I've been thinking about the recent royal wedding. It's almost impossible to avoid. The news is still buzzing about the dress, the service, the traditional-meets-modern theme, and of course, the biracial thing. I don't want to write about any of that. I want to write about us. We, and I mean the folks on the…
The Valiant Little Tailor and Other Brave Declarations
If ever there was a fairy tale character to look up to, I think Grimm’s The Valiant Little Tailor should be at the top of the list. Here was a man who had no problems telling the world about his amazing deed, even though the “seven in one stroke” he killed were only flies who…
Sympathy for the Devil?
There's a new school of thought roaming the halls for fiction. I've referred to it in the past as revisionist fairy tale history. The stories handed down through the generations are very clearly morality tales all with the same basic message--being good is better than being bad. There are myriad ways to put that, but…
“Jack” and the Beanstalk
I think we can all agree that, on the whole, fairy tales try to teach us something about life. Usually there are warnings about the dangers of taking a dark path, talking to strangers, and not minding your elders. Others show how goodness can reap its own rewards and sometimes a castle and a title…
Magic and Mayhem VII
“Are you sure this is the only way?” asked her companion. “Bronwen seems to think so and Uriel is getting suspicious. Why else would he go through this farce of trying to marry me off to someone who can learn what we do at night,” replied Mariana. “We know nothing of military tactics and have…
Magic and Mayhem Part V
A week later in the council, Uriel brought up a delicate matter before those present. He waited until he had a full audience to make sure none would miss the opportunity to hear his words. “You Highness, an alarming report has come to my attention. I believe the princesses have been sneaking out of the…
Magic and Mayhem Part IV
Magic and Mayhem Part I Magic and Mayhem Part II Magic and Mayhem Part III The next morning, Princess Amara left with her father on a week’s progress. All in attendance thought that she looked every inch a princess with a new gown, satin slippers, and a regal bearing. If any noted that she also…
Magic and Mayhem Part III
Magic and Mayhem Part I Magic and Mayhem Part II The council was well under way when Mariana ambled in following Uriel. Nothing of note was to be discussed today, so she wondered why her father had insisted she attend. It was her custom to hold court at his side, but she had other matters…
Magic and Mayhem Part II
Magic and Mayhem Part I Thirteen Years Later... Bronwen searched through an old trunk looking for a discarded dress of one of the older princesses. The garment still had usable fabric perfect for cannibalizing. If memory served, and little escaped her recollection, Princess Anora’s castoff gown matched Princess Amara’s perfectly. It was amazing that the…
Magic and Mayhem – A reimaging of the 12 Dancing Princesses
I've read quite a few versions of the 12 Dancing Princesses and even remember watching a TV movie or two. Basically, it revolves around a mystery. A king has 12 daughters who he locks up every night only to find that their dancing shoes are worn through every morning. He asks them where they go.…
