Monthly Archives: October 2020

My seat at the musical table

Posted on October 20, 2020 by maradanto

So last night I dreamed I was seated in a restaurant at a table where if you ran your hand across the top, it made a noise like violin music. I was having a grand time, playing one song after … Continue reading →

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In memoriam: John Ackerman

Posted on October 18, 2020 by maradanto

I just learned a moment ago that John Ackerman has died. I barely knew him, but I knew his presence. John spent 30 years living and serving in Haiti. And when I say serving, I don’t mean it in the … Continue reading →

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Monster week: Dybbuk

Posted on October 16, 2020 by maradanto

If you know someone who just won’t take the hint and leave, you may know a dybbuk. A dybbuk is that special kind of party guest. Everyone else went home hours ago, but they keep sticking around for another cup … Continue reading →

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In search of that poem I heard 30 years ago

Posted on October 15, 2020 by maradanto

Back in 1992, I attended a dramatic reading of a collection of poems about elves and fairies. It was an eclectic mix, including contributions by Tennsyon and Tolkien, among others; but one poem stands out and, try as I might, … Continue reading →

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Monster week: Haunchies

Posted on October 15, 2020 by maradanto

In Ireland, if you trespass on the dinner of the Wee Folk, they’ll invite you to stay for supper. The cost is that you’ll never want to eat mortal food again, and you’ll soon starve. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, if you … Continue reading →

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Monster week: hodag

Posted on October 14, 2020 by maradanto

It was 1893 when a new beast began to spread its terror through Wisconsin. They called it the hodag. No ordinary beast, this preternatural creature was born from the ashes of burnt oxen and was driven by the cruelties they … Continue reading →

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Return, Jonathan

Posted on October 14, 2020 by maradanto

The name your parents gave you often tells a story: the sort of people they admire, the qualities they value. Sometimes the stories they tell are downright sweet. The Meigs family of Connecticut has a tradition of passing along an … Continue reading →

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Monster week: Snallygaster

Posted on October 14, 2020 by maradanto

You’re not likely to meet a snallygaster during Monster Week, unless you live in Maryland, where roughly two out of every three residents is projected to meet one either Wednesday or Friday this week while walking the dog. That’s because … Continue reading →

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Inn the middle of nowhere

Posted on October 11, 2020 by maradanto

It was a good day for a drive in the country. The leaves on the trees were still fresh and green, despite the autumn crispness that had begun to creep into the air. A few more weeks and they would … Continue reading →

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Medusa: Further notes

Posted on October 9, 2020 by maradanto

Athena seems to play both champion and foe in the story of Medusa. The first time we see her, Poseidon has just raped Medusa in the temple of Athena. The goddess turns her into a gorgon so that any man … Continue reading →

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