"This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affectations glow and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn."


Tuesday, October 5, 2010

"Yart" Memories, Autumn Colours, Warm Friends....and...a little extra something...


I knew I would be the last to post about the amazing "YART" Fair because I spent most of Monday flying across country....but I am home now.....and if it were not for all of YOUR fantastic retellings and photographs, I might just think I had dreamt the past four days.....

I was so busy with "Madame" KJ, prepping for "YART", then trying to keep everything going smoothly, that I wasn't able to take many photos....  but I did take a few.  The one above is the lush carpet of golden leaves from the large tree in front of#9.  For a San Francisco Girl, it was luxury to hear them crunch when I walked and to see them fall in a magical golden shower during the night.  (My wonderful room overlooked the tree....)

Many of you captured the now "infamous" "PARING" sign.....but, I was there to watch KJ place it in the ground!  Ha-ha!  It brought smiles to many.....and yesterday, before KJ took me to the airport, we collected the signs - this one still made us laugh!  (We are saving it for next year!)


The "Morning After"....grey skies, cold temperatures....the Magic Cottage sighing, looking a little lonely after all the happiness and giddiness of the weekend.  The Magic Cottage really is MAGIC!  When JB asked if I would like to visit it.....I really felt like Alice through the Looking Glass....and as you know, it is as wonderful inside as out.


A yard one day full of tables and artists - now hosting one white wicker chair...  but the memories and the laughter will linger on forever!

I was happy to take Stella for a walk in the park between rain showers on the Friday before "YART". She is so gentle and loving,  a real sweetie... and we had fun skipping over puddles...although she thought "Auntie Robin" was a wee bit mad....as I often stopped to collect some red Maple leaves and "Elven acorns"....  I needed to bring back a bit of Autumn with me. 

The little "extra" I spoke of in the title of this post..... my Ex and Bofie (our Chocolate Lab) drove up from NY the day after "YART".  We went to lunch, explored the charming town of Northfield - then ended back in the park - where we sat on a bench overlooking a lake and we talked - for the first time in 18 months. No matter what happens now....seeing "C" and Bofie was healing for me.....  so - you see - Madames KJ and JB really wield  magic wands....

I know all of you who were there, know what I mean.  Their home, their yard - everything about them exudes warmth, joy, love (wicked humour) - and they envelop you with it too.

I can only echo what has already been said.....meeting Laurel, Brian, Mim, Suki, Chewey and all the others (too numerous to name) filled me with such happiness...  attending "YART" was the best thing I have done for ME in a long time.  Every member of our "Blogging Family" was exactly like I thought they would be....there was no initial awkwardness - we already knew and loved one another.  Renee's spirit was close by - I felt her every day....and early one morning, I looked out my window, dawn was just breaking and a silver crescent moon was peeking through the large tree - and I thanked Renee for coming into my life when I needed her most....and helping me find the courage to reach out to all of you....  without her, I would have never met you and my life would be so much sadder and emptier.

I hope those of you who could not attend this year will be able to do so next year.  You will experience the magic too!

I could write more....but I a battling a monster sore throat and now, general achiness....  so I am off to bed.

I love you all.  And.....sigh.....I miss you all....

♥ Robin ♥

29 comments:

  1. What fun pictures to see. All of them put together showed that it was a fabulous time going on. Thanks for sharing. I hope you get to feeling better. Probably picked up something on the plane home.

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  2. Hi Robin,your pix are great. That kj looks so funny above the paring sign. (love that sign)
    Yart indeed sounds magical,,,but it also sounds like the entire trip was a slice of heaven for you. I'm glad.
    Speaking of heaven,,,,I knew Renee would show up, I just knew it,,,and I'm so glad you wrote it!
    Feel better soon!
    Word Verification:
    whimc
    (more than a little of that at Yart!)

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  3. So great to meet you this weekend! I am loving seeing all the recaps. It's like seeing one scene from several angles.

    I am really glad to hear that it was healing to see you ex (and doggie) = I was hoping that went well. And also hope you are feeling better soon!

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  4. I wanted to call you tonight but I know your throat is raw. We'll talk tomorrow little sista. have those special shoes on! ;)

    Wonderful photos by the way. And a terrific recap. I just love love love all of our views!

    And you. I love you too♥

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  5. OH...and, that is one of the BEST photos of KJ I've ever seen!! The one with the "paring" sign. Wow, look at her.

    You go KJ ;)
    xo♥

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  6. Now you go to bed but before make a honey lemon tea by putting the juice of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of honey with some boiling water into a cup and cuddle up in bed with a good book or better yet, go to sleep!

    I wish I could have joined the entire family but as we know I will have to wait until next year. And you need to come up North, and we can sit in the garden which is always warm even when covered with snow. And the puppies would love to have you as much as Barry and I will. Take care darling, I have misplaced your address and I need it. Much love and hugs and do please take care of yourself.

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  7. oh robin, wow --- this sounds like a really full trip!!! i can't imagine all the emotions you must be feeling after meeting up with all these wonderful blogfriends and then seeing your ex on top of that -- sending good thoughts your way for the well-being of all these important connections in your life♡♡

    love all your photos and stories - esp the shot of madame kj and 'paring' also the fall leaves - lovely!!

    and now i hope you can get some rest and recover from your sore throat!! sending loving and healing thoughts your way dear robin♡

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  8. Robin, i love what everyone else has said, i too am so happy for you, what a wonderful experiance it was.

    It's been so much fun to see all the photos, hear all the stories, see all the smiling faces. I can just imagine.

    I'm also so happy you met with your ex and puppy, it sounds like it was the right time. It sounds like the entire weekend was just perfect.

    Feel better!

    xoxo
    lori

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  9. I have little tears in my eyes right now. Many hugs and kisses to you my friend = it was SO wonderful to meet you. Be well OK?

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  10. It sounds like it was such a wonderful and magical time. I hope one day to be able to meet up with blogging friends.

    Love your Autumn treasures.

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  11. Gosh Robin your post brought tears to my eyes too. I'm so glad it worked out to visit w/your Ex. and Bophie. And that your visit, on the wings of Renee, brought you joy and healing and friendships made and enlarged. You are a wonder. Take care of the sore throat and the aches. Love, Suki

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  12. Chris. every time I see you have visited me, I am happy - your energy os growing daily - what a wonderful thing that is!

    You would have loved YART...it truly was as joyful as everyone has said!

    My voice sounds like I am a "Bass-Baritone"....but, after a day's bedrest, I am feeling a lot better.

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  13. Babs - hello! I am happy you came to visit!
    Our Renee was indeed, everywhere. The night we had the sing-along - KJ's talented friend sang a song she wrote about Renee entitled "Circling my Head'....KJ had told her about Renee...and had shown her some of Renee's comments so any of Renee's own words were used in the song.... Lo, "Secret Agent", KJ and myself all had tears running down our cheeks before the song was half-sung... and, s did many of the other "non-blogger" friends....

    Her spirit permeated us all..... and I know she was thrilled that I was able to begin this new journey of mine. What Renee started, KJ continued to take on - and now, through ALL of our combined hearts and souls - we have one special family here.... it is such a great feeling....

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  14. Thanks "SA"... I am feeling better - but still have no voice.

    What a weekend! None of us will ever forget it. I am glad you were a part of it!

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  15. Ya know, Big Sista, for once, words fail me..."meeting" you and Brian was just beyond wonderful. I am happy we took our "Silver Sista Shoes" photo!

    Voice still creaky - but throat less raw....let's talk (or in my case) CROAK - tonight!

    Love to you, "SH", "BB" and Brian!

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  16. La Bella Contessa Alegra - I did take your advice with the lemon, honey and tea last night. I slept soundly - today - my poor voice is still non-existent - but my throat feels better.

    YOU were missed.... but 2011 - you will be there! As for this year.... a visit North may happen.... wouldn't it be great? We will keep in touch and see how the year plays out....

    Love, always,

    ♥ La Principessa Robin ♥

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  17. Amanda, my "Twin" at the Willow Ball! (Wasn't that fun?) Between that and "YART", it's no wonder I lost my voice! It was, without a doubt, an intense, emotional weekend for me....but well worth it.

    I hope you can make it to YART next year....you would like it...and would be a wonderful addition to our "mix"!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  18. Lori, you were so missed! (You know that!)
    Next year - for sure!

    I think the time was right for my Ex and I to meet....it all came about in a rather strange way....but then, Life is often like that.

    It was a PERFECT weekend....

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  19. Mim, it was equally wonderful to meet YOU, dear friend. Last night, I put a tiny tea light in my beautiful star-filled lilac bowl and lit it.... the glow was so lovely....

    It makes me happy to have a "Mim" Original in my home! I am truly happy to have you as friend!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  20. Ah, Melanie.... how I hope you can meet some of "us" too.... you would have adored "YART" and your creations would have been right at home... as well as you! Who knows what the Future will bring? But, no ocean is large enough to keep our very real friendship from blossoming! I am so happy we have met and are friends!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  21. Suki, no, YOU are the WONDER! You carry a glowing aura of love and joy with you.... as soon as I turnd and saw you approaching....I KNEW you and was so happy! My one regret is that you didn't stay longer... I would have loved to sit down at dinner and have a long chat....

    My voice is still non-existent....but I al slowly improving - or I would ring you tonight.... but I a hoping to try and catch you tomorrow.

    Love to you and Bibs,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  22. Hi Robin! I am so glad you went. :) I think it was just the ticket for you - all that fun and laughter and weird cupcakes.lol! And Stella looks so contented. :) Go to bed now, and REST! xox Pam

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  23. Sounds like a lovely time!

    Hey, did you know you won one of the door prizes at the Manor Ball? Email me your postal address, please, daaling!!

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  24. that kj is very skinny. she looks like an aspiring babe.

    sincerely,

    anonymous

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  25. Pam.... you are too right! It WAS just what I needed.... and I have to "brag" a bit....although KJ's first shot of our cupcakes looked weird...they turned out pink, prim and proper! Ha-ha! We were going to carve "Were-pumpkins"...but just ran out of time! You would have loved YART....and you would have sold up a storm of Skellies!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥ (my voice sounds like the Excorcist)

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  26. Dahling Willow....just e-mailed you my home info! I am excited to get my Hummingbird.....he will always be a reminder of my first Willow Ball!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  27. Emilwee..... we DID have fun together! While evewee one else was out selling and buying, we were tossing things around KJ's kitchen! And....I DID catch you eating far too many of those cupcakes!!!!!!

    As for KJ....yes, I see a definite "Babe" emerging.... I think YARTS agwee with her!

    I miss you Miss E.V.V. Wabbitt!

    Love and Lollies,

    ♥ Wrobin ♥

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  28. Ooh Robin so glad for you,I'm crying now for you but it are happy tears.
    How was Bofie?

    Big hug from me and a wet kiss from Beaudor

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  29. Oh my.... I think you made everyone cry with this post, me included but my eyes were still wet from the post after this as I am reading them backwards.........
    But I am also happy it was healing for you and fun as well.
    I hope to meet you one day also and I have the feeling we will!
    Maybe next year at the yart? Or before that in SF?
    You take care now rest and be incredible gentle for yourself.

    No wonder your throat hurts, all these emotions.

    Love
    >M<

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