Do you believe in Faeries? By Catherine Lanigan

          Do you believe in Faeries?

    By Catherine Lanigan and Rula Sinara
   

I bet you never thought you’d see that question on a blog, did you? Certainly not in Heartwarming since we do not write about the “supernatural” in our books. Many of you know that I have written a trilogy of books about angelic visitation. Most definitely, angels are part of the “unseen” world. Wouldn’t you say?

So, when it came time to write Isabelle Hawks’ story about her art career that definitely needed a sprinkling of faerie dust to jettison it from the walls of the Lodges’ Gift Shop to a major Chicago Art Gallery, the subject of fairies was all over the canvas. Believe me, when I started my research I had no idea how much controversy there was about the subject. Those who’ve been clapping their hands and saying they “Do believe in faeries” (as in Peter Pan for Tinkerbell) are a strong minded group. 

These days, there are plenty of “caught on camera” and UTube videos of astonishingly accurate depictions of what appear to be fairies. Here’s a link to one that is simply a security camera that photographed what appear to be fairies.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFzV1olS3Xg

Since we have to be careful about the photographs we post (legalities limit our fun here on the blog, if you ask me). Here’s the cover of my July release with Isabelle.

For the record, I’ve never seen a fairy. Now, I have seen an angel. But hey, they’re bigger and hard to miss. There is a compilation of five angels caught on camera, a UTube video that’s compelling, if you have the time to watch. Here’s the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc92S9IAgf0

This is one of my angel book covers. 

                                        

 Here’s link to hearing angels singing on earth. One of my favorites! I’ve shared this with many friends. If you are down---these voices will lift you up! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_gOjpxaK-U&t=51s

Back to the faeries….

My research revealed that many believe faeries are an ancient race of beings who have nearly died out. Because they are so tiny and apparently shy away from daylight and tend to choose mossy, cool glens and forests (good thinking, if you ask me), contemporary folks don’t see them. And we aren’t looking for them, because we don’t believe in them.

Isabelle does believe in fairies, yet as much as she wants to improve her talent and skills, move on to the next level of her art, she is compelled to paint faeries. Scott Abbott, her longtime friend and the man who has loved her for years, believes in her. On the threshold of all of Isabelle’s dreams coming true, a real showing in a major Chicago gallery, Scott has decided he wants to move on with his life. He wants a family. NOW.  And Isabelle turns him down.

Not even the faeries and water sprites that live among the lily pads along the shores of Indian Lake can help Isabelle.

What do you think, Rula?

Well, Catherine, I think I’m with Isabelle when it comes to faeries! I love reading metaphysical and spirit world subjects and the related ancient cultural origins of the beliefs and have read the old Celtic stories and beliefs regarding faeries. Everyone knows I’m a nature lover and when I stroll along the mossy, wooded creek near my home it’s hard not to picture faeries, water sprites or other nature spirits living there. I can't see a dragonfly or hummingbird without thinking of faeries hitching rides! 

Rula's Faerie terrarium

Do they really exist? Well, in Isabelle’s (and my) defense, I’m going to throw some Einstein quotes at you. These are some of my favorites (and I think fellow fiction authors will appreciate the first one lol):

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein

“The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed.” – Albert Einstein

Wow, right?! Genius. That last one about the mysterious touches on the beauty of a child’s imagination (and most do still believe in faeries…and Santa Claus), but it also applies to falling in love. What is romance without the mystery? Isn’t that mystery about the other person part of what spurs us to learn more about them? To follow up on the attraction? To keep turning the pages? Have you caught on to my not-so-subtle connection to Isabelle believing in faeries while also starring as the heroine of a page turning, mesmerizing romance?

I’m hoping Isabelle keeps painting faeries AND gets to have her HEA with Scott too! I can’t wait to read the story and find out!!

Closeup of Rula's terrarium

                                  

Rula, your faerie terrarium definitely shows the faerie spirit!  (I'm clapping my hands!) 

June 26^th marks the beginning of my Prism Book Tour for Family of His Own.  We will have prizes and giveaways and all the fun posts you come to expect with these great blog tours.

I hope you’ll come along with me and explore Isabelle’s art world and maybe this will help you decide if faeries are real or not. 

                                                     

Now that you’ve experienced my inter-active blog, what do you think? Are you clapping your hands and saying, “I do believe in faeries?”

If nothing else, I hope I have given you pause to think. You can follow me on Facebook, @cathlanigan on Twitter. On Pinterest: Catherine 9721 where I have an entire board on Faeries: FAMILY OF HIS OWN. The Victorian art depictions of faeries is fantastical and breathtaking. And of course, the book tour at http://www.prismbooktours.blogspot.com  It will be sprinkled with faerie dust!