"Never cast a clout till May is out", is an old Celtic saying much favoured in the elven world. But with temperatures in Dingley Dell remaining very high all day today,I had to search through last year's summer wardrobe to find something cool enough for the day. Light navy wide linen pants and a navy loose crinkle fabric tunic seemed to call out to be worn for my late morning trip to Brigantia. Before noon I busied myself putting the sparkle back into Flowerpot Cottage ready for the weekend. I had just put away my polishing rags,and was turning the lid on my jar of beeswax,when the woodland telephone rang out in the main room. A very soft and gentle voice said," Is that Amarantha Willow ? This is Zukinta Romantika from " Betrothal Monthly", and I"m phoning to congratulate you. You have won 500 pieces of elven geld to put towards the payment for your betrothal rings. " I was astounded, astonished, and lost for words all at the same time. I eventually summoned up a rather weak "thank you",and a cheerie goodbye,before dropping down in an ungainly heap on our settee. I do remember filling in the form for this competition, but not what I had to do to win.I must have done something right though, for a brand new bespoke platinum betrothal band is to be mine. Pendragon phoned just as I was leaving for Brigantia .His voice went to a surprised squeak when I told him . "Well done,my honey ", he said. Maybe you could try some more, and get me a pair of brown suede pointy shoes. "
I floated out to our four wheeled motor carriage, and drove in somewhat of a cautious haze, to my former home in Brigantia. I spent a couple of hours cleaning and another two painting the toadstool hallway there. A beautiful light jade for walls and paintwork. I"ll finish it next week,as there is much to cover.
The cuckoo stepped forward at the turn of three and there was a very sharp rap on the door to follow. It was Diaphnous from next door, wife of Gerontius, mother of Blip,the sprite from the depths of the Bog. He is very rude, misuses his mother, is selfish and often in trouble, causing Diaphnous much heartache. She came laden with parcels,left for me by Tamlin the post pixie. She began by saying she was in a hurry, and then spoke for a solid hour on the doorstep,giving me the full extent of her woes with Blip. I offered all the advice I could, all immediately rejected by her, and it left me wondering if the readers of my column in the "Daily Scandal", would be so cavalier with my words of wisdom.
Pendragon was already chopping vegetables on my return, with which to stuff some sweet red bell peppers.The aroma of garlic vied with the smell of newly baked walnut bread and together they filled the kitchen with the tempting promise of a fine supper. Pendragon is a bit of a Masterchef,and I love the evenings when I can come home to one of his culinary surprises. We celebrated my competition win with a couple of glasses of cherry and elderflower mead. While we awaited the roasting peppers,I watered our plants in the front and back gardens. Everything is blooming,but their little raised heads showed how ready they were for a long cold drink. Mandolini and the Backyard Gnomes had clearly been busy while I was out ,for I could not find a single weed. They were all lying under the pink Begonia,save for Verde who was nowhere to be seen. At last I found him, looking a little miserable beside the Birdhouse. Unfortunately my enthusiastic watering had soaked him through. "You will have to move a little more smartly, Verde," I said. I rubbed him dry with the sleeve of my old garden cardi. He rejoined the others,looking much happier,and no doubt a good deal cleaner than he was before. Gnomes are not known for their frequent visits to the bathroom. Before bedtime tonight I mean to give a first read through to the pile of letters Portamus Cumberpatch gave me, as I have to write my first column this weekend. I am already feeling a slight flutter in my elfen tummie at the responsibility of it all.
Much bathing in the sun this weekend to you all,my friends, and may all last summer's vestments still cover everything they need to. From sweet Amarantha, an ear for all your woes, the delectable Rainbow Faery.