“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Once Upon a Time



We have April showers.  The rain is pattering on the roof and when I step outside I smell the sweet scent of spring earth .... the smell of the garden waking up after its long winter slumber. The Fairies are awake again too, and they sometimes sneak in and bring little presents.

I found one hanging out next to the bottle of Port wine. He looks to be holding up some kind of little snack. Don't mind if I do little Fairy friend. The sound of rain on the roof, a wee bit of Port and a snack. It's a nice way to spend the evening.

I remembered that somewhere in my image files I also had a sweet little Fairy poem with an illustration. Probably ripped from some old magazine long ago, I love the illustration and the poem.  I uploaded it to my Fairy Pinterest board and wrote the poem out so it's easier to read.






Once Upon a Time by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman illustrated by Childe Hassam circa 1900







Once Upon A Time

Now, once upon a time, a nest of fairies
Was in a meadow 'neath a wild rose-tree;
And, once upon a time, the violets clustered
So thick around it one could scarcely see;
And, once upon a time, a troop of children
Came dancing by upon the flowery ground;
And, once upon a time, the nest of fairies,
With shouts of joy and wonderment they found;
And, once upon a time, the fairies fluttered
On purple winglets, shimmering in the sun;
And, once upon a time, the nest forsaking,
They flew off thro' the violets, every one;
And, once upon a time, the children followed
With loud halloos along the meadow green;
And, once upon a time, the fairies vanished,
And never more could one of them be seen;
And, once upon a time, the children sought them
For many a day, but fruitless was their quest,
For, once upon a time, amid the violets,
They only found the fairies' empty nest.

by
Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

illustrated 
by Childe Hassam

 

Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman (October 31, 1852 – March 13, 1930) was a prominent 19th-century American author.  Frederick Childe Hassam (October 17, 1859 – August 27, 1935) was a prolific American Impressionist painter, noted for his urban and coastal scenes. In 1882, Hassam became a free-lance illustrator (known as a "black-and-white man" in the trade), and established his first studio. He specialized in illustrating children's stories for magazines such as Harper's Weekly, Scribner's Monthly, and The Century.




Remember if you come upon some Fairies in the garden, tread softly, 
you don't want to frighten them away!
~~ Diane ~~






11 comments:

  1. Sweet poem! You must be farther south than we are. Our rain today didn't smell wonderful, but I do know what you mean and look forward to that! Can't wait for flowers to pop up.

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  2. Oh Diane, what a splendid post. Do you know how much I love fairies? Your little fairy is delightful, and just waiting to serve you. That picture is so cute. And your quote at the bottom......that is wonderful.

    The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming, but it rained one day this week, and supposed to next week also.

    Have a nice rest of the week.

    love, ~Sheri

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  3. Dearest Diane,

    What a beautiful and encouraging post! I love the poem, images and music. I love the rain, always have! The sound, the fresh smell of the air. Thank you so much for your posts, I always look forward to them, and I absolutely love your blog.

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  4. What an attractive setting, and lovely page/poem.

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  5. Your little fairy is so sweet. As is the illustration and poem. I'll be over shortly for some port, a snack and a nice chat, okay? :) We had rain also, but not nice spring rain, cold and damp.

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  6. Dear Diane- this is a lovely poem as well as beautiful illustration. I have always loved Hassam's impressionistic work. It was a treat to see this drawing. I think it is looking like spring has come at last. Hope you enjoy it. Hugs! !

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  7. Hi Diane ;o) I love your posts! They always make me happy ;o) I love your little fairy in the first pic ;o) My friend, I am so sorry I haven't been around in blog land! Trying to get back into the swing of things! Big Hugs and I hope you and your hubby are well ;o)

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  8. April showers, eh? Can May flowers be far behind?

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  9. What a sweet poem. You share the most adorable things. April showers are always welcome. And soon enough there'll be so many pretty flowers to enjoy. And photograph!

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  10. We've had a week of hot sunshine, no April showers. Yet!
    I hope you had a lovely weekend.

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