The New Day

Thistle woke gently on the new date for The Festival of Petals. She perked up her ears and, for the first time in her life, appreciated the sound of silence. No rain. Just the sound of birds and a warm, gentle breeze passing through the trees into her open window.

She turned to her nightstand to see a stunning bouquet sitting next to a warm cup of tea. Probably the work of her Brownie. A kind gesture for all the hardship she’d been enduring while guiding the Glade, but also a gentle reminder not to forget to bring him back leftovers from the feast. She took note and ensured herself she wouldn’t forget to bring back his favorite loaf.

Having already prepped a colorful array of ingredients the night before for her contribution to the potluck, she was pleased for the unhurried time ahead to prepare. She looked forward to wandering through the Glade. She longed to savor each moment, embracing the day’s enchanting spirit.

As she began cooking, she held intention in every stir, ensuring that every single ingredient had its place in her workings, ensuring she had enough for the well-deserving residents of the Glade to properly celebrate. Heating her stone fire stove outside was when she smelled the perfume in the breeze.

As the Pesto Pizza baked, she turned to face the Glade. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the scents of fresh greenery and life dancing with freshly blended basil and yesterday’s hand-picked aromatics. In previous years, she had taken these smells for granted, but now she recognized that they symbolized resilience, strength, community, and blessings. With a sigh, she wiped the tears of gratitude from her cheeks before heading inside to get ready.

As she walked toward the Field of Petals, she noticed a change in her stride. She moved with a confidence she had only seen in the other Guardians and Ma Violett. Strolling through the Glade’s many blooming nooks and crannies, she marveled at the vibrant abundance of flowers that now thrived because of the heavy rain threatened to destroy them. This sight filled her with an overwhelming sense of pride. She felt validated in her decision to postpone the Festival of Petals and was grateful that a brighter day had indeed arrived before the end of the spring season.

As she approached, she passed the Dryads who were setting up their braiding stations. They were smiling and appeared to be mostly healed, along with their home trees. The field was truly blossoming, with flowers brighter and more abundant than ever.

After placing her potluck contributions safely on the grass, she couldn't help herself and ran through the fields, diving between the blooms and rolling in their scent.

“I figured I wouldn’t be the only one who arrived early,” Mama Bear said behind her.

Thistle popped up, arms wide, grinning from ear to ear.

“Look at this field! Look at the Glade! We did it,” she exclaimed while doing a little dance and sweeping Mama Bear into a big hug. They both laughed as Mama Bear joined her in sitting among the flowers.

“We did do it. And thanks to those enchanted flowers you gave the bumble fairies, this honey may be our best yet for the festival.”

“I’m excited for everyone to see this,” Thistle smiled. “To see their work. To see what happens when we stick together.”

Mama Bear returned the same smile. “And I’m excited to see you enjoying the work of your leadership. If it’s all the same to you, I hope you drizzle the honey first this year.”

Thistle gasped. “Oh wow, really!? I mean, yes! Of course! I’d be honored!”

She hugged her once more, tightly, in a proper bear hug.

“Oh my goodness,” Mama Bear gasped. “I always forget! For such a little thing, you pack a punch, huh?”

“Sorry,” Thistle laughed.

The festival was more beautiful than Thistle remembered, this time with a newfound understanding and deeper connection. Getting her hair braided felt more sacred, knowing what the dryads and their trees went through. Crispin’s apples tasted even richer, knowing that the entire orchard could have fallen apart—that the trees might not have survived the storm.

Dancing around the maypole felt less competitive and more like a dance with her complete community. Seeing the bumble fairies waltz with the flower sprites reminded her that next year, no matter what, the flowers would come back, even if they had to survive a little (or a lot) of rainfall.

But of course, the highlight for Thistle was the feast. Getting to do the First Drizzle of Mama Bear’s honey. Getting to enjoy the blessings from the restored community gardens. And of course, getting to share the pesto pizza she made with care, intention, and as an act of resistance and celebration.

Later that night, after getting to fill the page in her journal about the celestial celebrations and sharing the fruits of the community’s labor with her brownie, she went to bed as gently as she woke up. She was proud of her work, her resilience, her leadership, and her grace in the secret calm of night, bidding farewell to the spring.

Recipe:

Pesto Pizza with Spinach, Prosciutto & Feta

Total Time: ~30–40 minutes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Category: Feasts – Main Dishes

🥗 Dietary Information
✅ Easily Customizable (swap cheeses or use dairy-free alternatives)
✅ Rich in Greens & Flavor
❌ Contains Dairy (unless substituted)
❌ Contains Gluten (unless GF dough is used)
⚠ Contains Meat (prosciutto; optional)

Ingredients

🍞 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) – Foundation and form, for creativity and sharing
🧈 Butter – For comfort, connection, and golden magic
🌿 Italian seasoning or magical herb blend – For harmony and flavor anchoring
🌱 1 jar pesto – For vitality, herbal wisdom, and protection
🌿 1 can spinach, drained – For strength, abundance, and nourishment
🍄 1 cup mushrooms, sliced – For grounding and intuition
🧅 ½ onion, sliced – For clarity and layered healing
🥓 Prosciutto, torn (optional) – For richness and celebration
🧀 Feta & goat cheese – For tangy softness and emotional warmth
🧀 Shredded mozzarella – To unify, bind, and melt everything together

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep Dough
   Preheat oven per the dough instructions.
   Roll out your dough and brush it with melted butter.
   Sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning or a magical blend of herbs.

2. Pre-Bake the Base
   Bake the dough until just firm enough to hold toppings.

3. Make the Pesto Layer
   In a bowl, mix the pesto with drained canned spinach to mellow the intensity.
   Spread generously across the pre-baked dough—use the whole jar if it feels right!

4. Layer 1: Flavor Foundation
   Sprinkle half your toppings: mushrooms, onions, and prosciutto (if using).
   Dot with crumbled feta and goat cheese.

5. Layer 2: Cheese Magic
   Cover with a generous layer of mozzarella.
   Add the remaining toppings on top—this keeps everything nestled and visible.

6. Final Bake
   Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.

✨ Best Enjoyed…

• At a potluck with your community, where stories are shared as easily as slices
• After a long day of working together toward something greater
• Under soft lights, with plates balanced on laps and laughter echoing
• As a celebration of nourishment, connection, and every hand that helped make it happen