Lilli-Kate and the Introductory Demon Card Deck

Hello, Friends of Bluebird Fairies

I hope you’re all doing well and finding ways to live your lives fully.

The Fairy of this Blog is:

the Lilli-Kate Way Fairy.

You’ll learn more about why as you read, but for now, think about the energy of Lilli-Kate’s way: being present, loving what is right in front of you, and finding joy in the small things.

That has been a big part of my summer.

I spent some of the summer back in my hometown of Rochester, reconnecting with women I have known for 44 years. We rented a house in Canada and had a wonderful time together. There is something very grounding about being with people who come from the same place you do—whose parents and grandparents also lived there.

One of the sweetest parts was having coffee with the teacher who, many years ago, suggested I check out Bread and Puppet Theater. That suggestion became a very big step in my life.

It made me think about how much our lives are shaped by little moments of connection.

Many of you know that introducing the Bluebird Fairies at Art Hop 12 years ago brought Brian into my life. We returned to Canada in August for our annual anniversary time, where we choose fairies to support us through the coming year.

This summer also brought my puppeteer friend, Damiano, with his family to the Bread and Puppet Theater and we hung out in person for the first time in 22 years!

Damiano, Emily, and Cristina in the Paper Mache Cathedral

And then there are the two things that have shaped this summer more than anything else:

Lilli-Kate and the Demon Deck.

We’ve spent the summer hoping our dear dog friend would feel better. Along the way, there have been many tender moments—sitting with her in the garden, taking care of her, and discovering new ways for her to show us that she is still taking care of us, too.

One of the things Lilli-Kate loves best is sitting beside me while I work.

This summer, she has spent quite a bit of time beside me while I worked on my demons.

I didn't start drawing demons for the Demon Deck. I’ve been drawing my demons for myself for about 13 years. This year, I went back through all those drawings and chose the ones that seem to belong in the deck. Now I’m taking those often very rough drawings and making them accessible by giving them color and making them easier to read.

At Burlington’s South End Art Hop on September 11, 12, and 13, you’ll be able to see the Introductory Demon Deck and share your thoughts about the 31 more demons and antidotes that will eventually become part of the complete deck.

I’ll be back with more about Art Hop soon. There will be quite a few things happening in the Bluebird Fairies studio and adjoining hallways.

Keep living the Lilli-Kate way,

Emily

and the Bluebird Fairies