Thursday 26 April 2012

A Passion To Play.


I am truly blessed with a magical, enchanting garden.  A special place where the wee folks play their merry games.  Amongst the swaying leaves, glowing under moonlit skies, the wee folks, those precious little wee folks, oh they dance and sing.  And their voices, such soothing tender voices, echo warmly through the gentle, whispering wind.  Listen to their songs.  Songs of love, of joy, of peace.  Lyrical words that speak of a world where no judgement is ever made and no stigma is ever attached.


And amidst the tranquil world of the wee folks, the moon shines down upon this loving family so symbolic of an all different, all equal society.  Fidelina, the beautiful fairy princess, her beloved husband, Geoffrey the garden gnome and their sweet, innocent child, Einahalk, prove that the power of love has no boundaries.


The date was July 26, 1973.  And at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, Canada, I attended a concert by "Jethro Tull" that was called, "A Passion Play".  The above video was part of the concert.  These days, my magical garden is very much a reminder of that video.  Indeed, since seeing that concert, I've never been the same.   Please watch this video and marvel at such an astonishing world.

60 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing. It was fun to watch something like this after a long time.
    It is true, love has no boundaries.

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    1. Hi Munir,
      Wasn't that a magical experience. And the 'wee folks' are testimony to the power of true love.
      Take very good care and keep smiling :)
      Gary

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  2. Wow...there's an imagination gone wild.

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    1. Hi Delores,
      For sure and that Jethro Tull video is now an ongoing event in my garden :)
      Happy thoughts and smiles, your way, Gary :)

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  3. Don't you just love those special times in life when something touches us so deeply, it stays and still affects years later? Awesome. Thanks so much for sharing with us! (And a big hello to the Wee Folks!)

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    1. Hi Kim,
      Oh for sure, even after all these years, the enchanting awe factor of that concert still impacts me in a very positive way. I just love that video clip.
      The wee folks say,'Hello and may you have a peaceful, positive life.'
      Happy thoughts and smiles, your way, Gary :)

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  4. Ah, so Jethro Tull is to blame for you being the way you are? Do you have a habit of standing on one leg and playing the flute? The video is completely bonkers. Nice.
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Hi bazza,
      Indeed, blame it on Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull. Wow, my secret's out. And I hop about on one leg, play the flute and think about being, "Thick As A Brick". :)
      That video is partial inspiration for the wee folks. The wee folks are nice and I'm bonkers.
      Happy thoughts and smiles, your way, Gary :)

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  5. Hello Gary:
    The magical world of make believe is, in our view, most often so much more preferable to that of the real one. We sometimes become concerned that we may well be out of touch with reality which at times is just too dreadful to contemplate. We can all too readily understand your wish to escape. And why not?

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    1. Hello Jane and Lance,
      The magical, enchanting world of the wee folks has many underlying meanings and represents and ethos of a world that passes no judgement and stigma is an alien concept.
      Still, it is a bit of escapism and allows my mind to wander to places of make believe that embrace a better reality for all of us.
      Thank you, my friends.
      Peaceful and magical thoughts, your way, Gary :)

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  6. That is some magical garden! Julie

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    1. Hi Julie,
      And the top two photos are taken from my garden. The wee folks very kindly allowed me to take their photos. Indeed, they turned down a lucrative deal with 'Better Gnomes and Gardens', and said I could have exclusive rights :)
      Magical wishes, your way, Gary :)

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  7. Ian Anderson was and is such a talented man. And yes, add another vote for the power of make believe from me too. A place where anything is possible and where good cannot doing anything but triumph.

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    1. Hi The Elephant's Child,
      Ian Anderson is one of the most gifted musicians of out time. I like to think that the wondrous world of the wee folks can be a lesson for us big folks. And good shall triumph. Well said, my friend.
      Magical wishes, your way, Gary :)

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  8. That was part of the concert? Back when theatrics were part of the show!

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    1. Hi Alex,
      Indeed it was a part of the concert. One of the most elaborate concerts I have even seen. And all these years later, I recall it with such fondness.
      With magic and enchantment, your way, Gary :)

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  9. Awww Hare and the search for his glasses! Surreal! Utterly surreal!

    Take care
    x

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    1. Hi Old Kitty,
      I think it took surreality to a whole new level! :)
      Magical and happy wishes, your way, Gary :)
      x

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  10. Awesome, dude! I never caught Jethro Tull, but Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and The Who were a few of my favorites from across the pond ...

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    1. Hi Jackie,
      You have listed some of my favourites also. Throw in some "Yes" and some "Emerson Lake and Palmer" and I'm really tripping.
      Magical writing wishes, your way, Gary :)

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  11. Wish I could have a party like that in my garden! I need to get me some more gnomes and stuff.

    That was utterly spectacular, Gary.

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    1. Hi Susan,
      Oh the wee folks have had some amazing parties in my garden. On June 21, 2010, they had this spectacular "Wee Folks Wedding" in my garden. I got to take all the photos. I noted neighbours were giving me rather puzzled looks. About normal, really.
      You can never have enough gnomes n'stuff. Add a few pixies, elves and fairies and you're good to go :)
      Must go now and check out the hare...
      Magical wishes and a truck load of gnomes n' stuff, your way, Gary :)

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  12. I marvel! I am astonished! I love the giant mushroom!

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    1. Hi Dixie,
      I marvel at your astonishment! :) The giant mushroom is heading your way...
      With magical and happy thoughts, your way, Gary :)

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  13. That's a really creepy garden.

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    1. Excellent! And you have been invited to become an honorary garden gnome. No need to bring along a fake beard. One will be supplied....

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  14. Boy, does this bring back memories. Haha, what a card. I was 20. I was supposed to attend the concert, but ended up sick with the flu. All my friends went without me! I was so sick I didn't mind. This was a hoot to watch. This definitely makes up for the "July 1st comment".

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    1. Hey Joylene,
      It was one of the most incredible concerts I have ever been too. That's really unfortunate that you had the flu at the time. Who knows, if you had been there we could of met up and hung out with your friends and my freaky hippy friends. I had just turned 20 at the time of the concert. So there you go, young lady! :) July 1st, Canada Day, eh....

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    2. I was 20 too! And a hippy! And a mum! Wow.

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    3. Hi Joylene,
      I noticed you mentioned you were 20 in that first comment you so kindly left me. Yes indeed, we are about the same age. Obviously you have maintained your youthful radiance. Whilst I have been recalling my far out and trippy hippy daze....
      I was grade 8 class president at Sir Winston Churchill high school in Vancouver. I have no idea why I wrote that....

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    4. I was a country pumpkin living in Maple Ridge on a farm with lots of manure. I considered myself a hippie graduate. I think.

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    5. Hey Joylene,
      Ah yes and I, of course, have a PHD, 'Piled Higher and Deeper' degree in manure :) You may remember, being such a small world, that my step-dad lived in Haney when he was a young boy.
      Take care, you hippie chick, you!

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  15. I saw Tull in Knoxville,Tn sometime in early 1975 and was so impressed that I caught the same tour when they played Terre Haute, Indiana in September of that same year. I agree it was an incredible concert. Very theatrical. In Knoxville I had a front row seat which afforded me a great intimate view. The opening act there was another incredible act The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. It was a night to remember.


    Lee
    Places I Remember
    Wrote By Rote
    An A to Z Co-host blog

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    1. Hey Lee,
      Wow, that's really cool. I consider that Jethro Tull were and probably still are, one of the best live concerts around. And the "Sensational Alex Harvey Band", great opening act.
      All the best and happy writing.
      Gary

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  16. Dear Gary,
    Ah, the wee folk, and Jethro Tull aswell! What more could you ask for?
    I always knew you were a secret hippy, Gary, and this just confirms my suspicions.
    Very Best Wishes,
    David.

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    1. Dear David,
      Ah yes, the wee folks and Jethro Tull doing a gig in my garden. A dream come true. No secret about me being a hippy. Faaaarrrr outttt maaaannnn!
      Hippy wishes, your way, Gary

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  17. I'm glad to know that magic is still afoot. Near on 40 years later and I'm still enchanted. Thanks for that, Gary. Love to the wee folks and to you,
    Laura
    x

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    1. Hey Laura,
      Ah yes, the magic lives on. The enchantment of that time so long ago, still impacts me in a very positive way.
      The wee folks and my weird n' crazy self, send you loving wishes.
      x

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  18. That was splendidly loonified. I enjoyed it very much hehehe, thanks for that :)

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    1. Hi All Consuming,
      I'm delighted you enjoyed that. "Loonified" is a most apt word :)
      Magical wishes, your way, Gary

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  19. Adorable, as is your garden of gnomes. This Tull is certainly a worthy successor to Peter and the Wolf!

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    1. Hi Susan,
      My garden of wee folks are the most adorable of creatures. And Jethro Tull, a fusion of medieval music, meets English folk music, meets rock music. Splendid musicians and the flautist, lead singer, Ian Anderson, is right up there with the classical contemporaries. Great comparison to "Peter and the Wolf".
      Have a great weekend.
      In kindness, Gary

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  20. adorable and I love your garden with the wee ones there is always something magical happening

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    1. Hey becca,
      Thanks for that. And the wee folks are hiding inside their mushroom homes cause we have had so much rain this April.
      Take care and magical wishes, your way, Gary

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  21. Hi Gary

    Well I've finally caught up with your April posts....sorry for having been absent for so long. And this is what I've been missing eh? Jethro Tull on some LSD trip :) I couldn't work it out but did the hare find his glasses? I think my brother was a Jethro Tull fan. I will have to ask him if he's ever seen this theatrical display, it would explain a lot. No wonder you've never been the same since but I have to say I prefer your own interpretation of Utopia through the wee folks. Take Care x

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    1. Hi GEM,
      I'm really honoured that you have gone to so much trouble to go through and comment on my April posts. I appreciate, what with your Russian adventure, finding the time to leave all these comments. Thank you.
      Jethro Tull being Jethro Tull. Then again, maybe they smoked the giant mushroom in the video :) Oops, I have no idea if the hare found his spectacles.
      Your brother, if he has seen that particular theatrical display, will know what has happened to me :)
      Thanks for thinking the wee folks world is a better interpretation of a Utopian world. Many underlying meanings within the messages of the wee folks. And to think there are people who think I'm living in some escapist fantasy land.
      Take care and thanks again for all your comments.
      Gary
      xx

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  22. It looks like your wee people are enjoying the spring weather. :)

    Have a wonderful week, my friend!

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    1. Hi Sharon,
      Actually, those were photos of the wee folks from last spring. This April has been the wettest ever recorded in Britain. And this during a time when the government has informed us we are in a "drought".
      Thanks Sharon and may you have a peaceful, positive week :)

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  23. A magical post Gary.
    And my verdict on Jethro Tull's "A Passion Play" It's quintessentially English!

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    1. Hi Madeleine,
      Thanks for embracing the magic. And "quintessentially English!" A perfect description of Jethro Tull's "A Passion Play".
      All the best and continued happy writing.
      Gary

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  24. Hi Gary ... now that does explain a lot - not the leek bit, but the mind musings, and that video is just great. I had never seen it .. reminds me of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland - the ballet ... but the specs - where be the specs?

    Cheers - that was just heart warming .. and fun - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,
      Of course, the leek bit or Leek bit would be in regards to the fact I always wanted to live in a town named after an 'onion'.
      I can understand the Tim Burton reference. And where indeed are the spectacles....
      Thanks Hilary and this posting was rather twee with a few wee folks.
      All the best and happy writing,
      Gary

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  25. Haven't heard from Jethro Tull for ages! And yes, that video is quite surreal, like Alice in Wonderland. I used to have a spectacular garden in CA, but the weather here in Seattle, plus the wildlife, prevents me from building one. That and the fact that I've been broke for over 4 years!! Thanks for sharing, Gary!!!

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    1. Hey Nancy,
      Ah yes, Jethro Tull, brings back some surreal memories and that video sure proves the magic of surreality and good old Alice :)
      Oh, I know all about the weather in Seattle. Having lived in Vancouver and just experiencing the wettest April on record, in Britain, I know all about dismal gardening.
      My garden was created by using old odds n' ends I could find and bring back to life the 'dead' plants at the gardening centre.
      Oh, by the way, I saw the Moody Blues in Seattle around 1982.
      Happy writing, Nancy :)
      In kindness, Gary

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  26. Replies
    1. Hi Jeff,
      Indeed, awesome. Good to see you back blogging, my friend :)

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  27. hahahaha. oh shit. glad I was fried when I saw that video. Otherwise, like the person in the bee outfit (I did see a giant bee, right?) I might have to dance around in the woods and... well, in my case, mate with Fidelina, the Fairy Princess... or a tree. Whichever comes first.

    Seriously though, what a wonderful message the Wee Folk inspire. Joy. Peace. Not judging a book by it's cover. And more. As usual, you have a way of blending a great lesson with some laughs and sincere feelings of peace.

    I wish you and the Wee Folk to have a dandy weekend. I promise to use protection upon finding Fidelina, too. I'm a helluva guy, after all.

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    1. Hi Kelly,
      Being fried would most likely help when watching that video. Beehive yourself! Of course you saw a real bee and you have been buzzed ever since. Come dance in the woods with the wee folks and frolic with Fidelina. Or tickle a tree trunk.
      I always knew that you understood the underlying meaning of the wee folks. And I know you realise that they are actually out there in my garden and making out under magic mushrooms.
      Fidelina awaits you and is thankful you will be using protection. A dime bag to cover will be okay....

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  28. Hi Gary,
    I love how I think I leave a comment, but don't!

    The wee folk sure know how to live, and Jethro Tull must have been drinking from the same well as the surrealists. I'm familiar with that well water, and I can assure you that although it's tempting to sip from it, it's a bit trippy!

    Now to my garden to see if wee folks live here too:)

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    1. Hi THE SNEE,
      You most certainly left a comment now and I'm very grateful,
      Ah yes, the wee folks and Jethro Tull, all's 'well' that ends 'well' :) What a deep subject and cheers to you.
      I'm sure you will find some wee folks in your garden.
      Magical wishes to you, Rebecca.
      In kindness, Gary

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.