It's spring, the storms have subsided, and adventure is in the air. Time to feel young again, and to spend time with the young.
It's nearly the end of the school holidays, and the little one (who is six) and I set out on an adventure. We take the green bus to Parnell, and step across the road to a large shop window that is full of delight.
A large flock of fairies appears, each of them dancing on golden strings. In spring the imagination comes alive, and I've already told the story that prepared the little one for the adventure.
The story is about the lone fairy, who is feeling sad because while she sees other fairies being lovingly chosen and taken home, she is still waiting, feeling that no-one will ever want her.
Could it be that one, or maybe one of these? — the ladybird fairy perhaps, or the pohutukawa fairy?
Or what about the blue elf-like one, or the one in white? Each one is liked best, and the choice feels impossible. So we narrow it down: Should the chosen one be wearing a cap, or have hair? (Hair, definitely). What colour should she be? (Blue or green). What about the wings? (strong) and the dress (frilly)? And so, by process of elimination, slowly the choice is made.
She is put in a special box, and photographed in a flower garden outside a cafe.
She is the surf fairy, one who knows all about the ocean, how to ride a wave and enjoy the sparkling waters. The little one loves the surf too. So her choice is perfect. The adventure is complete and the little piece of spring magic shines in the dark cave of memory.
18 comments:
What a lovely outing for both of you. I love the choice of the surf fairy.
Thanks Gallivanta. I thought the surf fairy a good choice also.
What a lovely outing with your granddaughter and what a great story. I love how she narrowed down her choice of fairy and definitely the surf fairy is most appropriate xx
Thanks Charlie, we had a lot of fun, and she ended up with a beautiful fairy.
A beautiful post Juliet!
The day before you posted it, I had a 5 hour drive to contend with but one of my stops was next to an equally beautiful flowering kowhai bush. It was magnificently lush with foliage and flowers - truly lifted the spirits.
So it is doubly beautiful to find you picture here along with all the spectacular fairies!
Happy spring days
Hi Ruth, yes the kowhai is so uplifting. I didn't see a kowhai fairy, come to think of it, but no doubt there was one. Thank you.
What a fabulous outing for both of you! I love Parnell and its beautiful shops, galleries and restaurants. It was the first place we stayed when we arrived in Auckland but has changed a lot since 1952! I could not have resisted buying the pohutukawa fairy!
Anne, it was quite an adventure, especially going there by bus. Parnell is full of charm. Fancy this being your first experience of Auckland. Next time you come to NZ I'll have to take you on a fairy-finding adventure too!
Delightful, Juliet!
Thank you Anne.
Oh I would have had a hard time choosing too. They are lovely but what a great choice and what a nice outing you two had
Marja, I think she did really well with choosing. No looking back, which was good. It was great fun. Thank you.
Hi, Juliet.
I thought I had commented on this enchanting post, but, must not have. It is delightful and I love the surf fairy that Mira picked out. It is perfect.
Penny, you did comment, thank you very much. But now that my blog is also posted on my webpage as of this week, your comment is posted there. The website is with wordpress and your comment came through that channel, and wouldn't post on this blogpost site.
However, any comments posted here will reappear on the website blog (ah, technology!).
You can view your comment and my reply on
http://www.julietbatten.co.nz/blog/
Hi Juliet - what delightful stories you tell your delightful Mira .. she will so remember these in years to come.
Clever to choose the Surf Fairy - as you say perfect for her and your sharing life, when she visits ...
Delightful - cheers Hilary
Hilary, we made a book about the adventure when we got home. She drew the pictures and I wrote the words. The fairy is beautiful. Thank you.
Just lovely, wonderful time and beautiful photos.
Linda, I'm so glad you enjoyed this. It was a special adventure.
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