Sonya's Gallery

It has been one year since I moved to Greenwood, one year since I found the magic mirror. I look forward to seeing what magic this next year has in store.

The forest floor is covered in an abundance of acorns. I thought I would make some acorn cakes, but oh goodness, it was so much work for just these three little cakes!

I had just finished straining my tea with my new woven strainer when Flame came over and began pawing at my skirt. He's got such a big smile; I find him difficult to ignore when he wants attention. So my cup waited for a few moments while I pet my fox friend behind the ears.

I'm uncertain if it's just me, but when I see the sunset over the village in the fall, it feels as though there's... an extra radiance, a richness to the colors, and a hidden depth in the shadows.

A light autumn rain has been falling the past few days. Flame and I went outside to play in the rain, but now we are enjoying the warmth of the cottage. On the bed - with comfy stockings, a cup of tea, and a book of faery tales - feels like the coziest place in the world right now.

Baked apples are a delicious way to enjoy the fall harvest. Filled with oatmeal, cinnamon, and brown sugar, it's like having your own tiny apple pie.

It was a misty morning, and after roaming o'er the fields, I sat down upon a stone to watch the sunrise. How lovely to be still and see the world wake.

Elise made me this lovely bouquet of paper flowers. She said it was a thank you gift, as she had been very scared when the blue light appeared the other day and she was grateful I'd been there to help. I don't feel like I did anything special, but I'm glad I could offer my support to such a kind friend.

High in the treetops, I spied a little red squirrel. He must be busy gathering a store of nuts for the winter.

Since I was a little girl, I've gathered up things on my walks outdoors - leaves, sticks, or seed pods from off the ground. It makes me feel more connected to the world to experience them with my own two hands. Today I found some old pieces of straw, a branch of berries, and some colorful leaves to help decorate the cottage for fall.

The Hallinox festival marks the true beginning of fall and the time we pull out our Long Night Lanterns. Though outside it will grow more dark and wild, here the lantern fills the whole cottage with twinkling stars.

Each morning I appear to lie at your feet, all day I follow no matter how fast you run, yet I nearly perish in the midday sun. What am I?

Here is the answer to the Fall Riddle: It's Shadow!

I always enjoy puzzling over a good riddle, and I thought this one was fitting for the fall season, seeing as the night ad shadows are beginning to grow longer again.

I couldn't help but laugh when I saw Flame rolling in some of the newly fallen leaves. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

When I spent the day with Elise, we saw a most unusual blue flame, small and glowing, with wispy sighs. The mystery continues with an odd event at Hallinox and new knowledge shared between friends...

I'm currently enjoying some grapes from the south of the kingdom. Such a harvest time treat, and even after the long journey they are still fresh and delicious.

I spent time bottling some Impressions to use in the Friendship Remedy I'm crafting for Mrs. Hume. To me this season adds a special aroma... of apples and cinnamon, of nutmeg and pumpkin, of dried leaves and candle wax.

I used my watercolors to make some pretty papers for Elise. She's quite the skilled crafter and I thought she might enjoy a pop of color for her next project.

Flame and I wanted to show you the little pumpkin we got to carve this year. It's not really a tradition here in Olkaria, but I enjoyed it so much last year I wanted to do it again.

A strange moment captured in time. Last night, after I finished carving my pumpkin and lit the candle within, I made to take a picture and saw that the flame had turned blue! A wisp emerged, and for a brief second I thought their mystery might be revealed, that is until my fox friend chased it around the cottage and frightened it away. Oh well, perhaps another night...

With a lovely mum from Mrs. Hume's garden, I lay down to watch the clouds at sunset. They too share the colors of the flower, in shades of orange and violet, as I watch the evening sky slip into its own autumn dream.

It's been some time since I've done any baking, so I looked in the magic mirror and saw adorable sweet buns shaped like pumpkins. I tried the technique myself, using string for the grooves and a nut for the stem. I think they turned out very cute.

A little salt and pepper was all it took to make these roasted pumpkin seeds a terrific snack. And after the little misadventure earlier in the week, it's nice to sit and relax with a something tasty.

There's a little thrill to walking in the forest at night, though not because I am scared. Rather, if I have learned one thing it's that you never know what might happen.

Have you ever met a black cat in an autumn wood?

This sweet kitten certainly came to the rescue when Mr. Leland and I were in the forest the other evening. Tibbs seemed to appear out of nowhere and knew exactly what we needed. Perhaps, being friends with the witch Dorothy, he has a magic of his own.

Making caramel candies is fairly easy once you get a feel for it, though it might seem tricky at first time. Everyone does it a little differently, but I only use three ingredients: sugar, butter, and cream.

While out for a stroll, Flame and I found this lovely feather. It's silky and smooth to the touch, a thing that has traveled through air and sky, and I wonder what creature left it behind.

Yesterday Flame and I found a beautiful feather, and last night we saw the owl who had left it behind. She soundlessly swooped over our heads to land in a nearby tree, and we watched her as she watched us, face pale as the moon with eyes black as night.

I'd like to introduce you to Mr. Lorenz Leland, a gentleman of Alvena. He arrived in Greenwood this past summer to be Alexander's new tutor, but he also came to learn more about the forest and his ancestors, who were green like me.

Lorenz and I are fascinated by what we've encountered, with the little wisps and the ancient key they lead us to. You can see the same pattern on both the key and the mirror, and Lorenz images they may have been made by the same group of people.

There's a charm to the creatures we see on dark nights, the ones that move through a world of shadows and stars. The beautiful owl I saw the other evening had such deep eyes, such a wise face; it was as if she had secrets I would never know.

The wooden sign Mrs. Hume had made for the cottage is lovely. I feel so thankful and honored by her encouragement and support.

Down by the river to the south of the village, Lorenz and I discussed the things we found in the forest and savored the quiet evening. Lorenz said the reflections were quite picturesque.

I wanted to study more of the details on the key that Lorenz and I found. On one side is a vine pattern, the same as is on the stone giant and the magic mirror. But on the other side is a figure; that is what I painted here.

On a cold day there's nothing I like so well as a bowl of hot soup. Today I decided on a bean and herb recipe, and Flame decided he wanted to help me prepare.

Chilly mornings and evenings have settled here in Greenwood. I'm having more bean soup and toast to chase away the cold, and Flame is curled up on the bed.

I took my watercolors outside to complete my painting of the Friendship remedy. It was not too cool or windy, so I rather enjoyed hearing the birds and seeing the falling leaves as I finished my work.

Inspired by the peculiar creature I met beneath the trees, I crafted this little goat from straw and ribbon. It's much thinner than the real one, but I think in the light it does shine just a bit.

I am always hungry, I must be fed, the finger I touch will soon turn red. What am I?

-·-

The answer:

Fire

-·-

I hope you're nice and cozy, my friends.

I finished up this painting to give you all a better picture of the creature I met in the woods and to try to save my memory of how it looked. I think my favorite part was creating the golden curls.

Oh goodness, my sweet friends! I had to come back early from market day as it seems I have caught a very bad cold. So I've prepared everything I need for recovery: a pitcher of water, my hanky, and a book to read. Oh, I do hope I get well soon! I have so much to do.

While I'll be staying in my cottage for the Wysolice holiday, Lorenz is going up to the capital. He stopped by to see how I was before leaving and kindly offered to drop my letter to Auntie Ember and Lettie off at the post office on his way.

An unexpected treat from the manor house was brought to my cottage by Mrs. Algar: a fancy Wysolice Card printed in the capital. She said young Master Alexander wanted me to have it and also told me to drink more water so I'd get well soon.

A package arrived from Auntie Ember. Inside there were new paint brushes and dried chamomile flowers for tea. Whenever I was sick as a girl, Auntie Ember would make me the same tea; it brought back warm memories.

Now that I am beginning to feel better, I can start on all the tasks that have been neglected. Oh goodness, there's so much to do!

I braved the cold to gather fresh Impressions. The crunch of the snow, hot steamy breath on the crisp air... all will be helpful in crafting my magical remedies.

It's been a long few days, and there's still so much to do. But I had to share the beauty and serenity of one of my favorite Impressions before going to bed: the glimmer of moonlight on the snow.

It was long overdue, but I finally finished making up a full batch of remedies. Now to take them into the village.

A day spent in bed cuddling with Flame has done me much good. I am in awe... of my friends' caring... and also of the gentle kindness the little men showed me. I shall treasure this gold ribbon always.

I awoke this morning to find my dress freshly cleaned and pressed. The magical little helpers have really been so kind to me. And because the sprig of fir, well, now my clothes smell like the forest in winter too.

Looking out the window on this cold, snowy day, the image of two little mice came into my head. In the warmth of a burrow, far beneath the snow, they rest warm, dry, and content.

This is a new tale for me, about a poor shoemaker and little elves who come to help in the middle of the night. It warms my heart and reminds me of the little men who have visited me all this winter.

I was feeling a little tired, so I thought I'd lay down and rest while I worked on something. I'm happy enough with my knitting practice that I think I'll begin a new project: hats for the little men.

I finished up the new caps for my little helpers. Learning to work with the yarn, to knit and purl, and to switch colors was very rewarding. It felt like I was weaving caring and gratitude into the stitches. I also have two bowls of porridge to leave out tonight, oh, and a carrot for the silly golden goat that started this whole adventure.

A rough drawing of the stone giant signed not with names but with ink prints of a hand, a boot, and a hoof. Why the stone giant? What are they trying to let me know?

Glittering points that downward thrust, sparkling spears that never rust. What am I?

Answer:

Icicles! The ones on my cottage have just begun to melt.

I final felt well enough to go out for a short walk, and oh goodness, the sun came out from behind the clouds. After so many days of dark and cold, there's nothing quite like the touch of that radiant warmth on your skin.

Flame and I take a moment to admire the light. I gather the Impression, so like a warm embrace, and bottle it up for a new remedy.

Lorenz accompanied me for a short walk in the field by the forest today. He says my health is much improved and I must agree. Oh, and it feels so good to be outside again. I've missed these walks, the land and trees and our talks as we stroll along.

Warm hugs and kind words, beaming sunlight and shimmering moonlight, peaceful moments of gentle rest...These are the Impressions I used to craft the Caring remedy.

I found these daffodils popping up out of the melting snow. So cheery and bright, like colorful sunbeams, they are the first to announce that spring is on its way.

Painting the Caring remedy, I am reminded of how big a difference it made to me this winter while I was ill... the kindness of friends and family, a little love shown to oneself...it can carry us through difficult times and make gray days feel a little brighter.

I got a new teapot in the village, so I thought I'd sit and enjoy a warm cup.

Oh, I think this new fabric is just so bright and pretty. If I finish my dress in time, then I'll look like one of the flowers at the faire too.

I'm taking a break from the busy morning to enjoy something simple and sweet.

Every spring, I delight in the new things of nature: the fresh grass and tender clover. They are life, and health, and hope.

There's a rhythm to washing and cutting the vegetables. A little poetry in choosing the right seasonings. And when I put it on the plate and take the time to arrange everything properly, every meal looks like a feast fit for a king.

I wonder, does the caterpillar know it will change? Does it realize the transformation it will undergo? Does it know that one day it will fly?

It's the morning of the Spreenin Faire. I'm out picking wildflowers, and my new dress is done. Welcome Green Sister! Welcome Spring!

I made a little painting of my sweet Flame sitting in the Bluebells. Oh, how he loves to play in the flowers! It makes me smile.

This is my dear Auntie Ember. She is the woman who raised me, and this week she surprised me by coming to visit here in Greenwood.

Auntie Ember not only raised me, but she is the one who first taught me Impressional magic. She showed me how to draw the essence, the feeling, from a moment in time. It was lovely to draw Impressions with her this spring, and the field of wildflowers was just the place to find sweet Impressions.

Oh goodness, Auntie Ember and I were making a cake, and I spilled the flour all over the table! Well, she helped me to calm down and laugh it away. And the table was clean so we could still use the flour.

We went outside to enjoy the day while the clothes were hanging on the line. So much has changed since I came to Greenwood. I think I'm a little braver now, perhaps a little less shy. I'm glad I could share how I've grown with Auntie Ember.

My time with Auntie Ember held in a painting, and now I'll have a picture of her when she returns home.

I was watching Flame playing in the wildflowers when a butterfly landed on his nose. Spring offers such sweet moments.

The spring rains have arrived here in Greenwood. So Lorenz and I enjoy some warm pea soup as we make our plans to continue searching for the next stone giant.

I was out for a walk after the rain and saw a family of ducks down by the river. Oh, the little ducklings looked so fluffy.

What always runs but never walks, often murmurs but never talks, has a bed but never sleeps, has a mouth but never eats?

-·-

The answer:
A river

-·-
I don't think the fish understood my riddle, but I do think they enjoyed my company.

Laying amongst the flowers, I couldn't help but admire their colors. In gold and violet, they dress as splendidly as royalty.

While I was arranging some flowers for the table, a little friend flew in through the open window. I think she looks quite dainty in her red coat.

Lorenz had a kite delivered
from the capital. I'd never flown one before so, on a windy day, he invited me out to a field beside the forest.
Oh, how marvelous to feel it lift up upon the air and to see it flying high in the sky!

Oh, such a strange and wonderful dream I had under the light of the summer moon. And then today I found a faery tale in my book about a princess in an enchanted sleep. They seem connected.

Three lives have I: gentle enough to soothe the skin, light enough to caress the sky, and hard enough to crack a stone. What am I?
-·-

The answer:

Water

-·-
Were you able to guess?

After the folklore I learned about the Green Sister this summer, how it's said that she spins people's dreams, well, I wanted to try some spinning too. I got a drop spindle and wool from market, but goodness, my yarn is turning out so lumpy. Lorenz reminds me I am still just a beginner.