Reading through the Chronicles of Narnia has been a delightful experience, especially with all the stimulating and thoughtful commentary from our host Chris of Calmgrove and other participants. I will miss my monthly journey to this magical land; each one has brought back memories of childhood along with much to consider from an adult perspective. … Continue reading #Narniathon21: Farewell to Narnia
When C.S. Lewis first began the story that became The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, he didn't have further installments in mind. And ending as it does with the children returned to the exact moment they left our world through the magic wardrobe, that book has a circular structure that does not necessitate further … Continue reading #Narniathon21: The Return to Narnia
This essay was previously published in the now-defunct online journal Enchanted Conversation. In fairy tales, marriage has a double nature. Its most well-known aspect is as a sign of completion, fulfillment and union; the end of the story, beyond which no more need be told. Cinderella, Briar Rose—this is what we mean when we say … Continue reading Beyond the happy ending
Sometimes I write poetry. It may not be very good, but it gives me pleasure. I don't have a regular time or method for doing this. A phrase or sentence comes into my head and rolls around till I do something with it. Or I observe something, an outwardly visible image that wants to be … Continue reading Mother Holle – a poem
As I get things started here on my new blog, I'll occasionally be posting essays that I wrote for other publications. This essay was originally published in 2011 in the online journal Cabinet des Fees. When Rumplestiltskin offers to spin straw into gold for the miller’s daughter, he reveals himself as an initiate of one … Continue reading Spinning a tale
Why did I name this blog Entering the Enchanted Castle? One of my favorite books from childhood is The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit. The theme has been described as "Be careful what you wish for" -- a common thread in Nesbit's fantasies. The four child protagonists start out by playing at magic, and end … Continue reading What is the enchanted castle?
