Do you believe in Fairies?

I make no apology for re-posting this from my old blog. It contains the most amazing photograph I have ever taken, and I'm still at odds as to how it appeared. I had my daughters with me at the time. Both have long, dark hair, and being the mud-magnets that they are, I NEVER dress them in white. Outside of them, we were completely on our own. This photo, you have to focus and really look to see - I missed it first time around, in fact so did most others - it wasn't until "Skinny Little Blond" left a comment that I picked up on it. Do you see a fair haired child dressed in white? It made my hair stand up on end. This image has in no way been manipulated, it is as I took it. I reproduce it again with the original post as I first published it:

Most people know we have fairies on our island. It's essential to wish them "Good Day" on passing, lest they play a trick on you. It's common knowledge you don't anger a fairy for they are far from benign creatures. Many tales abound of the mischief they can wreak. But it is also said that if you care to tie a wish to the fairy tree and bring it with a gift, miracles have been known to happen. It is not easy to reach the fairy tree, it is by the bridge that straddles the main thoroughfare from the north to the south of the island. Despite it's steady use, the road is narrow, and there is no pathway to walk, nor any room to park. However, those determined enough to do so still seem to find a way through, so intent as they are to cast their precious wish. But I have some bad, dreadful news for them, because you see I know a big, big secret, I know this is not where the fairy-folk really live!


In terms of the history to the island, this Fairy Bridge is a relatively new addition. It's all part of our government conspiracy to fool the hapless tourists! Fairies are much too shy and far too wise to live by the side of a road, the real Fairy Bridge is located miles away (a five minute drive from our house, then a fifteen minute hike along an overgrown track). Not many people ever find it, the track you need to follow is little known, even if you do happen across it, if you blink, you would miss the entrance, as it has been very carefully concealed. It is marked on the old ordinance surveillance maps, but frankly, unless you've looked it up, you would be none the wiser. Despite all of this, it remains lovingly tended.

Enter through the archway and follow the river along a way...it will eventually wind you along to the bridge where the real fairies hang out. Not that you will see any, they can sense a human approaching before you even make it through the archway. But you know they are there, you can feel it; hundreds of tiny eyes watching your every move. The birds love the fairies, and allow them to ride on their backs, that's why the glen is so lit up with their song. The fairy tree is laden with wishes, and a hollow in the bridge holds a shrine of gifts. Before you lay yours down, you mustn't forget to greet them, as they are very particular about that.

After laying your gift, all you have to do is to tie your wish to their tree, and hope that the fairies decide to favour you (they see in to peoples hearts, and don't favour everyone). They obviously favour someone though - for who else would dare to set up camp here?