This has been quite a year, so far at least... so much change and letting go and adding new only to let go again. After leaving a very long relationship in 08, it's been wonderful getting reaquainted with myself, that sounds a bit strange but comforting. Now it's a matter of letting go of all the physical stuff that no longer serves me in my new life.

I went through the holiday boxes yesterday. Some things reminded me of good times, others reminded me that things do not make a holiday. Some of these things are precious, others are meant to move on to new homes for other people to appreciate and make memories with them.

I'm very glad to have a network of people to share with, to give to, to travel my path with me, if only for a moment. If that is you, feel the hug I just gave you and let's share a smile in this brief sparkle of time we are given. If you'd like to check out my treasures I'm releasing to the world, you can see some of them here on ebay.

The trunk of my car is filled with more treasures I'm delivering to Upper End Again Consignment Shop at Smith Mountain Lake (central Virginia) today. Evelena Mullens is the owner of the shop and a magician of great talent in design, color and value. You know when you meet people that are exceptional, they exude a warmth and glow you can feel. That's how I knew Evelena was the right person to care for my treasures and find them new homes!

So if I pass you on the road today, give a wave. If you see a tear in my eye, it's just the memory of times past, and the joy of memories yet to be. Everything is as it should be.

Blessings to all!

It's been a while since I've updated here... 2 hard drives crashes ago, plus so many other changes.  The cycle of loss then gathering of resources then improvements then loss again seems so difficult at times.  Yet I know it is a cycle!

This year has been momentous for me!  I've left a 31 year relationship, I'm becoming more independent each day, and I'm getting more comfortable in my own skin, something that is vitally important in these challenging times.  I'm having more fun, taking more responsibility and letting go of what isn't working, willingly.  It's a process, something I wasn't willing to face before.  Now, it's a joy to find what each day will bring! 

So, what changed for you in 2008?  Have you fought it, accepted it, or are you desperately hanging on to what you know instead of stepping into the unknown?  I'm letting go, of things, of people, of places and of pieces of myself that no longer belong to the me I'm becoming.  I'm grateful for all the moments that brought me here because if I had not been there I'd never have arrived here!

This weekend, I'm sharing all kinds of treasures I'm finding as I go through boxes.  Some of the boxes are from my retail stores, which I closed in 2008.  Some of the boxes are from my grandmother's home which our family sold in 2006.  I'm listing lots of new items tonight, including vintage toys, greeting cards and jewelry.  I'm also listing many of the retired fantasy collectibles that have connected me with so many of the people I now call friends, whether online or face to face.  It has been a joy to share beautiful things with beautfiul people!

If you venture into Out of the Appalachian Woods, enjoy the visit.  You'll begin to understand how lucky I feel, surrounded by magical fairies and powerful dragons, ready to protect, inspire and create fun in the lives they touch.  I know not where they will take me next, but I do know I'm truly enjoying the ride!

Blessings to all!

Bonnie

(listing Jessica's Green Woman Embellished SIGNED Print tonight!)

Last year on this weekend I was honored to be in Philadelphia as a volunteer at FaerieCon 07.  It was such a blast to work the registration table, seeing everyone FIRST in their attire of choice, dressed in mild to wild, street-chic to ultimate magic!  

Inside FaerieCon was the finest collection of artists, authors, crafters and vendors who all shared the passion for fantasy.  Thinking back over the weekend, I have to say it was the most exciting charge to the senses of any event I'd attended for years!

So here we are, today being the opening of FaerieCon 08.  If you can be there, if you're already there, Have a BLAST!  I'm there with you in spirit.  

If you can't get there this year, let's plan on being there together next year, anyone want to plan a van full of fairies for a road trip from North Carolina/Virginia area?!?  I'm up for an entire bus load if we can pull it together...

In honor of FaerieCon 08, I'm listing lots of new fae in my Ebay store at great discounts through the end of October.  Some listings will include FREE Shipping!   It's not quite as good as being there, but brings the fantasy just a bit closer...

Enjoy your weekend & make it MAGICAL!

Over the years, I've found many fantasy art pieces which delight, astound and haunt the viewer.  I just had to share this one with you, the three mischievous fairies, dabbling in the paint on an artists pallette.  A Touch of Color captured me & it will be one that is hard to part with...

This is one of three oversized pieces that Faerie Glen released in 2007.  With so many wonderful artists in the Enchanted Folk community, I just had to share this enchanting image with you all.

I've been busy the past few weeks opening boxes and unpacking treasures to sell over the holiday shopping season.  They'll be witches, black cats and haunted houses (candles shining through the spooky windows) listing later this week.

My move to The Lodge has been fantastic!  While it's difficult adjusting to a new lifestyle, a new way of thinking as a single rather than a couple after 31 years, it's been a good process and has opened so many new doors along the way.  We're ready to start taking lodging reservations for October and peak color season on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  If you're in this neck of the woods, check us out!

So back to work now... Have a fabulous FALL day!

Bonnie

My son & I are finally settling into our new home.  All the excitement of the past month has been fun, but I'm ready to be still, enjoy the quiet of our surroundings and begin getting to know our community.

Josh is making friends at school and in our country neighborhood.  I've gotten out this past week and reacquainted myself with some old friends.  There's lots to do in our area, and so much great, green magic to be found!

I've been opening boxes too, having been moved after I closed my store, into storage, then here to the Lodge.  You know when you have something you haven't seen in a while and you stumble across it, it just seems more precious, more beautiful and somehow like It found You.  That's been happening a LOT! 

Here are some of the treasures I've rediscovered in my pile of boxes.  They're out to play today but could disappear like fairy dust by tomorrow...

Be blessed!