The point is that magic is essential. It is why we go to the movies, why we read books by Isabel Allende and Penelope Fitzgerald, why we buy sparkly, ruffled cardigans from J Crew (well, some of us do).
I am talking about Bright Magic, the fluffy sister of the black, sticky kind; it exists not as explanation for the frightening or strange, not as an instrument of aggression or control, but as extra mind-space, of freedom and possibility, beyond physical limits.
Bright Magic has been with us for millenia. You can see it in ancient, illuminated texts and stained glass windows; in those maps of the possible world that are littered with fabulous creatures. It flows freely through literature and art, and informs the culture of science, which is rich in metaphor and in wonder.
A long time ago, I wrote a novel called Morag's Monsters, and even completed it, though not to my final satisfaction. The extra space it brought was busy with attractions (husband, babies, odd little added-on-to house in California). The Monsters, neglected, huffed a bit and eventually went to sleep.
Years later, they are stirring again. These posts are my commitment to keeping them awake, by celebrating the bright magic that sparkles in my days.
Already I'm excited by this collaboration with my friend Janet, who writes about the Legend of the Phoenix. I'm hoping to connect online with other users and pushers of magical fiction.
So if you treasure the modern magic in your life - in your friendships, your studies, your closet - drop a line, do; tell us where you find yours.
Bright Magic has been with us for millenia. You can see it in ancient, illuminated texts and stained glass windows; in those maps of the possible world that are littered with fabulous creatures. It flows freely through literature and art, and informs the culture of science, which is rich in metaphor and in wonder.
A long time ago, I wrote a novel called Morag's Monsters, and even completed it, though not to my final satisfaction. The extra space it brought was busy with attractions (husband, babies, odd little added-on-to house in California). The Monsters, neglected, huffed a bit and eventually went to sleep.
Years later, they are stirring again. These posts are my commitment to keeping them awake, by celebrating the bright magic that sparkles in my days.
Already I'm excited by this collaboration with my friend Janet, who writes about the Legend of the Phoenix. I'm hoping to connect online with other users and pushers of magical fiction.
So if you treasure the modern magic in your life - in your friendships, your studies, your closet - drop a line, do; tell us where you find yours.
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