Skip to main content

Emotion 365: The Land of Transcendence, the Capitol Identity

Seven suns rise and set in Transcendence land of many sunrises and sunsets. Denizens rest for only a few hours at a time. They dream deeply in between sleeping and waking. They love to record and share their dream journals. Although the land looks vast, a pack of wolves can race across all of Transcendence in a day. A woman walking can cross through its flowered fields in two. Denizens know each aspect of their land well: where to find the juiciest wild fruits and where the trees grow jewels. Jewelers polish the precious stones and present them as gifts to other lands. No one wages war on Transcendence despite its known bounty. All believe, at least superstitiously, that it ought to be preserved. 

“It’s a beautiful land with thoughtful, quiet, and surprisingly humble people,” says Miss Emeline.

Stone pillars, etched with the names of Heroes, mark Identity. It takes magic to find and enter it. Identity transports seekers to its haven. Other stumble into Identity’s graces. 

“The air is clear and healing,” says the Guide.  It cleans the lungs. Massages inner organs. Brightens the skin and hair. 

 “Soak in the pools of Identity. Eat our crisp fruits,” says the Guide. 

The trees of Identity drop leaves that float like feathers. Therefore, Identitians dress like peacocks. They carry themselves with assurance. 

“When you leave, take a plume of Identity away with you. Wear it in your hat. Use it as a writing quill. Carry our magic with you and return to Identity at will," says the graceful and generous Guide.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Thoughts on "Depression Hates a Moving Target": What I Mean by Relatable

Relatable — I used this word in my reviews of Depression Hates a Moving Target   by Nita Sweeney on Goodreads and Amazon . It's a nice word, but overused of late. So, it feels lazy. What do I mean? I connected with this book. It made me reflect more on my own first marathon experience. It made me want to put on my running shoes and head out the door again. In fact, I did. Now, typically, my mental health doesn't hinder my ability to do the stuff I want to do and my body flies under the radar. Still, I also felt goofy stepping out in my running gear a lot of the time. I didn't see myself as a "runner" or an athlete. And, I had no idea if I could run 13 miles let alone 26.2 when I started. More to the point, could I stay moving for the 4+ hours straight it would take to complete the marathon? To do the training mileage, I knew I'd have to run through streets and trails on my own and that made me nervous, too. Waves of grief wash us to strange shores. Whe...

Springy Story Review: "Gestella" by Susan Palwick

Why it springs to mind: A hauntingly beautiful horror story about what happens when a woman relinquishes her power. A unique werewolf story with commentary on aging. Where read: First in Sisters of the Revolution: A Feminist Speculative Fiction Anthology  ( 2015, PM Press edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer) and then in Palwick's collection The Fate of Mice ( 2007, Tachyon Publications ) — both outstanding! These presses won't steer you wrong. Summary: A young woman werewolf allows herself to be dominated by a lover who takes control of her fate. Memorable: The powerful ending! The word: sportfuck. A new take on lycanthropy. Written in second person — you. Quote:  "You know that your growing wisdom is the benefit of aging, the compensation for your wrinkles and your fading—although fading slowly as yet—beauty. You also know that Jonathan didn't marry you for wisdom."  Personal connection: Some of my favorite stories seem to be the ones that address t...

Springy story review: "State Change" by Ken Liu

Why it springs to mind:  You'll never look at an ice cube the same way again. Where read: In the 2014 Hugo award-winning Lightspeed Magazine , August. Length: 5,194 words Summary: A woman has an ice cube for a soul. Memorable: How the story invites us to think about the shape of our soul, how it (or our perception of it) influences us and how it changes. What ordinary every day object would your soul be? A silver spoon, a beech stick? A great party conversation starter, this. Quote:  “All life is an experiment." Notable:  The protagonist Rina is an avid reader (always a good choice). Pairs well with: T.S. Elliot, Edna St. Vincent Millay Origin:  The story was written in 24 hours based on a writing prompt. (See Author Spotlight: Ken Liu ) About the author: Ken Liu’s debut novel, The Grace of Kings , the first in a fantasy series The Dandelion Dynasty, is due out from Saga Press ( a new Simon & Schuster imprint ) in 2015.