Diary of The Journal Keeper

Entry Number Twelve

As I’m sure you realize, my summer wanderings spent roaming the countryside with my two mysterious and engaging friends, Skelly & Gawen have long since passed, although the story Skelly told that very first night has stayed with me. Suffice to say that Skelly’s desire to tell it to me felt like one more clue in solving the mystery of the journal. When I had set out on this journey, I had no idea where it would lead me and surprisingly I found myself sharing a starry summer night sky with two complete strangers who seemed to hold some kind of key. Perhaps this was more then serendipity and fate was dealing the cards. The days spent walking the mossy paths and sleeping under a blanket of twinkling blue were by far the most freeing of my life. I was rejuvenated as I connected to this natural world while being tutored on the ways of this elusive realm. These men were so unusual, so different from anyone I had ever known. They had no real interest in commerce, monetary wealth or any material desires. No discussions on the state of the economy, sporting events or athletic heroes, and if I had mentioned politics, I suspect their eyes would have rolled back as they began to snore. They existed on a different level, and while it was clear they both possessed a keen intelligence, it was never used to dominate or impress, but rather to teach or at least to spin a good yarn. I was continually inspired to photograph the bounty in nature that surrounded us. As Gawen offered his knowledge on the beneficial properties of various plants & flowers, Skelly always had a mystical anecdote to contribute. A new understanding was forming…everything had importance.

I never let on to my traveling companions the true nature of my quest. I sensed in Gawen’s knowing eyes…that perhaps he was keeping secrets too. At summers end, when it came time to part ways I felt saddened. Gawen, perceiving my reluctance to move on alone, reached into his pocket and presented me with a small, intricately carved turtle, which I had seen him working on over the last few days. He reminded me that the turtle never needs to search for home because he carries it with him. As I traveled on alone, I began to see that although I had spent the summer essentially homeless, I had never felt safer or more connected with the universe. My heart felt lighter than ever before. I had been enveloped in a perpetual sense of confusion ever since the finding of the journal. Now I began to feel like a child whose eyes open each morning, anticipating another golden day. I realized I was no longer afraid that I had inadvertently stumbled into someone else’s destiny, and I would soon be revealed as the inadequate fool who had no part in this great play. Or conversely, I WAS the potential hero who would soon prove to be not up to the task. Finally, that fearful fog was beginning to lift.

When I returned home, I could hardly wait to look at the faerie images again. It seemed I had been given new eyes and every detail took on added dimension. Faces and figures seemed to appear in shadows where I had never noticed them before; in the branches of trees, the outline of a cloud, the fold of a fabric, the leaves of a bush. Perhaps a trick of the eyes I thought at first, until with growing amazement, I saw in several images the shadowy shape of a face that seemed so familiar. Hidden in the trees of Fantina’s image, then again in Gnulett’s...it was an older face, kind but powerful…eyes filled with wisdom and mystery. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind - it was Gawen. In that moment of recognition, I knew that I was not in control and what ever mystical threads I was following, they were leading me back to a face that existed 175 years ago. The exact same face I had seen across the campfire just a few weeks before.

I will continue this journey with you when we meet again dear friend…