The weekend sunshine has been replaced by a continuous flow of rain here in Dingley Dell.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.