When I received the invitation to attend last Saturday’s Witches Hour event my mind began to swirl around what to wear. Would I be a good witch or a not so good witch? Should I wear white…or should I stay with the traditional black. I went so far as to order a couple of pair of leggings that were totally outrageous and colorful, thinking they would be fun to use as a starting point. There always has to be a place to begin when thinking of design. As fate would have it my decision was made for me when the leggings did not arrive on time. I’m writing this post today because I so enjoyed creating what my final costume turned out to be. Totally unexpected and anything but the norm, in keeping with most things that I do….I let my imagination go and used things I already owned, wandered along the edge of our property which is next to a forest and found all sorts of things that got my mind whirling with possibilities.
Outside Glynn Visual Arts
I think what I want to express most of all in this post is the importance of PLAY in our lives. We have a tendency, at least I know I do, as adults and parents with responsibilities to get bogged down in the every day moment to moment of our lives. We tend to take ourselves way too seriously. We forget to stop and take periods of silence, to go to beach we are surrounded by here on the island and sink our toes down into the sand. We let stress and turmoil be our guides instead of letting spirit guide….listening to our inner voice and truly hearing what it has to say. That still small voice we’ve heard about all of our lives is really there if we just take the time.
What I came up with for my costume filled me with positive, happy energy. I had one of the best days I’ve had in a very long time. I realized how I have let the things that will never matter in the long run take precedence over the things I know to be important. Time with family….time to really listen….time to be creative and free! TIME OUT TO PLAY! And most of all time to love. When it comes down to it love is all there really is. Our love for family, children, spouses and friends is what we leave behind as our imprint on their lives. That is what is never, ever forgotten.
So my costume of a Marsh Island Witch that came straight from my imagination, with a little help from my friend, Judith, came together and I’m sharing the finished product with you today. Thanks to Nancy Kirkpatrick, a wonderful local photographer who was at the event to snap photos! And as I put the whole costume together, writer that I am, I heard a little story about the character I created going through my mind. I’m sharing that with you today…humor me. And after you’ve finished reading this post, take some time to consider how you can integrate play into your lives! It is so very important. Let me know what you come up with! We might just find the need to resort to “play dates”….just like when were children! Enjoy!
The Marsh Island Witch
She lives in the forests along the marshes
sailing down lazy waterways that meander to the sea
in a small boat she made from a hollow tree.
At daybreak she dines on fresh seaweed and bits of toast
coated with honey from bees that she tends.
She fashions beautiful jewelry out of shells picked up on
her morning walks as she strolls blithely along the shore,
kicking up sand and splashing at the ocean’s edge.
At days end she sups on seafood she carefully roasts
on an open fire
she builds from pine straw and gathered twigs.
She lies in a hammock made of forest fern and soft moss
she has woven with bits of string and other found objects.
She sleeps in the moonlight
dreaming of voyages to distant places
as forest fairies and other furry creatures gather close by.
This magical being spreads love
wherever she roams, leaving little fairy villages, nestled among the trees
and driftwood she crafts by hand to mark her way.
If you listen very carefully
you may just hear the wind carrying her name to you.
You can repeat it as you make a wish while gazing out to sea.
Her name is Merelda.
6 Responses
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Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Says:
Well, I can see right away that Merelda is a good witch — I believe she likes to bring happiness to people who look sad. She whispers encouragement to those who are afraid. And I believe she gives emotional hugs to those who feel alone and unloved. Taking time to play, to love, to reflect is all very important. Time whizzes by way too quickly. Hope you have a wonderful day!
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Melissa Says:
Marisa, I knew YOU would “get” it! Wishing you a wonderful day as well.
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Nancy Kirkpatrick Says:
When I saw you Saturday I was quietly thrilled. I knew your images would be breathtaking. And today, reading your words, I am again reminded that our real world – the world we were created for – is only a whisper away. Thank you for featuring the image WE created.
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Melissa Says:
Thanks Nancy. Your photography is truly wonderful! You have a gift for catching the essence of people. I love all of the pictures of all of the lovely ladies you took on Saturday!
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Gwyn Littell Says:
Melissa, you never cease to amaze us with your imagination, creativity, and love for life. You are terrific!
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Melissa Says:
Thank you Gwyn! This has been such a great way to stay connected…I’m so happy you enjoy the blog!
