Field-Elf Enigma
In 1963, I was a Boy Scout. Mr. Taliaferro, our scoutmaster, arranged a troop bike ride into the foothills. We would meet at 6 a.m. at Sierra Enterprise School and set out at daybreak. I lived only 5 miles away but somehow got rambuctious and set out an hour early. I parked my bike in the rack and made my way to the gate beside the principal's office. Mr. Mollett, the custodian and bus driver, always locked the chain with a foot and a half of play so people could get in. I did, stood on the outdoor ramp, and waited for others to arrive. I settled back against a steel pole and watched light gather at the gate. Then, I saw it.
A tiny head peeked out of the gloom, looked all round --at me too!-- then dashed across the dim-lit concrete ramp. Another followed and another, five in all. These were tiny, well-proportioned humanoids --nearly 2 feet tall-- with very strong, very fast legs.
All the crazy conduiting behind him is mine from the 1980s decade --a time of monetary conservation when I would chisel things out of felled trees. He's been on the washing machine in the porch since last Saturday. Norma's Mom is clearing her home and returned it to us for re-gifting. I gave it to them in 1990 to enhance their wonderful garden --in which Norma and I had our wedding 20 years earlier. Norma transferred him to her studio to be packed for shipment to our Daughter, who requested it.
When Field-elf was still under construction, we had (one of many) visits from Sally (childhood friend of Daughter) and her parents. Her Dad grew up on a farm near the school mentioned above and asked me about the carving. I told him the story. He said not many Occidentals knew about the Yōsei (supernatural little ones) but, as a kid, he was sent out early in the morning to chase them off the crops.
Daughter, all grown up now and living back East, should receive it next week.
Lucky daughter.
ReplyDeleteLucky parents.
DeleteA marvelous gift and a wonderful family story to be handed down to new generations.
ReplyDeleteI hope the theme will survive, Emma. Daughter saw the elf built and knows its story. It's part of the wonder of her story too.
DeleteUh-huh.
ReplyDeleteDear Bruce, ideas are carved and crystalize into enchanted objects --but you know that.
DeleteYou were a talented wood worker. How was the bike ride?
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
Thanks dear Sage. The bike ride was interesting. I'd never ridden in a large group before and found it hard to keep my speed down --some of the boys were getting tired, so I dropped back to keep an eye out for any fainting. When we reached the long slope where Jackson Highway enters the valley, I saw a young woman walking and weeping along the road. I wanted to stop and ask if I could help, but I was only 13 and knew little of adult problems. 56 years later, I'm still ambivalent about it.
DeleteIt is amazing those things like the woman crying that we experience as a youth that stay with us all our lives.
DeleteReverend, I guess in joy and pain we teach each other --even when the student is in doubt. Doubt can be a learning experience too.
DeleteNice carving with such a lovely history.
ReplyDeleteThere is a grove of coastal redwoods less than an hour north of here in Big Sur that is a special and sacred space for our family. Reports of sightings of little people fill the area's history. A friend always pauses and pays respect before entering the grove. The place seems filled with magic. I am always filled with reverence.
It's heartwarming to know your carving will find a home with your daughter. Legends live that way.
Thanks Tom, I had fun whittling it. I meant it for their garden but they kept it indoors at the sliding glass door that gave onto the garden --which is why it still has its colors, (body-- painted eucalyptus and hemlock fir, head-- cherrywood). Did a lot of work in metal and wood between paychecks in those days. Some were results of stories; some made their own. Daughter, our youngest reviewed the work as it progressed. She is now a theatre costume designer and manager who has worked all over the world --a legend in her own right.
DeleteGeo, your art is the best re-regift that your daughter will ever get. You know it will be cherished.
ReplyDeleteDear Arleen, I take, as you well-know, a pride in my children that is measureless. It does indeed both humble and reward me when that pride is even fractionally reciprocated. Norma has always been the strong, quiet axis of this family --but I have my moments!
DeleteYour artistic talents never fail to amaze me. Hopefully this enchanting Yosei will have a safe journey. There is no doubt that he will have a loving new home.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jon. His journey will be safe; I gave him legs that can outrun any danger.
DeleteMaybe she will put him in her garden where he can run amok.
ReplyDeleteI imagine she'll keep him near her indoor plantings. There's lots of weather where she lives. And to keep him from being stolen --Elves are prized by smugglers because they fit contraband and themselves through the wall-uprights at our southern border
DeleteThat's a hell of a work of carving, Geo. You're quite a woodworker, do any cabinetry as well?
ReplyDeleteI hesitate to say it, but the elf looks somewhat demonic to me. When I think of elves (consciously avoiding the Ring movies) I think of meadows and dells, and frolicking with flowers.
I'm back in Butte, in what passes for Spring here.
Cheers, pal.
Dear Mike, cabinetry, sculpting, topiary --I've done it all and enjoyed it. I know Yosei is tough-looking but his kind has to be, naked in all weather and dwelling in hollow hills. I have not seen them since the year mentioned in-post, 1963. They may have moved further away since many of the Portuguese and Japanese farms have sold up to developers. However, when walking through a vineyard, I still keep an eye out.
DeleteI'm sure that your daughter will cherish her Field-elf and its story, Geo. I have never been fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the Yōsei or any other small humanoid, but I would not be surprised to see one.
ReplyDeleteDear, dear Louise. So glad to hear from you! Today has been...never mind. If you check the shadow in text-photo3, you'll see a shadow on the studio wall. Imagine 5 of those silhouettes (3-d ones) following each other across a 10-foot gap in the darkness, each one peering out from brick and shrubbery then dashing across the dimly lit concrete walkway. Whether I was far enough away or they didn't consider me a threat, I don't know --but will always be glad I saw them.
DeleteLucky, lucky you!
DeleteSometimes it's exhausting to be in the right place at the right time, but rewarding.
DeleteYou are a skillful carver - and what a lovely item to pass down the generations. I have never seen an elf but it would be an enchanting moment I am sure.
ReplyDeleteEnchantment figures prominently, but at that moment I felt excitement and restraint in equal measures. Figured if the little people wanted contact, they wouldn't be so furtive. They dashed across the pool of light one at a time --like soldiers crossing a bridge-- to minimize danger.
DeleteBeautiful wood work! I wonder, are the Yōsei any relation to gremlins?
ReplyDeleteThanks! As to Yōsei being related to Gremlins, they aren't associated with mechanical mischief so I think not. They purportedly steal vegetables and resemble some other elementals, but facts are understandably sparse.
DeleteLove the image with the explanation! Not many can carve that well. Your daughter will appreciate having it.
ReplyDeleteKind Susan, thanks. I am happy she asked for it.
DeleteYour talents know no bounds! I had no idea you were such a skillful whittler. Knowing that your daughter will cherish the fruits of your woodcarving for many years to come must be both gratifying and humbling.
ReplyDeleteDear Susan, Daughter flew from Chicago to visit 3 days before proceeding on to SF to see brothers. She and I talked about all the carvings I did in the '80s and '90s that she would watch with eyes so dark I still can't discern the pupils. She wanted that one because it wasn't nailed to the house. I imparted the info that I did those carvings and metalworks between paychecks while we uncrumbled this old farmhouse. She is a beautiful, intelligent and competent woman, our girl.
DeleteHow could she not be, dude, with parents like you and Norma?
DeleteShe has Norma's intellect and strength and my strange sense of humor --an unnerving combination,
DeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteGeo... I am impressed. It is a wonderful piece. I can imagine your daughter will be exceptionally happy to have said now. It is really, very special.
PipeTobacco
Dear Prof., Daughter surprised us with an extremely enjoyable visit, after which I am filled with measureless pride in her grace and intelligence. We'll send the carving to her after she visits her brothers in SF. She's happy she'll get Yōsei and has made a place for him in her home.
DeleteWow - this is an interesting figure with an equally interesting background story.
ReplyDeleteDid your daughter ask for any of your other creations?
Thank You! I'm afraid the answer is no --all my other wood-carvings and metal-work were decorative supports and brackets involved in the renewed structural integrity of this property. If I made a gift of any of them, the place would fall down.
DeleteI remember when this happened. You returned home very concerned and described what occurred. I am certain you saw something, I just can't explain.
ReplyDeleteBrother Frank
It sure was strange occurrence, Frank. I remember telling you about it that day. I can't explain it either.
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