Enlightened - "One Fairy's Tale": 2008

About The Story:

"Enlightened-One Fairy's Tale" is a sweet story of one fairy's search for true happiness. She is under the very common assumption that if she gets the thing that she wants the very most she will be happy. She soon discovers that true happiness comes in a very different way.
This children's book tells the story of many of us. Today's modern culture teaches us to think only of ourselves and the things that we have and hope to have. But, if happiness truly doesn't come from this, where does it come from? Many people are in search of the secret. In the words of Helen Keller, we learn:
"Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves." Hence the story of one little fairy named "Gracie".

About the Illustrations:

The beautiful illustrations in "Enlightened - One Fairy's Tale" are born of my love for fantastic photography and the new and endless possibilities of photo-shopping.
The photographs have been processed to have an oil-painting like effect that keeps one foot in reality while putting the other in fantasy. My hope is that children who look at this beautiful book will wonder if it is real or not. I want their imaginations to lead them to believe that "if this is real, that could be me", so the story and the message behind it can become more understandable and can have a bigger impact.
I have had the privilege to work with two very talented photographers, whom I also call "Mom and Dad". Together, they have the combined experience of decades and a deep love for photography. We have been able to combine our talents to create this "Labour of Love". Please read more about them in the "About the Photographers" section.

About The Photographers:

Bob and Kathie Wilson of R&K Wilson Photography are a team of 2 married people who absolutely love to take pictures. They love both landscape and portraiture. They have had so much fun creating this little fantasy world photographing these beautiful little children. Many of whom are also their grandchildren. They together have created a wonderful family of 3 daughters and 3 sons. Their children are grown and married and have wonderful families of their own. They also have much loved daughter-in-laws and son-in-laws and 22 beautiful grandchildren. Barbara Thomas who is the Author of "Enlightened-One Fairy’s Tale", happens to be their daughter. It has been a pleasure working on this book together. They are very proud of this beautiful work. When you are doing what you love it really isn’t work but play!