Although my 5th blog (8/9/07) was dedicated to the master himself, Brian Froud, I mentioned then that I would keep a separate entry for dearest Wendy Froud. This beautiful woman is a joy to be in the company of as, to be with Wendy, one truly feels like you’re in the presence of Faerie… completely and magnificently but as with this friend whom I adore, with grace, gentleness and an underlying sense of fun. Wendy, who is of course also the World that is Froud www.worldoffroud.com has an ability to bring her and Brian’s Faerie to 3Dimensional life and her dolls and characters are honestly breathtaking. I was first introduced to one of Wendy’s amazing pieces of art years ago at the home of our publisher whose lovely wife is an avid collector and then met some more in Amy Brown’s home. If feels like meeting old friends as there is a familiarity about them that makes you feel that maybe you already know them from somewhere, yet every new introduction is a personal delight. Wendy’s faeries in particular just cause me to sigh deeply and to not be able to stop staring - I’ve never wanted to have something so much in all my life! I do have one little Wendy faery who graces our cottage and charms all who meet her, my heartfelt wish is now for a companion to keep her company! Her exquisite sculpting is so delicate that one feels almost intrusive, as though you shouldn’t really be looking. The gorgeous fabrics that she costumes with, are rich and luxurious as she only has to use a small amount and so Wendy’s imagination plays freely. Each face is different and perfect in every detail, one is immediately drawn to their very essence and feel honoured to be in such close proximity to them. Last year Wendy brought out a stunning book with many of her works in, which is a rare treat as most of her art is now in private collections. It is so fantastic to be able to see them in print and read about her inspirations and techniques. She runs workshops which I know are just brilliant as she is so encouraging of everyone to have a go… You may have already met some of her special folk in the unique story books that she and Terri Windling have so enchantingly created. Wendy Lives Faery and we are so Thankful to her for her beautiful Gift to those of us who can only dream that way…

(photos to come)
As with many folk in this part of the world, I live for the day at the beginning of Spring when the Swallows return. They have nested every year in the farm opposite us ever since anyone can remember, and it’s a Tudor farmhouse… These clever birds with their long tail streamers are such a joy as they sit on the telephone wire, outside our windows, chattering away till the mood takes them and they swoop off to scoop up the insects on the wing, the skateboarders/surfers of the bird world! Watching them scoot round the garden and corner in the air, looking as though they’re going to hit the house before they deftly turn is an awesome sight, so acrobatic and agile. The babies when newly fledged are so funny as they try to balance on the wire like their parents, flapping their iridescent blue wings to try not to lose their perch and to gain the most attention so as to be rewarded with a beak full of flies. I mention them today as I am dreading that they will soon be off on their journey south to the warmer climate for overwintering and I will be so sad to see them go. This is another of the blessings in our yearly rhythms and although it will be hard, we know that next year they will return and all will be well. Good luck you beautiful swallows, and safe flight…

Magical Blessings, Be

“Second to the right and straight on till morning.” – JM Barrie