It is such a delight when you are really able to learn more about a specialised subject from someone who is so accomplished at their trade, and be inspired to ‘have a go’ yourself! Charlotte Bird is an amazing photographer who captures the beautiful vintage feel in her pictures by using modern equipment but with skills learnt through the years, beginning with the use of a dark room at the age of seven! Therefore, her gorgeous work encompasses all the light techniques needed in natural photography, with the latest desktop technology! You can read her full story, which is a fascinating one and I won’t spoil it here, in my article in the Autumn 2007 issue of Faerie Magazine International. (We have also recorded the interview, of course, to podcast later.) I am honoured to say that the photo of me here on EF was taken by the lovely Charlotte, whose web site is www.fairyphotographs.co.uk - She is a dear friend who has kept the enthusiasm and clarity so often left behind in childhood, making her passionate about her photography with a strong, practical desire to teach others so that they can also share the magic…


One of the first signs here of the season turning to autumn, is the spectacular changes in the Virginia Creeper on the Barn opposite our cottage. Every time I pass our landing window (which is sadly the only original 300 year old one left in the house) I get a swoosh of colour erupting in front of me and it is wonderful – all different shades of reds, greens and yellows. The birds have, once again, successfully raised their broods this year within its amazing foliage (I know, because they fly over the hedge to my feeding station for breakfast!) like a protective, colourful nursery. I guess it is one of the ways that I subconsciously mark the months and I am always sad to see the first leaves begin to drop. The happy miracle is, that next year its buds will burst into leaf once again covering even more of the roof, and that all happens from one magic stem, awesome!

Magical Blessings, Be

“When you believe in your dreams and listen to your heart, there is nothing you cannot achieve.”