The Hunt for the Green Man!

So... Natalie and I were in Baltimore MA for the first RenCon (Renaissance Convention 2010) and enjoyed it immensely! One of the most striking experiences there was hearing the B.O.G. (Beneficent Order of the Greenman) chant their catchy tune ("Green Man" - words and music by Jennifer Cutting) while marching through the market place (and the rest of the convention center!) then, attending a panel about the "Green Man" with Steve Winick, John Matthews, Brian & Wendy Froud & Shane Odom. We learned that there are Green Men everywhere! You just have to find them - usually somewhere above you looking down and smirking...

Here is a picture of one who bears a striking resemblance to Brian Froud!

Another picture that I took at RenCon just outside of our hotel in Hunt Valley is of this Green Man - can you see his face? He was definitely watching over us and partaking in the magical atmosphere of the event. We found him while out taking pictures of the beautiful trees that were dripping in white flowers and the beautiful, warm delicious sun (there hasn't been much of that in Calgary lately!).

Yes, so now back in Calgary we've been on the look out! Actively hunting and seeking the magic close to home. We've seen one Green Man for sure and a couple other very likely candidates - for if they aren't Green Men they're definitely still some kind of faery being!

The first one I found was hiding out at Heritage Park in one of the town houses - he's on the back of a chair. The next one could be a Green Man - or perhaps a wind spirit - Natalie found him on a man hole cover downtown by Olympic Plaza.

We encountered a new version of the Green Man on a quilt (at Heritage Park for the Quilt Show) I love the leaves intermingled in his hair. This quilt actually reminds me a bit of Shane Odom.

I came across a modern Green Woman - true she was advertising for a hair salon in Northland Mall, but she still felt unique.

I came across this next lady in Calgary's North East quadrant on the side of a hill. She's a little more 'earthy' than our Green Men but most definitely 'there' all the same.

I like that every day - every time I step out my front door - it's a new adventure and I feel like I'm more aware of the world around me - the parts of it that make my heart sing and inspire passion and life, creativity and imagination. Life is decidedly good.

"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door," he used to say. "You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to."

J.R.R. Tolkien

New adventure on the horizon...

I'm very excited! In April we (Natalie and I) will be heading out to Baltimore Maryland and Wilmington Delaware! Why you ask? To go see the amazing art of James Gurney creator of Dinotopia! AND to attend RenCon! So excited!

More inspiration of the magical persuasion!

More inspiration of the magical persuasion! I just read a really lovely book "Korgi (Book 1: Sprouting Wings)" by Christian Slade, a former Disney animator. Korgi is a graphic novel that's all pictures. There are basically no words except for a little introduction at the very beginning by Wart, the Scroll Keeper of Korgi Hollow (who is a toad!). The illustrations are all sketched in black and white and convey the emotion and activities of the characters lovingly. Words are not needed or missed! I'm excited for more in this series! I love finding new books that make you excited to share your own stories, by being so good at sharing theirs!