The Enchanted Lion (Part 2) - Jesus Blasco

These two illustrations were previously included in Wonderful Weddings and Handsome Heroes

Last week I posted the first half of the lovely story The Enchanted Lion, beautifully illustrated by Jesus Blasco.  I wouldn't have thought of including this story myself as it is quite a bit longer than those I usually choose to post.  I received such a good response to Part 1 though, that I am glad I received the request to share it, and hope everyone who enjoyed last week's offering will like seeing the rest.    

This story appeared in 'Once Upon a Time' children's magazine.
Today's post contains 2 of 4 issues:
Issue #117 published 8 May 1971 and
Issue #118 published 15 May 1971



Tomorrow would have been my Mom's birthday.  She passed away in 1999 when she was just 69 years old.  I was very touched by the comments that were left on a previous post when I mentioned my Mom and how she encouraged me to write.  Like me I know there are some of you who have also lost your own mothers as well, but feel they are still here with you in spirit.  My Mom's presence is with me all the time and I don't think a day goes past when I don't remember her in some way. I can still hear her voice talking to me now

To me my Mom was a beautiful fairy princess - I guess most little girls see their mother's that way!

My Mom - Molly

Every year I send my sister a calendar from Ireland for the new year (she still lives in South Africa).  They always contain a photo of Kylemore Abbey.  It is on the west coast of Ireland and is the one place I have not been able to get to yet that I would still love to visit.  Below is this year's photo of Kylemore Abbey that was also chosen for the calendar's cover.  I'm not sure if they still do it but at one time it was possible to have a tree (I think mainly oak) planted in someone's name as part of a reforestation scheme.  I always wanted to 'adopt a tree' in memory of my Mom.

The Enchanted Lion (Part 1) - Jesus Blasco

The Enchanted Lion - Jesus Blasco

The last time I posted one of my 'Sunday Stories' I received a request for this classic fairy tale called 'The Enchanted Lion' illustrated by the brilliant and incomparable Jesus Blasco.  I've come to appreciate Jesus Blasco's work more and more as an adult - what really appeals to me about the stories he illustrated is that he used a variety of different artistic techniques and this brings an incredible richness and depth to his work.

This story is much longer than those I usually choose to post.  Because of this I've decided to split it into two posts - half this time and the rest next week.

This story appeared in 'Once Upon a Time' children's magazine.
Today's post contains 2 of 4 issues:
Issue #115 published 24 April 1971 and
Issue #116 published 1 May 1971

Even now that the winter chill is well on its way there is still some seasonal colour in the garden and fresh flowers for me to pick so I can still have a pretty posy in a vase.

I also couldn't resist showing this off.  Yesterday while I was at work my husband and son decided to bake a cake.  They followed a recipe on Youtube and made a chocolate cake with ganache icing (decorated with Maltesers).  I think its a first for either of them - I was very impressed - its delicious!
  

I'm also still able to forage for tomatoes and the last few salad leaves in the greenhouse.  We've realised its best to pick these cherry tomatoes while they are still green or they go soft on the vine.  After I took this picture I collected another bowl this morning so the kitchen window sill is overflowing with these little beauties that look like a child's collection of marbles!  (Do children still play with marbles?)

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