I.

She barreled into the café, nearly knocking over a gnomish couple on their way out. “Sorry! So sorry!” she bawled as she made her way up to the counter. “Softly and gently, Sophie, lamb,” said the fairy barista behind it, her words punctuated with a flutter of her sun-sparkly wings, her apron dusted with a…

LI (#51)

As it turns out, the 5th-grade classroom at Rowan Grove Elementary had its own ghost. It started small. The door would unlatch and creak open slowly during the first third of Morning Meeting each day, but no one ever came in. The students always made sure to close the door firmly when they came or…

L. (50)🌹

Author's Note: Thank you, Dear Readers, for being with me faithfully through, now, 50 glimpses into this beloved, magical world. I cannot thank you enough for all your support and encouragement! You make my heart very full. The air of the Hollow Bean was redolent (but not overpowering) with the scent of the most intoxicating…

XLIX.

Author's Note: Inspired by the insane December weather here in Indiana. As I stepped outside to take down the trash hoppers, amidst the biting wind and swirling snowflakes, all I could hear was Winter shrieking... “I’M BACK, BITCHES!” The shrill harpy screech that tore through the hall was accompanied by an icy breeze blasting off…

XLVIII.

As the cooling late September breeze swept down Burrow Street, it carried the most delicious aromas along its back, scattering them throughout the neighborhood. The scents crooked like fingers, calling, beckoning, inviting you to come see. It was Cook-Up Day, when neighbors showed off and shared out their chilis, soups, and stews. Red, orange, and…

XVI: The Halloween Edition (Revisited)

October 31: Halloween, All Hallow’s Eve. November 1: All Saint’s Day, El Dia de Los Muertos. The Day of the Dead. Feast of Ghosts. These days are known the world round and down throughout time. Even the Magical have something to celebrate. Halloween is Winging Night for gargoyle babies born in October. The night when…

XXII. — (Halloween Revisit)

"Okay, kids, let's go! See you later, Honey. Good luck! And thank you!" With a kiss to her mouth and thus laden with their twins, Drake headed out for the day, leaving his wife Francesca waving on the stoop. She leaned there for a little while before turning and heading back inside. Work awaited her,…

XLVII.

Upon walking into Tattered Tales bookshop, the first thing one notices is the absolute feeling of coziness that pervades the space. Some patrons say that it smells warm, like coffee and whiskey. Another insists that it has the nostalgic sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar. Still others argue that it smells like cleansing incense. That…

XLVI. – Misfit Mages #1

The thread between her teeth snapped crisply as Moira finished tying off the stitch. Turning the embroidery hoop over, she surveyed her work: it was admittedly lovely. Trailing her fingers over the floral design, Moira tested the feeling of it. The emotion she had sewn into the embroidery felt warm, comforting, a soft reminder that…

XLV. – Thanksgiving Edition

The table seemed to grow longer every year, which was rather a wonderful thing. Fern fluttered down its length, scattering shimmering leaves amongst the lanterns, dishes, glasses, and the like, giving a golden effect to the settings. She also draped warm blankets and shawls over the backs of chairs for those who might like to…

XLIV. – Mabon’s Blessing

She laughed in delight as a zephyr kicked up a swirl of fallen leaves, dancing them around the children caught in its center. The tiny bells wound round her antlers chimed like fairy-speak and made her laugh even more alluring and soothing. In her nut-brown hair, shimmering leaves and sunflowers nestled with wheat stalks and…