Hop City - Fairy Sighting

While anxiously awaiting the return of Twanda, Vivian and I decided to go and visit the other fairy houses in the neighborhood.  We were at 249 Cranberry Way talking to Jenny and admiring the cute landscaping that surrounded her fairy house.  The summer sun was starting to set and the light was falling in a warm glow around us.  Their was a touch of magic in the air as we watched the girls explore the house and chatter about its inhabitant.

I love to hear them talk about the fairies, musing about where they are and what they are doing. I was secretly eavesdropping on them when out of the corner of my eye I saw a blur of movement near some tall purple flowers.  Vivian jumped up and shouted "Did you see that?"

"Yeah, I did, it must have been a hummingbird or something" I replied.

"No Mom! It was a fairy! I saw it! It was beautiful.  It was golden and sparkly with glowing wings." She answered.

My skepticism kicked in and I asked, "Are you sure it wasn't a bird, or a flying insect.  I'm pretty sure it couldn't have been a fairy."

"NO MOM!" She emphatically replied.  "It must have been a fast flying fairy. I didn't see her very well because she was going so fast, but I did see her wings and her pixie dust sparkling.  I know it was a fairy! I can't believe it, I saw a real fairy! I am so lucky!"  We returned home, Vivian skipping beside me, marveling at her incredible luck in seeing a real fairy.  

While I put her to bed I couldn't help but think about her innocence.  If ever there was a girl who believed in fairies it is her.  I normally see life through the dark lens of adult skepticism but she opens my vision to a whole new world with her innocent magical beliefs.  I can say one thing for sure, while I'm not 100% sure fairies exist. I do know beyond a shadow of a doubt that their magic does.  It lives in my house and blesses our world with its beauty, excitement and joy; for that I am grateful.

Hop City - Someone Ate Dinner-- It wasn't a Fairy

Vivian found the perfect tiny plate and made dinner for Twanda Bell. A strawberry, some grapes and a candy for dessert. She carefully placed it in the fairy house. She knew Twanda would probably be hungry after all that travelling.

She ran out to check this morning and to both of our horror, no Twanda had come last night. Instead a trail of tiny ants had invaded and started feasting on the fairies dinner.  She quickly rescued it, washed it off, put it safely in a zip-lock bag and returned it to the house.  We assured her that Twanda was probably just out on an adventure and that she would come back soon and tell Vivian all about her latest trip.  Here's hoping Twanda returns tomorrow!

Hop City - Twanda Bell - The Adventure Begins

"She's here! She's here! SHE'S HERE!!!  She took my notes AND she left me this note!"  Vivian squeeled as she jumped up from looking inside the fairy house.  She was waving a tiny piece of rolled pink paper.  

 

She unrolled the note and started to read:

Hello Vivian!
Oh my gosh! I am SO excited to finally meet you! News went out on the fairy net that a new house was coming and I have been dying to move in!  This is SO great!
My name is Twanda Bell and I am an adventure fairy! That means that I get to go all over the world and see such amazing places.  I just got back from a month long excursion to Thailand! (you should totally look it up-it's so pretty!)  I will always tell you where I go so you can look up pretty pictures.  So exciting!
Anyway- I love love love the new house and I can't wait to move all my new stuff in and get to know you better.  Do you have brothers and sisters?  What is your favorite thing to do? What is your fairy talent? By the way (BTW)- I love your wishes.  Together you and I are going to make them all come true.  This is SO great!  So excited to be living here!
Love,  
Twanda
P.S. I am not very good at drawing but maybe I'll ask one of my drawing fairy friends to help out with a picture of me- so awesome!

"

Vivian quickly responded in a note of her own.

 

So it seems we have an Adventure Fairy moving in.  So excited to share in her adventures, wonder where she'll tell us about next.  In the meantime we are off to google pictures of Thailand.

Hop City - Letters to a Fairy

A handful of pixie dust and a heart full of wishes welcomed our fairy to Hop City.  To make sure the fairy knew she was loved and welcomed, Vivian made her a special card and placed it in her home.  

Notes to the fairy 

left in her house, along with a few trinkets she might like

She may have been confused as to whether it was a fairy moving in or her Fairy Godmother so she also included a list of wishes she hoped her fairy would help her with. The following is a slightly clarified version of her letter.

Vivian's Wishes for Fairy - Please make these wishes come true
Vivian's Wishes -
I wish to have nice and friendly cheetahs
To be your friend
To make my family happy
To have Storm animal (a magical wolf in a book series she is reading who turns into a puppy to stay safe)
To see Fairies
Love me

Vivian, the little animal lover is really hoping to have an animal talent fairy move in.  Here's hoping the fairy arrives soon and we can discover what kind of fairy she is. I'm hoping she waits on granting the cheetah wish.  We have a few too many pets as it is...

343 Rebelberry Lane - It Has Happened!

It has happened! Oh, yes this is Real. FAIRIES! They really do live here!

When the first plant was seen, we knew it wouldn't be long, but thought we could help them move right along. To the nursery we went, and back in a flash, one by one they were planted and done in a dash. Now the beauty is know from as far as the street, and if you are passing, stop and take a peek. 

 

 

 

57 Cranberry Lane: Names and Letters

We've been patiently waiting, trying to figure out our fairy's name, and now we finally know! Her name is Magnolia, but she said that we can call her Maggie for short. Maggie's received a few notes and gifts from children in our neighborhood since she moved in last month. Some of the notes even include fun requests like: "fairies can you put a spell on Charlotte so she has green hair."

The best part of the week was watching the kids' excitement when they found and read their letters.

IMG_2035.JPG

Charlotte, who is almost 9, pulled me aside after she read her note to let me know that she's positive that fairies are real. The awe and excitement in her voice completely made my week, and I silently begged her to stay this age forever. We can't wait to see what Maggie has in store for us this week!

921 Cranberry Lane: The Pinwheel Project

When you are coming down the street and see our fairy house you'll immediately notice a beautiful front door.  Our visitors will bend down, open the door and find two tiny chairs and table set for tea.  As if that wasn't cool enough in and of itself, there is a window around the right side of the house with another room!  I always make sure to point that out when people stop by.  This view right here has been my favorite lately, especially with the whimsical allium growing.  

DSC_0734.JPG

But, the spring flowers are fading and we have been thinking about what to put in their place (and involve our friends in the neighborhood as well!).  So we are excited to announce The Pinwheel Project!  The Pinwheel Project is simple.  

1.  Perform an act of service.

2. Write a note to our fairy Snowflake telling her all about what you did for someone else.

3.  Leave your note in Snowflake's mailbox and Snowflake will leave a treat for you.

4.  Let us know that you have left the note and we will give you a pinwheel to stick in the ground around Snowflake's home.  Let's fill up this fairy garden bed with colorful pinwheels!   

Our first note drop-off day will be Thursday June 1st.  So start doing good deeds and we will see you then!   

Hop City- Creating a Space

When you want to attract a fairy, you first need to create a space.  It takes more than just a pile of dirt and a wish  (although both those things are helpful).   Hop City, the perfect place for a new fairy to call home, was built thoughtfully by a creative six year old.  

It comes complete with a welcoming committee...

the "Pronouncer"- A place for fairy's to come for announcements and important fairy bulletins...

an outdoor eating area, near a pool with blue sand beaches

IMG_2184.JPG

and last, but definitely not least, a fairy home.  Crafted with all the love, colors and sparkle a little girl could pour into it.

As I watched my daughter create a space for the fairy, she chattered happily about what kind of fairy would come and what she hoped would happen, I was struck by her faith.  She KNEW that if she created this space a fairy would move in, there was no doubt.  I on the other hand was entertaining all the negative things that could happen if a fairy didn't arrive on time, or it wasn't the one she hoped for; all the what if's that could pop up and ruin the magic.  

The more I've thought about it the more I have learned from her simple faith.  Maybe life isn't as complicated as I always try to make it.   Maybe just creating a space with the belief that it will be filled is enough to bring the magic that fills it.  Peter Pan may have had it right after all...  "All you need is faith and trust, and just a little pixie dust."

Building Bridges & Fairy Furniture

Fairy furniture may seem like a small detail but it's the details that really make the experience magical. The great thing is that there are no limits and you can create something amazing no matter what your skill level. Watch the video to see how I create these super cute, super simple tables.

921 Cranberry Court: Come One, Come All!

20170508_124459.jpg

The arrival of our fairy house has enticed quite a few visitors over the past week!  Girls and boys, young and old.  It makes us happy to see other people peeking through the door and window, enjoying it as much as we do.  The night after the house arrived my daughters wrote letters and left them in the little mailbox.  They found a paper snowflake in the mailbox the next morning!  Our suspicions have been confirmed that Snowflake the fairy is taking up residence here.  At least, we believe she sleeps here.  We haven't actually laid eyes on her so we are pretty sure she is busy during the day.  Other families have come to leave notes for Snowflake as well.  Assuming (because of her name) that Snowflake is a winter fairy, we think this has become her summer cottage.  Unfortunately she will have had quite a shock as we seem to have gone from the sunny, warm weather of last week to this:

Luckily we were able to get out and do a bit of fairy landscaping with some shells we had on hand before the weather took a turn!  And we are crossing our fingers the cold and downright crazy weather hasn't scared Snowflake away!  

How to Grow a Fairy

Last year I delivered a fairy house to a local family with two adorable little ladies, one of which happens to be a fairy fanatic. The house was unfinished and came with a kit including  instructions for completion (see photo's and instructions below). My hope was to create an opportunity for this little family to create their own magical  and connective experience fueled by the process of hope, imagination, and creation. After a lot of work, the fairy house has been completed. Watch the video to see how their story is unfolding.

Before you place this home outside:

Step 1: Fairy dust are for your wishes. Sprinkle fairy dust in your hand. Close into a tight fist and make your very biggest wish. Blow the dust onto the ground where your fairy house will be placed.

 

Step 2: Wishing stars are for the wishes other people make. Sprinkle wishing stars in your hand. Close your hand into a tight fist and think your very best thoughts. Blow the space onto the ground where your fairy house will be placed.

IMG_5324.jpg

Motherhood: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

I consider my role as a mother to be the most meaningful endeavor of my life. I have never regretted the sacrifice of time or personal interest that I have made to invest in my amazing fellas. For me, that slow and steady investment has resulted in the development of secure attachments and connected relationships with my boys. 

There's no doubt that I have worked hard to teach them the things that I believe will best serve them as they develop a solid foundation and prepare for the challenges and experience of life. But I must say that my experiences as their mother have served to teach me far more than I have taught. I have become a better mother, a better woman, a better daughter, and better human because of my experiences as their mother. They continually inspire me to become my best self and I believe the world is a better place because of it. 

 

57 Cranberry Lane: Welcome, Fairies!

Two weeks ago we woke to an amazing surprise in our yard--some fairies decided to make our flower bed their home! There were many questions from neighbors, and we told them all we knew--we went to bed one night and woke up with a fairy house the next. We're not sure why the fairies have chosen us, but we hope that they will stay around!

Over the last two weeks, kids have been doing little things to welcome the fairies to our neighborhood. The fairies have received a few notes--including one asking if the fairies had a friend who could move into his yard. My daughter, Charlotte, painted a rock garden to help decorate their yard, and Gibson, a little boy down the street, left a snack for the fairies. He was so surprised when he came the next day to find his snack eaten.

Our family has been dealing with some stressful times over the last two weeks. A dear family member has been hospitalized in the ICU. Even though it's something so small, seeing the fairy house each day has brought smiles to our faces. A moment to forget all that is happening and remember that our world is full of beautiful, magical creations.

921 Cranberry Court: A Spring Surprise

On our way out the door for church Sunday morning we discovered quite a surprise in our front yard! A beautiful two story fairy house!  It is truly an amazing sight and has caused quite the stir in our cul-de-sac.  When you open the purple front door and peek inside you can see chairs and a table set for teatime.  Around the right side of the house there is a window you can peer into and see a fairy’s cozy little bedroom.  After my three year old son had explored both rooms of the house he wrapped his little arms around the house and exclaimed (in his three year old speech), “I jist yuv dis yiddow house!”  The kids are all very curious as to how this little home came to be in our yard and whose home it might be.  My five year old daughter has concluded that this fairy house belongs to her invisible fairy, Snowflake, who was given to her by a friend many months ago. We are excited to leave a letter in the tiny mailbox to find out if it is indeed Snowflake!