Who me?

Aug 27, 2022

I have always been fascinated by owls, their dominion over the night landscape, their haunting eyes, their beauty. They have been present in many tales
throughout world literature.

In myths and legends, they are seen as symbols of wisdom, divination and prophecy, and are considered sacred. However, in some countries, the owl is associated with sorcery and baneful magic. If an owl is often present around a house, it is said that a powerful magic user lives within.

People have always been enchanted by their large eyes and their soulful call, but
their bad press comes predominantly from the fact that the owl is normally
active in the dead of night when many humans are tucked safely in their beds. 

Even though I loved them already, seeing this marvelous picture taken by Scott Joshua Dere filled me with even greater awe. First, it was amazing that Scott was able to take such a photo, and second, that the Eastern Screech-Owl has such an uncanny ability to blend in. It often uses this tactic to fill the open cavity of a tree to rest in the day and no one is the wiser, except for Scott that is.

Photo: Scott Joshua Dere (@theelementofnature)

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Thank an Author

Aug 20, 2022

I write because I enjoy the process but also publish so that I can share with others.

It is an amazing feeling to complete something that you have worked on for months, even years. What is disheartening is that, though I have succeeded in producing good novels that have sold, I lack the feedback from the readers. Most of those that do write reviews of my books have indicated that I am on the correct path to entertain my readers. However, the number of reviews do not reflect the actual numbers of readers.

What I ask, well, to be totally honest, plead for, is that my readers please write reviews of my books and post where others can see, including me. It is always enlightening what my readers have to say, even the critical ones.

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Past, Present, and Future

Aug 14, 2022

When I saw the Three-Who-Are-One on Netflix’s Sandman, it reminded of the numerous cultures from the past that used a triad of three woman to represent fate.

In Greek mythology it was the Moirai who were the “three spinners” that directed the path of human lives using a length of thread. Clotho controlled the spinning wheel thus controlling when events passed, Lachesis weaved the threads together controlling the events, and Atropos cut the thread control when a life was to come to an end.

In Norse mythology it was the three Norns (pronounced “norms”), three maidens whose names were Urdr (past), Verdandi (present), and Skuld (future), that were responsible for shaping the destinies of gods and humans. 
They were known to be three maidens: Clotho ("The Spinner"), Lachesis ("The Decider"), and Atropos ("The Inevitable") in the Germanic mythology.

The Roman goddesses were named Nona, Decuma, and Morta. 
In Irish-Celtic mythology the trio is collectively known as the Mórrigna, made up of Mórrigan, Badb, and Macha who were war goddesses.

It is fascinating to think that in ancient times so many believed that all lives were predetermined by fate. And yet, those same mythologies also included the possibility of predicting the future which allowed some control over destiny. So, perhaps a life is not so “written in stone” after all. To add science into the mix, the uncertainty principle states that “we cannot know both the position and speed of a particle with any degree of accuracy hence nothing is predictable. That, however, doesn’t stop writers from using that concept of fate to create wonderful tales.

In this vein, why do the writers out there think it is three women that always represent this idea in mythology?

The art image is called The Moirai by Daniel Fruelund on Artstation.

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The Curse Of Seath Mor’s Grave

Aug 8, 2022

Being a writer, my initial thought was ‘is the iron cage to keep something in or something out?’ Imagine the story possibilities. Interest peaked, I had to research.

The myths that surround the grave are just as interesting. The headstone reads “THE GRAVE OF SEATH MOR SGORFHIACLACH VICTOR IN THE COMBAT AT PERTH IN 1383” He was a Scottish clan chief and the only survivor of the Battle of The Clans.

Under the iron cage there are five heavy stones that are reported to be cursed. Those who have touched the stones are said to have suffered serious illness or even death brought on by an elf-like spirit, known as the Bordach an Duin, that is said to guard the grave.

On first glance, the iron cage seems to be in place to keep anyone from touching the grave. But, upon further consideration, could it have been put there to keep something in? “Cold iron” is historically believed to repel supernatural creatures. Definitely food for thought.

For further reading: mymacabreroadtrip.com/the-cursed-grave-of-seath-mor/

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Technology versus Magic

Aug 1, 2022

One of my favorite authors is Arthur C. Clarke. He has written so many books that have been pivotal to the way people view science fiction. A few of the books you probably know are 2001: A Space Odyssey, Rendezvous with Rama, and Childhood’s End.

As a writer, I have been particularly interested in one of his most famous quotes that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” I have been mindful of this concept in many of my writings. Imagine what ancient man would have thought, for example, of a simple, disposable lighter.

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