There is very little "Renaissance" in a Renaissance Festival. A better description is Middle Ages meets Middle Earth with a lot more retail stores and a lot fewer boils and sores. That's not to say I don't love a good Renn Fest!
I recently came back from a road trip through New England (which I've chronicled on a blog series I've called Traveling with the Travelers). However, right before leaving on the vacation, I became a book fairy. Instead of waiting until I returned home to Northern Virginia to start my book fairy adventures, I decided to spread book fairy dust along our trek up the coast.
Salem, Massachusetts is well known for one thing: witches. Those who have never seen the town often picture a tiny hamlet cluttered with decaying centuries old buildings and quaint stores hocking tarot cards and crystals. That is what my family and I imagined as we navigated up the eastern US coast to the historic port city. It wasn't what we found.
Tuesday marked the end of Mardi Gras. Perhaps you've been or just witnessed it on the internet. Either way, you'll probably agree it's a spectacle. It also gives a glimpse into the the unusual, mystical city itself. In a way, Mardi Gras is the anthem of the musical opus of New Orleans.
Have you ever wondered what TV witch character you are most like? Do you think you’re a flame-haired Willow? Maybe you’re prudent Piper? Well, now you can find out. I love witches, obviously. I wrote a book about them (see The Travelers). Therefore, I was very happy to chance upon this test to discover which TV witch I am most like. (Spoiler: I’m Hilda!) It’s super quick and fun if you'd like to try it too. And, if you enjoyed that, maybe you want to find out what character from The Travelers you are most like? If so, I have another test for you!
Today I walked outside, a bright sun shone like a spotlight on all the vibrant reds, mellow yellows, and perfect peaches still clustered in the trees. The rest of fall crunched on the ground beneath my feet. It reminded me of... Continue Reading →
There are 12 days until October 31 and for #12 on my Halloween-themed blog countdown, let’s talk about witches. Clearly, I’m a fan of them since they’re the main characters in my book, The Travelers. But, today, I don't want to talk about fiction. I want to talk about real witches or those thought to be real.
While touring Northern Virginia and taking pictures of places that inspired The Travelers, I thought it might be fun to check out the cemetery adjacent to my mother’s childhood farmhouse in Manassas, right near the battlefield. (Yes, I realize my idea of fun might not be the same as everyone else.)
K.L. Kranes 