I'm starting the week with another fun author shout-out to Kathleen Small, or Kathy, another of my writing friends. If you're looking for some last minute purchases for Santa to deliver then take a look at this lovely book. Kathy's author information states that she 'writes fantasy stories, both short stories and novels, for the young and young at heart.' I love that phrase and hope that all of us can still find moments to feel like we are young at heart. Christmas is a good time for that, if you're lucky enough to be surrounded by loved ones and to share good times together.
When I think of a carousel I am reminded of a Christmas outing with the family, made many years ago. We took the children to see Santa on the Bluebell Railway. My son was about five at the time and my daughter was dressed in a baby sleep suit with Dalmatian spots. I can visualise the photographs of both and them and also of both of the grandmothers who were toasting with a mini bottle of wine each. As it was such a jolly affair, my son in his infant wisdom that the 'Nannies were drunk' as Santa came along the carriage to greet everybody! Their little intake of wine did not make them drunk but possibly helped to keep out the cold once we stepped back onto the platform and watched the steam train for a while longer. To add to the atmosphere of this festive occasion, the railway had been decorated and provided various attractions for the guests that day to enjoy. This included a mini carousel which my son was excited to try before we headed home. there's something quite magical about a carousel isn't there?
The lights, the music, the colours all combine to create a special atmosphere that I think feels a bit like being wrapped in a warm hug. There's a fantastic carousel at EuroDisney and one occasion when we were there for a few 'less busy' hours, it was great to ride this several times over. Perhaps it gave me chance to relive moments in a fairground as a child. I don't think we went to the fair many times, but when we did the whole experience was an assault to the senses. Screams from the exhilarated riders, music playing on the Waltzer as the operator tried to spin the cars faster and faster, the smells of candy floss and toffee apples, the lights twinkling, and the sights that were unusual to a child - coconuts, goldfish in bags, plastic ducks to hook up for a prize. Back then, I would have be joined on a carousel horse by my Dad to make sure I didn't fall off. At Euro Disney I took on his role with my own children. Different generations - same thrills.
Anyway, I have digressed down memory lane for a bit so let me return to today's author. Kathy lives on a ranch in Florida that is called Carousel Acres. That sounds magical in itself. She lives there with her husband, two horses, four cats, and assorted wildlife. She has a range of books available through Amazon, including the Brass Ring Series which includes THE MAGIC CAROUSEL, THE CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL, and THE HAUNTED CAROUSEL. Each would make a good addition to your Christmas purchases, but here's a little information about The Christmas Carousel to spark your interest further:
'Eleven-year-old Rusty wants to buy a special Christmas present for Grandpa but doesn’t have much money. With the help of a magic brass ring and a Christmas carousel, he’s about to learn a big lesson about gift-giving and the real meaning of Christmas.'
Whether your Christmas plans include any carousels or other opportunities to feel young at heart, may your year end with warmth and joy and maybe a little magic. If you do go the fair, remember to 'scream if you want to go faster!'
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