilly-in-the-park/ http://fairiefabels.com/2010/05/lilly-in-the-park/#comments Sun, 02 May 2010 02:26:10 +0000 admin http://fairiefabels.com/?p=2214 http://fairiefabels.com/2010/05/lilly-in-the-park/feed/ 0 http://fairiefabels.com/2010/03/happy-st-paddys-day/ http://fairiefabels.com/2010/03/happy-st-paddys-day/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:45:38 +0000 admin http://fairiefabels.com/?p=2180 http://fairiefabels.com/2010/03/happy-st-paddys-day/feed/ 0 http://fairiefabels.com/2010/02/bills-eyes-are-opened-the-hard-way/ http://fairiefabels.com/2010/02/bills-eyes-are-opened-the-hard-way/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:12:56 +0000 admin http://fairiefabels.com/?p=2025 http://fairiefabels.com/2010/02/bills-eyes-are-opened-the-hard-way/feed/ 0 Attack,Beam,Breach,Caterwauling,centaurs,Crazy,Din,Dogs,Fairies,Funny Farm,Gnomes,Heart Attack Bill, lacking fairy blood, was blissfully unaware of the other realms existing just through our ivy hedge, until the day he sensed a calamity, saw a strange icky green laser-like light killing the ivy leaves wherever it touched. Bill, lacking fairy blood, was blissfully unaware of the other realms existing just through our ivy hedge, until the day he sensed a calamity, saw a strange icky green laser-like light killing the ivy leaves wherever it touched. Something in his head screamed danger and he scrambled to collect the dogs and get out. The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry no http://fairiefabels.com/2009/08/warren-and-the-gigantic-tomato-vine/ http://fairiefabels.com/2009/08/warren-and-the-gigantic-tomato-vine/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:10:13 +0000 admin http://fairiefabels.com/?p=1615 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/08/warren-and-the-gigantic-tomato-vine/feed/ 0 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/06/light-above-fog-below-pt-2/ http://fairiefabels.com/2009/06/light-above-fog-below-pt-2/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:26:38 +0000 Arialhollyberry http://www.fairiefabels.com/?p=1361 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/06/light-above-fog-below-pt-2/feed/ 0 elves,Faerie stories,Fairies,forest,Trolls I had completely forgotten about the night nettle quill. "That's right! My knee went numb, and then...and then...I can't remember anything, except that we were worried about...trolls?" Elendain and Odette exchanged knowing glances. "Goblins missus. I had completely forgotten about the night nettle quill. "That's right! My knee went numb, and then...and then...I can't remember anything, except that we were worried about...trolls?" Elendain and Odette exchanged knowing glances. "Goblins missus."  Odette offered a weak smile and patted me on the hand. "That's okay missus, it's best ya don't remember, things turned out just fine." I uncovered my knee. It was a little swollen and bright pink. There was a small black dot in the middle where the quill had stuck. Elendain moved over and felt around the knee cap. "The swelling is going down nicely, stand up and see if you can walk on it." I stood as directed, aside from a dull ache when I bent it, it seemed ok. I looked up at the tall elven queen. "I can walk on it, it's hard to bend, but it doesn't hurt much." I walked over to the window of the circular room and looked out at the sun in the treetops. The ground below was shrouded in early morning mist that swirled around the massive trunks of the trees. As I stood watching, a large hairy arm with long, grimy green nails shot out of the fog and grabbed onto a low hanging branch.  A low throaty groan echoed through the valley as the beast attempted to heave itself up the tree toward one of the lower elven dwellings. I jumped back. "What is it with these hairy arms all the time? Shooting out of anywhere and everywhere!" Elendain peered over the edge then pulled a small silver flute from around her neck. She quickly played four or five high sharp notes. A crowd of Elves flooded from the dwellings above us. They took positions along the rope bridges and prepared to send a volley of arrows toward the matted hairy form. The Undak reached for another branch and slowly pulled itself out of the mist, closer to its intended goal. As soon as its body had cleared the hazy gloom, twenty arrows sped through the morning light, hitting their target in perfect unison. The Undak fell back with a thunderous roar. Grabbing at the arrows it fell, parting the swirling mist and hitting the ground with a heavy thud. Without a sound, the archers disappeared back into their respective huts. Elendain played another series of notes, high and thin. A new group of elves moved down the bridges toward the motionless pile of greasy hair. I looked down at Odette who was jumping up and down, frantically trying to get a glimpse of the frightening beast. I picked her up so she could see and pointed out the window at the group. "They must be the clean up crew." She made a grimace, "Tis a frightful sight." She turned her head. "Lets not look anymore." I nodded agreement and we followed Elendain through the door, heading for higher ground, and the bright morning sunlight. © Tami Ruesch, The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry, 2009. The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry no 4:08 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/06/light-above-fog-below/ http://fairiefabels.com/2009/06/light-above-fog-below/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:07:07 +0000 Arialhollyberry http://www.fairiefabels.com/?p=1328 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/06/light-above-fog-below/feed/ 0 beast,faerie realm,faeries,Fairies,Fog,forest,forest canopy,mist,pillows,Trolls I sat up and struggled to pull myself out of a large  mass of white flowers that were threatening  to smother me.  Opening my eyes, I shoved and pushed the giant blooms, only to find that the large white flowers were only big fluffy pillows that had be... I sat up and struggled to pull myself out of a large  mass of white flowers that were threatening  to smother me.  Opening my eyes, I shoved and pushed the giant blooms, only to find that the large white flowers were only big fluffy pillows that had been placed all around me on a large downy bed. Bright morning sunlight filtered down through the forest canopy and pooled on the floor beside me. A pillow had slid off the bed and was now moving across the floor, seemingly by its own power. I reached up and twirled a strand of my hair between two fingers."Where am I, and how did I get here?" The thought floated in my mind like a leaf on a pond. I rubbed my eyes and watched as the pillow ran into the wall. A moment later, a pointed green hat burst out  from under the pillow. Odette followed the hat, her hair all disheveled. She shoved the pillow off of her and scurried across the floor. "Oh missus! Oh, your awake! Saints be praised, your awake." She climbed the mountain of pillows that were scattered around the bed then pulled herself up my arm and hugged my ear. "I waited right by yer side missus, I never left ya, not for a moment, no sir, not for a moment." She was quivering with excitement and relief. I wiped a tiny gnome sized tear from my ear lobe and plucked her off my shoulder, then cradled her in my hands. "Odette! I thought I had lost you. I was floating on a leaf in the middle of a huge pond and I almost sank when a storm came, but you weren't there and I couldn't see the shore." I held Odette, rocking back and forth and she hugged my thumb. "T'was the light from the crystal that saved us missus. It glowed so bright the the elves saw it and came for us. they'ed been told to watch fer us just like I told ya, an none to soon, the goblins were wantin us fer their dinner I think." Odette gave my thumb a long squeeze then waded across the mattress, sinking in up to her chin with every step. She wrapped her fingers around a delicate chain that was attached to the clapper of a silver bell and tugged. The chime echoed through the forest. Suddenly, the trees came to life. Eleven folk were everywhere. Spirals of wispy smoke began to curl out of chimney tops scattered throughout the trees. I pulled my gaze back from the activity in the tree tops. "Odette, your an elf alarm clock!" She turned and smiled at me, making her way back to my lap. "We'll be havin company soon." The curtain across the entry was pulled back just as Odette finished tucking the last of her curls up under her cap. Elendain moved through the entrance and came forward with her hands outstretched. "My dear, you have no idea how relieved the faerie court will be to know that you are safe. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Elendain, Mistress of the Elvenwood. We are honored to have you with us." She glanced at Odette. "And your little friend too. She is a true and faithful companion, she showed incredible grace under pressure." I noticed Odette blushing at such lavish praise. "Queen Alina has been notified that you are with us and will be sending an escort for you. The faerie, Cythia, has been remanded to the flower faeries winter realm and will no longer be a problem. I would love to take you on a tour of Elvenwood while we wait for your escort, that is if your knee will allow it." © Tami Ruesch, The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry, 2009. The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry no 4:55 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/04/what-a-way-to-make-an-entrance/ http://fairiefabels.com/2009/04/what-a-way-to-make-an-entrance/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:25:53 +0000 Arialhollyberry http://www.fairiefabels.com/?p=974 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/04/what-a-way-to-make-an-entrance/feed/ 0 Arial Hollyberry,backyard,Black Cats,charms,chihuahuas,Daily Life,Dogs,eyes,Fairie Stories,Fairies,garden,Gnomes I didn't know if Bill wanted to laugh or cry. One thing was perfectly clear, he wasn't at all happy about having his wife turned into a cat. He sat down on the porch step and stared at me. Arial and Cythia had each taken a protective position, I didn't know if Bill wanted to laugh or cry. One thing was perfectly clear, he wasn't at all happy about having his wife turned into a cat. He sat down on the porch step and stared at me. Arial and Cythia had each taken a protective position, hovering a few inches off the ground on either side of me. I have noticed that when situations get tense, the faeries will hum softly. It has a calming effect, like the time my little Chihuahua, Edie, got plopped on the head with cold wet snow.  She will always let us know when she is not happy, and by the sounds of her wild screaming that day, she wasn't happy! The faeries paralleled her every move, humming a gentle lullaby, until she stopped. Then of course she looked at us like nothing out of the ordinary had just happened. Arial and Cythia were humming like that now, but this time it was for Bill. When the shock began to wear off, and the two faeries were satisfied that he was calmer, they left my side. Arial went to perch on Bill's shoulder and Cythia proceeded to braid the strands of hair that she had pulled out of my head prior to my feline transformation. Arial repositioned herself on Bill's shoulder, leaning forward to observe Cythia's work. She scratched her head, "Potions are tricky things." Since Bill hadn't been home to witness my metamorphosis, Arial had to do a little explaining. "Unless you know the exact magical strength of the creature you are going to change into, it is hard to gauge the length of time before the potion wears off. Obviously Mrs. Shunners cat wasn't just a cat, or, the shape shifter had placed charms on it." "She won't stay like that will she? We have dogs, and gnomes!" Bill edged a little closer and held out his hand to me. "Please forgive me sweetheart, I had no idea you were a, he gulped, cat." I knew that I would have to make him dinner tonight, but right now I decided to play the cat role to the hilt. I turned my back and proceeded to lick my paws, glancing around to give him a detached look of disdain. "Tonight, you get tuna!" Meooow. Cythia finished the braid and wove it into the fur on the top of my head. She moved back  waving her wand over me and chanted. Pink sparkles fell from the tip and disappeared into the thick black fur. "That should do it! Her natural DNA will recognize the strands of hair and the transition back to her former human self will begin." We waited. When nothing happened, I started to get nervous and began pacing around in circles. "I can't stay this way, I can't stay this way!" Meeeeoow, meeeeoow! Bill stifled a shudder and gently rubbed my fur. "Ah honey! Thanks for that show of support, I forgive you, you don't have to eat tuna tonight!" Meow, Meoow. All of a sudden I felt a tingling, it started at the tip of my tail and worked it's way up my spine and out the tips of my ears. My eyes opened wide and I stood very still, waiting. Everyone else must have known that something was about to happen because they all took several steps away from me. For a split second, I felt as if the whole world was collapsing in on me. Everything compressed, then in a sudden explosion of sparkling pink light I materialized, and from the relieved smiles on their faces, looking quite myself. At first no one spoke, then, everyone was speaking at the same time. "Well done!"  "Welcome back." "I thought you would stay that way forever!" "What did it feel like?" "What's for dinner?" (that's my hubby, it's all about the food!). Faeries were buzzing around my head, Bill was hugging me. I think Warren and Odette even got in on the welcoming committee, of course, the dogs were barking madly. I let their relief wash over me, happy to be myself again, aside from a slight buzz in my head, I felt rather good. When the celebration had subsided, and Bill couldn't hug me any tighter, I extricated myself from his arms and stood back to look him in the eyes. With hands on hips, and with a mock tone of indignation in my voice, The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry no 6:45 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/04/easter-means-digging-in-the-garden/ http://fairiefabels.com/2009/04/easter-means-digging-in-the-garden/#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2009 21:22:58 +0000 Arialhollyberry http://www.fairiefabels.com/?p=926 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/04/easter-means-digging-in-the-garden/feed/ 0 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/03/dusk-to-dawn/ http://fairiefabels.com/2009/03/dusk-to-dawn/#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:24:59 +0000 Arialhollyberry http://www.fairiefabels.com/?p=768 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/03/dusk-to-dawn/feed/ 0 Arial,backyard,Beam of Light,Daily Life,Dawn,Dusk,Elvish,Emerald Guard,faerie realm,faeries,Fantasy,Frost The night was starting to bow to the birth of a new day in the faerie realm, but as we stepped through the portal into the mortal world, the light in the sky was the light of sunset. Dusk and dawn, yin and yang, The night was starting to bow to the birth of a new day in the faerie realm, but as we stepped through the portal into the mortal world, the light in the sky was the light of sunset. Dusk and dawn, yin and yang, I was beginning to see how intertwined our world was with the transcendental world of the Fae. One world can't exist alone, each dependent on the existence of the other. The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry no http://fairiefabels.com/2009/03/the-old-oak-grove/ http://fairiefabels.com/2009/03/the-old-oak-grove/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:02:38 +0000 Arialhollyberry http://www.fairiefabels.com/?p=698 http://fairiefabels.com/2009/03/the-old-oak-grove/feed/ 1 backyard,banshee,celebration,Dryads,Faerie stories,Fairie Stories,Fairies,garden,Gnomes,Imagination,ivy hedge,Midnight The setting sun sent a riot of pink and orange streaking through the high thin clouds which cast the  backyard into deep purple shadows. Arial and I were in the kitchen putting finishing touches on the refreshments for tonight's celebration. The setting sun sent a riot of pink and orange streaking through the high thin clouds which cast the  backyard into deep purple shadows. Arial and I were in the kitchen putting finishing touches on the refreshments for tonight's celebration. When all the crystal bowls were stacked high with berries and sweet breads, and the gravy boats filled to the rims with milk and honey, Arial pointed  her wand at the platters and they rose into the air and vanished in a flash of light. Arial turned to me with a radiant smile, "I must go and attend to our guests. We will be back for you when the last of the light has left the sky." Then she winked out, but not before she swooshed a cascading spray of pink and green sparkles all over me. I covered my eyes. "Hey!" Arial giggled, and was gone. I tied up my hair  with purple and yellow streamers and found a sparkly blue shawl to throw over my shoulders. Bill wore his best panama hat with the exotic feathers in the band. I checked with Warren and Odette to see if they were ready and was delighted to see Warren in a tiny black and green tartan kilt and a white shirt with puffy sleeves, he was carrying a staff made of  willow, and the toes of his shoes curled at the tips. He kept stopping every few steps to tug at his stockings which kept slipping down below his knees. "Warren! you look very stylish." I noticed Odette grabbing at his hand every time he started to pry at his tight collar. " And Odette, you are a vision in your pink skirts." "I had a time of it with Warren here Missus, he's not used to dressin up, but I told him I didnt' want him goin and embarasin us all. Oh Warren! stop yer fidgetin" Bill held the door open for us when we heard drums beating out a slow, steady rhythm. We stepped out into the cool night air and were greeted by four faeries who flanked us. The faerie to my right held up her wand and waved it at the ivy hedge. The vines began to roll back, twisting and twinning around until a large archway formed. A path, lighted on either side by glowing silver and crystal orbs, led down the hill to the left and into a grove of old oak trees. We stepped through the opening and started off down the path with our escorts on either side. There was a furious rustling behind us. I jerked around, expecting to see Mrs. Shunner streaking up,  like a crazed screaming banshee.  When I looked, there was no one there, and the hedge had filled in, leaving no trace of our passing  from the mortal world. I linked my arm in Bill's and took a deep breath as we continued toward the trees. The narrow path opened to a small glade, completely surrounded by live oak trees. In addition to the Spanish Moss (imagine  Spanish Moss in these northern climes), the trees were strung with streamers of pink, blue, and white. Small twinkling lights hung in the branches. I glanced around, "Bill, look over there." I pointed straight ahead of us. Lights weren't the only thing hanging from the branches. Tall thin creatures with long stringy fingers were draped over the bottom limbs. They had pointed faces with large glowing green eyes. I pulled at the skirts of the faerie that had opened the portal. "What are those!" She smiled and said, "Those are Dryads, they live in the oak trees to protect this special grove." We were shown pillows placed at the bottom of the largest oak then allowed to take our seats. When we were seated, all kinds of magical creatures began to appear in the glade. Pixies, unicorns, a couple of dwarfs, and the dryads joined the group of faeries to celebrate the Spring Equinox. A sudden hush fell over the group and we all looked skyward. A Light appeared in the sky and grew larger as it descended, landing in the middle of the circle. Then, in a flash of sparkling pink light, Arial appeared. The drums that we had heard earlier started again, Arial walked around the group, smiling and placing her hand on each creature's head as they bowed before her. She turned to the east, The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry no