Hi, everyone! It feels like I took an unintentional hiatus last month, mostly due to a sudden bout of indecision and holiday distraction. Now I think I’ve got my schedule (such as it is) straightened out, so I thought I’d have some fun by trying something new. I may have mentioned that I do some fiction writing, and I thought maybe it’s time I start sharing some of that on my blog. For starters, I’ve got slightly revised versions of some super short pieces originally shared on Twitter, but I hope to eventually share some longer stories. Continue reading “Testing Out a New Idea”
blogging
Updates, and Second Blogiversary!
They say time flies when you’re having fun. Recently, I guess I must have been having too much fun posting since I forgot my own blogiversary! After the dry spell of summer, it was nice to get a sudden surge of ideas. I missed the actual anniversary back in August, so I decided to combine my celebratory post with my regular Updates. Anyway, Illuminating the Fool’s Mirror has been around for two years now, and I’m so happy to still be musing with you! Continue reading “Updates, and Second Blogiversary!”
Liebster Award from Nicole
I received a Liebster Award nomination from Nicole! If you’re not familiar with her site, Nicole’s Book Thoughts, head on over and check it out! Nicole reviews a nice variety of books, managing to give key details for those wondering if a book is right for them while still avoiding or clearly marking any major spoilers. You’ll also find fun posts with tags, lists, and general updates about life and reading. I am endlessly impressed with the way she took a school project blog and turned it into this wonderful, personable site. Thank you, Nicole! Continue reading “Liebster Award from Nicole”
Red Thread Reblog: Oh, Maya Gods! — VoVatia
Welcome to Red Thread Reblog, a feature that pairs a post about media inspired by mythology with a post about the mythology shown in the media.
Gods of Jade and Shadows draws inspiration from the Mayan Popol Vuh. In addition to the Mayan creation story, this collection includes a tale where the Hero Twins face off in a game of ball (and tricks) with the gods of death. This post from Nathan of VoVatia will give you a good overview of the Popol Vuh. He also starts off with a bit of history about how this key Mayan document survived into the present day. I’m still exploring the archives and recent posts of VoVatia, which covers a range of topics including video games, current events, mythology, religion, and Oz fandom. Each has Nathan’s characteristic blend of serious reflection and pragmatic humor. I am particularly glad to share his post on the Popol Vuh because it’s one of the few I found that examines the stories in enough detail to really create a sense of the worldview from which Gods of Jade and Shadow grew while handling the topic with a respectful curiosity. And he raises some interesting questions with his reflections on the death gods’ names!
I saw a mention of the Popol Vuh, a Mayan book of myths, at Intelligent Life, as well as a link to an animated narration. Since I haven’t said much about Mayan mythology, I might as well address this. When the Spanish conquered what is now Guatemala, they destroyed most of the artifacts of Mayan […]
Oh, Maya Gods! — VoVatia
Red Thread Reblog: Fall in love with a Maya Death God in Gods of Jade and Shadow — Living in Libros
Welcome to Red Thread Reblog, a feature that pairs a post about media inspired by mythology with a post about the mythology shown in the media.
Let’s start off with a tale of stars and gods, bones and roads. In Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silvia Moreno-Garcia brings 1920s Yucatan together with the Mayan underworld of Xibalba through the story of Casiopea Tun. Both landscapes are fleshed out in vibrant detail, and I was thrilled to read such a complex portrayal of Mayan cosmology. In addition, Casiopea’s journey passes through several important cultural landmarks in Mexico, showing the nuances each location holds. For more about the book, check out Gaby’s review on Living in Libros! If you’re new to Gaby’s work, I highly recommend exploring her blog and her new YouTube channel. She provides a wonderful level of detail while balancing between calling out important social issues and pure booklove. I read her review of Gods of Jade and Shadow well after reading the book itself, yet I learned so much more from her comments about the cultural side of the story. Now without further ado, let’s meet that death god!
Do you love reading about baddies in lit? We all know I do! What about reading about death gods? Mayan mythology? Road trips? 1920s Mexico? Then Gods of Jade and Shadow is probably the book for you! Gods of Jade and Shadow is an adult fantasy novel set during the Jazz Age and in Mexico. Author of […]
Fall in love with a Maya Death God in Gods of Jade and Shadow — Living in Libros
Sunshine Blogger Award from Lotus Laura, Second
I received my 6th Sunshine Blogger Award nomination from Lotus Laura! It’s always fun to stop by Laura’s wonderful blog and see what she’s pondering and sharing. She recently started her Crystal Aura blog, which pairs with her YouTube and Etsy shop tarot readings. If you’re interested in her insights, stop by and take a look! On her main blog, you’ll also find posts on a variety of topics, including personal reflections, historical and philosophical pieces, and even her original fiction. Thanks, Laura! Continue reading “Sunshine Blogger Award from Lotus Laura, Second”
Vincent Ehindero Blog Award
I’ve received a nomination for a Vincent Ehindero Blog Award from Lotus Laura! If you haven’t already checked out her awesome blog, I recommend stopping by. She recently made some design updates while continuing to post on a variety of personal, spiritual, and cultural topics. Thank you, Laura!
Liebster Award from Chocoviv
Chocoviv nominated me for my second Liebster Award! If you haven’t yet met Chocoviv, I encourage you to check out her lifestyle blog. She is a fabulous mommy blogger who posts on a variety of topics with a sunny, can-do attitude. Whether it’s notes and photos from her travels, reviews of books and shows, beauty product and green living advice, or updates on her bearded dragon, you’re sure to find something fun. Thank you, Chocoviv! Continue reading “Liebster Award from Chocoviv”
Original Outstanding Blogger Award
Lotus Laura has nominated me for the Original Outstanding Blogger Award! I’m so excited to receive this nomination from a blogger who writes such a variety of heartfelt content. Swing by her blog if you want to sample her musings. Thank you, Laura! Continue reading “Original Outstanding Blogger Award”
First Blogiversary!
Illuminating the Fool’s Mirror is officially a year old! Technically, the anniversary for my WordPress account was a while back, but this marks one year ago that I published my first feature-length article. A couple of my blogger friends have recently posted about reaching that first year milestone, including Kacha and Dragon Warrior. Reading about their journeys brought me back to this post that I read when I first started blogging. Can you believe most blogs don’t make it past to their first year? Congratulations to all of you who have one, two, or more years on your blog. I’m so glad you’re here and so happy to be standing with you! Continue reading “First Blogiversary!”
Illuminating the Fool's Mirror 