A Fairy Lake Christmas


My creation, originally uploaded by bluebirdsandteapots.



Every now and then you get lost in a magical moment and the way you see your world changes a little forever. One Christmas night I went for a ride to see the Christmas lights and I came upon a lovely setting called Fairy Lake. We were living in Toronto at the time and my girls were taking riding lessons at a horse barn nearby. So, I went to get us some hot chocolate in town. There was a lake in the center of the little town of New Market called Fairy Lake, and as I drove passed the lake I was captured by the beauty set before me.

winter lake

The lake was all lit up with Christmas lights twinkling against the dark starry night. A slight piece of land looking like a fairy size island sat in the middle of the lake. A beautiful Christmas tree all lit up boasted beautiful Christmas lights and was on display right in the center of the island. The lights reflected in the lake and the image of the tree and the island made it look like a beautiful Christmas centerpiece.

Fairy-Lake-with-tree

To me it looked just the way Christmas is supposed to look. Nothing fancy, just the splendor of lights against the simplicity of nature. All of a sudden my eye caught the sight of what appeared to be a parade of lights in the distance marching towards me. Twinkling lights looking like fairy dust all in a line but getting larger as it got closer to me.



I watched and waited for the light of the nearby lamppost to define what I was seeing. There marching in a straight line like baby ducklings was a group of little children and each child carried a lit candle. The leader seemed to be enjoying the moment as much as I was observing it. No one was around, with the exception of this young woman and her parade of lights wearing snowsuits, caps, scarves and mittens.



I sat in silence wanting to share the moment, but finding myself all alone and memorizing each detail so I could tell the girls. I had no camera in the car, just my wishing to embrace this serendipitous moment. The quiet of the moment of that snowy night was only interrupted by the sound of the children’s laughter. The innocence lighting up that Christmas evening was painted into my stash of Christmas memories forever. I believe that Christmas embraces the little ones, but it is the little ones that teach us the true wisdom of Christmas.

The Fairy Lake Christmas

FAiry-Lake-the-lights-got-biggerI relive that beautiful night every Christmas and bring to life the image that I embraced years ago. It reminds me to observe the splendor that surrounds me each Christmas and to look for the simplicity.

The lights of Fairy LakeTo learn to appreciate love, nature and the simple pleasures as the only gifts I truly need. Looking into a child's face at Christmas aglow with believing in the magic of the season, reflects that which we must remind ourselves to embrace, or we risk forgetting to look for that same magic which still lives in our hearts.



Gabriela said...

Hello Karen,

What a wonderful post...you are talking about scenes here in Toronto.
And the message of Christmas...

~ Gabriela ~

Rhondi said...

Hi Karen
We lived in Tottenham for a couple of years and often went into Newmarket. Thanks for bringing back fond memories of Christmas for me.
Hugs, Rhondi

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Karen, what a wonderful post. It reminded me of my childhood growing up on a lake in Michigan. Thank your for the wonderful memories.

LiLi M. said...

I think that you have captured your memory so well in the illustration. That must have been true Christmas. Let's hope we all experience a similar feeling too this year. Thanks for a wonderful post.

CIELO said...

This is so pretty.... how do you add the "cute" extras to your photos??? :)

Have a sweet day, lovely lady.

cielo

Cape Cod Washashore said...

Karen, your artwork is so gorgeous and enchanting!!! I love what you did with the wintery scene (and the card of children carolers is darling)!

Vee said...

How delightful! Wonderful, too, that the artist's memory has recreated the scene for us. Thank you!

Kathleen Grace said...

This is such a wonderful post, I think it would make a beautiful childrens book!

Charlie McGee said...

Hi Sweetie, As I sit here and read your post I can see moments like this one in my mind. Thanks for sharing your sweet story and helping me to recall lost ones.
hugs,
Charlie

Nerissa Alford said...

Great post! Thanks for sharing with us :)
Nerissa

Rhondi said...

Hi Karen
Just wanted to let you know that I am listing the participants for Thankful Thursday on the actual blog.
Rhondi xo

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

The story the words the sketches I was there!!! You were able to bring us to the spot, time and event. As with all you create this was beyond words wonderful...m...

Pocket Full of Prettys said...

Hi Karen, wanted to say thank you for your prayers, my son is to have an MRI on the 18th, Love the Fairy Lake, Hugs***Renea

Donna said...

What a wonderful post! Love the Fairy Lake, love your artwork!

Hugs,
Donna

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