ANALYZING OUR REACTIONS! LET'S TALK ABOUT BABY!

If you had the opportunity to read, Magic in the Glorious Green Glades, I predict you may have formed your opinion about Baby's character already.

The name "Baby" has so many meanings. It could be a term of endearment, an unpleasant personality type, or a little human ready to take on the world...the list goes on!

Whatever comes to mind when hearing the word, one thing we all have in common; we were all "Baby's" once.

The character, Baby, in, Magic in Glorious Green Glades, is a representation of all of us, to a point. We were all naive to life's ridicule, pain, and bullying in one way or another...until we were not!

Baby's character exhibits confusion when trying to understand the negative personality that made her feel so embarrassed. She allowed the word's of Gee to control her emotions, and essentially her life!

As her friends Frankie and Sammie, follow her lead, to never visit the Play Park again, we see the impact an experience can actually have on more than just the targeted individual!

As Lily and the Queen help the group work towards a solution - we watch the characters grow and mature!

Each experience in life, may give us essential tools to carry on; even if we do not immediately realize it.

Baby's character development is one of admiration, and one I personally hold in high regard!

As we overcome life's challenge's, we may find strength and an unwavering ability to persevere.

Just like Baby, try to stay open to opinions, suggestions and a little help from your friends. We never know when the wisdom from another could just be the answer we have been looking for.

Elizabeth Ann O'Handley

THE ANTAGONIST! LET'S TALK ABOUT GEE!

Sometimes, we must look closely to see the problem!

Well, here we are! Meet Gee, the instigator of chaos, in the book, Magic in the Glorious Green Glades.

We all have experienced a Gee in our lives from time to time. Maybe we have one right now. Gee expresses the true characteristics of a bully, and keeps the reader wondering what causes his internal torment. Although his own insecurity and lack of confidence are the true explanation for his behaviour, he unapologetically ruins everyone's experience at the Play Park.

Gee refuses to play with the other critters at the Play Park, even though they repeatedly extend their offer for him to join them. He instead, decides to make fun of them, call them names, and downright humiliates them. Not Cool, right!!

The character development in, Magic in the Glorious Green Glades, quickly reiterates that not everyone deals with derisive behaviour in the same way.

Understanding the antagonistic actions of Gee, we may find ourselves oblivious to the sadness, pain, or fear that he not only causes, but is actually experiencing.

As Gee shields his truth with each and every strand of the tall grass that he hides behind, Lily is the one character that see's him as a victim. Good for her! Like I said before, the world needs more Lily's!

The complexities of life will always be there, that is for certain. Let us help one another find strength, and believe in our own magic, as we seek for the answers we are all looking for.

Remember, the Play Park is a depiction of the real world. Like the character's in Magic in the Glorious Green Glades, we too, are just trying to survive the chaos...

See you soon.

Elizabeth Ann O'Handley

THE PROTAGONIST! LET'S TALK ABOUT LILY!

Lily in deep thought on how to help her friends.

Let's take a look at our lives.

If we are lucky, maybe we are surrounded by someone that is always concerned or worried about us or worried about everyone else. Maybe its a parent, a friend, or maybe its you.

Lily's character is the protagonist of Magic in the Glorious Green Glades. She display's the true meaning of an empath, with the qualities of virtue bursting at the seems.

Some may say that being an empath is a weakness in an individuals character, but If you ask me, we need more Lily's.

In a world filled with uncertainty, adults and children are developing a lack of self- confidence in a world where ridicule and judgment are incomprehensible .

Lily see's the vulnerability in her friends, as any in-tuned individual would. She wants her friends to feel capable, adaptable, and able to develop in a way that can invigorate their soul.

Lily's friends are shunned away from the "Play Park" for not accomplishing what others expected of them.

Lily makes it her mission to help her friends find the magic they need to believe in themselves again.

As the story unfolds, the intent is to leave the reader feeling admiration for Lily's nurturing qualities!

I hope you see Lily as she was intended to be portrayed-as the loving, caring friend that we all need!

Until next time...

Elizabeth Ann O'Handley

This blog is dedicated to my Mother.