It's time to sign up for another year of the Back to the Classics challenge, hosted by Karen of Books and Chocolate. Here are the categories Karen has chosen this year, and the books I think I might read to fill them (not that I ever actually stick to them): 1. A 19th century classic: … Continue reading Back to the Classics Challenge 2021
Coming in March: Reading the Theatre
In the dismal days of late winter, as we enter the second year of pandemic-induced distancing and lockdowns, I'd like to introduce a theme that may provide a welcome counter-impulse and help us to look forward to the days when we can gather once more. As theatres around the world have been closed or severely … Continue reading Coming in March: Reading the Theatre
Month in Review: December 2020
I'm starting a new format for my monthly review post, as I gear up for a new year here at Entering the Enchanted Castle. I hope you'll let me know how you like it! Literature This was a month for reading and reading favorite authors with multiple names or initials, it seems. Plus one last … Continue reading Month in Review: December 2020
Reading and blogging goals in the new year
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope this year will bring you joy, as we all continue to work through very great challenges. This month, I'm closing down my seven-year adventure at The Emerald City Book Review and moving all my blogging activity over to the Enchanted Castle. So as I've done each year, I'd like … Continue reading Reading and blogging goals in the new year
Top Ten reads from 2020
As I bring my other blog, The Emerald City Book Review, to a close, I've just posted my seventh annual list of "Emerald City Gems" -- my favorite reads from the past year. For Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, here's a selection of ten of my top favorites. What are yours? … Continue reading Top Ten reads from 2020
Christmas
O see the sunAt midnight's toll;Set stone on stoneIn barren soil.Earth turns toward darkness now,And death seems all our fate --Yet every end knows howBeginning lies in wait. Above shall ring the songOf love's eternal birth;Below, build safe and strongA home for peace on earth.The sun's sure glowIn deepest nightWeaves through our woeDivine delight. (A … Continue reading Christmas
Looking ahead, with a goodbye giveaway
In the last few days of December, I'm looking ahead to a new year here at Entering the Enchanted Castle! I'm saying goodbye to my other blog, The Emerald City Book Review, and moving all my book blogging activity over here. I look forward to welcoming many old and new friends to the Castle. To … Continue reading Looking ahead, with a goodbye giveaway
Between Egypt and Babylon
As I near the end of my year of reading the entire Bible, there have been parts that I met as old friends. The Gospels, the Psalms, the book of Genesis and the book of Revelation are all familiar to me, though they continue to unfold new insights when read in this slow and deliberate … Continue reading Between Egypt and Babylon
Can you teach yourself a language?
By definition, language requires more than one party to be involved; it's about communication and interaction between people, not a solo performance. So it might seem impossible to teach yourself a language. Don't you need a class, or at least a teacher? With the resources available to us today, though, you can come quite far … Continue reading Can you teach yourself a language?
9/11 and 11/9
Four years ago, on November 9, 2016, my world turned upside down. I woke up to the news that Donald Trump had won the presidency (or at least the electoral college). Hardly anyone in my world had expected this result. I said to my husband in horror, "He won!" -- and he bizarrely thought I … Continue reading 9/11 and 11/9