2. The closet that spoke

When we moved into our current home one year ago, instead of downsizing like most seniors, we found ourselves upsizing. Considerably. After two years in a two-bedroom townhouse condo, we decided it wasn't for us. There were many reasons, many of them totally illogical, but what was a top priority for me was a spacious craft room, just for me. Fortunately, that wasn't too difficult in the four-bedroom home we selected.

The room I chose for my personal space is not only quite spacious, but it has a 4' X 8' walk-in closet. One would think I would be delighted to have all that storage space for my paraphernalia: scads of yarns, fabrics, needles, doll accessories for photography and so one. After all, to eliminate the clutter was why I so desperately wanted more space.

But no. That free space immediately spoke to me. Big enough to be a small playroom, I thought about my four grandchildren, at that time newborn to 10. What if, I pondered, I could create a space that we could enjoy together? A place with a theme, like a theme park, but much smaller? My imagination ran wild. Of course, it would have to be a fairy forest!

Let's face it, the world of princesses and mermaids, fairies and gnomes, elves and gnomes, monsters and dragons, is pretty mainstream these days, thanks to the toy industry, social media and the film industry - especially Disney. But I envisioned something more classic and less commercial. Something that could spawn creativity regardless of age level or gender, a place that they might remember as they grow older and the world makes it much harder to be a true believer in magic. And so began the Quest.