Folk and Fairy

Tolkien Changed My Life.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:21:00 +0000

Looking back into my childhood, there are glints - like shining stones on a path - of Faerie. I've washed my face in the dew of the first May morning, discovered a hidden woodland stream, and played with old coins of unknown origin. These precious moments notwithstanding, I had little overt fantasy in my upbringing, and I didn't truly find Faerie until I found Lord of the Rings.

To say that a book changed one's life is banal, but there it is: Lord of the Rings changed my life.

When The Fellowship of the Ring came out, I was twenty. I had just finished my first British Lit class (on a lark - I was undecided on a major after leaving Biology) and I was in love with it. That was the winter that I became a Tolkien fan, the winter that I found my subculture, the winter that I found - at least in part - myself.

Until that point I had never had much of a solid identity. I liked things - cheerleading, music, science - because I wanted to be like the people who liked them, not because of genuine interest. Tolkien enchanted me entirely. I could see things now, simple things, and see their magic. Wax candles, the stars, woolen blankets, the campus lawn: all became sacred. They were holy in their ordinariness. I was overcome.

To my mind, the most important thing that Tolkien's writing imparted to my views is what C.S. Lewis calls the True myth. As one of those Jesus types, I found myself at last face to face with the fact that I am living the true myth, and that all of the sacredness I first saw is mine to delight in, to keep forever, in a way. My favorite passage in the whole series is the exchange between Aragorn and one of Eomer's riders. The rider scoffs at the notion of halflings, and asks, "Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?" Aragorn replies:

"Not we but those who come after will make the legends of our time. The green earth, say you? That is a mighty matter of legend, though you tread it under the light of day."

These stories have shaped me so much, and have given birth to much that is good in my life, (including Folk and Fairy, though that is a story for another time) that I felt that with Tolkien's birthday coming up (3 January) and all of the fervor from The Hobbit teaser, it was a fitting time to share. If you have read this far, thank you. If you would blog about your own experience with Tolkien (if you have one) link in the comments - I'd love to read it.

Mermaid gloves for me

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:49:00 +0000

It was back in 2007(!) when I blogged about these incredible mermaid gloves that I had discovered on the internets. That was back when you had to crank a handle to connect your modem to the operator and put in a ha'penny for every half-hour you wanted to spend online.

I point out how long ago this was because it was in the winter of 2010 that I completed the first of my own mermaid gloves. They languished for a year and now I have two! They are magical! Behold:

The main difference between these and the original is that I didn't make half-fingers, they're just fingerless entirely. Also I chose a yarn that is bluey-green, threaded with silver, and subtly shaded.

Now I wear these every day and wait til the creeks are warm enough to touch again.

Cups, saucers, and spoons

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

So the high tea has gotten me thinking about, of course, about fairy tale tea times and cozy little parties that could be had in the winter, and well, I'm daydreaming again...

Glacier Teaspoon Set from Leif

from Wild Card Pottery

Now, I'm more of a hot chocolate kind of girl, and probably always will be. But I'm sure you wouldn't hold it against me if I served up a giant pot of chocolatey goodness instead of tea, right? You can still stir it with those amazing tea spoons because there will be marshmallows and whipped cream and anything else you like at my theoretical hot chocolate party.

High Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 02:33:00 +0000

Over Thanksgiving I was able to attend a High Tea with my mom and younger sister at House of Clarendon, where we had SUCH a good time. I wanted to share a bit of it with you.

Now, please be aware that none of us had been to any sort of tea before, and that I, as a rule, dislike tea in all of its weird incarnations. Cold and sweet or hot and healing, it consistently tastes like the contents of the lawnmower bag to me. And as I am always desperate to like tea, because so many decent people seem to enjoy it - unless you're all pulling one over on me, it's possible - you can imagine that I saw this as an opportunity to really experience tea at its very best. Plus, there were seven savories and seven sweets promised, so even if I didn't like the tea, I was bound to find something delicious.

House of Clarendon

High Tea was scheduled for noon on Saturday, and as we arrived about twenty minutes early, we were able to stand and look for a few minutes in the front of the store where many of their award-winning cakes were on display. No photos were allowed of this part of the store, but resourceful people can find photos elsewhere on the internet.

Do you see that peacock cake? I wanted to marry it. Their cakes, in person, are just SO pretty. And elegant! And some are glittery! And did I mention the peacock? I mean COME ON. Have a gander at the gallery of wedding cakes on their website and tell me you don't need a cake each day for the rest of your life from them.

The owner Martine seated us and once the other parties arrived, we were treated to a little film about the history of high tea as given by the (I assume) previous owner, a plump British woman who implored us to hold our plates high lest we spill hot tea or crumbs down our cleavage.

We all dressed appropriately, and did not have this problem. Not pictured: moi.

Now, it was time for tea. First, milk was poured into the cups, then the hot tea was added. I stirred my tea with a tea spoon and drank it. You may be wondering what kind of tea it was, and I can only tell you that it had the word "Piccadilly" in its name. Aren't I awful? Yes, I am, especially because I actually enjoyed it! I mean yes, I added several sugar cubes to my tea, but I justified this after hearing that Princess Catherine de Braganza would have done much the same thing.

We were then served the seven savories, one after the other: spinach pinwheel sandwiches, peanut-sauce chicken on a skewer, bourbon-and-honey baked meatballs, sausage rolls, hot mushroom duxelles, spanakopita quiche, and I believe little crab rolls.

Then we switched teas for dessert. We chose a vanilla tea, which I didn't like as much and really didn't drink. I was getting very thirsty for water by this time, too, though I didn't think it would be polite to ask for it. So next came the seven sweets! Let's see if I can remember these: vanilla pinwheels, kahlua creampuffs, lemon meringue bouches, an apricot tart of some sort, and I'll be honest - I was fading. I was SO full and the only other sweet I can promise to remember is mint ice cream tea in the most magical thing: a little. edible. chocolate cup.

Willy Wonka for grown-ups? Willy Wonka for grown-ups.

And so, my first tea, high or otherwise, was a success. I recommend a visit to House of Clarendon for anyone who's near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, whether for tea or no, as you can simply walk in and purchase a selection of petit fours. Yum.

(I apologize for the quality of the photos; the ones from inside the tea room are the only ones that are mine, and they were taken on the sly, as we were unsure whether photography was allowed. Sneaky tea!)

The Princess and the Goblin on My Middle Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:18:00 +0000

I have like TWO seconds before I have to go volunteering to watch small people for my friend. Here's what you need to know:

Today, at 1pm EST and 7pm EST, you can gather 'round the radio (radio.mymiddle-earth.net) and listen to the first installment of George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin. It's produced by My Middle-Earth on their label My Little Earth, and here is the writeup by my fellow talented writer Lily.

The Princess and the Goblin Trailer from MENetwork on Vimeo.

I love the idea of gathering around with people far and wide to listen to this lovely story. Please do have a listen at radio.mymiddle-earth.net sometime today.

Popping in for a late, happy Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:15:00 +0000

Or popping up? I'm really into this little ghostie, which I found on Alice Grimm's Tea Party, one of my very fave tumblrs. ❤

Alas, I had no chance to wear a costume this year, as I wasn't at work for their celebration on Friday, and none of my friends threw Halloween parties ::pointy stare::. I did, however, manage to catch a local showing of The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra, which I had never seen all the way through. Fabulously hilarious, though the old cartoon at the beginning CREEPED ME OUT completely. My other big thrills included wearing stripey tights, painting my nails black, and listening to the Halloween XM station Scream. Hehe.

Please tell me you did something lovely, adventurous, and spooky?

Wands and Bottles

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

What would I do without Instructables?

These are my people, the DIY-ers, and not just your run-of-the-mill DIY-ers who can tell you how to fix your leaky sink or hem your corduroys (though these are lovely folks). My fave tutorials are about making appealing things that you didn't know you needed, like wands:

These are billed as Harry Potter wands, but a wand is a wand is a wand - you could do anything with the basic idea. The glue gun details are genius.

Also - and here I thought I had shared these with you - one does need potion bottles:

Lurrrrve that celtic motif. Again, the tutorial is Harry Potter-inspired, but you could obviously tailor the bottles to your aesthetic preferences. And to think, you'll never have stale beetle eggs again!

Ici

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 03:14:00 +0000

I am here~

(this image is allll over tumblr. I cannot find the source and would love to know it)

✩ on My Middle Earth, you can find me as gingerherring

✩ on twitter as well, as gingerherring, though I tend to be a little quieter there, I do speak when spoken to :)

I am desperate to get back to writing, to blogging, to communicating. I haven't lost touch with Faerie, in fact I think working in an office has driven me further in. And I have things to write about. For the moment, though, I'm just stopping by to say hello, see you soon.

Bebeh dragon: I need one

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Found this one here

and this little guy here

So I've been totally suckered into reading Game of Thrones this summer. I'm only done with the first book (no spoilers or anything here) and all's I'm saying is I now realize that I need a baby dragon. If you know someone who deals in dragon eggs, hook me up.

They're bred to stay tiny forever, right? Aww, lil' smoky baby monsters.

Fractal Wings

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

::(18 thousand hugs)::

Thank you for sticking around. I'm in no way abandoning Folk and Fairy, no no no, not at all. I find too many pretty things that I need to share.

There is no big announcement, no reason I'm posting now, except that I MISS IT. I am in Office Work up to my glittering elbows. One of the nice parts of that is having (just a bit) of disposable income lately, and in shopping around I found Fractal Wings. I am in love. May I share some of the prettiest photos on Etsy?

I may invite Spiralina to come live as my personal seamstress, when I am wealthy and have no other obligations but to play in the woods all day. I will share her though, with all of you!

✩ Have a peaceful and beautiful week. ✩

The Secret of Kells

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Why did it take me so long to watch this beautiful little movie? The Secret of Kells is, for absolute reals, my new obsession.

One of the very best things about this movie is that the richness of the art is equaled by the sense of history, the characters, and the story.

While young Brendan has grown up knowing only the inside of the Kells monastery walls, his experience of the world expands when a refugee from the Viking attacks on Iona (Brother Aidan, master illuminator) brings The Book to Kells. Brendan enters the forest (an activity forbidden by Abbot Cellach, his uncle) and meets Aisling, a fairy who helps him not only in his quest for berries, but in facing his deepest fears - represented by the pagan god Crom Cruach.

The names are lifted right out of the pages of Celtic history, and even the immortalized cat Pangur Bán has a special role.

You can see why I'd fall in love with this movie. It has everything I want: good looks, a personality, and a sense of humor. And of course religion.

Sadly, a few reviews by Christians of this movie found it Not Christian Enough™ and asked why there would be more reality to the "pagan nonsense" than the Jesus stuff. For example, though the famous Chi-Ro page is mentioned several times, its symbolism is never explained. To them, I say, dear reviewers: a) Congratulations! (Imagine Link opening a trunk in Zelda) You've found a fairy tale, it is awesome and b)Sure, Jesus here or there would have been nice, but you are aware that this wasn't made to be a nice lil fluffy Christian movie, yes? Personally, my interest in my own religious history was piqued and ever since then I've been on a path of study of Celtic Christianity. I've been reading up on Christianity and the Celts (an aside: love those little books, perfect for non-academics like me), Thin Places: An Evangelical Journey into Celtic Christianity and now The Book of Kells (a birthday present from Hans, along with the movie ❤).

Anyone who may be a mild stalker of interesting fellows should definitely visit and follow The Blog of Kells, written by Tomm Moore, director, animator, and all-around creative genius behind The Secret of Kells. Just look at the total cuteness and fabulousness of his next project:

Song Of The Sea - Conceptual Trailer from Cartoon Saloon on Vimeo.

Mod Note

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Marie) — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:24:00 +0000

Good day all. I've moved this blog to my other Google account, so I'll be posting and commenting as Jessica Marie now instead of Elva Undine. I hope you are so well! ✩

Over Hill and Under Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Mon, 09 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

(Please forgive the lighting - my apartment's light is...atmospheric...on the sunniest of days.)

Here is the promised corset-cardigan, Over Hill and Under Hill, a modified version of another pattern. Isn't it grand? I wear it all the time.

I've been fantasizing about making this for at least a year - something cute, fitted, woodsy and with a generous hood for when I need to hide. Of course I would change a few things, but overall I think it's just right for a 30(!)-year-old who still runs about in the forest while pretending she's from Rohan.

For those who knit and are interested in the more knitterly details, you can find them on my Ravelry project page.

Cobweb Felt Skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Mon, 02 May 2011 03:06:00 +0000

A little pre-birthday shopping (30 on Thursday) led me to this incredible skirt. A brown cobweb felted skirt would be perfect for Mayday travels, soft and light but still warding off the chill of spring.

Maker Regina Doseth is Lithuanian! I have special connections to Lithuania, as my husband has strong Lithuanian roots and my sister spent a semester there. This is just more proof that Eastern Europe is an enchanting place. ✩

Tia Dalma and Goblin Fruit

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:55:00 +0000

I am here!
unearths self from pile of work and frantic gift-knitting, tosses cats aside

Be aware, the new Goblin Fruit is live and tasty:

They're also open to donations and should you feel so inclined.

I am fantasizing about owning Brielle's version of Tia Dalma's costume:

I amvalso thoroughly enjoying my new brown Toms wrap boots, and secretly pretend to be Robin Hood when I put them on:

Speaking of finding fantastical in unexpected places, this bathing suit top has a pretty fit that I think is reminiscent of faerie (and it's called 'Mermaid Top'!):

Much love to you all, and have a peaceful and beautiful Passover if you celebrate!

Wish we were at brunch!

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:19:00 +0000

Rustic Banquet Table by grayworksdesign

I wish we were all at brunch together at a long line of tables just like these, eating all kinds of spring food with honey. Instead I am rushing out the door to work! Have a lovely Tuesday! ❤

Moomin House

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:49:00 +0000

Source: Flickr by shin* (See Wikipedia for an explanation of Moomins)

Adorable. The odd windows, the swirly railings, and not to mention the whole pleasantly plump shape - it all looks like it grew up right from the ground. Those two little rooftop gardens, complete with attic window, would be so lovely to look out upon in spring and summer! I would make sure to plant some butterfly-attracting flowers there. (Said the girl who would be forever haunted by the ghost of her dead cactus...)

On a more somber note, this place is located in Japan, somewhat near the coast from what I can tell. My very saddest sympathies and prayers go out to Japan, of course.

Longing for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 03:41:00 +0000

(source unknown - please tell me if you know!)

I promised myself I would write something for today, even if it was just a little something. How are you all? Is spring/autumn treating you well? I want to be the girl in this picture: alone in the woods with my thoughts.

I am knitting a brown hooded cardigan right now, and am almost up to the tippy-top of the hood. It's reminiscent of a corset with sleeves, something an herb-gatherer might wear into the woods with lots of little pots and bottles jangling in her skirt pocket.

Today while I prayed, I painted my fingernails sparkly pink. Because it's almost spring.

Liz Shipe's Urban Fairy Tales

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:08:00 +0000

I'll be honest: normally, urban fantasy isn't my thing. You know me, I'd probably move into Sherwood Forest if I could be guaranteed a lifetime supply of penicillin. But! Liz Shipe's urban fairytale visions totally captured my imagination.

That's Liz herself in the photos, looking fabulous. She's on a mission to show that fairytales are alive and well in urban areas, and I have to admit, I'm a believer! She has a great eye for city-fairytale style that is quirky and charming without being too over-the-top zany.

Do head over to Liz's blog, Reconstructing Grimm, for even more beautiful photos as well as commentary on her creative process. She's also provided a fun video about her recent recreation of The Steadfast Tin Soldier:

I look forward to seeing more from you, Liz!

Evil queens and new habits

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:45:00 +0000

As a podcast fanatic, I am always trying out new shows, subscribing, unsubscribing, and I love catching up on back episodes. That's how I found this episode of Get-It-Done Guy to share with you: How to Form a New Habit. Here's an excerpt from the transcript:

The Evil Queen in Snow White is misunderstood. She just had an unhealthy obsession with an unrealistic, media-hyped body image. She would sooth her insecurity by asking her magic mirror, "Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" It said "Snow White," who was, of course, pretty fair. So the Evil Queen fed Snow White a poisoned apple. But having Snow White gone gave the Queen time for serious introspection. She realized a more mature response to her body issues would be exercising more, lowering her saturated fats, and eating fewer empty carbs. Her cook didn't know South Beach, so the Queen resolved to cook for herself. But being a Queen, evil or not, is a big job! Exercise and cooking take time, not including the time to read the cookbooks and exercise books.

He goes through the whole podcast like this, using the Evil Queen as the new-habit-forming character. It's really fun, and I think he's got a great sense of humor. Anyone who can link fairy tales and working out is as good as a dragon-slaying hero, in my book.

Get-It-Done Guy has a whole arsenal of advice, do give his other episodes a listen.

✩ A Great Honor ✩

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:08:00 +0000

Look what Gracie gave me! Yayyy! Thank you!

Gracie's Garden Bazaar is a pretty source of crafty inspiration. Her aesthetic is so sweet, it just makes me want to have about 85 tea parties a week.

Now for the formalities:

The rules of the nomination are
1. Thank the person and include the link for the nomination.
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3.Nominate 15 blogs for the award.

un - There are so many languages I want to learn, more than I have time (and especially discipline) for. At the top of the list are Scottish Gaelic and French.

deux - I am going to give up sugar for Lent this year, again. My attempt 2 years ago was successful (until Good Friday...it was cupcakes what did me in) and I felt awesome!

trois - My cats remain a point of obsession. I had no idea I could love a cat this much. I mean I have bad dreams about them getting lost or hurt; when I have children, I'll be a basket case. o.O

quatre - I'm a Christian, and I'm always really really relieved to meet other Christians who think that fairy tales are lovely, that Halloween is for lovers, and that Harry Potter is full of goodness.

cinq - My birthday is on cinco de mayo. I am pants at Spanish. This year I will be: 30!

six-I blush blush blush when speaking in a group, whether I'm embarrassed or not, whether I've known the people for awhile or am newly acquainted. Blushing makes me embarrassed.

sept -I buy skirts all the time. I hardly ever wear them in the winter because so much goes into the matching with tights, shoes, tops, cardigans...it becomes a bit overwhelming.

okay now, I'm sure we all understand that 15 is a LOT of blogs (especially without duplicates of award-winners) so I'll just pick some. I'm big on visuals so some of these will be photo-blog-type Tumblrs. (I have a Tumblr! city-not-forsaken. Follow me!)

A Faerietale of Inspiration
Fae Nation
Mothtales
Alice Grimm
Owl in the Dark
Sparrow Salvage
The Hermitage

Saint Valentine's Red

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:45:00 +0000

...or rust, or berry, or blood, or wine, or crimson, or whatever you fancy. Happiest of Valentine's Days, dear readers! ❤

Pomegranate Perfection Soap by Amethyst Soap

Ginger Berry Skirt by Wildewear

Accordion Hoodie by Crows Cloth

Elizabeth Moccasins by Jann French (Introduced to me by Cath. So lovely. Thanks Cath!)

Losing My Way Skirt by the simpson

Jinks Handmade Leather Pouch by fairysteps

Moon to Moon: a new favorite blog

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

One of our dreams right now is to finish paying off our debt and begin saving for a home. It is a big, blurry dream; we hope the market stays kind to buyers and that we'll find something warm and affordable. Hans hopes for a man cave and a basement for the litter box, while my daydreams about our future dwelling, well...they are heavily influenced these days by Moon to Moon.

Curator Violet has absolutely the best collection of, as she calls them, 'chilled out, lazy bohemian interiors' this side of gypsyland. Her blog is a lovingly cultivated patchwork of spaces. Does that last photo remind anyone else of Gnomes/David the Gnome?

http://frommoontomoon.blogspot.com/

Dropping by

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

*materialize*

Hello.

Here I am, though here I am not. I am writing for you! Book reviews even. I am here but I am not here. Hope to find a better blogging rhythm soon. Silly work!

*vanish*

*crickets*

Ferngully Mushrooms - The Great Mushrooming

noreply@blogger.com (Elva Undine) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

If you are of a certain age, you might have fond memories of Ferngully: The Last Rainforest. Sure, it's preachy and cheesy, but it had at least 2 great things going for it. One: Tim Curry as the voice of Hexxus, and two: glowing plants.

Can you imagine a dusky summer night lit by one of these little beauties? Skipping across moonlit pools of water with the new love of your life, Zak...haha, I digress.

Tokyobling writes about how lovely they are in person, and the sad sad fact that Mr. Mushroom does not ship the frail little lamps.

The site for The Great Mushrooming is in Japanese but it's easy enough to guess your way around and see the different varieties he offers. Then who knows? Maybe your Japanese pen pal will pick one up for you at a craft expo next year.