To the waters and the wild

Where dips the rocky highland
Of Sleuth Wood in the lake,
There lies a leafy island
Where flapping herons wake
The drowsy water rats;
There we’ve hid our faery vats,
Full of berrys
And of reddest stolen cherries.
Come away, O human child!
To the waters and the wild
With a faery, hand in hand,
For the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand.
                                                                   from The Stolen Child, by W.B. Yeats




Searching for magical beings along the shore of enchanted Lake Superior, also known as Gitche Gumee.  Off to a wonderful start when I spied this beastie emerging from the water.







After searching around the lake for a while, I headed inland.

As I walked through the forest, I had the feeling that whatever was out there was just out of sight, one step ahead.  I checked every likely-looking hiding place.
















Not much of a hiding place, but I love circles.  So, yes, the photo must be included.






This guy was too big to make much of an escape.

Doesn't look happy. 

I will just quietly back away.  





I was surprised to see mushrooms this time of year.  





Sweet little one.









Just loved this one, even though somebody already made a meal from part of it.



Another circle.  This one with a heart.  



It always amazes me that the top of a tree stump can become a world of its own.



And then I find this.  Kind of a drama queen of a dead tree.





Did these guys get together and decide to make a statement?  Shows you what happens when we cooperate.



Now, I must admit, I didn't notice him at the time.  Too well hidden.  But when I was adding a bit of contrast to this photo, his image emerged from the dark.  I see you now.  A tad too late.



To the waters and the wild.  And home before it's dark.

Things that go in a shed

I have wanted a shed for a very long time.  And finally this summer we built one.  It took a bit longer than we thought it would, or maybe should have.  But we made it just the way we wanted it.  The shelving went in yesterday morning and I have had so much fun moving in.  I always imagined it would be a place to put all my gardening tools, but the shed wanted to be more than just practical.

It wanted to be magical.   

Right away a little troll made himself more than at home.

 Good thing there's room for both the useful and the whimsical. 

Which of course is also useful.

Hmm.  Already another troll is making himself comfy.

Things overheard in the shed:

Hold on to your cauldron while I hammer the nail.  

A good view of the garden is available from the side window.

There is plenty of space for my gardening tools.

And pots.

 An old rake head made a hanger for small, easily misplaced things.

 The little nooks and crannies became great places for treasures that never had a proper home before.  As I collected more and more from the house and garage, I realized that a lot of them had been given to me as gifts.  The bird's nest was a gift from a neighbor who knew I'd appreciate it.

The colanders were from my mother.

The witchy broom in the corner and the handwoven basket were gifts given from friends for no special occasion.  Until now.  Thanks, Pamela and Sonia.

And finally, a place for my sticks!

And collection of Stuff.

 Welcome home.