toadstooltales

Once upon a time there lived a little faery,the Rainbow Faery,and she lived in the fifth tooadstool from the left in a small cul - de sac in the village of Dingley Dell.She is still there to this day,living close to nature and caring for all the creatures who cross her path. Dingley Dell lies by the sea on one side and merges into the country on the other,which gives her a fascinating insight into both worlds.She has been in her time,a teacher of imps, sprites and as multifarious a group of pixies as you could ever find. Those were hard and difficult days as she felt a huge responsibility to bring culture, refinement, and education for life, to a whole new generation of faery folk. In latter days she has put this calling aside to take up more creative activities. Dancing in the moonlight remains one of her favourite pursuits,as is making things for wee folk,writing humorous legends,and painting mixed media elfen landscapes. All in all the world looks more beautiful to her now. However her days in the Dingley Dell Academy were some of her finest, and she has many happy memories of "wee folk" who came into her life. Funny stories,sad stories, and even the occasional scary story would fill the book of her life, if she only had time to tell it. She lives in the fifth toadstool from the left with her Elven paramour, Pendragon Willow. He is a very special person in her life, and she hopes to tie the knot with him in the Faery Ring next year. The Rainbow Faery is known to all in the cul-de-sac as Amarantha Willow.She is the happiest of magical folk at this time of her life. Her family and hoste of friends are close and wish her well in her new pursuits. She finds the activities of her neighbours a little odd,but nevertheless spends more time than may be strictly admirable in stunned observation of them. She refuses to accept that this is anything other than caring for "those in constant danger from themselves" and much needed Community research in action. Amarantha has many ambitions and hopes to pursue some of them over the next few months. In this diary she will convey the details of these as they emerge.
Some may even involve faeries of eminence and celebrity. The dear Rainbow Faery takes time during her week to broadcast in the Dingley Dell Community Radio Network; playing songs of yore and seeking interviews with local bigwigs being her speciality. Her fellow broadcasters are fine folk,each an individual magical marvel. Amarantha feels her life is truly blessed,and filled with wonder,as she moves forward with each day. Amarantha the Rainbow Faery welcomes you all dear friends to her life in the fifth toadstool from the left, and wishes you peace and love in your time.

Toadstool Tales 37
Wednesday has arrived and we are back to raging torrents,and flooding by Dingley Dell pier. I feel rather guilty because I asked the heavens to open just a smidgeon to give my young geranium plants a bit of a hand to grow. Much more inclemency and they will all have to learn to do the breaststroke.I have been sent home once again from the castle, because it is too wet and cold to work.The castle's present condition affords very limited protection from the elements,so ,with tears welling up in her dark blue eyes, Queen Brighid the Bright, declared "everything is off " today.Hopefully tomorrow will bring sunnier climes. My black and silver gown is hanging limply in my dressing room,looking abandoned and unused. My white mock fur overcape is looking wet and soggy and I am worried that it will not dry in time to wear it tomorrow. I daren't hang it too close to the log fire as I fear it may scorch, or smell of oak ash. It may just end up smelling soggy permanently. So beautiful a garment,yet undeniably impractical. But a faery girl cannot live by practicality alone. She must have light,and colour, and wish fulfilment in her life. If she desires a white mock fur coat, she must have one. But sad to say,they come with their own set of obscure and complex cleaning/drying instructions. They might as well have been written in a foreign tongue for all I understand of them. Failing a rapid improvement in its condition,I may have to adopt a generous position and gift it to the Ladies of Mercy Charity Shop. They will be surprised to have it back ,as I bought it there only last week, for seven pieces of geld.If everyone who buys it,returns it to be resold in such a short time,the Ladies of Mercy could find themselves with quite a money spinner on their frail elfen hands.
I am awaiting a couple of brownies coming from the Dingley Dell Furniture Auction House.With our Blue Room nearly complete we have decided to sell two pieces of unwanted furnishing - A small oaken bookcase and a wicker chair with resplendent pink cushions. I think you will agree that a wicker chair with pink cushions will clash outstandingly with bluebell walls. Someone in Dingley Dell will no doubt be desperate to own two such fine pieces of wooden sculpture and pay handsomely for them . Pendragon has strangely commented that "Pigs will fly first". I am not sure what he means, as the Auction House is nowhere near the local farming community. I have polished them well with beeswax emulsion so they should immediately grab buyers' attention.
Scamp the post pixie came early today,looking twice as wet and miserable as he did in the precipitations of last week. His yellow wetcoat was dripping and so were the two white parchments he pushed through the post slot. They are still drying on the worktop in the kitchen. One of them will have to be returned to the Dingley Dell Mail Slot,as it is addressed to Gumble the goblin,who used to live in number four. He has been gone for a few weeks now,and no one knows the site of his new toadstool. The parchment has red lettering on the side,spelling out the words "FINAL REMINDER". I never realised that he had such a poor memory. Maybe he has also just forgotten the way back to Dingley Dell.
Much happy splashing in the puddles to you all, my friends, and may all your troubles not be wet ones. From Amarantha Willow, the Rainbow Faery.

My cheeks are still flushed from the morning's events. I arrived at Dingley Dell Castle a snail's step after nine, to find a host of volunteers already preparing for the day's events. Everyone was wearing their version of medieval costume,cleverly detailed to show their role in the proceedings.There were several dark hooded figures strolling about of indeterminate name,lots of serving wenches in full blouson and skirt, a group of elven knights brandishing home made weapons, and in the midst of us all,Queen Brighid the Bright. Hand on hip she stood,calling out with her usually regal demeanour,for us all to be quiet and listen. I was given my story telling area in a corner of the bottom floor. The space behind was festooned with Dingley Dell flags and pictures of renowned Dingley Dell Ancients. A large chair had been positioned for me,with a thick carpet in front for my listeners to sit upon. Three heavily brocaded cushions were strewn around,presumably for those whose bones were a little more weary.The chair had a strong high back,and two thick white mock furs draped over it,giving a cosy seat and some support to my slim posterior.A comfortable place to do some reflecting,so I took a few minutes to sort out my artefacts,some puppets and some parchment reminder texts. I basically had a half hour slot to fill with each organised group. I would tell my first two stories,and depending on the time taken and the response from the sprites,I would decide whether I could tell any more. Dingley Dell sprites are not noted for their good listening skills so I had a few games in mind to keep their involvement high.Acorn coffees had only begun to circulate, when Brighid dashed round to inform us all that the first group had arrived.They were year five sprites from Dingley Dell Academy, and I knew them all. They came through the castle door,faces and mouths wide open with wonder. I laughed to see them,waving and pointing in my direction. With Cascarinna their teacher signalling for calm,they descended upon my space,and sat down, eager to know what would happen next. I explained to them that for the day they were to address me by the elfen name of Fidget Goblinshimmer.They all laughed merrily and the ice was broken. 35 minutes later, I had woven my storytelling magic with the tale of "The Seige of Dingley Bridge and Castle" and " The Guid Ladie of Dingley Shore" Both have exciting moments,and were illustrated by some fine sketches and my puppet of the Guid Ladie. I said farewell to my first group,with a few hugs and cheery waves.They disappeared in the direction of the falconer and his array of owls and kestrels.I suddenly realised that despite the hairy furs ,I was starting to feel the cold of the Great Hall. The warmth emanating from the sprites was not enough to defuse the frosty air. I put on my beautiful white fur coat ,covered it with another forest green cape ,and headed off to find a hot libation. Two cups of nettle and comfrey soup later ,I was just about to munch my way through a salver of tomato and lentil paste paninis,when my next group arrived. Slipping my mid morning snack hastily into one of my leather satchels,I smiled a welcoming smile. This group were from year 6 at Dingley Dell School for the Sons of Gentle Folk, and known for their mischievous ways. I recognised Tilly Sproutweed pushing his way to the front,insisting that everyone else was pushing him,and could his teacher ,a rather shy looking,pasty coloured elfen girl,please sort them all out. I flashed him my best evil stare,and told him to "sit down" . Surprisingly he did. My story telling with this group might not be quite so easy to handle, but I made a start. Being lads they rejoiced in the battle scenes and conflagration involved in
my "Siege" tale.The story calls for much whooping and calling from the audience at vital points in the story and this seemed to help them sustain a more refrained set of behaviours at the quieter parts. Every so often I had to ward off Tilly's unanswerable questions, designed to upset the equilibrium of the story and its teller.But hey, I have dealt with worse. In my youth I was a stand up laughter maker, in the comic haunts of the Metropolis, and having a ready reply to some quite impolite exchanges was de rigeur. These year sixers shuffled a little during my tale of "The Guid Ladie",but I had no further problems with Tilly Sproutweed, as he got to hold the puppet. It was so large and unwieldy in his stubby fingers,that it took him all his time just to keep it vertical. After 35 years in classrooms at the chalkface,you never forget the best tricks. However, the half hour with his group seemed a whole lot longer ,and I had to acknowledge a bit of relief as they stormed off in the direction of the Falconer. I gathered my leather bags and sped to the tea marquee,remembering that I had a bag full of tasty paninis to finish. My stint was over for the day, and it sseemed to have gone well. Feedback from Queen Brighid was positive,if a little grudging, but "the sprites seem to have enjoyed it ". And so,if I am being honest ,did I.
Back in my toadstool home,I am still reheating myself. I am still wearing my white fur coat,although I have been home for several hours. Maybe I just want to hang on to the good feelings of the day. Tomorrow ,I hope to see more of the other displays,and experience some of their magic too. For now I am off to look out my double thickness thermolactyl (North Pole strength)knickers,and bask in the glow of the day.
With kindest regards to you all my friends,and may all your stories be life changing ones.From Fidget Goblinshimmer, your erstwhile Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.

Pendragon and I have just spent two wonderful days in the Metropolis. On Saturday night, we visited our favourite eating house, the "L'Amour Docile" for a pre-theatre health conscious spread. Is there such a thing ? We always test the delights of the house salad first,and then followed up with pretty solid portions of pumpkin risotto for Pendragon, and the root vegetable spaghetti for me. Two amaretto coffees to finish and before you can say "L'Apres -midi d'un faerie",we were standing with excited faces in the foyer of the Theatre Grande. An Oriental elven dance company were to perform their latest work,"Sunlight on Moon Water", and they were sure to be physically amazing,and also thought provoking. Our seats offered a good view of the dance work,and we waited to be amazed. Pendragon and I love going to the theatre,and sitting together in these narrow seats always seems to start us giggling like sprites. And cuddling, and kissing the odd kiss. Enough said, we misbehave a little, but it is just because we are happy to be there,together.The dance work lasted only about an hour, and although the calibre of the dancers could never be in dispute,the work itself did strangely disappoint. Not enough partner work,a lot of repetitive patterns of movement, and a lack of light and shade in the music they were following. It just lacked the most important ingredient - soul.Dance engages me a lot,being one of life's and Dingley Dell's natural moondancers.But I found it hard to engage with 25 dancers, all dancing separately,for an hour. I wanted them to work together,do varied and interesting lifts,and not rely so heavily on martial arts ritualistic moves. We walked back, in the lights of the city,to Pendragon's city toadstool, had two warming cups of dark chocolate ,and fell asleep in each other's arms.
On Sunday we rose early to beautiful sunshine outside. Throwing on our casual vestments, we strolled out into the warmth of the morning to find our breakfast.The Cafe Percolini provided Elfen toast for Pendragon, and a plate of scrambled quail's egg for me. We sat chatting as we do,rejoicing in the freedom of the day, and watching all the other diners in the passing,all out in force like ourselves, not wishing to miss a moment. There is a lovely meadow walk 100 yards from Pendragon's place,so later we followed the path, coming out eventually very close to the gardens of Metropolis University.Both Pendragon and I spent four years of our elven lives there,so it will always be a very sentimental spot for us. From there we took the First Class Faery Tram Car back to Dingley Dell. It stops at the back of our toadstool,leaving just a little passageway between us and our toadstool home. The sun continued to shine for the rest of the day. Pendragon sunbathed for an hour then found the strength to grab his scythe and tidy up our postage stamp lawn. I finished planting up the last of my geraniums and petunias, and watered all my newly tidied pots.The front garden looks beautiful,in shades of blue ,and yellow ,and red.Dulcie Woodnymph and Ariadne Sylph had parked themselves behind the Aubretia pot and seemed to be enjoying the scent and blossom. The Flowerpot people were guarding the geranium pots,just in case the odd slug or snail climbed aboard,looking for fresh foliage. A happy scene- they all seem to be getting on well together - at least I hope they are. The toadstool garden has room for all of these woodland folk and maybe a few more.Pendragon and I worked further in the back plot till twilight,till supper beckoned. We went inside ,leaving our four backyard boys,Mandolini, Pianolo,Basso Profundo and Verde,finishing their chores,and basking in the last rays of the day. They are such jolly boys, gnomes of unique and particular personality. Even though they do seem to have their lazy days, Pendragon and I are sure of their commitment to our toadstool home.
Today could not be more different outside. Heavy rain has been falling since dawn,and shows no sign of stopping. Queen Brighid the Bright phoned early to say that today's events at Brigantia Castle have been cancelled because of weather conditions.She seemed very despondent,because the forecast for this whole week isn't looking good.
I have an unexpected reprieve,which I intend to use to bring the toadstool's interior up to its usual immaculate standard.Rain or shine, I will go for my fitness saunter at three,wrapped in my waterproof cape.It is a day for catching up, and dreaming dreams of future days,future ploys and future successes.
I have a birthing day to plan for Pendragon,at the end of the merrie month of May. I want to make it a special one. Much mulching in your gardens,my dear friends, and may your Backyard Boys always be sunny ones.From Amarantha Willow, the most resilient of Rainbow Faeries.

There was a message on my electronic message box from Queen Brighid the Bright,this morning. She had promised to send me the final details for my stint as storyteller in Dingley Dell Heritage Week,starting Monday.Rather than being full of reassuring pieces of information,it only served to heighten my sense of foreboding that everything may not have been satisfactorily worked out. There was no attached timetable,making it clear that appropriate breaks were being allowed for,in the busy schedule, but worse than that was her final announcement that the Castle had no heating whatsoever. I do remember being present at meetings where I am sure that some member of the commitee was detailed to sort that aspect out. Now it is clear to me that there was no further discussion of the matter - end result, no heating whatsoever .I would not be concerned if we were in the warmer months of Midsummer. A gossamer shawl would be enough to throw on,should the sun disappear behind the clouds. But weather forecasts are promising rain and temperatures of 8 or 9, with a good little wind blowing into the castle from the sea. Those of us who have volunteered to take part in this event are going to freeze our elven buns off, sitting around within the castle walls. Just put on layers and layers,shawl upon shawl, she says.My silk and lace gown,in the style of the Ancients, is not built to accomodate layers of thermal underthings .It has been made to follow the line and curve of the faery who wears it.It has been made to flatter and to look graceful in the sunlight,not to hang in lank folds in the misty grey gloom, or worse to become crinkled and rumpled under a trio of plaid blankets. I am to be dressed as a grand elfen lady,and I want to look as though I am enjoying the experience.The children from Dingley Dell who are visiting do not want to see me damp,and dressed in swaddling clothes ,with several shades of wretchedness ingrained on my face. I cannot sit all day in the cold,and my reply to Good Queen Brighid makes that clear. It does not help that lots of shawls do not figure largely in the oaken wardrobe.So with a heavy heart and considerable resolve,I headed off to the mercantiles of Brigantia to look for "shawls" .The best place to find these items was in the shops run by The Ladies of Mercy in Brigantia.I made some lucky finds. Firstly a voluminous dark green cape,warm and cosy,which could just be thrown on over the gown, and not spoil the line. Should the weather be really cold, I now also have a beautiful white suede and fur coat,full length, which can be slipped on and will go well with the dress underneath, enhancing its regal quality. Not that I am accepting that Queen Brighid should leave this situation as it is. I am trying to compromise,but I hope her return message to me will contain some sign that she has improved matters.If she does nothing,then I fear they may be missing a storyteller next week. And that would make me very sad indeed. Pendragon has not been very keen on my being involved all week ,so tonight I will be hearing him say "I told you so,once again."
I will wait for her message on the morrow before I make a final decision.
Tonight I have to make some small adjustments to the skirt of my gown. I also have cards to write and a parchment or two to compose. My many friends in Dingley Dell and beyond still prefer to correspond in the old way.I love the feel of fresh parchment,and new black ink on my plume. Sometimes I draw little sketches on the message,or decorate the envelope with pretty dried flowers.
This morning in Brigantia I met Renata ,the Rush Faery, sauntering along the main street,pausing only to peer in windows,pressing her short, broad nose against the window panes.She said she was looking for jewellery made in the mines of Nova Differentia, as it gleams like no other in our fair land.She did not spot anything desirable ,or at a geld price she could afford. So we chatted for a few minutes,mainly congratulating ourselves on our good fortune to be elven ladies of leisure.Renata always makes me smile with her bright and breezy chirping, so completely lacking either motive or guile. Brigantia was very busy today with throngs of buyers around the central arcades.Lunch was a quick affair,not in one of my fancier haunts, but in the local bakehouse,which has four little tables huddled closely towards the rear of the space.A bowl of fresh farmhouse potage with warm sourdough rye bread,left me feeling renewed with energy to complete my purchasing, and glad that I had chosen the "Millhouse Bakery" as my pit stop for today. Home before my cuckoo called three, I bathed,washed my flowing tresses, and prepared for a romantic evening with Pendragon, in my favourite place - our sweet little,red spotted fifth toadstool from the left. And so another fine weekend begins.
Much merrymaking to you all,my friends, and may your hopes and dreams of a new month, enrich your memories of the past one. From Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.

Looking out of the window in the Blue Room, I can see for miles beyong the toadstool across the Big Water. I can also see part of the bridge leading to Brigantia. Already dozens of minscule four wheeled carriages are slowly weaving their way home from work in the Metropolis. They cling like centipede legs to the carriage in front,only gathering speed as they near the end of the bridge. My day today has been rather low key, as I awoke this morning feeling more tired than normal, and slightly nauseous. I had had a fitful night's rest,and was almost relieved to see the sun rise. Pendragon appeared from the kitchen ,wearing his usual early morning smile , a grey woolly hat and carrying a tankard filled to the brim with my favourite green mint tea. Thankfully warm, as I was feeling shivery,and benefitted greatly from the hot vapours circulating round my aching limbs. Pendragon was anxious,and reluctant to leave me in this sorry state, but I reassured him that,after a cheering mustard bath, and two cold-chasing gels, I would be in tip top shape to meet the day. He cuddled me tight, and waved from the door. "Cheery-bye,my sweet " he called. I heard his footsteps on the stairway,the door clunked shut, and I lay back against my trio of pillows to fall into a peaceful slumber for a couple of hours. I woke up in mid morning feeling sleepy but much better overall. Well enough to catch a soothing bath,and dress to do some tidying in the toadstool. The Blue Room still looks empty after yesterday's shelf building. I would like to keep it as clear as I can,so I will take time to sift through the dozen or so boxes waiting in our bedroom,and only keep items which we have room for up in our loft. At least that is my intention. Whether I can keep to that resolution remains to be seen.
By the time our cuckoo Walter climbed out from the clock to mention it was two, I had sifted through three boxes, and reduced the contents down to one.I managed a little turnip soup and a slice of tomato and chestnut loaf ,before I settled down to read a couple of pages from my best selling parchment - "Why didn't they ask Ethelragnor ? by Agapantha Krispin. Agapantha is a master of intrigue and adventure, having written hundreds of thrilling parchments for elven fans.The mysterious web of blackmail and conspiracy in a tiny mountain village, was holding me spellbound,when I heard the doorbell chime two tiny chimes. Scamp the post imp,was standing at the toadstool door,drenched to the marrow in his royal blue doublet and hose.His green pointy shoes squelched as he mounted the front step. "A parcel for you,Amarantha, he said, wiping his perky little red nose with his royal blue handkerchief.He wheezed a voluminous,noisy sneeze.I felt so sorry for him,trudging around Dingley Dell with his heavy post bag and an evergrowing cold. The very least I could do was to offer him some sniffle lozenges from my "get well box" under the sink. He looked grateful, and had another long sneeze. I could feel my own symptoms returning in sympathy,so waved him down the path, and reteated to my warm blanket,my parchment, and the comfort of my cosy cushions on the settee near the fireplace.I'll begin Pendragon's supper shortly before the parchment becomes too scarey for my finer sensibilities.I noticed Mandolini and the boys were looking particularly wet in the back garden. They soldier on, gnomes being particularly resilient in the worst of weathers. The sky has begun to clear outside and blue puffs are peeping through the otherwise cloudy heaven. Tomorrow I have an appointment with the Wellbeing Therapist, for an aromatherapy massage and a reappraisal of my eyebrow line. An hour of unadulterated pleasure and restful calm. Sufficient to chase any oncoming and persistent germs, determined to play havoc with my weekend. Pendragon and I are theatre bound on Saturday, to view a group of dancers from the Far East, and dine out at our favourite Italian Bistro. Much love to you all my friends,may you stay out of any damp and draughty corners,and remain snuffle free. From dear Amarantha, the Rainbow Faery.

A brownie came to call this morning. No ordinary brownie, but a brownie with a tool kit.A brownie with hammers and wood screws, motorised drills, and his very own ratchet. Like all other faery workmen of his kind, his sense of accurate timing was a little deficient. He said he'd arrive a cuckoo's call after 1 o'clock in the afternoon. He arrived a pigeon's feather before 10.30 am in the morning. Luckily I rose just as Pendragon was leaving at eight, and wasted no time in dressing,breakfasting and finishing clearing the blue room so that he would have ample space in which to work.He had come to fit the shelves. beautiful long maplewood shelves, extending the length of one wall.Our Blue Room is rapidly becoming the elegant work space that I need to begin my new working Lives. Lives,rather than life, as there are several roads down which I intend to travel. Firstly, the Artistic road, secondly the Theatrical Road, and Thirdly the Entrepreneurial Road, all to be pursued,either one at a time ,or all at once ,whichever route seems to be the most effective. All have begun to some degree,but I am constantly reflecting,and re-settting my aims and objectives, so nothing is static,everything is fluid and open to change. I feel that the way forward will become clear, as my successes arise. I am not even going to consider the "failure position". Life remains full of opportunity, and to some degree,what will be,will be. I am happy for now simply to explore the avenues stretching ahead of me, and satisfied that I am making headway in opening the necessary doors.
The brownie followed me upstairs to the Blue Room,looked gloomily into the compact space,but listened earnestly as I shared with him my vision for the maplewood shelves. Sensing that he wasn't going to find it the easiest of tasks, I suggested the best way to begin,was with a hot cup of acorn coffee. I threw in a smile and the promise of a couple of marshmallow hobnobs,hoping that that would be enough to get his tool bag opened, and those bits of maplewood being honed into sharp looking shelves. It worked a treat. Brownies are never lazy,taking much pride in their work, and when I reappeared at the top of the stairs,mug in hand, he was whistling and measuring and counting and looking out tools. I left his morning snack and retreated to the kitchen,knowing I'd left a brownie happy in his work. Never underestimate the power of an acorn latte,and some marshmallow hobnobs to move the soul. Wars ,I am sure,have been won or lost ,on such as these . The shelves were done within the hour, and I waved goobye to my brownie handyman.They are beautifully carved,and well finished. Now all I have to do is to sort out the million and one things which I took out of the room this morning.And that won't take an hour.no, I can see that job running on for some days. I find throwing things out very difficult. It is in the faery nature to hoard, just in case the need for something should arise in the future. We particularly like to stash away small,sparkly things, but really anything would do. Buttons, ribbons, balls of yarn, and old parchments,- even more old parchments, dried up ink plumes,gowns I'll never wear again but love to look at,gowns I never liked at all,half empty aroma pots, delicate figurines,did I mention old parchments ? - and letters and cards from Pendragon,my family and friends. They all have some meaning for me.They all represent some important happening in my life, not necessarily a major event but just something that mattered and somehow changed me. I do not apologise for hoarding things. When they are ready to leave us ,they do. We grow out of and beyond our collections in our own time,making enough space to collect the new focus of our reminiscing. I wonder what I am going to put on those shelves ?
Happy memory searching to all of you,my friends, and much tea time enjoyment of the marshmallow hobnob, From Amarantha Willow ,The Rainbow Faery.

I clambered into my four wheeled motor carriage at 8.00am this morning. I definitely still had sleep in my eyes, but woke up sharply when I reached the road to the bridge leading to Brigantia. The elfen traffic was banked up nose to nose and moving very slowly. I took my place in the queue,decided to keep smiling, and all would be well. It took one hour to reach the other side of the bridge, but I had left myself lots of time, so calmly followed the road towards the gleaming spires of the amazing town of Brigantia. There were still a few places in the motor carriage waiting arena, quite near to my Hair Management Technician's Room.I had to climb the hill to the very top, but that was enjoyable, as the day was bracing rather than cold, and touches of a warm blue were starting to show in the sky. Next door to the Hair Room is a bakery and tearoom called The Faeries' Fantasy ",and I made a note to visit there before my technical hair appointment. I visited the Brigantia Elven Mail Post first,then collected some much needed parchment supplies ,and requested some extra geld from the local Currency Centre.Armed and ready, I arrived back at the "Faeries' Fantasy" with half an hour to spare.I ordered a whole pot of nettle tea and a brown cobble ,all to myself.I had just consumed my wholemeal bun and was pouring my second cup of nettle brew, when I was hailed from a table further down by a former colleague at Dingley Dell Academy, Majoria Mistlethrush, a Marjoram Faery. She looked rather older, and more careworn than I remember her. Faeries are forever youthful inside, even if the outside epiderm has lost some of its elasticity and lustre. We exchanged good wishes and updated each other on our more recent ploys. We wished each other much happiness and joy, and she waved farewell. Just in time, for as I glanced up at the "Fantasy Cuckoo" he was clocking the new hour and I had only five minutes to make my appointment before I was deemed late.
Melissander, my regular Hair Weaver, smiled as I pushed open the door, showed me to my seat of operation, and brought me yet another cup of tea. It takes two hours to complete my hair restoration. Beautiful streams of burgundy colour are washed into my hair, before Melissander's careful trimming and snipping brings my faery bob back to its former glory. I always leave rejoicing,knowing that Pendragon will be full of compliments this evening. He loves me to take care of myself. My new found freedom from servitude at the educational treadmill, should be a time of leisure and pleasure,he says. He acknowledges that I still want to work , but wants me to apply my talents to the creative pursuits I love. I am presently awaiting a call on the Woodland Telecom from the Director of a Community Theatre in the Metropolis. I hope to work with them in the long weeks of Midsummer. Next week, for five days, I am working with Dingley Dell Heritage Group as a storyteller,recalling tales of the Ancients who lived and loved in Dingley Dell Castle.I will be dressed as a faery of Medieval Times, in black and silver robes, with a garland of white flowers in my hair. The skirt is long and full,but filmy in substance,and it is impossible not to feel the most beautiful of creatures in such splendid vestments.Tiny silver slippers will adorn my feet. I will be seated in a corner of the Great Castle Hall, and will receive visitors all day,who want to hear the epic tales of mystery and magic from days of yore, when the elven folk had greater mastery of the air and sea and land.Many tiny sprites are coming to see all the displays. I hope to see some of my old friends from Dingley Dell Academy, who have promised to come by. There will be others dressing in the robes of the time,to give a flavour of the events as they happened all those years ago.
I think this will be a year of dressing up, as I prepare for my betrothal as well. It will soon be time to see the Betrothal Seamstress,to be measured for my gown, and to choose fabrics and flowers. Pendragon has also told me that he is having a very special ring forged by the platinum smith, but I will not see it till the day of our betrothal. Just to think,of all those tiny dwarves working day and night,to produce such a special gift for me ,for my new life, is very exciting. I have much to thank so many people for.- for their caring,their love, their help,their encouragement,their belief in me, in my life so far. The best reward I can offer them is not to forget, and to pass all those fine things on to others who may come into my life. So, all that I have ,I hope you may also have ,my friends, and may it be bestowed in good measure. Much Love and good company, from Amarantha Willow, the Rainbow Faery.

Sunday was rather a quiet day in the fifth toadstool from the left. Pendragon and I were busy indoors, when we would definitely have preferred to be out. The day was much too cold for walking, and we were busy clearing out cupboards,to finally get rid of the excess baggage we seem to be storing. Two large black bags were filled,by which time Pendragon felt that he was due an acorn latte and I a double mug of peppermint tisane, as a reward for our labours. While he was busy with our copper kettle,my gaze drifted outside to the shenanigans happening in the toadstool opposite. Number 10 toadstool faces us,the home of the Dagworts. Mimsey and Jeraboa, witch and warlock, were out in their front garden,he with a hacksaw and she with a huge pair of secateurs. Both were working energetically to hack back large areas of overgrowing greenery at the edge of their lawn. Well, that is not strictly true. Mimsey was working energetically,while Jeraboa just seemed to be walking about the garden picking up bits of hewn down tree, and passing them on to their daughter Ariadne. He cut a strange figure for a warlock,in his zipped up doublet and cut-off hose.Grey baggy hose, to boot. He clearly had worked out that if he just kept moving,both Mimsey and Ariadne would not clock that he wasn't doing very much at all. Ariadne was carrying all the debris round to the back of the house.Mimsey was hacking and throwing the rowan branches in her offspring's direction,so she wouldn't have to carry them so far. And the canine mutt,a beautiful taupe coloured hound was running around,between them all ,trying to get their attention. A calm,steady,good natured hound, unlike the Primpoles' wildebeests, he was in the mood for playing, and he clearly felt that all this hacking and carrying ,was a game he should be a part of.He persisted in jumping up on any of them who happened to be carrying the long branches. Finally ,all three of them stopped,doubled over in laughter at the hound's antics, and the bold canine finally got the fondling he desired. At last, a happy family scene in Lobelia Drive ,and there have not been too many of them lately.
Mimsey and Jeraboa tend to be a rather introverted couple, not socialising much with the other denizens of the cu-de-sac. Always pleasant when you encounter them, but not really needing the attentions of others,very self sufficient ,in a community sense.Witches and warlocks are not known for their friendships with other elven folk,so it is no surprise to find them suspicious of such overtures. But they seemed a merry band, racing round the garden in their ill matching garments. Mimsey does not appear to be a lover of contemporary styles of vestments,nor does she appear to spend much geld on hair management, but nor does she have the usual warts,green spots and plague of boils, that I have come to associate with the witching kind. I think she has rather a kind face. Certainly she loves her family. I cannot imagine the coven to which they must be attached,holding much quarter with that. A magnificent pile of greenery,branches and twigs ,is now stacked in the middle of their back garden. I suspect the whole avenue will be waiting with baited breath to know the final destination of this heap of botanical ruin. Will it be incorporated in the Dagwort daily spells, will it be used to adorn the Dagworts' celestial shed, or will it form the foundation for a Dagwort barbecue pyre,some midsummer Saturday night ? Celtic anthems droned in the back garden are a sure sign of the latter.
I have bought more plants for our garden today, - nemesia, sweet williams,and anterrhinniums.Flowerpot Cottage is much in bloom today.The seedlings planted last week are already double in size,and the older plants already bursting with colour.Pansies with large yellow heads, my celebration rose (a present from my sister.Little Nell ), and my blue trailing lobelia, are all catching the eye of passers-by and visitors to Lobelia Drive.
I returned from Dingley Dell Community Radio rather earlier than usual. A problem in the airwaves caused the transmitting system to come to a rather sharp close. I left five furious engineering elves,all squabbling about the possible cause,and walked home in the sunshine. Breakdowns do happen occasionally. Possibly a bird on the wire, a fungus in the rooftop,or a stop in the ballcock -who knows ? My listeners no doubt cherished the twenty minutes of lively faery banter that they did get, and will no doubt join me next week for a whole lot more. I now have a little "me" time that I wasn't expecting. I made myself a particularly healthy lunch of salad leaves, red bell tomatoes,and lemon hummus. Twelve sweet little hedgerow berries were a juicy finale,with a cup of sparkling stream water.I feel more energised already and very virtuous. The juniper fudge ,though,in my tunic pocket,may prove too strong an attraction to resist before the afternoon is out. My long walk to the mailing slot before dinner should help to neutralise a little unwarranted confection. Tomorrow I visit the Hair Management Technician myself. This means a journey into Brigantia,over the Big Water,very early in the morning. The dew will hardly have fallen ,when I will be revving up the four-wheeled motor carriage, and setting off for the day. Melissander, my hair weaver, is also going to design my hair for my betrothal ceremony next summer. Tomorrow she will put the red sunlight back into my locks and trim those fluffy tendrils which have grown too far. Pendragon loves when I visit the Hair Management Room, as he says I always sparkle brighter when I return home. He admits to loving my burgundy locks,and says they add to my fiery faery personality. Pendragon is a fellow who remembers the importance of compliments. He knows they make my eyes shine and my heart sing. Much harmonious communications to you all,my friends, and may the new day bring a smile to every face. From Amarantha,the Rainbow Faery.

The Shilpit boys are nowhere to be seen today. Maybe they are somewhere carrying out unprecedented acts of contrition to make amends for yesterday's dastardly behaviour. I think it is more likely they have made their way to the Supermercantile in Dingley Dell in their hunter/gatherer role ,to procure as many sweetmeats as their pockets will hold,when no one is looking. I have unfortunately been present when they have been grabbing handfuls of sugar comfits and jelly beans,and been only feet away when they and sundry other friends have congregated to commit their unsavoury accumulations. I wandered round the corner one evening,on my way to the aisle containing the Woodland Juices. and there they were .Arguing with each other as to how many ,and which they would take. There was nowhere to hide and nowhere to which I could escape. It was only a matter of time before Wally looked up in my direction. Our eyes met, and we both knew what I had seen. He had the decency to look ashamed, and motioned to the other culprits that I was there. A redheaded boggart boy seemed to be the ringleader in their ploys. He pushed Wally quite hard, looked me up and down but kept on shovelling the red and green goodies in to his doublet pockets. I took two or three steps forward and looking straight at the boggart lad ,said in my most restained voice, "I think you should put them back,don't you ? Boggart boy furrowed his brow, then dropped some of the sweetmeats back into the tray,before taking to his heels and running out of the Supermercantile door.The others,including the Shilpit sprites, quickly followed. I stood rooted to the spot for several minutes,unsure of how to proceed. On the one hand,we elfen folk have a very strong sense of order,are intrinsically honest, and in the main hold no quarter with deception of any kind. On the other hand, if I chose to inform the HeadSeller at the Supermercantile of what I had seen, how would this affect our lives in Lobelia Drive. It would hardly sponsor good neighbourly relations. At this point Pendragon and I had only been living in Lobelia Drive for a few months. What to do ? I did not wish to be seen to condone sweetmeat stealing, but having my neighbouring sprites dragged before the Elven Magistrate for procuring a bag of jelly jubejubes,seemed to be more than my faery sensibilities could endure. At the PayBox,I casually said to the Checkout Sylph, " I have just seen something I think you should know about.Some sprites were helping themselves to the sugar comfits.Maybe the sweets are not in a very safe place."
I quickly added,"I don't know who they were.(I blush even now at the thought of such a glaring untruth.) Maybe the sweet trays could be moved so you can keep a closer eye on them. " She looked at me with sleepy eyes, then looked down towards the sweetmeat aisle.
The sleepy eyes now seemed to cloud over with what I can only call disinterest. "Thanks. I'll tell the Head Seller. " Do you want a bag for your Bramleys ?" I left the Supermercantile, knowing that she probably wouldn't tell anyone, the sweetmeats would continue to disappear, and the Shilpit sprites and their cronies would continue to see rifling the sweetie trays as a valid and lucrative pastime for rainy days. As I put the key for my four wheeled carriage holder into the lock, I saw Oggie (the Hood) lurking outside the mercantile. My last view as I drove away was of him looking round furtively , before slipping back inside. Back home in the toadstool I confided in Pendragon ,as I wondered if my actions had been acceptable. He reassured me, that Prevention is always better than Cure,and said that I had attempted to offer the Shilpits and the Supermercantile the opportunity to change,all of which would have prevented further offences and deeper heartache.
I didn't see the Shilpit sprites for a week or two after that. Since that evening,though, Wally has always treated me with the best of manners, a polite hello, a cheery quip and an offer of help. Oggie on the other hand,wears a look of impolite disregard, never speaks, and lobs a few stones in the direction of my four wheeled carriage, whenever he gets the opportunity. Some folk just can't be saved,it would seem.
Much soul searching and a smidgeon of enlightenment to you all,my friends. From Amarantha Willow, the Rainbow Faery.

Neighbours can be like buses. When you want one ,there are none to be seen - when you don't ,they turn up in their droves. So it is with the Shilpits. When you see any one of them, they are sure to be doing something that is less then legal.When you don't, you know that whatever they are doing,it is even less likely to be in line with the moral rulings of Dingley Dell Society. Nobby and his two sons,Wally and Oggie the Hood, just cannot help themselves. Staying on the straight and narrow is alien to their inner being. Yesterday,they were all outside their toadstool. Their four wheeled carriage holder was wide open, and Nobby was inside,pulling and pushing something. I could hear the groans, as he laboured. Wally and Oggie were on the concrete surface in front of the toadstool,kicking a ball back and forward. Not to each other ,you will understand, but against any other surface they could find,preferably one that would cave in immediately. They kicked with as much strength as they could muster,while squealing and yelling every time the ball made contact with something which did not belong to them.The Forlorn Faery's fence seemed to be taking a bit of a battering. I was out watering my new plants,and looking up towards her front window, was sure I spied two little black eyes,watching the melee from behind the curtain. The Forlorn Faery,in toadstool number four, has always seemed somewhat timid. She already won't emerge if she sees the Primpole's wildebeests, and now a new terror in the form of the Shilpit boys,is clearly building. The ball bounced hard, over the fence and stopped hard in the centre of her lawn.The Shilpit spawn whooped and yelled,then hands covering their mouths,in false embarrassment,looked at each other,as though unsure how to proceed. I wanted them to just wander up the Forlorn Faery's path and knock on the door to ask politely for the ball's return. Some redemption would have emanated from that.No such luck. Oggie (the Hood) quickly jumped over the fence, whooping another whoop, and holding up the ball in triumph, banged it as hard as he could, back in the direction of his brother.Wally stepped back ,waiting for the missile to make contact. Instead it bounced quite low,but reverberating from the strength of the kick,it launched itself again against the Forlorn Faery's fence. They stood looking at it ,then collapsed in convulsive laughter. Inflamed I stood up and called out," Stop that ! Stop that right now !.I don't know if they heard me though, for at the same moment, the door of number four opened, and out came the Forlorn Faery ,as I have never seen her before. Eyes black and blazing, she marched out, retrieved the ball from the path,threw it back over into number three, and delivered the best "How Dare You " speech I have ever heard. She stormed and she raged,she wagged her finger and she raged some more. Oggie's head was now down,although I doubt whether he ever feels any remorse. Wally's face coloured over,and he looked sufficiently moved by her outpouring to mumble a feeble "Sorry", before stooping to pick up the ball. Nobby, who had been grunting in the four wheeled carriage holder,during all of this, stuck his curly head round the door, and said, You two, Inside. Now." Wally did not hesitate,but Oggie began to answer back ,something about the appalling unfairness of it all. Nobby breathed another "NOW !" and Oggie the Hood banished himself to the relative security of his toadstool home. I returned to my watering,but my pinned back pointy ears picked up the numerous and fauning apologies coming from the head of the Shilpit dynasty. She thanked him,he thanked her,she waxed lyrical about the young folk of today and he waxed back that they were normally the soul of caring and helpfulness. I stifled a spluttering cough and wondered whether I should just call out from a safe distance ," Oh,no, they're not". I dreaded what might follow. Oh dear,now I feared the worst. He concluded his caring soliloquy ,with his usual offer "remember,if there's anything I can do........". My heart sank. If there is one thing you don't want ,it is the help of Nobby Shilpit,and his menacing brood.He does see himself as a friend to all, but lacks the necessary DIY ability to carry out any task successfully. He spent weeks after our arrival in Lobelia Drive, trying to persuade us to let him lay concrete slabs in our garden instead of a lawn. His idea,not ours. He also offered to "sort out' our garden, despite the fact that he knew we had already spent countless hours tidying it up,planting and cutting back the overgrown greenery. When we had the sunroom built, he cornered me several times to say " you know it is quite nice, but it will get quite hot in there. Maybe I could put up sun blinds for you. " We said many times and in many ways,thank you but no. He was so persistent, that I started to avoid meeting him in the Drive,and would check whether he was there before I sallied forth. Although he said nothing, I suspected that Pendragon was doing the same thing. And now the dear Forlorn Faery was in danger of falling under his spell. Or was she ? I heard her quiet thank you, could feel her warm smile returning his offer, and caught her saying to him, " That's very kind of you. I'll let you know. " The dreaded " I"ll let you know ". She might as well have said "Don't call us ,We'll call you. " I smiled at her astute reading of the situation in which she found herself . He retreated,unoffended, while she flashed me a knowing smile, as she went back indoors. Clever little Forlorn Faery. I think we must rename her . Perhaps, the Fearless Faery is more apt. I am also reminded of the old saying of the Ancients.- never judge a parchment by its seal.I am sure there is a great deal more about our Fearless Faery to discover. We never did find out what Nobby was pulling and pushing in his carriage holder. But he is back in there today, and the grunts and groans are ever louder. Tomorrow is another day, and I am sure all will become clear.
Take heart in your labours, my friends, and may the April sun fill you with good cheer this weekend.
From all in the fifth toadstool,and Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.

I was very slow to get on the move this morning. I did rise early, but sloped from one thing to the next,in my shantung dressing gown, finishing none of them .We rainbow faeries are normally very energetic in our pursuit of life's adventures, but today I just wanted to curl up in bed for another hour. I did not succumb to that, but had a very leisurely helping of oaten granola, and fresh woodland berries, before rifling through my vestments for something warm to wear.The black tunic top and palazzo pants seemed very much in keeping with my afternoon meeting in the Heritage Rooms. I wrapped a full woollen cape around my shoulders and rushed out to the four wheeled carriage to begin my journey. Once upon the open road ,I wound down the window to let the warmish breeze fly through my red shiny locks. The traffic across the bridge to Brigantia was not too heavy,No long queues to try my patience, and it was only fifteen minutes before I saw the gleaming spires and quaint toadstool chimneys of my home town. I was born in Brigantia. It will always hold a very special place in my elfen heart. It is slightly larger than Dingley Dell,and it has more amenities for elven folk, but still is marked by a distinctly village atmosphere.I went to the Hypermercantile just outside Brigantia,and emerged some time later with several bags of provisions.Lunchtime loomed ,so I had a very hot and spicy lentil and cabbage consomme, with nutmeg and walnut cobble, in The Dusty Wheelbarrow- a slightly rundown little eatery west of the fields of Brigantia ,before heading back on the road again to get to my Heritage Meeting. Everyone who ought to be,was there, and the arrangements for the special Heritage Week soon were under discussion. We are holding the event in Dingley Dell Castle,complete with storytellers, court jesters, dancing in the Faery Ring,a banquet in the style of the ancients, and sundry other events to celebrate the long and diistinguished history of Dingley Dell. We will enjoy our reminiscences of the Dingley Dell Ancients, and their formidable past triumphs. I am to be involved in the Story Telling and will be dressed in the style of the fifteenth century faeries. All gossamer lace and tiny pointy silver shoes,with a diaphonous rainbow cloak and ribbons in my hair. You will never see a dull rainbow faery,even if she is wearing black. A luminous quality always seems to radiate from within the wee folk, creating a lustre and shine which emanates to all who meet them. Since I am going to provide my own costume, I want to be sure it will be very special indeed.My sewing skills mixed with a little faery magic should do the trick. The afternoon flew by,and I am pleased to say that Queen Brighid the Bright nad I managed to bury the hatchet,for a while at least.Must have been something calming in the acorn decaff we were all drinking. Suffice it to say, we all left on a high note, at least giving a semblance of working together that must be considered to be healthy.Back home now, in my own wee but and ben,I am preparing Pendragon's supper of beetroot and root vegetable stew,with almond rice balls on the side. It is one of his favourites ,and he is always very mellow after a favourite meal. I shall use this mellow aura to draw his attention to the fact that I would like to have our bathing space refurbished. It is a pale blue haven of tranquillity at the moment, but all a little tired. I am sure he will be willing to search his elfen coffers for the necessary geld to smarten things up. We have quite a long list of improvements we would like to make to our precious toadstool,so this request will have to take its place with all the rest.Tommorow I visit the faery physio for further exercises on my sore hand, and will attend the faery gym for a quick workout. The weekend looms and we will be visiting friends in Upper Brigantia on Saturday. The food and wine is always of the best,and the company very special. On Sunday Pendragon and I will walk and talk,do some gardening in the possible sunshine,and enjoy doing what we love best,- being in each other's company.
Good tidings and happy April outings to you all my friends. From dearest Amarantha, the rainbow faery.

After a morning of whipping the toadstool into a state of tidiness, I took more time than usual to prepare myself for my luncheon engagement.By one on the clock in the Jolly Woodman Restaurant, I was seated at a window table, half way through an acorn latte, and reading this week's copy of Toadstool Times. I had just started the home baking article when the doors of the Jolly Woodman parted and in flew Picallilli Peasegood, black beret at a strangely tilted angle and her brolly still open.She called at the top of her voice :" Amarantha ! I'm hee-ee-re"! Well that was a bit of an understatement,as all 30 of us in the restaurant could hardly fail to notice her arrival ,breaking the calm and soporific atmosphere of the dining room.She waddled up to the wicker table, plonking herself and her belongings on three out of the four seats around it. One carved oaken seat held her shopping, one held her outsize,woollen Stewart tartan plaid cape, and the third was wobbling under Piccallilli's true magnificence. How are you ? she smiled breathlessly. Glad to see you ! she giggled. It had been 3 months since our last luncheon together.It was so good to see that she was the same old dear Picallilli that I had known and worked with for so many years. The same warmth, the same caring ,and indeed, the same loud brown t-shirt with a teddy bear on the front ,and her loose yellow floral capri trousers. She would never be catwalk material,but no one could fill her shoes better as an honest and trustworthy friend. We talked for a while before ordering the walnut quiche of the day,and a fennel side salad. With our latest escapades and family news out of the way, we got to the main business of the conversation - Piccallilli's latest scandal. It was work based and she was clearly upset by it all . Piccallilli is as moral as she is loud. It had been a Tuesday two weeks ago, and just before lunch. She had decided to take time to visit the Dingley Dell Academy Catering Chief to arrange for a particularly slimming lunch to be organised for herself. She was just about to wave Dolores Dinkweed (the Chief) a merry hello,as she pushed the swing doors of the kitchen open, when a terrible sight met her eyes. Far from being busy counting out asparagus tips or spreading almond butter on sourdough fingers,the bold Dolores was lying flat on her back on the stainless steel worktop, lips clenched against the puckered up smooch of Ferrungus Belch, the school caretaker. Picallilli admitted to having been completely overwhelmed by this revelation and had squeaked a faint "oh dear",which immediately brought Dolores and Ferrungus out of their gloopy embrace and back to the reality of having beeen discovered. And discovered by Piccallilli at that, known the length and breadth of Dingley Dell for her inability to keep shtumm about anything. Ferrungus was the first to volunteer "I'm just checking the burners of the stove, and Mrs. Dinkweed was assisting me".Dolores had looked hard at Piccallilli to emphasise that that was the explanation ,and she better had believe it,or else.
Poor brave Piccallilli braced herself and said in her most heroic of voices,"Not in that position,you weren't ." They got my drift,she said. Dolores had immediately left the building,claiming the sudden onset off Patagonian flu,and has not returned. Ferrungus has had himself assigned to outdoor duties and has taken to wearing sack cloth and ashes in the hope that Piccallilli will notice the extent of his remorse, and not feel the need to spill the beans to Anaconda, his large Boggart spouse. By this time Piccallilli was talking at the top of her voice,squeals and groans coming thick and fast in her anxiety to complete all the details and underline the enormity of it all. Sadly it only served to allow everyone in the Jolly Woodman tearoom the opportunity to overhear. Let's hope none of them has Belch or Dinkweed blood in their genetic fingerprint ,or Piccallilli's poor attempt at secrecy will all have been in vain....
"It's not been the same since you left" said Piccallilli,profoundly, while patting my knee to reinforce the depth of feeling in her statement. I was not sure it was a great compliment to be citing my departure as the catalyst for Belch and Dinkweed's undignified fumble. I hardly dared ask her what other indiscretions may have erupted as a result of my quitting the hallowed halls of Dingley Dell Academy.She concluded by saying that she was "keeping an eye on things",and what about a big portion of roly poly honey gateau with our acorn coffees. We sat there at least another hour, giggling about past joys and former experiences,then we parted with a warm hug and a promise to meet up again soon. Piccallilli left first ,barging out the same way she had pushed her way in. Dear Piccallilli, larger than life, and twice as much fun. I hope she will always be a friend and that life will not always be so hard for her.
Tomorrow, I have a meeting of the Heritage Committee. A fine opportunity to sit staring daggers across the table at Queen Brighid the Bright, while blocking her every Machiavellian move. Our differences have not been resolved,and are unlikely to be, while she attempts to usurp all my free time. Pendragon has urged me to stay calm, not rise to any provocation, but ensure that I make my position very clear, before the meeting closes. I think I'd rather lock horns with a rhino, than attenpt a temporary coup with the Queen of Dingley Dell. We can only hope that my better nature, and her dislike for showing that her feathers have been ruffled, will prevail. Tomorrow is another day, let's hope it is a sunny one. Much love to you all my friends, and may all your friendships be long and happy ones. From Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.

My fitness regime has begun. Last week I began a weekly yoga class ,worked out at the gym twice and went out walking every second day. Pendragon is astounded at my fortitude and self discipline.I am not sure that I would have any resolve but for the fact that I want to fit in to a smaller betrothal gown.Faery gowns are very revealing shapewise,and use light materials - gossamer,lace,silk and muslin - these materials are not too kind to the undeniably flabby.My gown will be medieval in style,have long narrow sleeves,be slim in the body, but with a wider skirt. I hope the top will be a dark red over tunic, with a full white satin skirt billowing out beneath it.I can see it in my mind's eye,,I just have to find a pattern for it,or at least something like my dream gown.The search must begin very soon, to allow time for the sewing to be done.I am unsure as to how many silkworms will be required to supply the silk needed, but a suitable time must be given for them to do their best work.Pendragon and I are going to write our own words for the service in Dingley Dell Faery Ring.This must be carried out in the presence of Queen Brighid the Bright,,she being our officiating dignitary,to be legally binding. Since she seems a little put out at my lack of interest in her on-going community projects at the moment, I have told Pendragon maybe we need to organise a fall-back option, though who that could be in this small community,remains to be seen.Pendragon thinks I should just bite the bullet, and go along with her for a while,but he does not know what he is asking. She is the sweetest of faery queens most of the time,but her dark side(and all faeries have one) is both manipulative and controlling.I am going to hold my ground for now,as I have many other commitments to consider in both Dingley Dell and Brigantia. maybe i am just as thrawn as she is. I mentioned all this to Mandolini, in the garden this morning, so it must have been preying on my mind. He looked at me with his usually wrinkled brow,wiped his forehead with his red and white spotted hanky,and I'm sure I heard a softly whispered sigh in the gentle breeze. Mandolini is very non-commital,being a very diplomatic gnome,but I feel sure he sympathises with my position. He has had a busy week so far,trying to keep the other garden gnomes busy.Normally they are out and about,carrying out their chores,but whenever it rains they tend to disappear.And it has rained a lot.They love an opportunity like the rest of us wee folk to have a bit of rest and relaxation. Pianolo loves to read,Basso Profundo loves to sing among the gorse bushes, and Verde likes to catch a few zzzzs as often as he can,beside the garden shed. Meanwhile Foreman Mandolini does a never ending circuit to rev them up and get them back to work. He is an indomitable force,and indispensable in the development of the toadstool back garden. I planted some cineraria and salvia plants before the rain came on this afternoon. Rain with big lumps of snow in it to be exact. It was a short shower, and nothing lay, but it has left the air outside very cold.The seasons seem to be going backwards at the moment. I have laid out some beautiful faery garments in the hope that it will soon be warm enough to wear them .They will have to gather dust at the moment,though, as a beautiful blue diaphonous skirt and thick woolly tights is not an attractive look. Tomorrow I am meeting up with Piccallilli Peasegood in the Jolly Woodman tearoom for a scintillatingly gossipy lunch. She may well have some idea of how I can handle the malevolent machinations of Queen Brighid,as Piccallilli is a fearless sprite,who has weathered many a critical phase in her own elfen history. Fearless without doubt,but not reckless, so I shall give due consideration to her thoughts on the matter. Till then,take care,my friends, and have much bravery in all you do. From Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.

At last a sunny day,but it's just a pity I have not had much free time to enjoy it. I waved goodbye to Pendragon this morning at 7.30 am ,and was dressed,breakfasted and on the road to Brigantia,across the Big Water by 9.00am. I used to live in Brigantia before I met Pendragon, and still have my toadstool there ,to look after. It is the second toadstool to the left in Sweet William Road. At the moment I am organising some improvements there before letting it to a worthy elven family,who need a modern little place in which to put down some roots . I go there two or three times a week at the moment, to see how the work is going. Slow,seems to be the apt describing word. I am having the cookhouse renovated, but it seems that the contractors are working on more than one toadstool at a time, so some days they don't appear at all, and when I want to consult them, they are not there.I am sure it will all come together in the fullness of time. After the kitchen is finished the bathing facilities are to be updated. More temporary mess,but the end result should be very pleasing. After my lunchly repast,I returned to Dingley Dell, back across the Big Water, with just 15 minutes to spare, to begin my "Razmattaz" show at Dingley Dell Community Radio. There were some requests waiting for me, but thankfully Wally Wintergreen,the studio assistant, a very busy young brownie, had looked out the music I needed, and put them in order on my playlist sheet. So all went smoothly, and with the sun quite warm and sunny outside, I was in very positive form during my 2 hour stint. Wally has been the soul of help since he joined the radio team, but I am sure he is just waiting for the day when wind or avalanche,or act of warlock, detains me long enough for Him to be called to fill my hot seat. I cannot blame him, he is young and enthusiastic,and full of an earthy zest, for fame or notoriety, across the airwaves. I am sure his time will come.Till then,his eagerness is my gain ,as he adds a great deal to the necessary efficiency in the studio. I walked back up the hill, with the music still in my ears and in my soul. The large pile of housework tasks awaiting me did,however ,rather cut my feelings of goodwill to all faery kind, back in size. Pressing Pendragon's doublet and hose,as he is sure to need them tomorrow, making a parsnip and celeriac pie for supper, collecting together last week's Daily Scandals for recycling, and washing and mangling our weekend clothes ready for another outing. All done with an hour to spare. So time to enjoy a little acorn coffee and a slice of medler jelly tart.These are heady days.I am beginning to enjoy my freedom every day to drive my own life force,work as hard or as little as I please, and steer my own star in whatever creative direction I wish. Pendragon says I am starting to smile more, laugh more and present a far more congenial front when he comes home.There are times when I do miss my erstwhile career, at Dingley Dell Academy, but only when I think of the wee sprites, or some activity we did together which was joyously bonding,or exciting, or successful. I don't miss the daily grind, the problems needing solved,the capricious moods of staff or the endless new initiatives when the steam on the old ones has only just gone cold.I am planning a visit in the fullness of time, possibly just before they have their long summer solstice break. Certainly close enough to the holiday break, to find them in good spirits, rather than moaning endlessly about things they cannot change. I would liek them to know how happy I am, and how unimportant some of the issues they regularly grieve over,are, when you step away from them . Teachers give their all and more,with such high expectation for the realisation of their dreams, that they are always surely to be disappointed.You do the job because you care, but sometimes I think we care to an impossible degree.We are the Don Quixotes of the educational world, endlessly tilting at windmills, when as grown ups and intelligent grown ups to boot, we should look at our world and its systems with a bit more perception and a degree of cynicism. Having said that, I didn't do that when I was teaching, and I really would not change very much about my career. When the minds and hearts of young sprites are involved , you have to show them the power of dreams, and you have to fuel them with a purpose to make their own dreams come true.Not much room for cynicism there. I think the medler jelly tart has put me in a philosophical mood. Who knows where that will end ? Tomorrow I am going back to the Shop of the Jolly Woodman for more garden supplies, seeing the Faery Physio for some exercises to heal my tendonitis, and checking on the "Backyard Boys", (Mandolini,Pianolo, Basso Profundo and Verde). They have been in the garden solidly,as the rain has poured down mercilessly and I just want to check that they have not come to grief. They are such stout gnomes and true, that I am sure it would take more than an April plout to wipe them out. Pendragon will be home soon,no doubt to tell me,how much he has missed me, and can he have another helping of greens. Well, at least the first part is correct. A happy blue-skied evening to you all my friends, and much green munching before the day is out. From Amarantha, the Rainbow Faery.

Pendragon and I were going to have a lovely long lie in our four poster oak bed today,but the sun was shining so brightly through the window that we knew we had to rise and do some work in the garden.So after breakfast in the sun room,coats and scarves were pulled on and we prepared to do battle with the overgrowth in the front garden. Pendragon scythed the lawn and I weeded the pots. I was determined to plant out all those little primulas, and lobelias, which I bought at the Shop of the Jolly Woodman last week. Even though they have not been planted out properly yet, they are beginning to flower. I placed them all in two jolly red pots,with no need to water in ,as I can feel that it is going to rain before the afternoon is out. Rainbow faeries always know when it is going to rain, but sadly lack the powers to hold back the deluge when we may want to. I rearranged the pots beneath the front window,and stood back to marvel at the loveliness of the colours of the spring flowers. Bright yellow pansies, blue lobelia, pink and white primulas, a few trailing geraniums and a bright blue clematis already creeping higher on the wall. Pendragon went inside having finished his lawn only to return a few minutes later with two steaming hot cups of hazelnut chocolate. We sat on the front step,admiring our handiwork. Pendragon went off to tackle the back yard weeds leaving me to do a last minute check that all was well. It was then that I noticed them. Two little flowerpot people. Standing by the rockery ,guarding the rock tulips and daffodils. Where had they come From ? They weren't there last week when I looked. We get so many visitors to the garden that it can take a little while to notice any newcomers. I felt that I had seen them somewhere before.It was then that I remembered. I had seen them hanging around at the front of the Shop of the Jolly Woodman.They must have popped into my basket when I wasn't looking,and hidden among the plants till I got home.Well, I never. Little flowerpot people can be so clever.They have chosen their spot in the garden, and who am I to tell them they should be somewhere else. My only hope is that they will bond with Dulcie Woodnymph and Angelina Sylph,who tend to rule the roost in the front garden. They seemed to be busy watching over the wide green pansy trough,and not much put out at the presence of others, so I'll just cross my fingers that there is enough space and goodwill to accommodate them all.
The back garden is also starting to look more organised. I am doing a little bit of work each time,today concentrating on digging over the two main flowerbeds,preparing them for border seedlings.The ground was wet,so turning over the soil was made easier. Tomorrow I am going to start working on the indoor plants too,as many of them seem to be crying out for bigger pots. This coming week is going to be so busy,with two afternoon meetings of the Dingley Dell Heritage group,and two visits across the Big Water to Brigantia . Friday will bring a visit to The Elfen Consultant Dr. Scroat, who has promised me a minor miracle in fixing my sore hand. I have been suffering from elfen tendonitis for the last six weeks, and am having some trouble in making it better. The previous doctor's pills and potions,were well intentioned but completely unsuccessful,so Pendragon has recommended that I see Dr. Scroat, the best alchemist in the land.I will refrain from mentioning my gardening activites I think, as he may feel that this may be singularly inconducive to achieving a complete and immediate cure. I am also going to make a quick tour of some of the better fabric shops in Brigantia,in my search for gossamer and silk with which to make my betrothal gown. I do have some ideas as to how I want it to look. It will be dark red, and fashioned in the style of the ancients of Dingley Dell. Once I have found the best material, I will then seek out the best seamstress that the Metropolis can supply. I do feel very excited thinking about it all.
Red pointy heeled shoes,garland of red and white flowers in my hair, bouquet of red and white roses, and something bright and glittery,borrowed from my sister faery, Little Nell. Pendragon has just appeared to tell me that Queen Brighid the Bright has just phoned. Do I have time to help her with another little project ? He could see from my darkening face that I was far from keen. He is going back to detail for her the interminable list of my appointments for next week and to relate my despair at not being free to help. He is also going to return and tell me he told me so. Well, he did ,didn't he ? One good turn is definitely going to lead to another 40,000, if Queen Brighid has her way.
Piccallilli Peasegood phoned this morning to say the dreaded lurgy has now left her ,and she is free for weddings, banquets and coffees in Dingley Dell. We will meet on Wednesday to fill each other in on our lives,our triumphs, and the trials which currently beset us. No doubt she will have countless advice on everything to do with betrothal ceremonies.She is a good friend, though, so I will listen carefully and respond positively to her pearls of wisdom, while quietly determining to go my own sweet way, as usual.
A merry Sunday to you all,my friends, and may all your dilemmas be little ones. From Flowerpot Cottage,the fifth toadstool from the left, and Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.

Well,hey ho,and a hey nonny no, just as Lobelia Drive was getting used to peace and calm, resembling Garden of Eden proportions, the howl went up at 10.00 am this morning, and the next door "wildebeests " were back. I was chewing the fat with the Forlorn faery at the front gate, and was just managing to acquire some jaw dropping details about her past life,when a maroon four - wheeled motor carriage drew up,and Severity Primpole stepped out. Weedy followed ,gathering up and disappearing under, endless luggage. They disappeared up the path and into number 6. Seconds later, Weedy reappeared,hood up , to release the two mutts from the back of their vehicle. They jumped out ,and made a bee-line for the gate,until they spotted the two of us standing leisurely ,two toadstools down. The words 'fresh meat " must have misted before the black satanic creature's eyes, for he charged at us from a mere three feet away. The blonde shaggy one was about to follow. Luckily Weedy was holding them both at the end of a long leash. He quickly reeled them in,nearly falling over in the process . My elfen heart was pounding and I felt myself grab hold of the gate in terror, sensing that I was about to see my final hour. When I looked up again it was to see Weedy slipping into number six,bellowing to the mutts to be quiet,looking back only to squeeze out a brief "eh, sorry", in our direction. I say our,but when I looked round to comfort the Forlorn Faery,she was no longer there. She was waving to me from relative security behind her front window.Clearly terrified also, but not brave enough to hang around to help to guarantee saving my personal bacon. Well, I suppose we have only been on speaking terms for a week ,not long enough to risk life or limb for me. I cannot see the Forlorn faery having a quiet seat in her toadstool porch as long as The Primpole's menagerie is around. I equally cannot see either of us casually asking the Primpoles how well they enjoyed their holiday, on the strenggth of this morning's encounter.
Pendragon and I had our usual assignation at one, in the Buttercup Bistro. We had to wait for half an hour to get a table but it was worth the wait . Our corner seats had a full panoramic view of the Big Water. Back home,we were going to finish building the desk we started last weekend. It is proving to be a more difficult task than we thought, so as is the way in elven customs, "if at first you don't succeed, send for the elven joiner". I hope he can come soon,before my elven curls are any greyer, and Pendragon does himself an injury ,falling over loose pieces of oak. He is outside at the moment, gathering up the remaining debris of winter. The starlings in the trees opposite are just waiting for him to go,so they can continue their forage for vittles.I watched them this morning,flying down some six at a time, battling together in the air and on the ground for first dibs at the fat balls,or the seed dishes. I spotted one gathering bits of stray twig and flying off towards the house opposite.It is building a nest under the eaves there. I feel a great sense of satisfaction that Pendragon and I are not only feeding the five thousand or so birds which come to call, but are also helping to provide the necessary building materials for them to set up home and nest. That makes our little toadstool,fifth from the left ,in Lobelia Drive, a bit of a one stop shop. Love to you all my friends, this wild,wet weekend, and may all your nests be just as cosy. From Amarantha the Rainbow faery.

The Community Hall was awash with young sprites this morning when I arrived to help with the Spring Sprite club. I had helped out yesterday afternoon,but opted for a morning session today,so that I could have a relaxing afternoon.I set up painting easels,paints and paper in double quick time thanks to the help of two young brownie brothers whose middle name seemed to be " co-operation". A rare pair in this sea of mischief. They also helped Queen Brighid the Bright to set up the snack corner,although their bulging pockets after they had finished did suggest that a large quantity of the apple and avocado crisps had failed to make it to the plates. Well ,at least they were rewarded for their industry ,if not their honesty. Cascades of colour were being splashed on to the large sections of newsprint in my corner, eliciting happy laughter from the young artists. For a moment it took me back to my teaching days, and reminded me how rewarding the company of the very young can be.Lunchtime came ,and my shift finished,leaving me free to have a wickedly healthy lunch at the "Alfresco Cafe " in Lower Dingley Dell. There are a few tables outside,but it never looked warm enough or dry enough to take advantage of one. Aristotle the Boggart boy was by the till. He is a very friendly young fellow, and generous to boot, as I always find my meal to have acquired an unusually large portion,and my acorn coffee to be delivered in a supersized mug. If my love handles should suddenly increase in size ,we will all know it is the boggart boy to blame.The "Alfresco" is small so it invariably looks full all the time,but there was one table in prime position(not near the draughty door)when I arrived.I ordered some acorn coffee and a wedge of cauliflower quiche,with a chicory and chickpea salad on the side.My delicious repast turned up within two minutes,as I took in the quaintly beautiful surroundings.There are lots of paintings on two of the walls,all carried out by local artists,and jewellery for sale hangs by the door and windows.There were many colourful faery folk coming and going from the cafe,brought out no doubt by the shimmering sunshine on the Big Water. Taking further note, it seemed that there were many of our more aged residents out today,strolling round Dingley Dell with their grandfaery babes, and all stopping off at the "Alfresco" for a cuppa and a breather. If I were a more cynical Rainbow Faery, I would say that they had been dumped on, but maybe they were just not fast enough to hide behind the door when their loved ones arrived.One of the penalties of creaky joints and a responsible heart, I suppose. Aristotle duly came to offer me an acorn coffee top-up,and I completed my lunchtime by addressing some letters and cards for posting.Outside again in the pouring rain I made my way to the Dingley Dell Charity shop. I had found some unwanted kitchen items,some soft toys from my days at Dingley Dell, and a few parchment books telling tales of yore. The volunteer ladies of mercy were putting out new merchandise and tidying up when I approached the counter. Old Elsie Crabwhistle was teetering along in the back shop,humping large sacks of clothing from one place to another,slightly tipping over each time like a listing ship. At the till, Aggropina Columbine was puzzling over the small change she needed to return to a buyer of two small crystal glasses.Aggropina is even more aged than Elsie,a shadowy whisp of a creature, who breathes heavily as though it just might be her last.There is no denying the commitment of these white haired gals,but I fully expect on some occasion to find them laid out on the charity shop floor when I call with my left over spoils. "Shall I leave these things here ? "I said, putting the bags on the counter. "Thank you " she rasped slowly, breathing in heavily and clinging on to the counter. I left quickly ,hoping the buyer at the desk could administer the kiss of life ,if necessary.My knowledge only extends to mustard poultices and wart potions, so I hope they never have to depend on me. The next half hour was spent in the Community book shop,rummaging through an assortment of parchments. I bought one full of "Recipes of the Ancient World ". I may try some of them out on Pendragon,as he claims to be in touch with his historical side. (or is it his hysterical side ?) Walking back up the hill again on my way home,the heavens opened and a heavy shower of rain soaked me through to my gossamer top. I was drenched, and getting wetter. By the time I put my key in the toadstool keyhole, I knew I would have to wring out my clothes and dry myself by the log fire. Once inside, cosily drinking my hot hazelnut chocolate, and wrapped up in my fleecy dressing robe,I thought how lucky a faery am I, to have this lovely toadstool home, my dear Pendragon to share it with, and to be able to spend the rest of the afternoon indoors reading,while the wind howls and the rain pours, outside .I am truly blessed. Much love to you all my friends, and may you all have a blessed weekend. From Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.

Thursday morning, and I have made a list ,as there are so many things I need to do. First of all I have a huge bundle of garments no longer in use, to deliver to the Ladies of Mercy at the Dingley Dell Charity Shop. I have not confirmed with Pendragon that the pieces of clothing from him ,have his consent. Nothing ever wears out according to Pendragon ,even if it is hanging in shreds, so I have made an executive elfen decision. His birthing day is in May, so I can fill up his side of our great oaken wardrobe with some new doublets, and green pointy shoes. Upon my arrival,the lades were very grateful for an infusion of new cast-offs, and Old Elsie Crabwinkle,an aged Mustard Faery, who usually struggles to make it from the counter to the door, seemed particularly excited by the pink gossamer robe I had handed in. It might go well indeed with her blue tinged curls and the fluffy purple slippers which she wears to serve behind the counter on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She has a wry sense of humour. Holding up a pair of Pendragon's hose and the pink gossamer frippery, she looked me in the eye and said,"I hope both of these are not Pendragon's,dear, are they ? I just touched my nose, and swung her an all knowing,but enigmatic Rainbow faery smile, as I laughingly pulled the door shut behind me. If Pendragon ever goes in there, he is going to get some mightily funny looks. I then headed towards the Community Centre to join Queen Brighid the Bright in an afternoon of delight with some Dingley Dell sprites. I opened the door to find twenty five jolly little ones waiting for an afternoon of exciting activities .Maybe mischief would be a more pertinent word. I was assigned to the story corner - Queen Brighid always assigns - to tidy up the faery books and games there, and to either read to the wee ones or help them to learn how to play some of the boxed games. Sprites being sprites of course, throwing the books about,or mixing up the pieces from the games,seemed a better idea. However,they were in the main well behaved, and genuinely enjoyed the stories that I read to them. Some settled down to draw pictures of the folk in the books, some wanted to make models, and some just wanted to curl up on the dinky settee in the book corner for a quiet nap. The couple of hours passed very quickly, and at home time, two wee Dingley Dell rogues coyly asked if I"d be back tomorrow " I intend only to take it as a compliment, as it might suggest that they wanted to know,to establish whether they might get away with more nonsense if I wasn't going to be there.Tomorrow Queen Brighid has assigned me to the Art Corner. Great fun but only if you remember to wear a headscarf and dungarees when the colours start to fly, in free expression time. I always feel at home in the art corner,as we Rainbow Faeries carry colour in our every movement and with our every step.I returned home at three, made some ginger and chilli patties for Pendragon's supper,(he says he likes a hot meal) and settled down to read my manual for faeries who are entering eternal wedlock. It is considered an important step in Dingley Dell Life to take on wifely duties, and each community provides some keen instruction to those who feel ready for such a step. However the chapters were a little disappointing,seeming only to concentrate on how to manage a toadstool, and how often to set out your husband's clay pipe and slippers, rather than on how many holidays one might expect and how much birthday bling to demand. Pendragon and I have shared a toadstool together for three years now, so I have acquired most of the toadstool caretaking skills we seem to require, but I have to admit to being no closer to solving the ongoing problems of Pendragon stealing most of the eiderdown every night, and forgetting to cover his cold pointy feet,before rubbing them up against mine. Maybe a confidential word with Queen Brighid the Bright might throw up some solutions. Maybe not. Queen Brighid does seem to know the answer to everything,but is famously reputed to pass it on to everybody else. I would hate to see Pendragon suffer any castigation as he wanders through the village on account of his need for warmth. We are the cosiest of faery couples,and are looking forward to our wedlock ceremony in the month of May 2009. Preparations for this great event have already begun,but will proceed more earnestly in the weeks to come.A dress must be made, a cake must be baked,and our motley crew of relatives,at home and abroad, must be summoned to witness the event. We are holding a feast in a fancy woodland grove after we take our vows. As if one could eat at a time like that ! Much love to you all my friends,and a steady wedlock for all. From the very giddy Amarantha, the Rainbow Faery .

I was up early today. Pendragon brought me a heart warming cup of redbush tea, and a happy hug,before heading off in the sunshine,to work. I wanted to leave as soon as possible,as I was going to The Shop of the Jolly Green Woodman to find some gardening materials. It is only about a mile away from Dingley Dell, but the journey goes in to the countryside,and the shop itself is surrounded by trees and woodland greenery.At the door of the shop the Jolly Green Woodman has built a small bird sanctuary.When you arrive and walk up the path towards the door, you can watch all manner of birdlife feeding on the available treats hung up for them, quite oblivious to the audience of faery folk ,gathered there to see them. Blue tits, thrushes, robins and a fair share of dunnocks were in attendance today.Despite the blue sky and sunny aspect ,it was still cold, so I stood watching this morning, well wrapped up in my warm black cape and two woolly scarves. Inside I gathered a range of treats for my own birds back home. Fat balls,fat pieces, sunflower seeds and some berry suet filled the green basket to the brim,plus a new holder for the fat treats. I then collected some new garden plants to refresh some of the patio pots,and the largest pot I could find to re-pot my rhododendron bush. My trolley was full now,so I paid for my purchases and loaded them in the four wheeled electric carriage. I had browsed through everything in the shop,so was amazed to find that when I consulted the sun dial in the shop garden that it was just past noon. Definitely time for A Jolly Woodman Tearoom lunch. The restaurant was full of happy faery shoppers,but I managed to find a table in the corner where I could sit quietly, but observe the rest of my fellow diners discreetly. I feel you have probably guessed by now,that I am a bit of a people watcher. Pendragon laughingly calls me a "wee snoop", but none of my observations are used to upset or denigrate anyone. They add to my knowledge of the rich tapestry of faery life. There were 17 tables in the tearoom ,and all of them weighed down by the amazing array of healthy goodies chosen by the faery shoppers. I chose a hearty bowl of broccoli and pea soup,piping hot, and a herb scone, piece of carrot cake and a pot of tea,holding four good cups. A faery king's ransom, and more than enough of a feast for a small rainbow faery. Not so small if I keep having lunch at the Tearoom. Behind me ,two gnomes were attacking large platefuls of turnips and greens,with wedges of rye bread well buttered. I was close enough not to be able to avoid hearing their conversation. They were extolling the virtues of their woodland life,sharing stories of which trees they had felled and how many logs they had split.I laughed inwardly till the subject turned to their efforts to rid themselves of a family of moles,currently living on their home patch. Oh,the horror
of these two mole hill wreckers! As they pounded their fists on the table, and punched the air in their attempts to put their point of view, it was all I could do to hold myself back from calling out to them "Idle gnomes are just as much of a blight on Faery society as those wee dark velvet poppets that you are making a fuss about "I know moles can be a problem,digging as they please,but I am sure a little
mutual understanding and negotiation would help enormously. In our faery world there must be room for everyone. Looking round,many of the tearoom eaters were gnomes and faery folk of a certain age,taking time in the prime of their lives to get themselves in tune with the nature around them.Across from me an ageing witch and warlock were demolishing the fruity buns. The warlock was reading through the Daily Scandal,while his witchy partner sat in her single wheely seat, watching the sun streaming through the window. A mother elf and two little sprites were looking through their purchases ,as a shaky old wizard,teeterd in ,carrying his Spells and Concoctions tome for Growing Fine Turnips,underneath his arm .
His familiar, an equally sleepy St. Bernard, saw to his every need,pouring him a glass of water,wiping the cheesy mayonnaise off his purple tunic,slicing his fish tail quiche, and nuzzling him occasionally in the ribs, when his head fell forward in temporary slumber, into his butterbur salad. I finished the last few crumbs of my carrot slice and headed for the Indoor section,buying up seeds and seed pots, before finally heading back home. I surveyed the pile of goodies on my return,deciding I may have spent too much. By the time Pendragon notices, I'll have honed my reasons to an irrefutable perfection and he will decide that we needed everything and didn't I get a good deal ? As I was walking up the toadstool path, I finally met the next door faery, new to number four. We exchanged hellos,names, and a few tentative smiles. She seems more careworn than I had at first noted,and definitely has a story to tell. She was very reticent in giving any details about herself,so I just tried to be friendly and put her at her ease.We will talk again,I know, now that we have broken the ice. She is several degrees more amenable as a neighbour than Gumble ever was, and will make Pendragon's day,when she cuts the grass tomorrow.I hope she will settle in well to Dingley Dell life,and find a happy home here. Best wishes to you all in your lifetime labours,my friends,and happy tearoom days . From Amarantha, the Rainbow Faery.

The weekend sunshine has been replaced by a continuous flow of rain here in Dingley Dell. Lobelia Drive never looked greener,but it is causing a holdup of normal activities at this time of year. Lawns remain uncut, plants lie waiting to be planted out, and the usual long seasonal conversations held across fences have barely begun. It is going to be a rather strange week for several reasons.Queen Brighid the Bright,chief elder of our faery community, has summoned me to help out with the Spring Sprite Club running all this week, in the Community Hall.Various activities have been organised for the young ones,and Queen Brighid felt that as an erstwhile teacher at Dingley Dell Academy I probably could not wait to be given a job once again with the wee sprites.To be honest, my heart is sinking at the very thought of anything approaching teaching, but I did not have the heart (or courage)to deny her the support for which she clearly was hoping.It is not that I love the little ones any less,and my days with them at Dingley Dell were well rewarded with their love and affection, but I left it behind because I want to do so many other things. However, I have said I will help on Thursday and Friday afternoon,giving her details of the thousand and more commitments I have for the rest of the week. When it comes, I am sure I will enjoy helping them with their art and craft activities. But Pendragon has said to me,"it is always best to be honest,Amarantha.What happens when she wants to ask you again.You will run out of excuses,and our blessed Queen will know you're not too keen." He is right,I know, but I'll worry about that when the time comes. I have spent the day indoors, cleaning our toadstool and hoovering the floors in every room. So today it shines inside the fifth toadstool from the left, even if it is so dull outside.I'll complete the afternoon in the kitchen making a horseradish pie for dinner. It's one of Pendragon's favourites with a chicory and beetroot salad. I have just seen our new neighbour at number 4,returning from her daily labours. We have called her the Forlorn Fairy,for want of any other title,as we haven't managed a hello to her yet. She does seem rather quiet and sad in demeanour,but is certainly a busy fairy. Some of her furnishings were delivered on Saturday afternoon, so she must be feeling more at home. The goblins who carried the furnishings into the toadstool were a cheery bunch,joking and laughing, as they struggled to carry the larger items inside. Some ,like a huge oval dining table, and a display unit, were carried back out again, as she clearly discovered that toadstool living has to be slightly more minimalist than she clearly immagined. I hope to chat to her at some point,if only to make her feel more welcome. I used to live in a toadstool by myself, and I know that sometimes it can be a rather solitary life. Yesterday was my studio day at Dingley Dell Community Radio.The two hour show passed very quickly,with a mixture of stories,poetry, an interview with a local artist, and lots of music from yesteryear.In the supermerchant later on,as I fished the shelves for one or two ripe avocados ,two small hedgerow pixies approached and asked if I did the "Razmattaz" show. They had been listening earlier, and had seen me leave the studio. They wanted me to mention them sometime on air, with a message for their friends. It was nice to meet someone who listens,as you never are truly sure that you are not just talking to yourself !
My new fitness regime starts tomorrow. I am determined to fit into a slightly smaller wedding gown to look my best on my wedding day ,for Pendragon.I used to exercise much more,and had the dimensions of a sylph. My work timetable latterly meant that there never seemed to be enough time for visits to the Elfen Gym in Dingley Dell. I have fallen a little by the wayside, but not enough that I cannot get back to the shape I want to be.So, tomorrow, some speed walking, and a yoga class,should make a determined start.
I would also love to get out into the garden for a while,as I find it satisfying and exhilirating to work with the soil between my fingers,coaxing the seedlings to grow and grow.Spurred on by my friends in the garden, the gnomes, We should have an extra specially wonderful bounty of flowers in the garden this year. I have set out some pots already with tiny nasturtium, geranium, and sweet pea seedlings beginning to flourish, while my winter pots of blue,white and yellow pansies are still blossoming.I love to watch them raise their pretty heads to the sunlight and just smile at the day.Tomorrow I am going to visit the Shop of the Jolly Green Woodman for more gardening supplies. I am always in festive mood on my return,usually carrying vast amounts of growing things, things to make things grow, and having enjoyed a lunch in the Jolly Green Tearoom. I was to have been joined by Piccallilli Peasegood,but she has gone down with the Faery Spring Flu. I'll catch up with her next week. Piccallilli has already told me(several times ,in fact) that she has much gossip to bestow. And Piccallilli never lies. Much tittle tattling, and green fingering to you all ,my friends. From Amarantha,the Rainbow Faery.

I woke up this morning as the Birthday Faery,but instead of being full of energy, I took ages to gather my thoughts enough to rise and bathe. Two cups of raspberry and acai berry tea later, I was finally ready to put on my multi coloured robes to meet the day. I had a few bits of tidying up to do in several rooms,and also various items of clothing to wash and press for Pendragon,just in case his favourite doublet and hose were lying in the laundry bin. He might want to wear them this evening at my birthing day soiree. When the cuckoo, Walter, emerged from his wooden chiming house at noon, I realised just how much time I had wasted, and how little time there was left before I had to meet Pendragon in downtown Dingley Dell. I was just parking our four wheeled motor carriage at the supermerchant's parking bay,when I heard Pendragon's lilting tones,hailing me from behind. A big kiss and two hugs later,we headed arm in arm towards the Buttercup Bistro for a healthy lunch. There was still an empty table by the window when we arrived,so we lost no time in making it our own. The Big Water rolls by outside the bistro and the tide wasc oming in. I felt as though I could have touched it, as it lapped against the window. Not a quiet river today,but a slightly frisky one, rather cold and grey,and tinged with white foam, - driving waves ever closer to the pebbley shore. Lunch for me was a large bowl of carrot and parsnip soup,and for Pendragon a salad of tomatoes and endive.Two steaming hot cups of acorn coffee followed, as we sat day dreaming by the full bay window. We walked along the shoreline afterwards, sharing our thoughts about birthdays, our forthcoming wedding , and Pendragon's duty at the hospital last night.We love to be together,so we didn't really notice that the wind had become quite cold and the rain had started to fall. On our return home, Pendragon fell to snoozing by the log fire, clutching my copy of this week's crossword in the Saturday Scandal.He had completed a few boxes,but evermindful of the consternation caused last week by his completing the whole thing by himself, he had held back after the first few clues. Meanwhile I spent the rest of the afternoon in my faery boudoir ,putting the finishing touches to my look for this evening. Hair was washed in the sparkling water gathered from the stream, nails were polished with a rosy pink glaze, and my outfit of black satin palazzo pants, black silk free flowing top decorated with tiny black jets, and my full length brocade black topcoat, were laid out on the lacy coverlet of the big oak bed .When I finally descended the little staircase, Pendragon had awoken from his slumber, and in a sleepy haze,just smiled over to me, and said "Lovely,really lovely". We arrived at the restaurant in good time (faery folk are never late).Inside it was decorated in a very modern ,slightly oriental theme. Lots of black chairs and tables,alongside low level purple glowworms lighting from above and at table level. Our meal was of very modern design,using new ways with forest ingredients and homegrown vegetables to deliver classic dishes. The waiting lads and lasses took great care to see that we enjoyed our meal,and extended their desire that we should visit again sometime. Pendragon was in a particularly romantic mood.Dressed in a fine suit of navy doublet and hose, he was the perfect companion over three courses.As the milky acorn coffee was served, he produced two parcels , both of them my birthing day gifts. One contained a new black case for my gigabyte box, and the other a stunning two strand necklet of natural fresh water pearls .I suspect that he had fished for them himself as Pendragon does not stint on effort when it comes to gifts.They looked particularly bright and sparkling against my porcelain skin and in the purple light of our restaurant last night. I love them and I know my pearls will be worn a great deal in days to come. We came home in the late evening,sat by the last dying flames of our log fire, and just rejoiced in the wonder of being together.Two acorn coffees later,and with much soul searching and deliberation, the Daily Scandal crossword was completed, and we went cheerily to bed.Much love and good fortune to you all,from Amarantha the Rainbow Faery.

It was so beautiful today.Finally a warm spring Friday. I was up early, washing my hair and choosing my outfit for the day with great care. We faery folk are always careful how we appear in public,but in winter that means a much duller set of weeds.In spring the Rainbow Faery finds her brighter palette to show to the world. Today it was blue,ranging from Royal blue to navy to denim blue. I had to go early to make a visit to Brigantia, the next village.I have to cross the Big Water to get there, but it is a journey I enjoy. I had a friend to visit, to sort out the details of some work I am doing next week,and then back across the Big Water to pay a visit to the SuperMerchant in Dingley Dell.The journey there and back only took 55minutes, and soon I found myself having a cup of dandelion tea ,before undertaking the battle for provisions. Pendragon and I are vegetarians, so most of my requirements were vegetables,fruit,nuts and seeds. Pendragon is cooking this Sunday,some form of Italian cuisine, as we are dining out on Saturday, to celebrate my special Birthing Day.What to wear ? Pendragon insists it will be a very smart restaurant, so I hope there is at least 1 item in my oak wardrobe which still looks good on me. We are meeting at noon on Saturday in Dingley Dell village centre.We will have lunch in the Buttercup Bistro,overlooking the sea,then take our customary walk along the promenade,holding hands and planning the rest of our lives. Pendragon is a most romantic fellow, and I know he has several surprises in store for my special day. If I have time before we have our special meal, I have primroses to plant, and track down the whereabouts of our gnomes, Mandolini,Pianolo,Basso Profundo and Verde.I saw Verde this afternoon,lying full length in front of the Sun Room window, reading his one and only book.He loves Reading, and this book never seems to end, but I certainly hope his main garden chores were also completed, or Mandolini will surely have had something to say. We have finally sighted the new dweller of No.4. She is a tiny elfen lady,in her middle years. We have not yet had the opportunity to exchange hellos, but I have seen her coming and going several times,wrapped up in her pussy willow coat. She wears face glasses, and seems to be a busy,bustling type. The little sad toadstool at no.4 is even starting to show a glimpse of a smile, as she has cleaned and polished since she arrived. The front door is sparkling, and she has left its windows open to bring in some fresh spring air. I am not sure how long she will be staying, but she is a big improvement on Gumble's brooding ways.Piccallilli Peasegood called at 4pm, to ask after my health, when she would see me ,and to ask how the wedding preparations are going.I explained that I am still trying to source the cobweb and gossamer dress that I want, in the colours that I want. She was full of good advice,and suggested we meet up next week for a wedding pow-wow, and maybe also go material and pattern hunting. She is still unhappy at work ,and I sensed she didn't want to spend too much time talking about it. She is wonderful with small sprites, and is very knowledgeable in working with the more recalcitrant pixie element, but has no love of the Head Elf she is working for. She said cheery-bye with a smile in her voice ,so I think our chatty conversation helped. Pendragon is working in the Metropolis tonight, so I am catching up with some toadstool cleaning.Even the most luminous of faery celebrities has to muck out the toilet and scrub the kitchen sink. It is going to rain tonight,so I will just have to cuddle up alone in our four poster ,hand-carved oak bed, dreaming birthday thoughts,wondering what differences another year will make to the stuff of my life. By May next year I will be Mrs. Willow, and a happier faery could not be found anywhere in Dingley Dell.
Till tomorrow ,my dear friends,much candle snuffing and cake consuming, from Amarantha, the Rainbow Faery.

I have decided to do as much today as I can to set up the BLUE ROOM as a study, in preparation for the new desk. Pendragon is working till seven in the Metropolis, but tiredness permitting, we may get to grips with some wood and the construction plans this evening. There are some bits which I can prepare prior to Pendragon bringing the whole thing together. My big problem is that there are too many things waiting for a home and we lack the necessary storage space to accommodate them. I sift through stuff on a daily basis at the moment but there are still too many mementoes and not enough toadstool room. Pendragon feels we do actually need a bigger toadstool ,and I think it will not be too long before we start our search for the perfect haven to accommodate my long list of activities. I would miss my little toadstool home here in Dingley Dell,though,for it has brought me such calm and peace over the past three years. We are close to the sea, which I love and feel a great affinity to. We can also enjoy moments in the country, close to rivers and streams,wild flowers and creatures of the earth.No doubt when the time comes, Pendragon and I will seek out another toadstool with very similar properties to this one,just bigger. For now we are still renovating and improving our current space.One of my favourite ways to spend time at the moment,is just walking along the sea front,taking in the sky above and the waves below,stopping my trek only to enjoy a warm decaff. cup of acorn coffee at the Dingley Dell Delicatessen. A slice of carrot meringue may also slip down nicely.
I need to stay home for a while today, because we are awaiting a visit from the Glowworm technician. Last night while chopping veggies for our evening meal, I suddenly heard a noise ,like "phut,phut " overhead. The three kitchen glowworms stopped glowing,and wouldn't restart. I checked out every room, only to find that the living room glowworm also seemed to be on strike. All others are working,so I hope the Glowworm technician can sort out whether they are ailing or just working to rule. Another evening eating our root vegetable stew in the dark would be difficult for us, not to say also having a dire effect on our
pristine white rug, which now seems to have small spots of tomato sauce laced through its fibres, following half an hour of us masticating in the candlelight.Pendragon prefers me to deal with all workmen in the toadstool.Why ? I don't know as I do my best to avoid them when they arrive. A quick hello, and here is the problem ,then I disappear upstairs with something seemingly urgent to do. Then job finished, I reappear,with even bigger smile and wave them off the premises.Mightily relieved too. I never know what to say, and never want to encourage them to stay any longer than they have too. If I knew the necessary spells ,I would weave my own magic over any problems, but my own magical training at Dingley Dell University sadly left out plumbing,electricity and heating engineering. So at 2pm,when he calls, I shall just have to grin and bear it. I did have plans for today,involving cafes,and writing, and soaking up a little of the Spring air, so I am slightly peeved.However,I now have lashings of time for housework and fixing up the BLUE ROOM. We are still musing over the situation at no.4. Gumble the Gnome seems to have finally gone,and a mysterious little red mini carriage has been parked outside for two days. We have not seen the person who now seems to be sleeping there,but they will definitely have their work cut out making a home of number 4. Gumble ,by his own admission,was neither house proud, nor garden interested, so the old toadstool may need more than a lick of paint and a high speed digger.We sense the new incumbent may be a lady elf, as fresh flowers have been placed on the window sill. However, it could just be a gnome expressing his feminine side. Pendragon feels sure that I will find a way to suss out the situation before the season is very much older. Dear Pendragon, he shows such faith in my deductive powers and subtle interventions. Piccallilli Peasegood ,a former colleague from Dingley Dell Academy has left me a message,saying she will call me on the woodland telephone later. It is good to hear from her. She helped me a great deal in my former job, and was a true friend. I have also received a message from the local director of Dingley Dell Community Theatre,to confirm that my services will be required in their new production. What as ,who can say ? I am full of excitement as this production will also be staged in the Metropolis Festival in October 2008. More details will follow as the show gets underway. I am looking forward to testing my acting skills again. Piccallilli Peasegood will be thrilled to hear my news,and no doubt will have much scandal of her own to impart. Peace,love and much transcendental gossiping to you all my friends. From Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.

Flowerpot Cottage is the 5th toadstool from the left in a straight row of toadstools in Lobelia Drive.This cul-de-sac directly opens on to Lobelia Avenue,which stretches for a long way ahead in the distance. On the right side of the cul -de-sac are another 6 toadstools,all slightly bigger than ours on the left.So far,in our 3 years in Lobelia Drive, we have only had contact with the dwellers of 2 of these toadstool homes. Directly opposite our toadstool haven live Mimsey and Jeraboa,the Dagworts,with their two teenage daughters,Serafina and Ariadne. Mimsey and Jeraboa are not of elven origin, both being earth based elementals. Mimsey is regarded in these parts as a white witch,with only good reports of her ministrations spreading through the Dingley Dell Community.She stands tall by magical standards,but carries a little extra weight,particularly below the waist,on her lower limbs. She lacks the sylph like qualities of the elven form,but holds within her shape the sturdy trustworthy limbs of the more worldly woodland folk. She passes quietly up and down the cul-de-sac daily,on her way to the Metropolis to sell and practise her magical spells and potions. Her long face and uneven countenance make her not a beauty in the traditional faery sense,but nor is she a figure to fear as some witches are. A degree of sadness hangs around her,but since I know litle about her past,it is difficult to speculate from whence it comes. She once took in a parcel for us,left by Scamp the Postal Imp. When I called round to collect it at twilight, she smiled demurely in my direction at the door,but the look in her eyes stared so deeply into the roots of my soul,that I shivered all the way back to our toadstool. I would like to know her better, but feel that caution may need to be exercised in becoming too close to such an enigmatic magical. Her partner,Jeraboa, a part time warlock and heating engineer mechanical, is also of the sturdier woodland origin.He looks to have had some military background,judging by his thick red neck,stumpy fingers and aggressive bearing. but he is pleasant enough in conversation,when our paths have crossed by the Four-wheeled Carriage Holder wall, at the end of the cul-de-sac. Thankfully Serafina and Ariadne show more of their mother in their outer countenance ,judging by their lack of red necks and stumpy fingers. They are in higher education academies in the nearby Metropolis. We know little more of the Dagworts apart from their Saturday night penchant for smokey barbecues,all garden glowworms blazing, and the happy sounds of karaoke voices ,singing along to a single lute, behind the fence. Old Twisty Thistledown is the other magical we have encountered on the right side of the cul-de-sac. She is a little old will o' the wisp,who passes daily with her familiar,Dumpy Rex. A little teetery on her stiff elven pins,she always smiles and stops for a chat as she passes our front fence. I bet she was a beauty as a young elven sprite, her inner beauty still shining through,in her eyes and white wispy curls . I fear for her sometimes, when she passes the Primpole garden. Several times she has been jumped at by the "Wildebeests" at the gate,sending her reeling almost into the roadway. She hasn't fallen yet,or had a heart attack, but this clearly cannot be good for her faery blood pressure. She is always very forgiving afterwards, smiling in the wildebeests' direction,but she really could not be blamed if she went home to stick pins in effegies of these hysterical,dangerous and clearly predatorial muts. Since I waved off the Primpoles at dawn this morning,smiling to them out of the front window,while heaving a huge sigh of relief, I feel I should let Old Twisty know that the way is now clear. She can ,for the next few days anyway, go skipping and dancing along the cul-de-sac, unharried.More mystery is accruing next door, in the house of Gumble the gnome. A red mini carriage drew up this morning,and parked outside for a couple of hours. I did not see who came and went from the house,but once again there was a good deal of shuffling ,banging and thumping in the toadstool. Are we about to see some new dwellers ? Was it indeed just Gumble,back again to do a much needed clean up of the house and garden ? Or was it some third party magical about to take squatters rights ? More detective work is clearly called for, but it is difficult to stay rooted to the spot behind the gossamer curtains,waiting for a breakthrough when my busy life calls for considerable commitment elsewhere. Today my pleas have been heard and,despite a few cloudy spells, Dingley Dell is bathing in sunshine. Mandolini, our Head Garden Gnome is sitting on his favourite tree stump beside our pink rhododendron bush ,mopping his weather beaten brow. Had a busy day,Mandolini ? I called as I put out new rich pickings for the birds. He just smiled back, a careworn smile,and leaned further on his spade. I could not see any of the other gnomes obviously
working, so I expect he is having his work cut out,keeping a watch on their antics. Pianolo was up beside the bird cottage, lying on a flagstone, reading a weighty tome on container gardening.Closer inspection though,showed the local Pigeon Racing Supplement concealed in its pages. Verde was beside the summer house ,smelling the sunflowers, and Basso Profundo, well ,he was fast asleep in the geranium hanging basket.Poor Mandolini, these boys are such scamps. However will he make honest ,hardworking gnomes of them all.In the window of our sunroom, The Black,Fat, Furry Cat,is stretched out,catching his full weight of sunbeams. My Wednesday hoovering may yet put a stop to his amiable snoring. In the front patch, the Starlings are renewing their daily fight for food on the beech hedge,while among the terracotta pots,our two garden sylphs, Dulcie Woodnymph and Angelica Botanica,stand resolutely in their white flowing skirts ,arms outstretched,rendering an air of peace and love, to all the visitors to No.5.
Much love and happy puddle skipping to you all ,my friends. From your dear Amarantha Willow, the Rainbow Faery.

Monday is the day I go to the Dingley Dell Community Radio Station to present my afternoon show. It is called "Razmattaz" and is a mixture of music and words. The music is drawn from the 1900s up to the 1970s,and the words can either be stories, poetry or interviews. I love broadcasting to my Dingley Dell public. They send in requests, phone me or occasionally use their electronic letter boxes to send me a comment or a message. Yesterday was rather a quiet day. I only had two requests and 1 message to sort out. The rest of the show consisted of musical stars of the 40s and 50s, a short story,my poem for today and a pre-recorded interview with a lady from the local Green Dingley Dell Committee. The two hour showtime passes very quickly,and I always finish wanting to do a little more.Yesterday's show felt very worthy,as we discussed ways for elven folk to reduce their carbon fotprint. We faeries care just as much as anyone about our environment. Our very souls are linked to ,and in tune with the elements of our world. I came home to the toadstool feeling that Pendragon and I still need to do more to play our part. Further re-cycling is one option, and ridding ourselves of any plastic bags which have unwittingly found their way into our toadstool sanctuary. Growing at least some of our own vegetables is another idea I want to explore. We don't have lots of growing area at the back of the toadstool,but there are ways and means to use pots to grow herbs and patio vegetables. I must talk this matter over with Pendragon soon, and of course,run it by Mandolini,our leading backyard gnome. He and the other gnomes have been getting mighty wet out there over the past two days.Rain or shine - they still seem to be out there, tools in hand. Such dedication should surely be rewarded. I must remember to smile and say hello to each and every one of them when I start my planting tomorrow. Will the rain ever end ? Will the wind ever finally die down ? Although I love all facets of our weather conditions,and believe they are all needed to give us the fine growing conditions that Dingley Dell needs,a little more of the warmer stuff would be appreciated. The birds who visit our toadstool garden are still looking for lots of fatty scraps to feed themselves on, and any new babies which are no doubt now around. Our front garden has lots of hanging feeders with a choice of delicacy in each, but it is the fatty mixtures they seem to squabble over. A pair of robins fly regularly to our bird cottage in the back garden. They always come down at twilight to avoid having to vie with other bigger birds. I would love to know if they are nesting close by,and if there are any little robins there yet. The male robin is far bolder than the female. He always arrives first,she flying more diffidently behind,as he scrambles around looking for the best pickings. I can watch their antics from the kitchen window, as they hang upside down from the peanut holder, and hop from one pile of seeds to the next.Our front garden looks really beautiful today ,as the overnight rainfall has made everything bolder in colour. Bright yellow and purple pansies and white and pink primulas are fluttering in the blustery air.
Blue clematis is starting to wrap its way around the green trellis bench under the window, and our small japanese maple is starting to show leaf.Nothing needs my faery paintbrush as each plant has beauty enough of its own. The lawn however is also growing rather too speedily. Pendragon will have to be cajoled into sharpening his scythe and making a small sojourn outside before the end of this week. He doesn't like working in the rain,but if I leave out his stout sou'wester and his green pointy wellingtons at the front door ,I think he will get the message. A bit of buttering up with his favourite chickpea stew should clinch the deal.We saw Gumble the gnome last night, our erstwhile dweller in number 4. He appeared under cover of darkness at 9pm, stayed about half an hour,and then left again. We could hear him shuffling around,and occasional bumps and jumps were noted.His grass grows ever higher in his absence now and his toadstool looks sadder than ever.Toadstools need to be loved and cared for.They lose their colour and their definition without a dweller, and if he does not return to cut his grass soon, who knows ?- maybe they disappear altogether.Nobby Shilpit has been seen,hovering by Gumble's gate, with a quizzical look on his chubby face.I am not sure if he knows that Gumble has gone, or if he is working out what he can interfere with in number 4.On the other side in number 6, the Primpoles seem to be organising to take a trip somewhere in their four-wheeled tent. They do this by throwing everything out on to the pavement that they are taking with them,then proceed to pack the four- wheeled tent in full view of the neighbourhood.At least it saves us from having to peer through its windows just to see what's inside.They will be off to the high country with their wildebeests in tow,to reap havoc in mountainous villages far and wide. I am ashamed to say that I may be secretly nurturing the hope that they may lose the beasts in some forest along the way, or that their explorations could mean a vastly extended absence from the avenue .For however long, peace will reign, and I can walk the highways and byways in our street, without fearing for my life. Love and raindrops to you all my friends. From the Rainbow Faery.