Enchanted Forest Delights Even Picky Pixies

I was at my desk, working on this week's blog post when a mysterious missive came over the transom. The thing literally flew ​in as if borne by winged creatures. 

Now, I'm pretty good at ignoring tweets, pings, and such, but a fluttering billet is quite another matter. Of course I had to give it a read, and when I did, I knew I had to drop everything and share it with you.

​Here it is . . . 

Fairy's eye view of Camp Newaygo (Photo courtesy of Camp Newaygo)

​FAIRYLAND, Newaygo County (April 28, 2018)—This year's late spring had officials in the Enchanted Forest (also known as Camp Newaygo) concerned about the availability of housing for all the fairy folk returning from their winter homes down South.

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"Construction has been delayed all over the county, and the Enchanted Forest was no exception," said Elvira Elf, housing coordinator. "Fortunately, however, artisans from all around pitched in to fill the forest with creative homes for wee folk."

"Simplify" by Marcia Holcomb

​When fairies, gnomes, pixies and their pals showed up last weekend to check out the offerings, they found every kind of dwelling imaginable, from condo to castle.

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However, it's common knowledge that pixies can be, well, picky. And fairies are notoriously fickle, with whims that shift with the wind. So we sent a reporter out to tag along with the fae and find out what they thought of the choices.

"Fairy Queen's Court" by Cortney Horan

​Pierre Pixée, who winters in the South of France, was searching for something palatial. "C'est si bon!" he said when he spied this turreted manse, complete with moat.

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Scurrying along a woodland path, Grizela Gnome pulled her cloak around her. "It's still too cold here in Michigan," she complained. "I wish I'd stayed on the beach." 

"Ocean Beach" by Marcia Holcomb

​​"But look," said her friend Sophie Sprite, pointing to a cottage nestled beneath a tree. "This house will make you feel sunny and warm no matter what the weather."

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"You're right! I'll take it," said Grizela. "Care to stay for a piña colada?" 

On the stairway leading down to Pickerel Lake, Fairy Fiona paused to take a breather. "These houses are all beautiful," she said, "but what I'd really love to find is one with room for my wine collection AND a view of the lake." Then she leaned over the railing and there it was: Gnome Top Vinyard. "It's an oenophile's dream!" she said.

"Gnome Top Vinyard" by Ellen Chamberlin and Charlie Gallmeyer

Roof and chimney of "Gnome Top Vinyard"

"Rustic Retreat" by Bob Hurley

​Up on the patio of Lang Lodge, Ivan Imp took Elvira Elf aside. "I hate to admit this," he said, "but I'm not much of a woodsy fellow. Really more of a garden guy. Any chance that the house I choose could be, um, relocated?"

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"Gorgeous Garden Hideaway" by Lisa Boerema

​"As a matter of fact," Elvira said, "that's what we're hoping for. All the houses are up for auction, to raise money for Camp Newaygo's ongoing improvements. When bidding closes Sunday night, some lucky humans will be taking the houses home—complete with tiny inhabitants, of course—to install in their own special sites. I'm quite sure more than a few will find their way into gardens."

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What magical beings do you suppose chose these homes?

Chiminea home by Valerie Deur

"Fairy Hollow" by Kelly Johnson

"Nesting Nook" by Sarah Roys

Detail of "Nesting Nook"

Woodburned house by Sue Barthold

"Tiki Hut" by Nancy Norden

"Irma's Inn" by Mary and Nelson Wilner

Detail of "Irma's Inn"

Michigan home by Erin Davis

"Fairy Flower Garden" by Patty Jason

"Blue Bottle Bowery" by Heather Mullins

Untitled fairy haven by Arlene Davis