Magical Monday: Hungry Monster Plant?

We’ve only lived where we do, in the outskirts of Tampa, for a couple years. It’s still surprises me how it doesn’t take much of a drive to really be ‘out’ and see some odd stuff. Down some gravel roads, I’ve discovered a couple greenhouses and nurseries that offer magical plants. A few I’ve taken home and experimented with, but others are so strange I’m hesitant…like this one in the nursery display bed under an old live oak.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one of the petals flap, and it was a wickedly humid day without any breeze. Besides, it would have taken a gale to lift a portion of that wide corolla.

What do you think makes this plant magical?

That opening, where all those pistils look so alluring, is wide enough to take in a small animal. Maybe if a toad hops onto the edge of a petal, it will be swept inward and closed by the entire corolla, forming a roof. In the depths of that chamber, the poor toadie would be acted upon by magical biochemicals on the tips of the anxious pistils and transformed into a prince. In order to escape, he breaks apart the entire plant. Stored seeds are released from the torn ovary at the base of the plant, ensuring the magical botanical cycle continues. The prince would probably remain near the patch, not only stunned with his transformation, but also hoping other plants might spit out companions or a lovely princess. (Sorry for the Biology terms, but I spent 17 years teaching that subject, and the scientific words are forever planted in my vocabulary.)

My degree is in Biology, not magic, so I’m left guessing. Do you have a different idea about what makes this plant species magical? If so, please share.

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. The first of her epic fantasy romance series, ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS, is now available--SEEKING A SCRIBE. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, fantasy romance with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

It's release day for my book Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One!

 

It’s release day for the first of my epic fantasy romance series, Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One! 

I’m very excited, since this book has been in the works for a long time. Finally, after lots of hard work, I’m proud of the result.

Blurb:

Lyra McCauley is a writer and loves fantasy novels, but until she opens a selection from bookstore owner Cullen Drake, she has no idea he’s a wizard character who lives a double life inside that volume…or the story’s magic will compel her from the edge of depression to adventure, danger, and love. 

His gift to Lyra, the Book of Dragonspeir, was actually her copy, misplaced years ago. Lost in her pain following divorce and death, she fails to recognize him as her childhood playmate from the fantasyland. Friendship builds anew. Attraction sparks. But Lyra doubts whether a wizard is capable of love. She’s torn—should she protect her fragile heart or risk new love? 

Opening the book’s cover, she confronts a quest: save Dragonspeir from destruction by the Black Dragon before he utilizes power of August’s red moon to expand his strength and overthrow the opposing Imperial Dragon. Lyra accepts the challenge, fearing Cullen will perish if evil wins. Along with magical animal guides, Cullen helps her through many perils, but ultimately Lyra must use her own power…and time is running out.

Purchase at Amazon for only 99 cents! 
Find on Goodreads

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. The first of her epic fantasy romance series, ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS, is now available--SEEKING A SCRIBE. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, fantasy romance with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Magical Monday: What treasure of Neptune washed up on the shore?

A remarkable beachcombing treasure! Did this magical item belong to the lovely sea goddess whose likeness is carved on the shell? Or was it carried by her lover, carrying some magical remembrance of her to keep them connected while he was away? 

Please help me determine who may have used this and in what way.

In my opinion…I think it belongs to the mermen protectors or knights of the Sea Queen. They blow through the narrow end of the conch, emitting a secret signal heard only by each other. In this way, they can communicate warnings about the approach of dangerous attacks by those seeking to overthrow the queen’s vast power or thieves intent upon stealing her collection of rare gems.

What do you think? Who may use this? What magic does it hold?

If you enjoy magical adventures with mermen and mermaids, you may like my recent release, Tortuga Treasure: Ciel’s Legacy, available at:     Amazon      MuseItUp Publishing

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. She is the author of the Ciel's Legacy series, fantasy romance with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE. Look for her first of an epic fantasy romance series, SEEKING A SCRIBE: ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS ONE, to be available March, 2012. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Cover art for my upcoming urban fantasy--LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE

Great news! I've just completed cover art for my upcoming short story, Le Cirque de Magie. It's an historical urban fantasy and will release later this month.

The image is my own original watercolor.

Blurb:
 

The circus is a blur of commotion with last minute preparations for the spring tour. Ravi, the high-wire heart throb, becomes jittery when he meets the company’s newly-hired female dwarf. Hours before departure, his magical perceptions are on fire as he witnesses her involvement in a gory bump off.

The circus manager can’t be found. Ravi is desperate to protect his sweetheart and performing partner, Alice. The train creaks away, beginning the long journey with danger stowed on board. Nicknamed the Great Birdman, Ravi steps forward and exposes his true identity—a real risk during edgy, vigilante times of prohibition. A brave move—but will his Suparna abilities be enough to snuff out this fierce demon?

~ ~ ~ Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. She is the author of the novel, TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE, the first in a trilogy. Part two, TORTUGA TREASURE is contracted for release in January, 2012. Look for her first of an epic fantasy romance series, SEEKING A SCRIBE: ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS ONE, to be available early 2012.

Romantic Friday Writer_Up, Up & Away_The Kiss of Life

Romantic Friday Writers is a blog fest every Friday. Many thanks to L'Aussie and Francine Howarth for creating this fun event. Click on the icon at the end of my post to check out other great writers participating today or join the blog fest. A winner is awarded the recognition of being this week's featured author.

Today's challenge is 'Up, Up, and Away' in 400 words or less.That speaks to me of new beginnings, sparked by romance. This is an excerpt from my book, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, where the heroine is receiving the "kiss of life" from a merman, to save her from a human death.

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             The ‘gator wanted to drown me….make me an easier meal.  A chill passed through my body and I shivered. Feverish heat built up inside me, spreading from my head and torso down my limbs. Eventually the wild drumbeat of my heart obliterated everything. I panicked and tried to move, but lacked control of my muscles. Immobile and helpless, I could only listen. The throbbing pulse dimmed as the lake’s waters claimed my life. I submitted…mind blank to all except the faint thump. For an immeasurably long time I heard its rhythm fading away. Seconds or dozens of minutes, I didn't know; altered perception foiled my judgment.

            Then, a touch against my face—shattering my delirium.

            Fear engulfed my barely conscious mind. What was it? Death seemed welcome compared to experiencing an alligator attack upon my body.

            Something soft caressed my lips, not at all like hard reptilian scales.      

     

            My sense of touch heightened. Encouraged by returning consciousness, I struggled against the darkness. My eyes searched, yet still failed to see.

            Soon, I understood the feeling of lips pressing upon mine. Their burning heat made me panic. I tried to jerk back, but had no muscle control, no way to resist. They forced my lips apart, and a fiery tongue thrust inside my mouth.

            In short time my limbs tingled with renewed sensation. Attempting to thrash my arms, I found them both secured.

            The mysterious tongue persisted, searing my own.

            Strangely, the warmth moved across my entire body and I calmed, mesmerized by this unusual kiss. In some curious manner it restored my consciousness. Peacefulness spread over me, and I accepted this connection as my life force. Our kiss grew pleasurable and I slipped my tongue along the other. Waves of passion rippled through my body and I desired whatever being touched me. Wanting to know more, I opened my eyes. Light pained my limited vision.

            A hazy image flashed in front of me.

            I pulled back, ending the kiss and viewed a sweep of dark hair turning away, moving up toward the surface.

WC= 343

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Have you read Tears on a Tranquil Lake yet? You can find it at MuseItUp Publishing or Amazon.com. Happy Reading!

I found this magical item. What could it be used for?

Here’s another item which I’m imparting with magical properties. How could it be used by some fantasy character?

What first came to my mind was a fancy storage case used to protect a coveted, powerful deck of tarot card. The cards, case, and magical strength were all handed down through generations of readers in elaborate coming-of-age ceremonies. The young owner would cherish his/her gift. After celebration with family, friends, and important clan or village members bearing the same mark, the reader would eagerly set about learning to channel his/her new-found abilities. 

Advancing through years of study and practice, he/she would rise to the status of a venerated seer or prophet. A familiar set of magical instruments always nearby, this item may well have been the first, prompting the augur on his/her life path. 

Tell me what magic you see in this object.

Magical Monday: “I” is for the magical uses of the element Iron

For this week’s Magical Monday, I’m straying from my exploration of mystical practices from around the world, since none fit with today’s blogging challenge letter ‘I.”

Instead, I’m presenting magical uses of the element Iron.

According to legends, iron can repel and drain powers from evil spirits and people. Fairies are known to dread iron because it weakens them.

According to Celtic lore, from losing iron during childbirth, women and their infants are especially vulnerable to attack by demons and predatory spirits. They may be protected by encircling their beds with rows of iron pins or tools. Children are also likely victims and may be protected by sewing bits of iron into their clothing. 

Horses and other livestock can be protected by nailing an iron horseshoe over doorways to their stables. Also, be sure to point the open end of the shoe upwards, to mimic the crescent moon. I always wondered why I’d see horseshoes above barn or stable entrances. Now I know!

Another interesting fact about the use of iron involves the old-fashioned practice of churning butter. Witches were known to prevent butter from coagulating into solid form. Their spells could be broken by heating a smoothing iron until red hot, plunging it into water while saying specific charms, and then pouring some of that enchanted water into the churn. 

Iron—the universal amulet against evil spirits! And I thought silver repelled vampires. Hmm.

Reference: The Encyclopedia of Magic & Alchemy, Rosemary Ellen Guiley

Magical Monday: Celtic Traditions

Today’s A to Z Blogging Challenge is all about the letter “C.” For this week’s Magical Monday, I’m exploring Celtic traditions of neo-paganism. 

Artwork credit: Katherine Sunderland

There are many related belief systems (listed below) of the Celtic tradition. All maintain these basic points:

No division between the sacred and the secular.

Spiritual equality of women and men.

Preference for rural life.

Honor nature and God's creatures.

From there, you can find great variety in terms of focus on past or present, beliefs about life in the universe, and use of rituals. 

Whether any branches of Celtic tradition are “magical” is subject to opinion. I like a broad definition of magic--any extraordinary or mystical influence. What is mystical to some may not be to others. 

The Pan Celtic movement is one of the strongest in neo-paganism. Music emphasizing pipes, drums, and harps during rituals helps renew Celtic traditions. Neo-Celts traditionally decorate or “dress” sacred wells, believe in fairies, and celebrate solstice days with great fire festivals. The winter solstice is often celebrated with dancers wearing horned costumes, in reference to the Celtic Horned God Kernunnos, also known as Lord of the Animals or the Great Shaman. 

The Celtic year begins with the harvest feast of Samhain, on the last eve of October. Another feast takes place on May Eve, called Beltane. Then, all fires are extinguished and relit from Bel’s Fire, sacred to the solar-fire god Bel.

This exploration was especially interesting to me, having an Irish heritage.  

Do you have any Celtic blood? Still honor any Celtic traditions?

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Branches of Celtic Traditionalism:
Celtic Reconstructionalism-- seeks to recreate, to the best extent possible in the modern world, the religion of the ancient Celtic peoples of Western Europe and the British Isles. Modern Celtic paganism embodies a strong reverence for nature.

Druidry-- based on the practices, rituals, and magick of the early Celtic priestly class known as the Druids. Many expressions of the tradition still exist, and their differences have often been cause for dissension in the pagan community.

Faery Faith--maintains the belief that everything in this and other worlds is alive, each thing possesses its own soul or spirit. This belief is called animism and was prevalent in the Western world before the advent of Christianity, which holds that only man has souls or spirits and everything else in is solely here for the use of mankind.

Celtic Shamanism-- a shamanic path based on the Faery Faith of the Celtic peoples of Western Europe and especially of Britain, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany.

Witta-- combines old Irish traditions with influences of the Norse. Witta recognizes that at each stage in the development of Irish paganism, each generation has been able to add something of value.

Celtic Witan Church--A legally incorporated church which studies and practices the goddess-oriented nature-based religion of the ancient Celtic peoples. This is a fertility religion concerned with all aspects of prosperity, growth, abundance, creativity, and healing. 

Text References: http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Celtic/celtictraditions.html

http://www.celtic-anabaptist-ministries.com/celtic-tradition.html

Harry Potter Blogfest: Trouble I Get into with My Mates at Hogwarts

Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, and I ran out of the Gryffindor dorm. The fat lady yelled after us for running in the hall, tipping off Nearly Headless Nick. He delighted in swooping through us, delaying our path. Poor Ginny had to jump off the staircase when it began to move away. Brave girl, she didn’t let out a peep.

In the library, Hermione and I went straight to work, pulling a dozen dusty reference books from shelves. Our plan—outsmart the master of potions, Professor Severus Snape, at his own game. We flipped through volumes, cheering each other on as we found bits of archaic information to concoct the exact potion. Being exemplary students, it was a challenge we relished, to know more than the professor…or at least this professor.

Ginny tried to stay awake, but after a couple hours, she dozed on the library table. Her role was not research, but theft and diversion. Tomorrow, she’d distract Snape while we slipped into his storeroom to secure correct ingredients. 

“Found it!” Hermione let out a hushed cry.

I rushed around the table, peering over the faded page. “That’s it! Thanks to Ginny, we have hair from both. She’s a great thief, pulling strands off their robes last week.”

Ginny’s eyes flashed open and she smiled.

“I think we need to alter one step though.” I pointed to another book. “…to speed the effects, so we can see results happening in class. Wouldn’t be fun otherwise. Add a dried newt, just as the mixture boils, to partially volatilize.” 

“Perfect! That way it will vaporize faster.” 

“I’ll sneak a bottle of the potion into class, under my robes, and when we’re preparing our cauldrons, add the contents and quickly start our fire.”

“And the rising vapors will cause Snape to see no one except Malfoy.”

“What’s so odd about that?” Ginny murmured from under her hair. 

“He’ll be furious with Malfoy, tearing him apart for the smallest errors,” Hermione explained. “We’ll all get a good laugh…or get in lots of trouble.”

After one look between us, we got busy, eagerly taking notes.
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Click here to read more interesting posts in this Harry Potter blogfest.

Magical Monday: Shamanism

Since my previous post for Six Sentence Sunday was a snippet involving a shaman character, it seemed appropriate to discuss shamanism in my Magical Monday feature this week as I continue my exploration of classical witchcraft/spiritualism. 

Shamanism embraces the belief that shamans are messengers between the human world and the spirit worlds. 

Shamanism is a 'calling'. Individuals who are 'called' often experience an illness over a prolonged period of time, as a sign. The common belief is that the shaman must become sick to understand sickness of others. He/she crosses over to the underworld to bring back vital information for mending sickness and community concerns. When the shaman overcomes his own sickness he will hold the cure to heal all that suffer. He/she then bears the mark of the wounded healer. 

The practice of a shaman is solitary. Their work begins with a vision quest to locate an animal familiar, called a power animal or totem spirit. Then, a shaman will seek a trance-like state, opening their mind to altered perceptions. Various methods are used to reach that semi-consciousness state: meditation/solitude; use of hallucinogenic drugs; rhythmic drumming; chanting; rattling; dancing. Plant toxins used to alter consciousness can pose life-threatening dangers. When the trance is attained, the shaman will call to his/her power animal, which energizes and enables passage into the other dimension. Power animals guide and protect during the journeys through that world. 

Once there, a shaman will carry out a mission, battling demons or requesting spiritual assistance. A basic premise is that by alleviating traumas affecting the soul, a person’s physical body will be restored to balance and wholeness. Shamans treat ailments/illness by mending the soul. The shaman also enters supernatural realms to find solutions to problems of the community. For these reasons, shamans are often hold high social positions in their communities.

This video shows a trance-inducing graphic and measured rhythmic drumming, both examples of techniques used by shamans to alter their mental states. Since most blog readers are wired on their morning caffeine, the effects may be lessened!

Next week, I’ll explore a few different types of shamanism from around the world. 

Text references: The Shaman: Voyages of the Soul - Trance, Ecstasy and Healing from Siberia to the Amazon. Piers Vitebsky

Art reference: anotherwanderer 
Video reference: Ryan Taylor Anderson 

Don't forget--contest ends March 31st to win printed copies of my illustration, an intimate beach scene with my mermaid and merman couple from Tears on a Tranquil Lake. See my website, the contest page, for details. http://www.MarshaAMoore.com

Magical Monday: Types of Classical Magic—Norse Seidr

For the next few weeks on my Magical Monday feature, I’m going to explore various kinds of witchcraft that have existed through various ages and cultures.

I’ll begin with types of classical witchcraft, also called “low” magic, where practitioners or adepts perform spells, make potions, utilize divination, and employ types of healing like herbalism. I find these particularly interesting because they are integral with culture. The more familiar of these include: shamanism; feng-shui; voodoo; native American appeals to the Great Spirit. In coming weeks, I’ll examine those and many others.

Today, my focus is on the practice of Seidr, an old Norse type of classical witchcraft. This tradition stems from Norse, Icelandic, Germanic, Teutonic, Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian cultures. Iceland places equal importance on this form of paganism and Christianity. Their literature often recounts pagan myths in sagas and poetic eddas. 

My first introduction to this type of paganism was during my first quarter of freshman year in college, when my favorite English professor asked us to read Njal's Saga, a terrific Norse work. I can still see him acting out sword fighting scenes, playing both characters in the duel. I was captivated by the fantasy and his teaching, going on to take five more of his courses. An amazing man who taught me how to write and how to love it. What a huge fingerprint he left on my mind, for which I will always be grateful.

The pagan practice of Seidr values the warrior more than gods and goddesses. Study of this witchcraft includes learning runes, artistic skills, martial arts, and potion brewing. Common usage of Seidr magic is to promote honesty, honor, courage, and dedication to family.

I was lucky enough to find a video example of the music and visual arts/practices of Seidr. Typically, a chorus sings a song like this, inducing the prophetess into a trance or vala. 

Text reference: The Writer’s Complete Fantasy Reference, 1998.

Video: Rasputin712

Music: Hagalaz runedance

Art: Marc Potts

Coming Saturday—the March Supermoon!

This Saturday, March 19, the moon will swing around Earth more closely than it has in the past eighteen years, lighting up the night sky from just 221,567 miles (356,577 kilometers) away. 

Could this cause real damage? Noted astrologer, Richard Nolle, who runs the website astropro.com, has calls the upcoming full moon a “lunar perigee” (a moon taking its closest approach during orbit) an "extreme supermoon." He claims chaos will ensue: huge storms, earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural disasters. 

How much do you believe in the mysticism of astrology? In light of the horrific and desperate recent events occurring in Japan, I doubt any of us want to believe his prediction.

There are normal measurable effects the moon has on the Earth. The moon is close enough to Earth to produce ocean tides. Also, the moon’s gravity brings about small oscillating movements of the continents, called land tide or solid Earth tides. These are greatest during full and new moons, when sun and moon are aligned either on the same or opposite sides of the Earth.

According to John Vidale, a seismologist at the University of Washington in Seattle and director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, "Both the moon and sun do stress the Earth a tiny bit, and when we look hard we can see a very small increase in tectonic activity when they're aligned.” During full and new moons, "you see a less-than-one-percent increase in earthquake activity, and a slightly higher response in volcanoes.”

According to William Wilcock, seismologist also at the University of Washington, earthquake activity in subduction zones, like the Pacific Northwest, is ten percent higher at low tides than at the times of high tides. Water pressure at high tide clamps the fault together, while when low, with less water pressure, it’s easier for a fault to slip.

And will the Supermoon cause greater effects? Those quoted above say the gravitational pull of the lunar pedigree moon does not increase enough to significantly change height of tides and thus the likelihood of natural disasters is nil.

Folklore describes the March full moon as a time of change in nature. It is called the Worm Moon, being at the time of snow thaw when worms begin to appear and become a source of food for returning robins. Northern American Indian tribes knew this moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter. It’s also named the Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, when the sap flows. 

I hope changes of spring are the only ones this March full moon heralds. Watch for its rise this Saturday night.

References: Life's Little Mysteries, a sister site to SPACE.com.

Art reference: Crossie

Six Sentence Sunday - January 16th

This week's Six Sentence Sunday is one last snippet from my free read short story, Song for the Silver Merman, available to download as a PDF from my website http://www.marshaamoore.com This story is an "extra" from my book, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, releasing February 1st. It gives a taste of the main characters, the setting, and action of that book as well as introducing a few new characters which will turn up in a sequel I'm presently writing.

In this scene, the heroine, Ciel, and her two mermaid friends are attempting to join in a group of the "popular" mermaids. Ciel is stunned to see how those of the "in group" operate and later, pay a consequence for their irresponsible behaviors.

         We dropped to a lower level, but the mermaids at the point continued taunting as the boat rounded within thirty feet of the point.

         A voice from the deck yelled, “Bring her to! Heave to!”

 The pirates hung far over the gunwale, their eyes bugged out with lust. “Ye’ve got some right big ones, lass; flash ‘em to me again.” “Lovely teets!”

         Suddenly, four ropes with wide stiff loops at their ends flew out from the ship toward the teasing mermaids.

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Song for the Silver Merman

When Ciel, a newly-turned mermaid, sings for the first time, she startles everyone with the mermagic in her voice, which gives her chance to study with the esteemed Silver Merman and much more.

Find the story at http://www.marshaamoore.com in Free Reads. 

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Purchase Link

Be sure to read the other awesome entries for this Sunday at: http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Six Sentence Sunday - January 9th

This week's Six Sentence Sunday snippet is from a free read short story, Song for the Silver Merman, available to download as a PDF from my website http://www.marshaamoore.com This story is an "extra" from my book, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, releasing February 1st. It gives a taste of the main characters, the setting, and action of that book as well as introducing a few new characters which will turn up in a sequel I'm presently writing.

Meris, the merman, is about to introduce Ciel, a newly-turned mermaid and his lover, to the Silver Merman, the venerated merman of their community, best trained in mermagic. She is applying to be his pupil.

“He builds his energy from the power of the waves.” I wondered how that was possible. Was it something I’d learn?

Sure enough, he sat on a rock seat, worn smooth by the pounding sea. His hair grew long and white, with silver coral-like decorations circling his head from ear-to-ear, crossing over his crown. These moved as though they were living appendages of his body. His flipper showed age, lacking the thick muscles of youth. The scale covering, apparently once bright blue, now silvered with an overglow, which gave him a regal look. We found him conversing with dolphins in a lively interchange, laughing and clapping at each other.

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Song for the Silver Merman

When Ciel, a newly-turned mermaid, sings for the first time, she startles everyone with the mermagic in her voice, which gives her chance to study with the esteemed Silver Merman and much more.

Find the story at http://www.marshaamoore.com in Free Reads. 

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Be sure to read the other awesome entries for this Sunday at: http://sixsunday.blogspot.com/

Song for the Silver Merman - free read short story available on my website

Song for the Silver Merman, a free short story now available on my website is an “extra” scene from my book Tears on a Tranquil Lake. I’m offering it as a free read to give readers a sample of some of the characters, setting, and action. It also introduces two new characters, who become important in the sequel. Enjoy!

When Ciel, a newly-turned mermaid, sings for the first time, she startles everyone with the mermagic in her voice, which gives her chance to study with the esteemed Silver Merman and much more.

Find the story at http://www.marshaamoore.com in Free Reads.

Magical Monday: lunar eclipse home photos

This week’s Magical Monday revisits the lunar eclipse from the night of December 21st. 

During our celebration my husband, Steve, took photos I’d like to share. It was an unusually cold night here south of Tampa, about 40 degrees, but the skies were perfectly clear, allowing some good opportunities for photos. However, even with a tripod, the long exposure made focusing and avoiding slight camera shake difficult.



The early hours of the eclipse with the Earth’s shadow just beginning to pass over the moon:

 

Total eclipse gave a pink-orange glow. The color was caused by the sun’s rays passing the sides of the Earth, through our planet’s atmosphere and refracting in those gases, to bend as orange wavelengths onto the moon’s surface. Those reflected to us, hence the observation of the eerie orange moon. Science aside…quite a magical site!