Muhu Island - Ancient Stones

 In our second day on Muhu Island we went to the "Ancient Culture Trail". It connected a number of Pre-christian sacred sites which continued to have cultural significance for the locals into the modern period.

It wound through old forest and along pastures and fields. On such a small island it was amazing to find places so hidden and wild! We were encouraged, with informational signs, to honor Tenn - the Forest Father and Mother Earth at each stop.

 First was the meeting of Seven Roads, an ancient offering stone where small favors are left for the Forest Father.

 To make a request of Uku, the thunder god of the Finnic peoples, one hits the small stone on the larger. It's suggested not to make wishes for one's self, but for others.

 The road carried on, winding through the woods. We passed a healing rock, which did not seem to want a photo taken. There, a strange red moss grows there that grows nowhere else on the island. Healing rites are done and items and water are brought to the stone.

 The last stone we visited was Lalli Slide Rock, one of several such stones in Estonia. It is suggested that one make wishes for any new endeavors, or for a safe childbirth.

 Ready, set, weeeeeeee!

 We won't tell our wishes, then it won't come true!

 More of the lovely traditional architecture, the path snuck behind small farmsteads and around the edges of of the fields.

 Our last visit of the day was a different type of sacred stones, an ancient burial ground. The oldest artifacts date to the 1st-2nd century, the oldest burial dates to the 5th. Interestingly, the site was used several times over several hundred years, with each burial being slightly different as the culture changed. We paid our respects and enjoyed the peaceful woods.

Muhu Island was a fascinating place, the local culture has several distinct features that result from sea trade and cultural contact. But it has held fast to many old traditional practices. It was the site of the last resistance to Crusaders from western Europe, and I think the folk there have not forgotten.

For more from our Estonian travels, here's the first post on Muhu Island, Tallin - the capital and medieval fortress, Tartu - the college town, and Villjandi - a large castle and a small town. Also, Oluvestre manor - the host of Craft Camp.

Critters Valentines

I made these for my co-workers, roommate, and Mr. Crafty. Now I have to decide who gets each adorable one!

Colorado Vacation

 This week I've been away from home - driving, hiking. and riding around my lovely state! We took a nice ride thru Glenwood canyon to hike the trail to hanging lakes.

 On the east end it is dry open brushland, right next to the river is the only color. It's been a dry year already, and many spots look like late summer instead of spring!

 The canyon quickly becomes deep and narrow. The highway is a bit of an engineering marvel, with the lanes crossing over each other, over the river, thru tunnels long and short, and suspended from the canyon walls. The bike path winds back and forth under the highway in many spots, making for an interesting vista.

 But when you're riding you get to take your time and really enjoy the scenery.

 Then we arrived at the trail head. On this part of the canyon the highway has disappeared into a long canyon, and only the bike path and train tracks line the river. I forgot to mention the train tracks that wind a narrow and precarious path along the canyon walls.

 It becomes very lush as you walk up the gulch. The trail is very steep and well traveled. We follow a small creek most of the way, with many little trickles flowing to meet it. I had to wonder about the first poor slops who broke this trail - they didn't even know what's at the top!

 There are plenty of little benches along the trail, so be sure to rest often.

 Nearing the top of the gulch one can no longer see the main canyon, and the steep rocky sides dwarf the tall trees.

 Tada! We've reached the top! The beautiful lake is kept this color by the dissolved minerals in the water. The lake was teeming with little fish and covered in a layer of algae.

What a wonderful place to have lunch! What's your favorite local attraction? I'll have more about the rest of our trip in the next post...

Finds - Enchanted Forest

This time of year is always green, but due to some much needed but surprisingly heavy rains Colorado is starting to look so damn green it's... almost like magic?
This week we're traveling thru an enchanted forest, just like the one captured here by SeeShellsPhotography. In the north-west these sorts of vistas may be common place, but here in the high desert a grove this lush is downright supernatural!

And what good forest setting is lacking in cute (tho possibly dangerous) little mushrooms? These hair pins from GardenVibe can add a hippy touch to an outfit, or simply hold your hair back while you're running about the woods.


For the pixie in your life, or your own inner pixie, get some woodsy fun from TheFaerieMarket. With hair pieces and other accessories in a myriad of different leaf shapes this shop is awash with earthy colors and fun textures. It is easy being green...


Some magic sparkles for a romp thru the woods, this fun piece from MorningGloryDesigns adds some earthy shine to any outfit. There's a whole collection of forest themed jewelry in this shop, for those who love to accessorize!


And for us crafty folks, some truly yummy sparkle-tastic yarn! Handspun by Autumnrose this great thick and thin wool yarn would add magic to any project, fae knitting and otherwise...