I woke up this morning,with thoughts of yesterday's trip swirling round in my head.It had been such a wonderful day . Images of walking round the island, picnicing on the grassy knoll with Piccallilli,and the breeze blowing through my hair on board the ferry, resurfaced with such clarity,I almost felt I could touch the Isle of Mikkelbark in my mind, it seemed so real. I spent the morning bustling round the toadstool,doing everyday chores,but my mind was somewhere else most of the time. Spending the day with my dear friend and ex-colleague had also allowed memories of another time and place to resurface too. Only the good times to begin with - the plays and entertainments we had worked on together, the happy times we shared working together with the smallest sprites, helping each other to achieve something new,her dogged perseverance with a task, her faith in me as a manager and organiser. Happy days.But the last eighteen months had been less than happy for both of us.She, misused at times,and not given an adequate measure of respect for her successes, and myself drowning in anxiety,working for someone with neither the vision,talent or sufficient skills for his post. Some folk would say it doesn't matter any more. I am free at last from the despair of it all.I will cling to the good memories as my life moves on, and know that the hurtful recollections will fade away. I can only hope that Piccallilli too will find the same measure of peace in time. All this inevitable soul searching drove me to the shoe rack by the front door. I needed to see the sun now, and remind myself that there was more to life than picking over my past. I put on my favourite navy linen tunic top and matching leggings, and tied on a pair of pale pink pointy slipperettes.They are my most favourite Spring footwear,and emerge from the shadows of the oaken wardrobe at this time to spur me to great deeds. I found them on a beach several years ago,probably left behind after another's picnic. I fell in love with them immediately,so light and lovely,with long silken ties. I float along on their pink leather soles, invogorated for the rest of the day. I walked down to the shoreline,and watched the tide bumping against the harbour wall. The Big Water was strong and lively, and pressing forward with all its might.I walked all the way back to my red four wheeled carriage, feeling restored,and full of renewed zest,maybe having absorbed some of that great water's power into myself.At home, I took out my silver bells,to practise a little before Pendragon arrived home. We often play together in the evenings, he on the lute,harmonising with the tinkle and ring of the elven bells. The sweet sound reminded me that all that I have, is all that I need. True happiness always lies very close to home.
Wishing much music and love in your lives, dear friends ,and may all your slipperettes be pink ones.
From Amarantha, the Rainbow Faery.