Sonya's Gallery

It was such a cool evening; I decided to go for a stroll in the twilight near the forest. I have not yet gone deep into the trees, but hopefully in the days to come, after I have settled in, I will be able to explore more.

My new cottage is tucked away from the village, in a field beside the mysterious forest. I’m sure I will enjoy the beautiful quiet of nature after having lived in a rather busy town.

What a lovely clear day from the remnants of summer. I am certain the further we get into fall, the fewer blue skies there will be. So I wanted to capture the moment.

This is where I found the magic mirror. It was so dirty; I feel it must have been here for a very long time. I wonder… how did it come to be here?

And oh goodness, here it is: the remarkable mirror I found near the forest. This is how I am now able to share with you. What strange magic!

I've finally finished settling into the cottage. Here you can see some of my favorite things: my book of fairytales, my little dragon, one of my watercolor paintings, and of course my bottles for when I practice my craft.

This morning I sat down to do some Impressional Magic. That's when I draw out the feelings and impressions I find throughout the day, like the sparkle of dew on the grass or the song of a bird in the trees. I take those impressions, store them in bottles, and later mix them into remedies. I crafts things like Cheer and Calm and other pleasant things.

The smell of fresh bread... oh goodness, I love the smell of freshly baked bread in the morning. I think it is one of my favorite things.

Here are a few of the goodies I was able to get at market yesterday. I'm especially looking forward to tasting the cheese.

Today I will go out to gather some new impressions. So, with my bandolier of vials ready, I hope to find some good ones for the new Courage remedy I will be making for the Baron.

Yesterday was so wonderful. I found the most beautiful, old trees. I was so inspired, I decided to paint this little watercolor.

I collected these from under the trees nearest to my cottage. I think they are so sweet and help bring a bit of the autumn season inside.

I was a little sleepy after a late night of work, so I decided to enjoy the gentle morning with a cup of tea. It's so peaceful... to sit, and sip, and watch the birds playing outside my window.

I got this lantern a few days ago at the Hallinox festival. I believe the tinsmith I got it from is rather new at the craft, but I really enjoy the way the light of the stars plays on the darkened walls.

Oh goodness, I got a letter from Auntie Ember! I haven't heard from her since I moved to Greenwood, and I was glad to read that she and my sister are doing alright.

I painted a few of the cute pumpkins I saw at the festival. The celebration takes place at harvest time, so there are always lots of fruits and vegetables around.

When I arrived back home, I found these apples that Mrs. Hume had left me. They look so delicious I can't wait to try a bite.

The Impression I pulled yesterday was the 'Comfort of a Hot Drink'. Made with the apples given by a friend, the cider felt warm like a hug or a kind word.

Pumpkin carving isn't really a tradition in Olkaria, but after seeing what you do in my mirror, I thought it looked like such fun. Perhaps in a week or two, I'll take a day to give this one a funny face.

I've decided to crochet myself a little shawl; I think it'll be nice to have one as the days become colder. This yellow is a pretty color, I just hope I have enough.

One of my favorite treats in the fall is apples and cheese. The taste of the savory and sweet makes for a wonderful afternoon snack, and it gave me a nice break from working on the Courage remedy.

Because Mrs. Hume is the one who gave me all these beautiful apples, I decided I wanted to make something for her. I hope she and her husband like apple pie.

I was too nervous to sleep... so I stayed up late reading one of my stories. It's the one about a brother and a sister, and an old witch with a house made of candy.

I haven't yet seen the smoke again, but I decided to go for a little walk in the forest. Some parts are still very green, but even here it is getting cold.

A new watercolor and a new Impression: The Confidence of a Bird in Flight.

I feel a bit like a baby bird just on the edge of the branch. Soon I will have to take that leap, and see if I can fly.

I finally started my chain, that is the beginning line of my shawl. Only a couple thousand more stitches to go!

I put this off for far too long, but hopefully I can have it finished soon.

It's not perfect but I really like the way my shawl turned out. It's just right for these cool autumn days, and the color reminds me a bit of the falling leaves.

I've cut the top, and now I'm ready to begin cleaning the inside and carving the face. I think I know just the look I want to do!

I kept the face sweet and simple this time, nothing too detailed or scary. Oh, but I do love the way he came out, with his wide eyes and toothy grin. I think I shall have to add this new tradition to my list of fun things every fall.

After my experience the other night, I decided to do a painting of my new friends. I think I was able to capture their sweetness. How strange it all was, how magical, but I am so happy that we were able to meet.

I was so cold and sleepy this morning, I had to crawl back under the covers. This blanket was made for me by Auntie Ember as a going away present. It always makes me feel close to home.

When the weather begins to turn cold, I like to make a nice, hot, thick soup. This one is carrot, and I so enjoy the sensation I get when I swallow a spoonful and it feels like steam is coming out of my ears.

Even though it was cold and windy, I enjoyed working outside and the feeling of the wind playing with my hair. I've almost finished this Courage remedy, and I'll be adding the finishing touches this week.

I pulled out my scarf and fingerless gloves from the wooden chest, since the mornings are so chilly. My sister Lettie gave me these a few years ago because my hands always get so cold. This red is one of her favorite colors.

Tomorrow is the Humes' dinner party, and I decided to bake a pumpkin pie to share with everyone. Right now I am preparing the crust, which is always tricky for me. I hope it turns out well!

Today is the day! I'm very happy with how the pumpkin pie came out, and I tried to get a little dressed up for the party this evening. While I am nervous, I'm glad I decided to go.

This is the Courage remedy for the baron, my first commission since moving to Greenwood. I have learned so much through the challenge of crafting it, and I am rather pleased with how it has turned out. I hope Baron Rhodes will be satisfied as well.

The Courage remedy proved to be such an interesting task for me as the new village apothecary, and I wanted to make this watercolor as a little reminder of my first season here.

It's been sort of a dark and quiet morning with the rain tapping on the window. I look at all the droplets, sparkling like tiny gems as they roll down the panes, and I think I shall enjoy the rhythm of this peaceful, drizzly day.

On stormy days, I so enjoy the open flame of a candle, its flickering glow and the wisps of smoke that curl in the air like ancient symbols. I watched this candle burn all the way down until the light turned blue and then finally went out.

Today I've been preparing candied peel, a sweet treat made from the rinds of citrus fruit. These pieces are from an orange, though I will do other kinds as well. I so love the sweet aroma they create.

Lord Frost has finally come and graced us with a layer of fluffy white snow! He and the Green Sister have been running round in my mind, so I put them down as I imagined them, here, in watercolor.

A bit of fun in the snow and the forest! I unexpectedly found some pine bows to help decorate my cottage for Wysolice. I think I shall use some of them, along with the ribbon I got at the last market day, to make a wreath.

Oh goodness, while I was out playing in the snow I accidentally fell into a snowdrift and ended up quite the mess. It was sort of funny too. However, now I am most certainly in need of a hot cup of tea and good long sit by the fire.

Rosehips can make a delightful jam, and I've heard that they are sweeter if gathered after the first frost. I saw these on a wild rose bush in the forest and couldn't resist. Even in winter, the forest seems full of treasures.

With the change in plans, I prepared some goodies to send back home. I included the jam and some candied peel; I just hope the package isn't to big for the postman to carry.

Celebrating Wysolice with the Humes and their other guests last night was lovely, and everyone seemed to really enjoy the cake. I painted this watercolor to remember the moment. Oh, Mrs. Hume had set the table and the dessert so prettily!

I received a small Wysolice gift. These chestnuts look wonderful and they were wrapped so sweetly too. It came rather unexpectedly from a new friend I made at the Hume's, but now I want to make something sweet to give back. Perhaps a baked treat?

A beautiful afternoon, baking and preparing gingerbread ornaments for friends. The mixture of spices that is added to the dough always smells like a holiday to me, and it's the moments like these I like to treasure.

With some paper and a pair of scissors, I can enjoy snowflakes inside my cottage that won't melt! A little way to show how I admire Old Man Frost's winter creations. Happy 8th day of the Feast of Wysolice!

This, the final night of Wysolice, is also new year's eve, and a lovely evening it is too, with the moonlight sparkling on the snow. I am happy to have found friends I can share it with.

After a long night of songs, riddles, and games, we all watched the first sunrise of the new year followed by a breakfast of pancakes. Now I am back home, getting ready to put away the Long Night Lantern until next fall and to go to bed. I am so sleepy; it makes me glad it's a tradition to rest all day.

I took a little trip to the post office and found Auntie Ember sent me a package! It's so big; I hope the poor fellow carrying the mail didn't have too hard of a time with it. But what lovely gifts inside, I can't wait to give everything a try!

A spiced punch to keep warm on a chill morning. I find a hot drink heats you from the inside out, and holding the mug warms your fingers too.

I spent the morning preparing goods for market and working on the Joy Remedy. I'm running low on some Impressions, but I am satisfied with how they are coming along.

My day on the ice with Davy and Elise was such fun and it was one I will certainly remember for a long time. Here in the watercolor I tried to show how sweet they looked together as the cold wind played around them.

Here's a more detailed look at the beautiful cards that Auntie Ember sent me. I think I will have to learn some card games for one.

After a game of solitaire, I decided to build a card house. My sister Lettie and I used to spend hours on the old rug, trying to make a castle, and Auntie Ember showed us that you could cheat a little by tucking the cards between the fibers of the carpet. It made the first level stronger, but we rarely got further than that.

After a long day, I've sat down to relax and eat my meal. Hearty potatoes, bits of cheese...hot soup is one of my favorite meals on a cold night.

With how chilly the mornings have been, I decided to make a little rag rug. Hopefully this will help keep my feet warm when I get out of bed.

Winter nights can be so cold. After a long day, it is nice to sit in front of the fire, wrapped in my blanket. The warmth slowly reaches out and cradles me, until I'm warm and sleepy, ready to lie down and dream.

I've quickly tried to clean up the hearth. It is important to keep the cottage warm in the winter, but it was getting so messy I had to do something. Now to build up the fire again.

I gathered up some broken branches and sticks from off the forest floor. Once they have dried out, they will make for good fire wood. I find it remarkable. Though the forest magically protects the trees from being cut, it doesn't seem mind me gathering things that have already fallen.

In a little break from working on the Joy remedy, I decided to stop and read one of the stories from my book of faery tales. It's so pleasant to sit, drink tea, and snack on some gingerbread cookies.

The flowers and everything from yesterday were so remarkable. I wanted to bring some of that joy I felt to my cottage, so I've begun to paint flowers here as a sweet reminder.

Today, I will be working on the Joy remedy, and with this special Impression from the forest, I finally feel I'm off to a good start.

A painting of my extraordinary experience in the forest this winter. The wild wind, the deer, and flowers beneath the ice in the hollow trees...they helped me see how joy can be found within, even when the world feels frozen and bleak in winter.

I finished painting the chairs, and I'm so happy with how they turned out. Just that little touch seems to have added so much color and life to the cottage.

After a long winter, the Joy remedy is ready to share with my friends. Made with laughter and fun, and an inner strength to keep the happiness alive...I do hope this brings them that special feeling we shared this past holiday!

As the days grow longer and begin to warm, I painted the Joy remedy as a way of remembering all that happened this season... the happy times I spent with new friends, my extraordinary moment in the forest. That way I will be better able to keep a spark of joy with me always.

These little snowdrops have begun to pop up all over Greenwood, and they fill me with joy each time I spot one. It truly seems spring is on it's way!

At market day, I found some red cabbage and leeks. I do not think of the late winter and early spring as a time of harvest, but even now there are a few vegetables ripening in the garden. It seems each season has its treats.

A bit of reading before I begin the tasks of the day. This tale feels perfect for spring, with a magic plant that grows so tall it reaches up into the clouds where a castle is hidden.

In between the last patches of thawing snow, I found some soft, green shoots. Auntie Ember calls this winter grass, and it's so refreshing to see after all the snow. Soon the whole field will be covered in a fresh carpet of green. I can't wait!

There is a gentle warmth to the early spring sunshine. It coaxes the animals from their long sleep and the flowers up from the tips of the branches. I hope this first watercolor of spring adds a little sunshine to your day.

For as much as I enjoy green things, I've never had a garden or plants of my own to tend. So after a stop by the Hume's shop, I purchased a little pot and a packet of lavender seeds. Let's see if my green thumb is any good.

Here in Greenwood it's time to start preparing for the Spreenin Faire, a day of celebrating the Green Sister's awakening and the return of spring. It's traditional to wear one's most colorful clothes, so I think I shall begin to air out this bodice and skirt.

Along with brightly colored clothes for the Spreenin faire, it's also a tradition to wear ribbons in our hair. My sister Lettie and I always did each other's hair, but I've been practicing this simple braided look, and I think I'm happy with how it's turned out.

Tomorrow is the Spreenin faire, where I shall make a request for the baron's help. Oh goodness, I'm getting nervous, like I was facing a giant or a dragon.

Yesterday at the faire, Elise gave me this beautiful bouquet. Violets, clover, and dandelions... With all its bright colors, it seems spring has finally arrived.

A little piece of spring to share with all of you! The Spreenin Faire and the little bundle of flowers from Elise were both so colorful and lovely, and even though the flowers will eventually fade, this watercolor of the memory will stay.

I was washing the primroses I found along the path when suddenly they were bathed in the gentle, spring sunshine too. How prettily the light plays on the water.

I went out early this morning to gather the Impression of dew on the wild flowers. The golden sunrise really made it sparkle.

I put down my book to find that my little lavender seeds have finally begun to sprout. Somehow they awoke beneath the soil and found the strength to reach up until they found the new, clean air and the bright sunlight. I am simply amazed.

It's another rainy day here in Greenwood, but after my outing to the Manor House, it's nice to take the day slow. Perhaps I'll do a little reading in bed after I finish my cup of tea.

Today I made a wonderful, easy meal of fried white asparagus. Just a little oil, salt, and pepper, but it's so flavorful.

I only have a few books in my cottage, given to me by family and friends. I treasure them all. So can you imagine my delight at seeing the baron's library, with books on every wall! This little painting shows just one of his many cabinets.

In the spring after the winter has gone, the farms begin to bring more fresh goods to market. This week I found some radishes, milk, and eggs.

This is the month that we traditionally begin our spring cleaning here in the kingdom of Olkaria. I think that is why Mrs. Algar, the baron's housekeeper, might have been in such a hurry. Anyway, I think it's time I began tidying up the cottage too.

Today was rather stormy, so I decided to work on some Impressional magic at my work table. Every now and then through the window, I could see the lighting flash far away over the forest, and the thunder would rumble it's way across the sky. I know I'm safe, but goodness, it makes my heart flutter.

I have seen that many folks in the magic mirror decorate eggs during this time of year. I thought they look so lovely and colorful that I've decided to give it a try too. I've gathered up a few ingredients, and now I will create the dyes.

Here is my basket full of colored eggs. I had great fun making the plant dyes, and I love how all the eggs look together, bright and cheery as a spring day.

I had a dream I was walking through a field and saw a sleeping rabbit, a little baby, curled up amongst the leaves and flowers. It looked so soft and peaceful. And when I awoke, I felt refreshed and relaxed.

In the springtime, one of my favorite treats is honey on buttered toast. I am always thoroughly impressed with the bees, who I see traveling from flower to flower, harvesting the nectar to turn into honey. It must be so much work, but the reward is so sweet.

Today I'm continuing my spring cleaning with some dusting. On my shelves I have the various remedies and Impressions I've made with my Impressional magic skills, a painting, a ceramic figure of a bird, and a lovely old vase from Auntie Ember.

Walking on the edge of the forest, I saw this lovely tree with fresh leaves and buds growing. Such tender, new life.

I'm happy to see that my little lavender is beginning to form buds. It is so rewarding that now I want to grow more things.

The last of my spring cleaning tasks is mending a few spots in my blanket. Darning and fixing some torn seams helps keep it as good as new.

I packed up a little lunch of bread and cheese for my day out in the woods. I hope a break... from working on remedies or searching the library... in the comfort of nature will help calm my spirit.

While I was out by my newly discovered spot in the forest, I found the most delicious wild strawberries. I love how brightly the red stood out against the green of the forest floor.

This is the spot I found on my most recent journey into the forest. The carved stone feels ancient; its face looking steadfastly over the river and trees.

I finished up the Peace remedy and delivered two small bottles to the manor house today. I hope Mrs. Algar and Alexander like them. And can you believe it, while I was out I received the long awaited letter from Auntie Ember! I can finally go back home for a visit!

While I was out enjoying the spring morning, I came across a brilliant blue butterfly playing amongst the daisies. How beautifully its color stands out.

With the Peace Remedy completed, I have the chance to reflect. Its rich blue color feels calm and gentle, like cool waters. It makes me pause, breathe deep, and sigh...a moment of quiet to rebalance.

I am on my way back home for a visit, but here is a little peek at The Green Children of Woolden that I took yesterday while packing. I can't wait to see what clues it may hold! I'll be certain to tell you all about it when I return.

This is my sister, Lettie. She's come to visit for a few weeks. When we were little girls this was one of our favorite stories, about two sisters and the adventures they had together. We certainly had some adventures ourselves growing up.

Lettie came with me as I gathered Impressions on the edge of the forest. She doesn't do much Impressional Magic herself, but we enjoyed watching the sunset together. Everything was golden.

A quick trip into the village this morning. I was able to introduce Lettie to some of the friends I've made here in Greenwood, and we bought these delightful cherries as a treat.

Lettie arranged the roses from Mrs. Hume in a pitcher. I think they make for such a lovely centerpiece as we set the table to have some cake and tea.

I was working on another version of the Cheer remedy. I love trying new variations on an old recipe. Lettie said it smelled like gardenias.

There was no illustration for “The Green Children of Woolden” story, so I decided to make one myself. I just can't seem to make heads or tails of this faery tale, and Lettie laughed out loud when she read the parts about the magical tears and a prince passing by. I suppose faery tales do have their own interesting sense of reality.

Lettie has a riddle for you all. Little Miss Eticote, In a white petticoat, With a red nose. The longer she stands, the shorter she grows?

If you missed it, Lettie shared a riddle that went like this: Little Miss Eticote, In a white petticoat, With a red nose. The longer she stands, the shorter she grows. And the answer is...a candle! Most candles we see are tall and white. The red nose is the flame, and as a candle burns it gets shorter and shorter, like this one.

In Greenwood, the solstice is called Solmar and is celebrated with a full day of festivities and a bonfire at night. As a member of the village, I have my stick to add to the fire. So now Lettie and I are ready to head out and enjoy the day!

I decided to preserve some of the last of the summer strawberries, that way I'll be able to enjoy them later into the year as well. They change in consistency, but the sugar and raisins help them keep their amazing flavor.

Lettie and I made a batch of cookies with nuts... A little sweet, a little savory. They're so nice to munch on while we spend time together throughout the day.

A painted memory of the shortest night of the year. How hypnotizing the fire and the smoke were. They seemed to cast a secret spell for summer.

In the late afternoon a little before sunset, my sister and I walked down to the river that runs along the southern border of the village. How cool and refreshing after a hot summer day to dip our toes in and hear the quiet babbling as night began to settle over Greenwood.

My sister and I took some time after breakfast to enjoy painting with my watercolor set. It's so relaxing to see how the colors mix and swirl in unexpected ways.

I shared some of my favorite remedies with Lettie and told her about the process of creating them: Courage, Joy, Peace... So many memories from my time in Greenwood so far. I'm glad I could share them with her.

Outside the cottage, we gathered up blossoms and made flower crowns as we used to do in Larksville. Lettie says it makes her feel like we're young ones playing pretend, like we're faery tale princesses all over again.

A beautiful, bright morning walk to start off the day and fresh apricots from market. Some of these will definitely have to go into a dessert!

A sweet apricot cobbler shared between me and my sister. We took turns whipping the cream since my arm always gets so tired, but it was well worth it. For those unfamiliar, a cobbler dessert is sort of like a pie, but with the crust on top. It gets its name from the cobblestone like appearance, which I find very charming.

This is a painting I've been working on for a while now, but did not finish until today: Summer Roses. It's partly inspired by the roses Mrs. Hume gave us and partly inspired by the faery tale Lettie and I loved as girls. When I showed it to my sister, she said it was a sweet way to remember this special summer.

Lettie has begun to teach me embroidery with a few simple knots and stitches. Perhaps I'll have to begin practicing my needle work.

Lettie is quite skilled with a needle and thread. She got it in her mind to do some embroidery on my hair kerchief and apron, and my goodness, I think what she created is just lovely!

When Lettie discovered my deck of cards, she insisted we play a few hands. She is very competitive, and goodness, it makes me giggle to see her get so excited when she wins or loses.

Wishing on dandelions is one of those sweet, little traditions that Auntie Ember taught Lettie and me when we were quite young. You make a wish in your mind then try to blow away all the fluff in one breath. What would you wish for, or do you believe in keeping your wish a secret until it comes true?

I made up some sandwiches early in the morning for my sister and I. Today we will be out in the forest, and I wonder what we will see.

This fluffy sweetheart is Flame. Playful and silly... oh, Lettie and I already love him so much.

So it seems Flame was the source of the green light that I saw at the Solmar celebration. Oh, his glowing fur really is lovely against the cool shadows of the night.

I wanted to show a little bit of what our fox friend and the glowing mushrooms looked like that night in the forest. I think Flame approves.

I've just about completed the Adventure remedy I'm making for Lettie as a going away present. I'm glad it glows just like Flame and the mushrooms do.

Foxes like berries, and Flame particularly enjoyed eating these ones we found in the forest. He was making the sweetest chirping and giggling noises the whole time that made Lettie and I giggle too.

Lettie is returning back home to her sweet husband Peter and their dress shop in Larksville. We had so many beautiful adventures together this summer and I will treasure them, with all of the memories held fresh in the remedy I created for us two sisters to share.

Though Lettie has gone, Flame has come from the forest nearly everyday to keep me company. Somehow it seems he wants to play most whenever I'm trying to do my chores, but he does make me smile.

There are lots of reasons to read a tale more than once. Maybe it's your favorite and you find comfort in its pages. Or perhaps you've forgotten the details and want to remember them more clearly. But sometimes you learn something so remarkable that it changes the way you see the story completely. So it is for me and The Green Children of Woolden. I wonder what I might learn from Mr. Leland.

With all the fresh goods that summer has to offer, I'm making more preserves for the winter. This time I'm preparing green beans with salt.

I tried to show the beautiful, glowing shades of green in my painting of the Adventure remedy. Being near the forest has made me develop a special fondness for the color; to me it feels like life.

Since meeting Mr. Leland, I feel so eager and impatient to speak with him again. So, until that time, I've decided to harvest these flowers and make a small lavender pillow. I think the rich scent will be quite a help in calming my mind.

Although I learned to sew as a girl, I was never much good at embroidery. My sister Lettie excels at it, and while she was here she taught me a little. I embroidered my lavender pillow with the image of the flowers, and I must say I'm fairly pleased with how it came out.

Between the forest and the village, the fields have turned pale yellow with the long summer days. How it fills my heart to feel the sun on my face. I see the wind rolling through the grain, and I wonder where it has come from and where it will go.

I felt so inspired by my time in the field yesterday that I recreated it as a watercolor. To me it feels like a quiet moment before moving on towards the future.

I received a letter from Lettie, who is back home with her husband, Peter. I really enjoyed reading her words and remembering all the fun we had together this summer. But goodness, it was a bit difficult to read since her handwriting... well, it's a little messy.

Most often, I'll have a little toast or oatmeal for breakfast, but some mornings, two fried eggs are just the thing to start the day.