The smallest blessing in my life would like to meet you and it is about time that she was introduced! Her name is JellyBean and she is my constant companion here in the Land of I Do Believe (the magical phrase chosen by Jelly’s most special friend Aimee, in Dundee). Our family are all besotted with our delightful yorkie – dear Wendy Froud called her a real faery dog and we feel that sums her up just right (although she behaved like a diva when she met their lovable Barney)! This four pound bundle of mischief has us all wrapped around her little paw and - like the fondly remembered terrier, Toto, I grew up with - seems to know just how to comfort and make us all happy. Drew bought me my first Yorkshire Terrier, Scribble, just before we were married in the eighties and she would accompany me when I went teaching each day. We got JellyBean as our sons had been so wonderful, caring for an older, poorly dog and we wanted them to also experience the joy of a puppy.
Jelly's now nearly eight and unless it’s a sunny day, when she’ll find even the thinnest warm beam to doze in, she’ll be found either under my desk where I write or trying valiantly to balance on my legs while I type or shadowing me wherever I go in the house. This furry friend, who loves being cuddled, is as bright as a button and jumps off my lap knowing I'm finishing a ‘phone call or when the end credits roll on a film we’ve all been watching together – talk about Pavlov… She knows when one of us is out and eagerly awaits our return on the stairs where she can watch the door... As her pack become complete again, her tail twirls like mad and she squeaks with excitement. Everyone who visits is made to feel like they’re a long lost friend, even the postman! She is at her most content when our cottage is full of teenage boys with plenty of chaps to choose from, or amongst gatherings of faerie and fantasy artists and their families, who give her far more attention than is probably good for her. And now you too, have met our enchanted dog – just watch out for her tiny tongue, as she tends to affectionately lick people where and when they least expect it!!
Like many people I know, everyday of my life it is vital to me that I try to make real differences to folk, even in small ways. A few years ago when I heard about the wonderful Fairy Box Charity, it crept straight into my heart and has had our continued support ever since. The inspiration behind this amazing venture is a beautiful, deeply caring young lady called Aimee Butler whose dearest wish is to bring comfort and cheer to children in hospital when they need it most, by means of a Fairy Box on the ward which is constantly kept full with toys and games, perfect for distraction at the difficult moments. Sometimes a parent can’t leave a child’s bedside to go out and then they can dip into the box, or a nurse can help a child choose something new that is theirs to keep, bringing a welcome diversion.
Aimee is my best fairy friend and her unfailing belief in faerie and the happiness it can bring is the constant source of my commitment to helping her and her special mum make this magic happen. Gentle Aimee is my hero, I treasure and love her deeply.
I’d be so grateful if you would take a look at their web-site www.fairybox.org for further information. At IDB, we have also recently set up a Giving Page at www.justgiving.com/idobelieve where you can just visit to learn more and/or make a very welcome donation. Thank you so much.
Fairy Box is a Scottish charity run by dedicated, hard working people and our plans for the next stage, to officially bring it into England and Wales, are now finally beginning to happen. We are also hearing from fantastic folk who are kindly volunteering to set up Fairy Boxes in hospitals around the World and helping to encourage awareness within their local community so that they remain full of gifts. We are connecting them with some of our most beloved Faerie Artists who are taking on the very special roles of Fairy Ambassadors and actually painting these handmade Boxes especially! Therefore, I will be using this Enchanted Blog to keep everyone updated with the latest important news and developments for which we are extremely thankful.
When I look into Aimee’s gorgeous green eyes and hear her softly say my name, I know why I Believe…
Magical Blessings, Be
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” - Anne Frank