Early Morning Surprises - None Better

Every morning like clockwork, Winston comes and wakes me for our early morning jaunt around the back yard.  He is a morning person/dog like myself so I do not mind it too much.  It is unseasonably warm here for this time of year.  Although it was cloudy and a good south breeze blew the grey clouds northward, the temperture was only a mere 67.  I have to say it was rather enjoyable.

Although the wind blew somewhat, Sweetie and Sunny were more than ready to come out of their sleeping quarters which is a nice big garage/barn. Usually on windy days they prefer to stay inside.  I wandered the yard with Winston and my kitties enjoying the last bit of warm weather we are to have.  (They say it gets bitter cold on Wednesday). 

I was walking near my elm where I cleared out an area and over the last couple years have been working on a wooded fairy garden.  I could not believe my eyes when I spoted an iris attempting to bloom.  She stood tall and her bud was beginning to open up.  I could not believe that she was standing so tall as we have already had several days with below freezing tempertures and she sits facing the north.  Yet there she was in all her beauty.  I can only think that the little ones have been tending her.  I will bring her in today in hopes that she will continue to open herself for me inside.

As I returned to the house to pour my first cup of coffee, I spied a package that had been sitting on my table for some time now.  Back some time I agreed to participate in a mask swap that was being organized by faerwillow over at serindiptiy.  I thought many times: what am I thinking as although I love crafts a mask was something I had never attempted to do.  Yet it sounded fun and so I agreed.

I guess there were many others that felt like me because in the end only three of us had signed on to swap.  Yet in a way this made it all that more special. 



A circle of three, we gathered, and exchanged.

handmade masks to honor the frost queen  and the full November moon

Colors of silver and white

with hints of blue

tender twine with bells held each surprise in place

Handmade tags with sweet words were written

Attention given to the words placed carefully to wish the recipient a blessed birthday

And a gentle piece of drift wood with the simple word

 "believe"

Reminding us all that in doing so we are half way there.

A wonderful thank you to Faerwillow for her kindness and wonderful ways.  And also to Theresa of Faerie Moon Creations who added to the uniqueness of the swap.