Kandide's Journal

The “True” Origins of Valentine’s Day (According to ancient historical Fée records)

2/11/2015

I love Valentine’s Day, and had a long chat with Lord Rössi about its true origins. He is so knowledgeable about the history of everything. But before I tell you the true story, as we Fée know it to be, let me tell you about what Jake and I are doing on February 14th.

We plan to spend the entire day together. That will be a first. Maybe the Banshees can behave for just this one day. Though, I don't think romance is a Banshee trait. In any case, Jake and I are going ice skating on Lake Maxine in the morning. The air is so fresh and crisp at this time of the year. And I have a beautiful new white skating outfit. It’s trimmed in ice blue, and so adorable. Of course, I look amazing in it.

After skating, we’re flying out to our favorite picnic spot, deep in the woods. Tara discovered it when she followed an injured mother skunk to its den. The clearing has a wonderful 1,000-year old tree. It’s said to have grown on the exact spot where the Faery Viviane entrapped Merlin. I love it there. It’s so peaceful and quiet. After lunch, we will fly home for a wonderful celebration. I can’t wait. It’s been over a month since our last party.

Okay, back to the origins of Valentine’s Day. Lord Rössi did some research in our history files, which date back to 500 BT (Beginning of Time). King Luper, the second king of Calabiyau (980 BT), dedicated the Ides of February (mid-February) as a celebration of harmony and love. It was also the day he married Queen Calia, a most loving and kind Fée.

From that day on, many couples also married or got engaged during the celebration that became known as Luper-Calia Day—Luper for our King and Calia for our most beloved Queen. All in Calabiyau still rejoice during this time in honor of those they love—family and friends, alike.

Of course, the ancient Pagans and then the Romans copied our festival and re-wrote history. What King Luper created as a beautiful and happy day got turned into a dreadful celebration where they sacrificed goats and dogs. The early Romans called their celebration Lupercalia and claimed the name Luper came from Lupa, the she-wolf who, legend says, suckled the infant orphans, Romulus and Remus, who founded Rome.

In a way, there may be an inkling of truth to this, at least the wolf part. King Lupa’s clan was the guardian of the wolves. Lord Rössi believes that the word lupus (wolf) originally came from King Luper. Of this, we cannot be sure. But it does make sense.

In any case, our beautiful celebration got further changed when a 3rd Century Bishop named Valentine, who, legend has it, married Christian soldiers and their betrothed against the wishes of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Claudius worshiped the Roman Gods and wasn't a fan of this budding new religion. In reality, it was probably because he knew that when soldiers got married, they were more likely to defect.

He sentenced the Bishop to a bloody death. But as with all human history, there are many, many different versions of the same story, even several men named Valentine, or derivations there of. It’s really hard to tell what is true and what is not. History does, however, tell us that Pope Gelasius held the first feast of St. Valentine on February 14, 496.

There are so many different human versions of the origins of Valentine’s Day. But at least you now know the true origin of this wonderful celebration—that was and should be based upon joy, love, and appreciation.

Next week, I’ll tell you about what’s happening with Cyndara and the Banshees.

Happy V-Day. Gotta Fly

Kandide

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Chivalry—Hmmm??

2/6/2015

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Kandide’s Journal – 1-13-15

What a busy week. But then it’s always a busy week for me. Though, I think most of my time is wasted sitting in the High Council meetings. Lady Batony get worse every day. Can you imagine—she gave me a lecture on how to dress? Me? Just because I love pretty clothes and sparkly jewelry—especially dangle earrings and pretty broaches. She thinks I should dress more understated. I think, I’m Queen. I can do anything I want. And I love to sparkle.

Jake gave me a beautiful broach at the Holiday party. It’s a golden faery with beautiful purple-blue eyes like mine. They are made from tanzanite. Trump said tanzanite is more rare than diamonds. He’s the one who had the stones. He said the Banshees trade it for gold because it’s so rare and only found in one place in the world. The faery’s wings are made from pink diamonds that are sliced so thin you can see through them, and then suspended with gold wire. Her dress is made of various shades of pink pavé sapphires. It might be the most beautiful piece of jewelry I own—and that’s saying a lot, because I have over 2,000 pieces.

I love wearing jewelry—all kinds, as long as it sparkles. But then, I like anything that sparkles, including sparkling blackberry pomegranate juice, and Jake’s green eyes. They always sparkle when he sees me—unless he’s mad at me. Then he gets this funny look on his face. It’s pretty silly, and he always gets over it.

Though, I must say I was pretty mad at him yesterday. I don’t know why he thinks he has to let me win. I’m perfectly capable of competing on my own. I mean, I beat that Banshee soldier fair and square in aercaen. Of course, very few Fée are better than me at that game—even with my bent wing. I still feel bad about him getting killed because he lost. I certainly didn’t intend for that to happen. Banshees are so barbaric.

Anyway, back to Jake. We went swimming in the hot springs near the chateau the other day. It’s so beautiful there. I wish the entire world could be like that—so peaceful and calm. And yet, underneath there is molten rock. Teren said it is called magma. He said that the water is heated when it comes in contact with the rocks. Fortunately, there is a cold spring that also feeds into the water, so it stays at the perfect temperature. Otherwise, it would be super-heated and we’d be boiled to death.

Jake and I had a lovely picnic. Then, as always, we raced back through the underwater water tunnel—I love all the colored fish—and back to the shore. He always lets me win. It’s so frustrating. I tell him over and over again to really race me, but he never does. What’s the point of competing if there isn’t a real challenge? Competition is what makes us strong—able to survive. I know Jake is just trying to be chivalrous. But I‘d like him to race me for real.

In any case, I am a bit concerned about the chateau. When we got back we found out that that strange creature had been lurking around outside the wall again. I wonder if Lady Aron has conjured up some weird kind of magic—either her or the Banshees. Strange creatures don’t just start appearing from nowhere. Especially ones this size. Jake has posted double the number of sentries along the wall. I sure hope they figure out what it is pretty soon.

Oh, gosh, look at the clock. It’s almost time for the Council meeting to start. Think I’ll really pile the glitz on today—just to annoy Lady Batony.

Well, gotta fly. More later.

Kandide

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Brothers—UGH!!!

1/25/2015

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January 25, 2015

Honestly, sometimes I just don’t understand my brother, Teren. Actually, a lot of the time I don’t understand him. He’s one of the most talented magi’s in all of Calabiyau—at least he could be if he had even a spot of discipline. For all the majick books he reads, you’d think he would put some of those spells to good use. Instead… we’ll, I just can’t believe what he did last night.

It was Mother and Selena’s birthday. Mother didn’t want a big party, so she invited just a few of her friends. As usual, it ended up being about 50—protocol you know. Certain Fée just have to be invited. I have never seen such a long dining table and so much food! Our chefs, especially Culli, really outdid themselves.

We were having a wonderful dinner—eating and chatting—when all of a sudden everyone stated acting really strange. They were wiggling around and looking at each other rather uncomfortably. Mother, Selena, and I had no idea what was going on, but everyone else became very quiet. The conversations were replaced with forced smiles.

I glanced over at Teren and he had that look on his face—the one he always gets when he’s up to no good. I was about to say something to him when suddenly Lady Socrat let out a screech and jumped up. The bottom-side of her beautiful mint green dress had a big wet spot on it. As she touched the back of her skirt, she let out an embarrassed gasp and turned a bright embarrassed red. Then Lord Aron also jumped up. His bottom-side was wet as well. Everyone at the table did the same thing. They all had wet bottom-sides.

It turns out that Teren thought it would be funny to see their reactions, so he spelled each of the chairs so that it would slowly spurt small amounts water from the seat. I could have killed him—and so could each of our guests.

I must admit, everyone did look pretty funny trying to figure out what was going on as the water slowly penetrated his or her cloths. Must have been an awful feeling. Teren was smart enough not to do Mother, Selena nor me.

He, however, stopped chuckling when Mother ordered him confined to his chamber for a month. She also made him apologize to each guest, personally, and spell each of their clothes dry before he left the party. Honestly, what are we going to do with him? He would have never dared try anything like that when Father was alive.

Usually, Mother rescinds his punishment after a week, but I don’t think she will this time. He really crossed the line. She also took away his use of magic for the entire month. For Teren, that is the ultimate punishment. He may actually have to make his bed instead of snapping his fingers and the blankets remake themselves.

For a 14-year old, Teren certainly is immature. Why, when I was fourteen, I was already an aercaen champion—and I designed my own combat outfits. Of course I looked stunning in them—just as I do in everything I wear. Jake said I looked beautiful at Mother’s party. But then, he always says that.

Fortunately, he hasn’t seen any of those strange beasts lurking around the chateau recently. So that is good news. He’s coming out next week to stay for a few days. We are setting up a program to help Imperfects who want to return to Calabiyau find places to live and work. It’s a great cause, and I’m so happy he's going to work on it with me.

I haven’t suggested a recipe for a while, so thought I’d have our chefs write up this one. It is so easy to make and it’s one of my favorites. Once everyone got their clothes dry, we had dessert and this one vanished from the platters.

Magic Custard Pie

1/4 cup coconut oil

4 range free organic eggs

3/4 cup organic cane sugar

2 cups Almond milk

2 tps organic Vanilla extract

1/2 organic cup all purpose flour

Blend all of the ingredients together until really well mixed. (A blender is best.)

Lightly oil with coconut butter a 9” pie pan and pour the ingredients into it.

Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 45 minutes or until a knife can be removed cleanly.

Serve with fresh blackberries or strawberries and your favorite tea. I like mint tea with it.

Well, gotta fly—another boring High Council meeting is starting in a few minutes. A queen’s job is never easy.

Kandide

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Chivalry—Hmmm??

1/13/2015

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Kandide’s Journal – Jan, 13, 2015

What a busy week. But then it’s always a busy week for me. Though, I think most of my time is wasted sitting in the High Council meetings. Lady Batony gets worse every day. Can you imagine—she gave me a lecture on how to dress? Me? Just because I love pretty clothes and sparkly jewelry—especially dangle earrings and pretty broaches. She thinks I should dress more understated. I think, I’m Queen. I can do anything I want. And I love to sparkle.

Jake gave me a beautiful broach at the Holiday party. It’s a golden faery with purple-blue eyes like mine. They are made from tanzanite. Trump said tanzanite is more rare than diamonds. He’s the one who had the stones. He said the Banshees trade it for gold because it’s so rare and only found in one place in the world. The faery’s wings are made from pink diamonds that are sliced so thin you can see through them, and then suspended with gold wire. Her dress is made of various shades of pink pavé sapphires. It might be the most beautiful piece of jewelry I own—and that’s saying a lot, because I have over 2,000 pieces.

I love wearing jewelry—all kinds, as long as it sparkles. But then, I like anything that sparkles, including sparkling blackberry pomegranate juice, and Jake’s green eyes. They always sparkle when he sees me—unless he’s mad at me. Then he gets this funny look on his face. It’s pretty silly, and he always gets over it.

Though, I must say I was pretty mad at him yesterday. I don’t know why he thinks he has to let me win. I’m perfectly capable of competing on my own. I mean, I beat that Banshee soldier fair and square in aercaen. Of course, very few Fée are better than me at that game—even with my bent wing. I still feel bad about him getting killed because he lost. I certainly didn’t intend for that to happen. Banshees are so barbaric.

Anyway, back to Jake. We went swimming in the hot springs near the chateau the other day. It’s so beautiful there. I wish the entire world could be like that—so peaceful and calm. And yet, underneath there is molten rock. Teren said it is called magma. He said that the water is heated when it comes in contact with the rocks. Fortunately, there is a cold spring that also feeds into the water, so it stays at the perfect temperature. Otherwise, it would be super-heated and we’d be boiled to death.

Jake and I had a lovely picnic. Then, as always, we raced back through the underwater water tunnel—I love all the colored fish—and back to the shore. He always lets me win. It’s so frustrating. I tell him over and over again to actually race me, but he never does. What’s the point of competing if there isn’t a real challenge? Competition is what makes us strong—able to survive. I know Jake is just trying to be chivalrous. But I‘d like him to race me for real.

In any case, I am a bit concerned about the chateau. When we got back we found out that that strange creature had been lurking around outside the wall again. I wonder if Lady Aron has conjured up some weird kind of magic—either her or the Banshees. Strange creatures don’t just start appearing from nowhere, even in Calabiyau. Especially ones this size. Jake has posted double the number of sentries along the wall. I sure hope they figure out what it is pretty soon.

Oh, gosh, look at the clock. Half past seven. It’s almost time for the Council meeting to start. Think I’ll really pile the glitz on today—just to annoy Lady Batony.

Well, gotta fly. More later.
Kandide

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After The Ball...

1/4/2015

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Kandide's Journal - Jan 4th, 2015

I just don’t know where the days go. I haven’t had a moment to write in my journal—so it’s time to get caught up. The Solstice party was fabulous. My dress was the hit of the ball. I must remember to give Margay a special gift for finding that dressmaker. Even Jake was speechless when he saw me in it. The spun silver snowflakes shimmered like freshly fallen snow.

The party went on all night, and I danced nearly every dance with almost everyone who attended—mostly with Jake, though. I didn’t realize that Lord Rössi is such a good dancer—but he is. And Teren has really improved. He, however, spent most of his time doing magic for the younger kids, and eating, of course, like he usually does at parties.

The orchestra played some of my favorite human songs. I just love Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz. And Lady Batony even sang. She still has an amazing voice. I think it was good for her. The crowd went wild when she finished.

The Castle chefs prepared an amazing feast. The carrot and sweet potato soufflé was to die for, as were the chestnut stuffed mushrooms. And I never saw so many kinds of pies, cookies, cakes, and puddings--even my favorite Crème Brule with burnt caramel and topped with fresh blueberries. As though I had time to eat very much—what with all the dignitaries I had to favor with witty chat.

Jake and I watched the sunrise from the main speaking balcony of the castle. The sky was ablaze with ambers, pinks, and teal blue colors. I just love that time of the day. It’s so calm and fresh. In the past, it has almost always snowed during the Solstice parties. But that morning was so clear and the air had a crisp sense of renewal.

Unfortunately, Jake had to get back to the Chateau. There seems be some sort of a weird creature lurking around. I promised I’d meet him there in a couple days. I think I could stay in his arms forever—though I’d never admit it to him. In any case, I just have so much to do here.

The High Council meets tomorrow which is Monday. It will be the first meeting of the New Year. I’m sure it will be a complete waste of time. But I do what I must—just not sure how Father survived them for so many years.

I promised to write about my beauty secrets. Of course, I was born beautiful. But it never helps to give Mother Nature a hand. As Fée, we are more concerned about what we put into our bodies than what we put onto them. So, here are ten of my favorite foods that help make my skin stay beautiful.

1.     Blueberries: They are high in the antioxidants that help to protect from premature aging. Yes, even Fée age, albeit much slower than humans. I eat wild blueberries almost every day.

2.     Dark chocolate: Who would have thought? But only the kind that has 60 to 70 percent cacao, because it has a high flavonal content that helps your skin stay hydrated and protects from sun damage. My favorite chocolate shop in the village makes the best and healthiest chocolate in Calabiyau.

3.     Kiwis: Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, they help keep your skin firm and help prevent wrinkles. They are also great for your bones and teeth.

4.     Walnuts: Because of their omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, walnuts help promote smooth skin, beautiful hair, bright eyes, and strong bones. I like them on salads as well as just plain.

5.     Tomatoes: The anti-aging antioxidant lycopene is high in tomatoes. Interestingly enough, your body absorbs lycopene easier when the tomatoes are cooked or processed. But either way, tomatoes are great.

6.     Spinach: Loaded with lutein, spinach helps keep your eyes healthy and sparkling. It’s a good source of vitamins B, C, E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. My chefs put spinach in all our salads, and cook with it too.

7.     Sweet Potatoes: This is a super food that is packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps fights aging.

8.     Cucumbers: My beauty experts consider cucumber to be a wonder vegetable. Whether you eat them or apply them topically, they have amazing properties. They are high in minerals, low in calories, and can provide cooling effects on the skin, as well as astringent properties.

9.     Avocados: An excellent source of Vitamin E and healthy fats, avocados contain fiber and Vitamin C. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is shown to have photo-protective abilities, which means it provides some protection against UV radiation and it also helps prevent inflammatory, UV-caused damage to the skin.

10. Coconut: The fatty acids in coconut helps boost your immune system and prevent cellular degeneration. That means that your skin’s aging process is slowed down, and you have a healthier glow.

Of course there are many other foods that are healthy. But these are my favorites.

Well, gotta fly. More later.

Kandide

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The “True” Origins of Valentine’s Day (According to ancient historical Fée records)

Chivalry—Hmmm??

Brothers—UGH!!!

Chivalry—Hmmm??

After The Ball...

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