Autumnal Equinox: A fairy holiday

August Malmstrom (1829-1901)

The Autumnal Equinox marks time at which the Sun crosses the celestial equator, it’s one of those special in-between, or “’tween” times when humans might see fairies.  The equinox takes place today, Sept. 22 at 10:21 a.m. EDT (or 14:21 UTC).  The word equinox means “equal night,” from the Latin words aequus (equal), and nox (night). It’s the time when Summer fades into Autumn, and day and night are of equal length. Of course, in the southern hemisphere today is Spring Equinox day.  

Equinox days happen twice each year, in the autumn and in the spring. At the moment the equinox occurs on these magical days, the sun appears to cross the equator. It’s an “In-between” time, a time when the invisible magical veil between the mundane human world and the magical world of Faerie thins. During these “in-between” times, when the veil is thin, fairies might cross over into the human world, and humans might cross over to Faerie.

Beware, though, because Faerie can a dangerous place, and humans who go there are forever changed. In addition, liminal, or “in-between” times themselves can be dangerous. So, venture with caution and don’t be too quick to seek out the fairies. Fairies are not humans and don’t share human ethics, culture, rules, or morality. They can be tricksters, too.

Be cautious and respectful, they may let you see them. Celebrate the day by inviting like-minded friends over for a bonfire and leave some raw, unseasoned nuts, seeds, or fruit for their fairy feast. Always be kind to animals, nature, and fellow humans, and the fairies may make an appearance.     

'The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington' book review

'The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington' by Brian and Wendy Froud. Copyright 2016, Abrams Books.

Fairy artist Brian Froud says that he’s spent most of his life pursuing undeniable proof of the existence of fairies. Just after midnight of January 1, 1990 he received a mysterious envelope containing a scrap of paper with some pressed flowers and what appeared to be a squashed fairy. He soon received more of these fairy pressings, and his life has never been the same since. It turns out that the pressed images were actually psychic impressions left behind by the fairies, and no fairies were harmed in creating the images. In fact, the fairies enjoyed it, and began competing to see who could leave the most artistic or most outrageous impression. After receiving more and more documents about the creator of the pressed fairy images, Lady Angelica Cottington and her family, and their interactions with the fairies, Froud published “Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book” in 1994. The book became an international best seller, and is still in print.

Brian Froud has since published three other volumes about the Cottingtons, as well as a 10 ¾ anniversary edition of “Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book.” Now, Brian and his wife Wendy Froud present “The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington.” Madeline Cottington, or Maddie C., is a young descendant of the Cottingtons who grew up in the U.S. knowing nothing about her ancestors or their relationships with the fairies. She does see “floaty things” around her which also begin to appear in photos of her.

After her family moves to England she begins to find evidence of the family secret. Her search for the truth leads her to Cottington Hall, her ancestral home where the mystery of her family’s relationship with the fairies is gradually revealed to her. Eventually, she finds herself being drawn out of the mundane human world, and into the world of Faerie. In the end, she must make a difficult decision, but is she deciding for herself, or has her destiny been decided for her all along?

This new book features fairy art by Brian Froud, along with a foreword by the artist and text by Wendy Froud. It’s full of quirky dark humor, mystery, and even tragedy. The story is told through Maddie’s journal entries, old family notes and letters, photos, and pressed fairy images. It’s on the dark side, so it’s not for children. This ninety-six page hard cover volume is a coffee table book printed on heavy coated paper. It features ninety-six color illustrations and includes a bee tattoo and a paper hat.

Verdict: 4 stars. Diehard fans of Brian Froud will want to add this to their collection of his works. It’s not on the same order as his classic book “Faeries” from 1979, but those who enjoy his darker works and the previous books about the Cottingtons will like this one. This darker story is in keeping with the upcoming Halloween season. “The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington” is published by Abrams Books, and will be available in stores and online beginning September 27.

Review of Dana Simpson’s Razzle Dazzle Unicorn

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Phoebe. She spent a lot of time alone as she was a bit of a misfit. One day, the lonely girl was skipping rocks on a lake when she heard someone say “Ow!” She looked across the misty water to see whom she’d hit and beheld a being of Faerie – a unicorn. Thankfully, the unicorn wasn’t angry; in fact she was grateful to Phoebe for freeing her from being trapped by the beauty of her own reflection. Thus began the story of Phoebe’s fairy tale friendship with Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.

Cartoonist/author Dana Simpson continues to amuse and enchant with her fourth book in this series. “Razzle Dazzle Unicorn” starts with Phoebe and Marigold spending the holidays together. The best buddies discuss what they’re grateful for at Thanksgiving, Marigold finds a new rival in Phoebe’s Christmas tree, and Phoebe and Marigold ponder New Year’s resolutions. Phoebe’s frenemy Dakota is as mean as ever, but at least she’s still being plagued by a goblin. Phoebe has problems with school, piano lessons, and her ongoing social awkwardness. And Marigold once again accompanies Phoebe to summer camp, where Phoebe reunites with her quirky friend Sue, and Marigold finds a little romance with the lake monster.      

“Razzle Dazzle Unicorn” is taken from Dana Simpson’s nationally syndicated comic strip “Phoebe and Her Unicorn.” The previous books in the series are: “Phoebe and Her Unicorn,” “Unicorn on a Roll,” and “Unicorn vs. Goblins.” The “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” books are marketed to the middle grade reader demographic, but it really is written for people of all ages. While it is kid friendly, some of the humor and references are directed at adults. This book and the daily comic strip offer something for everyone, especially for those of us who love fairies.

The author writes the introduction this time, sharing how “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” came to be. She writes, “Sometimes a unicorn shows up in your life and makes everything better.” That’s exactly how Marigold changes Phoebe’s life as well. And we all get to come along on the adventure.

Verdict: Fairytastic! 5 out of 5 stars. Buy it, and the other books in the series. Dana Simpson has created a classic with her funny, sweet, clever, and unique comic strip. The daily “Phoebe and Her Unicorn comic strip appears in newspapers nationwide, and online at GoComics.com. “Razzle Dazzle Unicorn” is published by Andrews McMeel Publishing as part of their AMP Comics for Kids books. It will be available in stores and online starting Sept. 20.   

Michigan Renaissance Festival 2016: Meeting Fairies

( The MRF Faeries, L-R: Sandshell, Zephyr, Sweetheart, Wyvern, Icelia, Cobweb, Sunburst, and Foxtail)
 Copyright, Kenneth R. Shepherd

Each year for seven weeks, during the ‘tween time betwixt summer and autumn, the enchanted English Renaissance village of Hollygrove appears in a fairy wood in Holly, Michigan. It is a place out of space and time, where modern humans can meet fairy folk, Renaissance villagers, royalty, and all manner of colorful characters. This annual event is called the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

How this mysterious thing came about is anyone’s guess, but I’ve always compared Hollygrove to Brigadoon. A magic spell must have been cast when the world was split into the realm of Faerie, and the mundane world of the humans. There may have been some human folk who couldn’t bear to be parted from their fairy friends, so the fairies cast a spell to allow the humans and fairies to stay together, yet still allow some contact with the outside world. Now, even the human residents of Hollygrove are charmed. Hollygrove appears each year, but only on Saturdays and Sundays from August 20 through Oct. 2 from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M., plus Labor Day Monday (Sept. 5), and Festival Friday (Sept. 30). During this special time, humans may visit Hollygrove to meet the fairies and the charmed villagers.

There are all manner of fairy folk to see and meet in Hollygrove. The Michigan Renaissance Festival Faeries can be found in the Children’s Realm. This fairy troupe provides pleasant diversions for children throughout the day. There’s a Fairy Tea in the afternoons around 3:30, arts and crafts in the Arts & Crafts Pavilion, a children’s parade, and a pie eating contest. The fairy troupe includes Cobweb the Dream Faerie (the head fairy), Zephyr the Wind Fae, Sunburst the Art Faerie, Foxtail the Animal Faerie, Dewdrop the Bubble Faerie, and Icelia the Frost Faerie. There are three new fairies this year: Sandshell the Shore Faerie, Sweetheart the Charm Faerie, and Wyvern the Dragon Fae.

It was lovely catching up with fairy friends and meeting the delightful new fairies. When asked if he likes interacting with humans Zephyr said, “Aye, fascinating creatures they are.” Wyvern said, “I eat humans. I am a dragon, after all.” Cobweb went on a quest to rescue some fairies during a great storm. Upon her return, she said her journey was “Treacherous, it reminded me of the time I went up a water spout. As a result, I now suffer from IBSS – Itsy Bitsy Spider Syndrome!”

Cobweb was so kind to introduce us to some fairy folk who are new to the Michigan Renaissance Festival as of last year: the elves. The elves wander about the village, interacting with guests, and mingling with villagers and fellow fairy folk. Members of the elf troupe include Canis, Shay, Dijuri, Ambrielle, and Jynx. Like the fairies, the elves are mysterious, magical, kind, and whimsical.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival Elves (L-R: Dijuri, Jynx, Shay, Ambrielle, and Canis)
 Copyright Kenneth R. Shepherd

Fairy folk, Renaissance royalty, pirates, and villagers graciously greet visitors and invite children to play. Everyone in this enchanted village is hospitable and welcoming.  Guests are encouraged to dress in Renaissance attire or in fairy costumes if they like. Renaissance costumes may be purchased or rented from shops in the village. There is even a rental shop just outside the festival entrance. The village offers lots of shopping opportunities for unique wares by talented artisans and artists. There are many diversions and spectacles to enjoy about the village, plus performances on seventeen different stages throughout the day.

(L-R: Hollygrove villager and friend Page Turner, Foxtail the animal faerie, and Sunburst the art Faerie)
Copyright Kenneth R. Shepherd 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival is at 12600 Dixie Highway in Holly Michigan, off I-75.  One day admission at the gate is $22.95 for adults, $13.95 for children ages 5-12, $20.95 for seniors and for students with a valid college ID. Tickets purchased online in advance from the festival website are discounted, but you must present a printed ticket to enter (so print those tickets at home before you leave).

Discount tickets are also available at southeast Michigan Kroger stores. Check the festival website for more discount ticket opportunities. Season passes are also available, as well as Royal passes. All other information is available at the Michigan Renaissance Festival website. Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram.

'Kubo and the Two Strings": An instant classic

Copyright: Laika Entertainment

“If you must blink, do it now. Pay careful attention to everything you see, no matter how unusual it may seem. If you look away, even for an instant, then our hero will surely perish.” ~Kubo

“Kubo and the Two Strings” is the new stop-motion animated fairy tale set in ancient Japan from Laika Entertainment. Laika is the studio that brought us such wonderful magical animated features as “Coraline,” “ParaNorman,” and “The Box Trolls.” Laika has certainly created a masterpiece with this tale of mystery and wonder.

Kubo is a one-eyed boy whose background and tragic beginnings are a mystery to him. He has a lot of responsibility for a young boy, as he is the sole support for himself and his disabled mother. He makes his living as a story teller in his little village, where people young and old drop everything to hear his serial epic. He spins the yarn of the warrior Hanzo and his battles with the wicked Moon King, while playing his enchanted shamisen. As he plays and tells the tale, origami characters form from paper and act out the wondrous saga.

Kubo never gets to finish the story because he must rush home to his mother each day before dark, as she has made him promise to do. His mother, who is slipping away from the world due to memory loss, also tells Kubo to wear his father’s robe, and to keep his wooden monkey charm with him at all times. She warns him to beware of her evil sisters and father, who took Kubo’s eye. One day Kubo fails to get in before nightfall, and the consequences are dire.  The young boy must set out on a quest, accompanied by a cursed beetle and a talking snow monkey to find his father’s armor in order to save himself from his mother’s magical, but dangerous family.

“Kubo and the Two Strings” takes the audience on a suspense-filled adventure that’s full of beautiful animated characters, landscapes, and visuals created by director Travis Knight, cinematographer Frank Passingham, visual effects supervisor Steve Emerson, the animation department lead by Malcolm Lamont, and character designer Shannon Tindle. Laika’s team of artists who craft the models are to be commended for the stunning and expressive characters they create. That team includes Toby Froud, son of legendary fairy artists Brian and Wendy Froud, who is best known for playing the baby in the classic fairytale movie “Labyrinth.” The film features a sweeping musical score by Dario Marianelli. The unique and compelling story is by Marc Haimes and Shannon Tindle, with a screenplay by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler.

The voice actors give outstanding performances. The witch sisters, both played by Rooney Mara are quite chilling. The much beloved George Takei (Mr. Sulu from the original “Star Trek”), and veteran actress Brenda Vaccaro give lovely performances as Kubo’s elderly neighbors. The great Ralph Fiennes as the Moon King is a frightening, powerful, yet nuanced villain. Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey are in top form as Kubo’s companions/protectors on his journey, and their characters are deep and broad. Young Art Parkinson is engaging as Kubo. He is vulnerable, funny, clever, strong, and heartbreaking.

“Kubo and the Two Strings” is a layered and multifaceted fairy story. It features themes of mystery, magic, love, and family. It truly offers something for everyone, but there are a couple of scenes that could be a bit scary for very small children. It has tragedy, action, adventure, tender family moments, heartache, comedy, and more. The resolution of the story is satisfying, yet unique and poignant.

Verdict:  Fairytastic! 5 out of 5 stars, please see this movie. Laika gives us beautiful stop-motion animation that takes lots of talent, time, and expense to create. Their films feature unusual stories that are like nothing else out there. They are long overdue for an Oscar.  

   

‘Pete’s Dragon’: Review of Disney’s reboot

Copyright Walt Disney Motion Pictures

Go north, go north with wings on your feet

North with the wind where the three rivers meet

Look all around you and see

Deep in the forest, there dragons will be

~ David Lowy and Toby Halbrooks

David Lowry’s reboot of Disney’s 1977 fairy story “Pete’s Dragon” is not so much a remake as it is a complete reimagining of the story of a boy named Pete, and his best friend and protector Elliot the dragon. The live action/CGI movie stars Oakes Fegley as Pete, Bryce Dallas Howard as Grace, and Robert Redford as Grace’s father Meacham. The screenplay was written by David Lowry and Toby Halbrooks.

Following a tragic accident, a tiny orphan named Pete is rescued by a dragon. Pete and the gentle dragon, whom he names Elliot, live happily together deep in a forest in the American Northwest. After several years their idyllic existence is interrupted when Pete is discovered by a girl named Natalie, and a kindly forest ranger named Grace. Grace takes Pete to stay with her until the authorities can find out where he came from.

Grace’s greedy future brother-in-law discovers Elliot, and decides to capture him and exploit him for money. Pete, Natalie, Grace, and Meacham must help Elliot before it’s too late. And, in the end Pete has a hard decision to make.

This is David Lowry’s first time directing a major motion picture. Previously he worked on indie films. With Pete’s Dragon he does a good job of giving us characters that we are invested in, and conveying magic, suspense, danger, heartache, and joy. The story has a very different feel as compared to other Disney films, and it’s a nice change.

There are some problems, though. For instance, he has a bit of trouble of wrapping things up, especially with the villain’s story arc. He also seems to have run out of time before he could tie up loose ends. Lowry gives us a lot of magical and heartwarming moments at the beginning of the film; however, spending too much time on that caused him to run out of time to wrap up other crucial parts of the story. It’s a matter of him learning to kill his little darlings, as Allen Ginsberg would say.

Lowry gets very good performances from his actors. Young Oakes Fegley gives an especially moving and natural performance as Pete. What can I say about Robert Redford? The gifted veteran actor is, as always, a delight on the screen. He’s an old man now, and has allowed himself to age gracefully, rather than fall into Hollywood’s trap of Botox, fillers, and cosmetic surgery. He’s still handsome, and that famous smile is as contagious as ever. Bryce Dallas Howard gives a gentle and understated performance. It's a nice change to see her play a truly kind person. She does it as well as she does the really vile characters she often portrays.

As far as the design for Elliot’s character, he’s more shaggy dog in appearance than dragon. He brings to mind Falkor the luck dragon from the classic fantasy film “The Neverending Story.” He does resemble the original Elliot from the original version of “Pete’s Dragon” with his snaggle-tooth, chubby tummy, sweet expression, and furry shock of hair on top of his head. His vocalizations were very nicely performed by actor John Kassir. Although the concept for the dragon could have been better, Elliot is a very lovable and cuddly character who can break your heart. One couldn't want for a better friend.

Overall, “Pete’s Dragon” is an enjoyable fairy tale. It does, however contain some really intense scenes that could be upsetting. The music, location, and cinematography are beautiful. While the story has some flaws, "Pete's Dragon" is enchanting and heartwarming. Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars; see it.