My family took me to Turkey Run State Park for my birthday last weekend. This is a place that had been dear to me since childhood. it is full of  small canyons, called "runs", that were carved millions of years ago by melting glacier water. Now, I was too young to appreciate that as a kid, but even then I remember those ancient stones filling me with a sense of reverence I didn't even quite understand. I am honored now to be able to share this blessing with my own children.

I'll post just the pictures for now, but I'll have more thoughts to share later.

Lauren and I posing in the green wood...

 

Ryan helping Mama with the picnic blanket...

 

 

Ryan climbing the slide, bathed rapturously in sacred sunlight!

  

Crossing the bridge into the Otherworld...

 

 

Lauren and Ryan playing in the one of the trickling streams that are descendants of the rushing torrents that shaped this land long ago...

 

 

Ryan gazing in wonder at the sunlight spilling over the top of the run...

 

 

Mama and children sheltering in the shade of the ancient stones...

 

 

A splendid view of this sacred sanctuary...

 

What magical places have you visited this year?

Love and Blessings,

~Your Forest Friar~

Ryan Westley arrived at 4:59p EDT. He's 9.3 pounds, 21.5 inches, has his Mama's blue eyes and Daddy's mop of brown hair! Big sister Lauren loves her baby brother very much!

A very Happy Thanksgiving to all my EF friends and their families! This place has truly been a blessing to me! I'm grateful to everyone who has made me feel at home in the world of the Fae. I'm very much an Eyeore so, from the bottom of my heart, "Thanks for noticin' me."

Love and Blessings.

~ Jason

 

After overcoming a short but significant Facebook addiction, I am now back on EF to stay! Here are some highlights from our Summer...

We got to attend the fifth annual World of Faeries festival in Elgin, IL! It is organized by Gloria Yaeger and her husband David. Dave is a member of the Blessed Order of Greenmen, and I got to participate in my very first March!

 

Here I am in all my Green glory!

 

 

My daughter Lauren met a new faerie friend, Aislyn. She's the daughter of my fellow Boggie Brad. Here they are enjoying the music of Elvendrums!

 

 

Here is Lauren visiting with the Living Statue

 

 

We spied several pixies here and there...

 

 

Lauren enjoyed the flower garden and the tea party!

 

Finally, sweet faerie dreams as we leave for home.

 

 

 

We also had fun this summer visiting the Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Matoon, IL. They have lots of programs for families, and a wonderful forest and prairie to explore!

 

 

Here Lauren is making some crafts...

 

   

...and hanging out in the woods...

 

 

...and exploring the enchanted waters...

 

...and teaching Mom and Dad about Illinois wildlife...

 

 

...and joyously discovering it for herself...

 

 

...and even taking some surprisingly impressive pictures for a 3-year-old!

 

Well, I'll be posting more random thoughts and meditations. Everyone enjoy the rest of their Autumn!

 

The silver sky sings a duet with the still-emerald grass. The rainwater glistens on the bark of the now-bare trees. There is mist on the horizon, and secrets on the wind.

~ Jason

People are drawn to the Faery world because they love nature, right?  And I do.  I always have.  Sort of.  I remember walking my paper route as a kid and cutting through peoples' yards.  I can remember all my favorite little secluded garden spots. places that just seemed to have a feel of being magical or enchanted.  Places with flowers (I like the deep blue and purple ones). Birdbaths.  Moss and vines growing on the sides of houses and barns.

So why the hell do I always seem to be stuck inside the house?  Why did I neglect my vegetable garden for two years in a row and let it become overgrown with weeds?  Why do I practically run from my car to the house when I get home from work?  And why oh why do I make some excuse when my soon to be 3-year-old daughter wants her daddy to take her outside and push her in the swing?

Oh a few obvious reasons come to mind.  Heat.  Humidity.  My allegries.  Mosquitos.  But those things will all be gone in the fall, and I'll probably still be lying on this couch with my nose stuck in a book or my laptop.

Why would someone like me be drawn to Faerie when here lately I seem to want to avoid nature at all costs?  Why do these four walls seem to be so essential to me?  I love the breeze in my face, the smell of a fresh rain, a slow walk down a forest trail.  Why do I practically have to pry myself out of my chair to go and enjoy them?  Am I hiding from something?  Is there something I'm afraid to face?