I’ve been obsessed with this mix for a while :) I never knew that there was medieval revival music in the 60s. Credit to @teleglamslam on TikTok.

A halfling archer

By @ivyafowler on Instagram

A ranger with his companions

By @rangers_of_the_lost_realm on Instagram

wilderlandranger:

Types of people Middle Earth

Aragorn: watching the sky get light, clothes worn like a second skin, whispered promises, broken swords, sleeping among the trees, songs of lost love

Frodo: linen shirts, silk waistcoats, self sacrifice, mushrooms, tea by the fire, not daring to trust, romanticizing stories of adventure

Merry: sun flowers, protective, sudden acts of strength, getting into trouble, willing to fight to protect loved ones, stepping into the wild for the first time

Pippin: easy grins and laughter, snatching berries from a neighbor’s yard, quick mind, remembering old songs, getting too deep too fast, pipeweed

Samwise: going to bed after a long days work, love of gardens, loyal to the end, dirt smudges, venturing away from places known, refusing to lose hope

Gandalf: ancient wisdom, heavy with burdens unknown, wool cloaks, fireworks fading into darkness, remembering old languages, many names, scrolls of forgotten knowledge

Legolas: in awe of forests, lost in thought, scared of death, clear night sky and full moon, reading the stars, ivy on old statues

Boromir: overcoming struggle, the smell of blood, steel swords, white stone, honor above all else, the cry of a horn in the night, desperate to do right

Gimli: rubies under mountains, gruff voices, folklore passed down generations, battle cries, humor in the darkness, naming weapons for their deeds, amber ale

Arwen: purple twilight, velvet, fearing the end of the world, prophesy, lyres and harps, bluebells among ferns, fickle magic

Eowyn: plains of yellowed grass, blue skies, freckles, hidden strength, forgotten at home, protecting at all costs, braided hair, farmiliar with grief, intricately carved wood

Galadriel: fine lace, silver laughter, ancient music, overwhelming power, beauty told in stories, full moon, golden embroidery, walking barefoot through the grass

Bilbo: learning the world through maps, finding courage in unexpected places, telling stories to children, running headfirst into adventure, red wool coats, breakfast feasts

Thorin: desperate for home, hiding emotion, crackling trees lit up with flame, hidden doors of stone, old maps handed down from father to son, fearing madness

Faramir: desperate for approval, old cave systems, waterfalls in the moonlight, remembering myth, pine trees in the wild, ruined cities restored, well worn paths

Theoden: weathered faces, greying hair, wisdom earned through experience, strength to lend to soldiers, fingers gripping the hilt of a familiar sword, riding to the aid of another

Elrond: looking into the future, fear of darkness, vaulted ceilings, flute music, fine silk, light filtering through trees, shimmer of water under the moon, honoring old allies

A little taste of spring

Hello dear ranger, remember as you walk along the path covered in Moss draping the cobblestone as a mosaic much as you wish to turn back. Think of how far you’ve come. Think of the little taste of spring, The little taste of spring. What is that you may ask? That is a little bit of crisp fresh air and morning dew hitting your face as you inhale the valley in front of you. Remember as you watch, the berries grow off of my My sister, she will guide you safely through your clearing in your path. Do not be afraid. Do ranger to also take a rest as needed when you tire, remember as you lay down your head next to fields and woods of animals playing as you listen to the birds trip their last chirp before their rain comes. You know dear ranger there is a saying when it comes to March the month of which we’re in it goes on but there’s also another saying some people choose to say in like a lion out like a lamb that also apply to many other months. You’ve scaled mountains and climbed peaks. You’ve danced with ghosts in the past few weeks, but also you’ve listened to stories of bakers and potters and little Millers who live with their daughters. But dear ranger, remember that this is almost the end of a very deep winter. It’s not quite spring but once it is it will be the beginning. Life is going to flourish and so are you so do not give up to your ranger for there is another year in stored for you.

An entrance to spring

Hello dear ranger, remember as you pass through this march as the little marshes wash away against your boot as you trip over cobblestones and jump over walls The forest will always be watching and waiting as you trace my leaves that have started to grow from my branches. Pick the fruit from my from my trees as my arms. Reach down to curse your face with my leaves as the raindrops onto your head The wind will constantly whisper your name, whisking you away too far away places, but also do not forget my sister the highlands as her grass grows into a warm summer. We will currently be entering spring. Don’t forget to rest against her deer beds as you carefully make your bed of hay. Don’t forget the cows that are grazing in the fields or the sky. That is so blue and wondrous like a sea up above instead of seafoam you’ll be looking at clouds washing away the night sky as the sun dips into the day. But dear ranger, I do not only have a sister in the Highlands. I also have a sister in the mountains. Remember as you climb her rocks and her terrain as her snow melts as you step and crunch through the harsh winter into my sister’s and their spring. Remember how you feel and how you have survived through this harsh winter many things have come gone but you and my sibling stay constant now. Go along dear ranger, I’ll always be waiting with my branches extending to you.

Dear Ranger, As you wake up this morning listen to the sound of the pitter-patter of rain as it hits your tint. Listen to the breeze rush through my canopy as droplets hang from my leaves like crystals. Remember the snow is beginning to melt as the grass starts to peak through. See the mushrooms beginning to spore on my body as the owls rest in my chest. Now, dear Ranger as you pack your watered-down things as you think today may weigh you down. Remember the silence and wonder in the rain. Yes, mud may swallow you as you tread up my hills or water slicks your footing on rocks. But soon you will reach the top as the rain dries there will be a pass as snow slashes at your face like emotions. You see the darkness of the night wondering am I alone? But you are not my dear Ranger you will never be fully alone. The owl is my watcher following you making sure you reach your destination safely. Those impasses mean they will pass. Soon the snow will melt forever and the rain will dry. Just like your tears and emotions, it leaves room for openness in the spring to come. Now My dear Ranger when you reach my meadow at the top my owl will rest in my chest again as the deer come to graze nearby. You may take solace in this, but you stayed determined and reached my valleys and meadows at the end. I am proud of you, dear ranger. Now, as you unpack, do not be frightened. The meadow my child will care for you until you are ready to tread on your next adventure. You may now rest and you may now breathe. 

Dear ranger, as the sunset on the final day as the hour, hits twelve on a new year remember as you sit upon your hill watching the fireworks bounce off the evening sky glimmering as new stars and ending as ash. The year you spent and the year that was. Adventures through the old woods as you danced with the ghost on Mabon, in their masquerade through the square. As you made new friends with all that you along the way on your path. Remember the rolling hills of summer and the quiet whistle through the meadow in spring. But overall the dreams of winter and the fog rolling as you walked through hillsides. This year dear ranger I will say before I leave for now I predict greatness in you. You are going to climb great mountains and tread strong waters. The friends will become old and you will make many new ones. But remember dear ranger I predict no one this year will be as strong as you. Now go along now dear ranger with your pack on your back and your curiosity in your eye. Through the woods again as I will be watching you once more to provide and gift in the spring something wonderful for you. 

A sleep in a tavern

Dear Ranger, As you lay on your feathered pillow listening to the wind of a cold winter’s night. Think of your travel. Think of the beginning in a small little village in a small little country. Out in the open. Think of the steps you have climbed,The creatures you befriended, The ones you traded with, And the ones you passed. Think of the sun as it shined through the trees or the meadows you saw straw sticking out of. Think of the doe as she lay with her child. Think of the winter cold as it swept in touching all with a chilly kiss. Think dear Ranger as you pay for your lodgings. Being indoors does not make you less outdoors it can be an adventure as much inside an inn as it is out there. Think dear Ranger before you dream of the winter festival you enjoyed with the villagers of this new town. Now dream dear ranger drift off in your river of sleep. And for you dear ranger have a sweet dream of your happy holiday.

A remembrance of winter.

Dear ranger remember the air of winter as you sit on the stone wall at the edge of the woods. With crisp air breaking in and out of your frozen nose as your hands run over every finger of the other for heat. Oh dear ranger remember the love you had for the fall before as you danced amongst the stones with ghosts in the highlands listening to their instruments. Remember the warmth of summer as you lounged on hills watching horses drink from creeks below as you chewed on fresh corn you traded the farmer for. Remember finally the fresh scent of spring the rain of a rebirth after the dead in the snow. Now dear ranger as you sit on your stone wall running your fingers over eachother look to the sky for your next adventure. We woods will stay as you travel through us once more. Waiting to flourish for your spring. So go along now dear ranger were waiting for you.

Here are some deities for any ranger to ask for guidance when lost or for safe passage on a journey I will break down history for each one starting with Greece

Hermes

Hermes has been known as a jack of all trades god but what he is well known for is guidance. If it’s helping souls pass to the other world or just docking a boat. He was the man with a plan. Hermes was prayed to by multiple people ranging from merchants to well theives. Depending on the location to his form of worship was changed some just worshipped his staff and would have buildings with it craved into the door frame, but some would have a statue of him in their town. Most though, would have a temple dedicated to him. Not only was he a god of travelers, but he also was of taxes and tricksters. But overall he was a protector even if a Merchant would pray for safety and a robber would pray for loot. In the end it would come in Merchant gets safety by not getting stabbed and robber gets money.  So it’s a win win. Overall, he is much more powerful than people give him in depiction as well. But judge as you must he is worshiped by many today. So remember on your travels in the Mediterranean that you may pass a man standing at a cross roads resting on a sign don’t forget to wave hello for you don’t know when thieves might be lurking nearby. 

A rangers halloween walk

As you walk along the cobblestone path of the town do not forget to look at the lanterns lit to light a way. As you walk your masked companion will tell you stories of the town she sings a tune of her childhood and adulthood giving a familiar feeling. A strange warmth as she lays a cold hand on your shoulder pointing to the old taverns explaining that was once a bakery or the doctors once being a seamstress. But as you walk you notice the towns folk ignore her. You listen to her tale and tell her of your own as her eyes filled with wonder under her mask. As you finally get to the woods you see fog roll in as she disappears. You find the grave and light a candle and as you leave you can hear that hum of the tune. Of the masked woman of once you knew. So remember this Halloween on your travels pay ode to those with a tune and a light for those who came before

Rangercore things to do this fall

• Make pumpkin bread to take on travels
• Carry corn for the crows you see to let them know you are a visitor and no threat
• Feel the crunch of leaves under your feet as you travel through small forests
• Walk through a pumpkin field near your companion
• Pick fresh apples from trees as your friends catch them below as the fresh autumn air fills your lungs
• Make acorn squash with warm butter and brown sugar roasted over a fire
• Sip stew when traveling to keep warm during the night
• Sew a new patch on your pants as the sky fades to night
• Watch the village from afar put its Halloween festival on as you hum into the night on the road again

A rangers dream of winter

As you bed down for the night above the cover of your bed roll think. Think of the beauty in which summer has but dream, dream of winter. The time in which the earth is asleep. The plants and animals dream of a summer while you are awake traveling through cold terrains. Watching birds hop about in the snow as frost lands on your eye lashes. Dream of the fog forming from your breath as you see a distant town as it escapes your lips from a grin. Dream of the townsfolk decorating for holidays as you travel through thanking them for generosity. The image of meeting others in a small tavern over warm bowls of soup with thickened broth from baked bread crumbs and potatoes. The smells oh the smells of the spices from holiday drinks as you sit in your chair and pay your fee before leaving with extra soup and bread to go. The crunch of snow freshly fallen under your feet as you look up at the bright sky. Somewhere between night and day. Finally as you make your way to the campsite you set up you rest your head next to your fire. As you awake again in summer. But you see the bird fly over again and remember your dream of winter.

Here is a list of Etsy shops I have recently bought from for working on my casual wear and Ranger fit

Shop 1 Folk of the Wood mainly archery and elven themed they sell cowls and capes: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FolkOfTheWood?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=238720959 

Shop 2 Fell and Fair more on the battlefield compared to high fantasy sells well made not just ranger is sold here but just overall armor and leathers: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FellAndFair?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=470098339

Shop 3 Moyamensing good arm bracers and cowls mostly accessories: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Moyamensing?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=656105307

Shop 4 is Cletic Fusion Design sells great winter clothes that are casual good for snow and water terrain: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CELTICFUSIONDESIGN?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=235956337

Shop 5 Cloak Closet a shop that has summer wear cloaks good for dry seasons for they are unwaxed and unlined: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CloakCloset?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=170628368

Shop 6 The Caped Companion sells mostly mantles and cloaks that are warm: 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCapedCompanion?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1061681161

Shop 7 Valkyrie Custom wear mostly Norse inspired clothes made for SCA quality events: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ValkyrieCustomWear?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=586841745

8 Chicken vicious shop that sells mostly Viking inspired and some ranger wear: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChickenVicious?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=825076868

These are all I have currently, I, will reblog when I update with more thank you for those who read 

A list for any adventuring party includes making merry with fellow travelers here are some things you can do 

1. Make a meal, nothing beats a good meal next to a fire with a cool breeze gently grazing your skin as you help your friends make fresh meals with items packed and foraged 

2.Stargazing it’s august-September the skies are usually crystal clear unless stormy maybe you may find a wish,a meteor, or a strange man with a pale woman running from some witches.

3. Conversation nothing beats conversation on a hot night its great distraction and you get to know your friends around you. It helps build deeper connections.

4. Listen just listen to the sounds around in silence before drifting to sleep wolves howling nearby, wind hitting trees, rivers running, or ocean hitting the sand, it’s an experience many must take in it’s your memory your stories no one else can experience or take it from you.

Wyoming

1. Wild Wax Currant (mid winter-early spring found in sandy mountainous areas)
2. Serviceberries (Summer  found in swamps and lowlands) 
3. Sweetroot (Summer found in valleys in shady areas)
4. Harebell (Mid-late summer found in dry lands)
5. Wild strawberries (Found in mid spring-early summer)

Colorado

1. White ash berries late (spring-mid summer found in moist soil that drains)
2. Asparagus (Mid spring found in sunlit areas WARNING DO NOT EAT THE BERRIES FOUND ON THE FEMALE PLANT THEY ARE TOXIC)
3. Waterleaf (Fall found in woodlands)
4. Rosehips (Spring-Summer found in shady moist areas)

California 

• Peruvian apple cactus (late spring-late summer found near hedges)
• Prickly Pear Cactus (late summer-early winter found in higher elevated deserts with dry soil)  
  
• Olives (early fall-late fall Found in semi shaded areas in valleys )

Utah

• Golden currant (late summer found in road side ditches WARNING DO NOT EAT THESE ONES EAT THE ONES FOUND IN THICKETS OR MEADOWS CAR EMISSIONS CAN AFFECT THE PLANT)
• Dwarf smooth sumac (Late summer WARNING DO NOT EAT THE LEAVES THEY ARE HARMFUL AND TOXIC found in woodlands or fields)
• Nanking Cherry (early summer in colder zones throughout Utah spread via birds)

I rarely get to go outside but here are some photos from my walk I didn’t go past the no tress passing sign

Continuing my foraging log I will talk about Idaho and Montana 

Idaho

1. Wild Ginger (spring found in cool and moist areas )
   
2. Wild Strawberry( Late spring- Early summer found in meadows and on the side of streams) 
3. Saskatoon berry (season is July only a month found in timberline areas)
4. Thimbleberry (I live coast side so I have never seen these in person but the photos online look adorable they are found in wooded and wet areas they are best foraged for in early-Mid summer)
5. Chokecherry (Early-Late summer found where there is sunlight)
   
6. Elderberry( Late summer found in moist areas)

Montana

1. Bearberry (Early spring found in foothills)
2. Wild Bergamot ( Early-Late summer found in prairies )
3. Wild Licorice (Early-Mid summer found in low ground nearby streams)
4. Cow-Parsnip (Mid-Late spring found near streams WARNING BE CAREFUL WHEN PICKING AN PREPARING THESE CAN AND WILL LEAVE NASTY BURNS WITHOUT PROPER PREPARATION)
5. White Bog Orchid (Mid-Late summer found in wet bog areas WARNING DO NOT EAT THE LEAVES THEY ARE POISONOUS )

Spring/summer is right around the corner so I am going to make a list of edible plants you can forage for in the Pacific Northwest and make seperate posts for different Parts of the country as well and a few countries outside of mine 

 Oregon:

1. Hawthorn berries (side effects are the seeds do not eat)
2. Blackberries (late spring-early fall)
   
3. Fairy Bell Berries(Summer berry plant found in wet forest)
   
4. Juneberry (June-July found in foothills and lowland do not eat raw the pits are dangerous raw as they contain CYANIDE)
5. False strawberry (late spring-early fall open woods and edges of forest)
6. Oregon Grape ( Summer DO NOT EAT IN LARGE AMOUNTS THEY ARE DANGEROUS THEY CAN ALSO DESTROY GOOD BACTERIA WHEN EATEN BE CAREFUL )
7. Jerusalem Artichoke (March)
   
8. Siberian Miner’s Lettuce (Late winter-early spring found in wetlands)
9. Sea Asparagus ( Early spring - Early fall found in Marshes near ocean)
   
10. Brookelime (Spring-Fall do not eat near polluted water)

Washington

1. Blue Elderberry(Late Spring-Early summer found in damp places)
2. Serviceberry (Late spring-Summer found in hills and rocky areas)
3. Bullwhip kelp (Early Summer-Late summer ocean)
4. Onion Grass (All year in meadows and grassland WARNING THEY HAVE A TWIN CALLED STAR OF BETHLEHEM TO CHECK IF IT'S NOT THAT CRUSH IT ON A ROCK YOU WILL KNOW IF IT’S NOT THE TWIN IF THEY LEAVE A STRONG SCENT THE TWIN IS POISONOUS)
5. Chickweed (Early spring found in damp soils underneath treelines)
6. Fireweed(Late spring-Early fall)
7. Japanese knotweeds(Early Spring-early Summer)

1. Do not just enjoy wildlife enjoy the locals they know about the area and can teach you

2. Respect the land and return rocks do not take without giving the earth is made on trades

3. Leave small tokens sometimes not everything has to be a trade but can be an offering the woods are peaceful and safe when taken care of

4. Do not disrespect those who reside in the woods they can be befriended if careful but do not give your name 

5. Before entering a wooded area make sure of buddy systems and take someone with you especially in winter it’s dangerous

6. When resting make sure to clean up after yourself 

7. Remember to pack water and to leave creatures alone if they do not wish to be handled friendship with animals is built as if with a person

1.learning to weave baskets 

2. Making paper to map where you are

3. Baking perishables like chips and soup then storing them for your next outing 

5.Drawing the landscape in winter vs Spring so you know your way even in the snow

6. Befriending a bird they are amazing guides 

7. Learning about the flora and fauna in your area in order to not disturb it too much on your journey 

8. Sewing a light weight cloak for the end of spring and a heavy one for the beginning 

9.Picking up pine needles and jarring them to use in projects

10. Finally make friends or acquaintances with locals on your travels but socially distance the best you can 

Somewhere, Arkansas

Types of people Middle Earth

Aragorn: watching the sky get light, clothes worn like a second skin, whispered promises, broken swords, sleeping among the trees, songs of lost love

Frodo: linen shirts, silk waistcoats, self sacrifice, mushrooms, tea by the fire, not daring to trust, romanticizing stories of adventure

Merry: sun flowers, protective, sudden acts of strength, getting into trouble, willing to fight to protect loved ones, stepping into the wild for the first time

Pippin: easy grins and laughter, snatching berries from a neighbor’s yard, quick mind, remembering old songs, getting too deep too fast, pipeweed

Samwise: going to bed after a long days work, love of gardens, loyal to the end, dirt smudges, venturing away from places known, refusing to lose hope

Gandalf: ancient wisdom, heavy with burdens unknown, wool cloaks, fireworks fading into darkness, remembering old languages, many names, scrolls of forgotten knowledge

Legolas: in awe of forests, lost in thought, scared of death, clear night sky and full moon, reading the stars, ivy on old statues

Boromir: overcoming struggle, the smell of blood, steel swords, white stone, honor above all else, the cry of a horn in the night, desperate to do right

Gimli: rubies under mountains, gruff voices, folklore passed down generations, battle cries, humor in the darkness, naming weapons for their deeds, amber ale

Arwen: purple twilight, velvet, fearing the end of the world, prophesy, lyres and harps, bluebells among ferns, fickle magic

Eowyn: plains of yellowed grass, blue skies, freckles, hidden strength, forgotten at home, protecting at all costs, braided hair, farmiliar with grief, intricately carved wood

Galadriel: fine lace, silver laughter, ancient music, overwhelming power, beauty told in stories, full moon, golden embroidery, walking barefoot through the grass

Bilbo: learning the world through maps, finding courage in unexpected places, telling stories to children, running headfirst into adventure, red wool coats, breakfast feasts

Thorin: desperate for home, hiding emotion, crackling trees lit up with flame, hidden doors of stone, old maps handed down from father to son, fearing madness

Faramir: desperate for approval, old cave systems, waterfalls in the moonlight, remembering myth, pine trees in the wild, ruined cities restored, well worn paths

Theoden: weathered faces, greying hair, wisdom earned through experience, strength to lend to soldiers, fingers gripping the hilt of a familiar sword, riding to the aid of another

Elrond: looking into the future, fear of darkness, vaulted ceilings, flute music, fine silk, light filtering through trees, shimmer of water under the moon, honoring old allies

“Then something Tookish woke up inside him and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick.”

-Tolkien, The Hobbit

I am content to wander where my feet lead me.

My dear wanderers and woodspeople,

I would like to share with you the pattern and instructions to make a sporran.

In case you do not know, a sporran is a traditional Scottish bag worn on a belt. I made this one in about a day.

Such bags keep your hands free, valuables close, and add another layer and texture to your garb.

Pattern pieces

Bag. Dimensions: 9 in at the widest, 6 in at the top, 9 in tall. cut two and two of lining

Top. Dimensions: 9 in wide, however long you want. A half moon shape. Cut two and one interfacing (optional)

Belt loop. Dimensions: 6 in by 5 in.

Other Materials

Thread. I used linen. It should be noted that linen thread needs to be strengthened with a bit of wax to prevent shredding against the eye of the needle.

Drawstring. I made one using a fingerloop braid.

Paper. For your pattern

Thimble. Always a good idea

Fabric. Mine is cabbage (scrap) from the dress I made.

Instructions

1. Trace and cut out pattern pieces. take care to note what each piece is.

2. Pin pattern to fabric and trace. I used chalk for this. Cut fabric with a seam allowance of your preference.

3. Stitch lining to each half of the bag along chalk lines. I did this after basting the lining and outer together so there was little movement between pieces.

4. Stitch two halves of the bag together. I used a backstitch for this, as the bag will be holding weight.

5. Turn right side out and fold over the top of the bag to make the drawstring casing. Stitch this, taking care to fold the raw edge under.

6. Now, the top! If using interfacing, stitch this to one piece and put other top piece on the other side. You want to see the interfacing.

7. Stitch the straight edge, then flip the fabric over the interfacing.

8. Carefully tuck the raw edges of both pieces under and stitch. You may need to clip the curve to get it to sit right.

9. Attach the straight seam to the bag, just below the casing. Stitch.

10. Make a hole to insert drawstring and pull it through.

11. Fold belt loop in half and sew into a loop. Hem the sides.

12. Attach belt loop just below the seam for the top. I backstitched this.

13. (optional) I added a button on the front of the bag and another cord to loop around and secure the top.

If you have any questions please message me!

I know where the moon falls

and yellows towards the river.

Water takes it.

~Deborah Tall, Yearning.

Near my house is a little forest that I grew up playing in. This morning I woke to watch the sunrise and spent time under the trees. The dress in these pictures is the one I made by hand during quarantine.