Fairy Tales

I love reading. It is probably third on my list of favorite pasttimes. So when the family and I went to Big Lots the other day to purchase a bed for my boys, they had a selection of hard back books on sale for $3 each. My oldest son and I picked out about 6 different books that looked interesting. Two of these selections were in a series called the "Bronze Canticles" by Tracy and Laura Hickman. I love reading in series, but I have to start with the first book of a series to fully get into it. The first book of the series was not there, but we purchased the second and third volumes and looked at our library for the first one. Miracle of miracles they had it there. So I began reading this book the next day. I was fascinated to say the least.

This book is a true fairy tale. The authors are hardcore fantasy authors which makes the reading even better. The first book is called "Mystic Warrior". It begins with a nightmarish run through a tangled forest, the main character being chased by demons. Here, the worlds are introduced to each other, but not clearly outlined. I won't give away much except to say that it is probably one of the most amazing reads I have ever had the pleasure of holding. Aside from Ted Dekker's books, these are quickly becoming my favorites.

So as I was reading during my one hour walk on the elipticals at the YMCA, I happened upon a section which sent my heart skipping (and no, it wasn't the exercise),  "I walked the woods today for reasons that I cannot say in truth...I was compelled by forces which I do not recognize or explain. Yet I did come here and I did bring my tatting lace." The speaker was a fairy, in a world seperated from the man in her visions. I was ecstatic! I've been learning to tat because I am so enamored with some of the products I have seen other artisans creating. I love knitting and needlework and tatting is a new skill I am adding to my repertoire. So the revelation that fairies are tatting to relax and create was inspiring for me. Especially in a book with which I am so enamored as of late.

I thought I would share this little bit of information with all of you, mostly with my friends and followers that are tatters. This ancient are of lacemaking is as mystical as it looks, shared among fairies and humans alike. I trust that the fairy lace is probably more delicate and beautiful than I could ever imagine or hope to aspire to, but it is an inspiration all the same. So here's hoping that you will go and pick up this book and revel in a fairy tale of the adult kind. Then build on that inspiration and create something of wonder and delight. Whether it is tatting or painting or knitting or glasswork. Wherever your skill lies, may it be your inspiration. I will personally be creating some jewelry and lace based on the characters of this book.  Just to note, the queen of the fairies is named Tatyana. A beautiful and "tatty" fairy name if I have ever heard one.