Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Heliotrope

Memo to Philip the Pun:

You've stumped the storyteller. While there are a number of associations for the word "heliotrope," it has no meaning for me other than its Greek reference to the sun. According to some sources, the scent is akin to vanilla. Other sources say heliotrope smells more like cherry pie. Until I myself come into contact with a heliotrope plant (and I'll be careful not to eat it-- if it's poisonous to cattle, it can't be all that good for my innards), I shall invoke clause #3 of my Storytelling Guidelines and provide for you a fairy tale in the common domain that uses the word "heliotrope." Here it is:

How Summer Came to Canada

If Cecily Barker's flower fairy art is to your taste, you may find interesting her interpretation of The Heliotrope Fairy. I myself am not a fan of Barker's work. I think fairies should be portrayed with dirt-encrusted toenails and wild, tangled hair. Barker's fairies look as if they were on their way to a costume ball and stopped in the meadow for a pastoral photo opportunity.

4 comments:

Philip said...

Well, that is not a bad fairy tale (though I protest that it's actually a myth, even though there are fairies in it), but I'm sure that eventually you can come up with a great story about heliotrope.

As for fairies in art, my preferences run toward the work of Tony DiTerlizzi, Ursula Vernon, and of course the wild and whimsical creatures of Brian and Wendy Froud.

John said...

I was told that Heliotrope is a color that is a combination of red and navy...nearly the color of an Eggplant.

Liz said...

Alkelda, please excuse the shenanigans happening over at my site. I do apologize for the disgusting language. I will try and get things under control :)

Saints and Spinners said...

Okay! I would send Brad over to help you clean up things but (1)he's on the road (2) he'd probably just encourage the shenanigans!