tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76661255139580458662024-03-13T09:08:34.299-07:00Jessica Knauss, Famous AuthorDeclared a famous writer in 1985, I write historical fiction and magical realism. Follow my publications, read interviews with writers and reviews of the most interesting books.Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.comBlogger771125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-52531189621343534632022-12-28T08:40:00.000-08:002022-12-28T08:40:52.077-08:00Photo of the Year, 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgIJp625FTMIBWPBZwGGAn1M3CGudhSPq7BCvX02vX6OV8-uBCHhVWEa5ZqaYe1pNzW5KHL545vh8I2Tc-4sY3Ylsd55KfSGVP6nsQCvcRDABSLz5YwLExMZfkIw26sKhSV91i1e8fYsppek8Zb10TvDnNNdVlpCNv7u59dv79xpbAAin20fSFyrdJg/s4624/20221221_124135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgIJp625FTMIBWPBZwGGAn1M3CGudhSPq7BCvX02vX6OV8-uBCHhVWEa5ZqaYe1pNzW5KHL545vh8I2Tc-4sY3Ylsd55KfSGVP6nsQCvcRDABSLz5YwLExMZfkIw26sKhSV91i1e8fYsppek8Zb10TvDnNNdVlpCNv7u59dv79xpbAAin20fSFyrdJg/w300-h400/20221221_124135.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The Photo of 2022 shows that most beautiful sight for any author: one's book in a bookstore. <div><br /></div><div>Specifically, in December of this year, I saw (and snapped a photo) of the Spanish version of my dear short story collection, <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/our-ladys-troubadour/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i>, for sale in the local section, clearly visible from the street, at Mil Hojas Bookstore, Zamora, Spain. </div><div><br /></div><div>Massive changes in the book industry in the last twenty years have made it frustrating and inconvenient for most authors to see this sight as e-commerce and ebooks overwhelm the printed word. I grew up before the internet (gasp!), and seeing one's book in the store always seemed a glamourous, giant step to authorial stardom. </div><div><br /></div><div>That kind of deep-seated impression doesn't fade easily, so when I saw my book in my local bookstore, I felt in my blood and bones that this was a beautiful sign of success. </div><div><br /></div><div>Due to my excitement in sharing this photo with everyone I knew, at least this copy sold. I know because the reader brought it to me to sign, telling me he'd already read it in ebook and was now making a gift of it to his son-in-law. What a tremendously flattering situation for my beloved book! </div><div><br /></div><div>He went on to say that he couldn't get over how someone not from Spain could think of these things and write them so authentically. Again, so flattering I almost didn't know what to say. </div><div><br /></div><div>But of course, he'd made a tiny mistake. Everyone at this blog knows my soul is Spanish, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>This photo, objectively nothing special in itself, has also been chosen as 2022's Photo of the Year because it was taken in 2022 and showcases just one of my publications from 2021. </div><div><br /></div><div>It can't showcase something from 2022 because no such writing exists. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've spent all of 2022 working very hard for income to keep a roof over my head and food on the table. I've written two short stories (at the most) that have not been published. Comparison is odious in general, but at the end off 2022, it's hard not to feel like it's come up short. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, with this photo as inspiration, I'm looking at 2023 head-on to be my best writing year yet. Here's to attaining and surpassing realistic and idealistic goals! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year, everybody! </div>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-48821882674557429122022-11-23T00:30:00.001-08:002022-11-23T00:30:00.218-08:00The Desire to Touch the Past: The Precursor King Exhibit in Toledo<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsCCtEs_lrOPypc0jwNJQPFh7Cgn_feoPBe9NVTfqAHe7cVFKtnlmtlNmrZnqCX4uHSdtXSlnRj4pkFrBoreJLEHZPv-c_GY2eBSg9VOjDMaikRYRvop-a-6buTqGXexKijZmwHywi86uCsbJLpFJb4-EdFcwNmK1lKZ2Pq7Ev16Cw4x6TkORPra5yA/s4032/IMG_2111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsCCtEs_lrOPypc0jwNJQPFh7Cgn_feoPBe9NVTfqAHe7cVFKtnlmtlNmrZnqCX4uHSdtXSlnRj4pkFrBoreJLEHZPv-c_GY2eBSg9VOjDMaikRYRvop-a-6buTqGXexKijZmwHywi86uCsbJLpFJb4-EdFcwNmK1lKZ2Pq7Ev16Cw4x6TkORPra5yA/w400-h300/IMG_2111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cloister at the Monastery of Santa Cruz, Toledo,<br />now the Museum of Santa Cruz</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As readers of this blog know, 2021 marked 800 years since the birth of Alfonso X, <i>el Sabio</i>, in Toledo (Spain) on November 23, 1221. I did everything I could to commemorate that important anniversary: going to a concert and exhibits, releasing a book of tremendous importance to me, and presenting that book in Zamora, Burgos, Salamanca, and Benavente. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWU6N6ZpW5u6W07xymxpB0OsIUrUznyVnspvMiYl2MGUIyUjGETj72fJ54__A7WXDiqE-OsgPCG6YtpxQRXnpIsGWNl14SjnR2i2Jqv5-91Q-6eivuOonH_PIxG7oyuARXrZ-O6JuOxZ4rNWiH2zP6-kMZomEOKLuzXXYxImFZBNeYpy1aL1WrCflLA/s1610/Author%205.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1610" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWU6N6ZpW5u6W07xymxpB0OsIUrUznyVnspvMiYl2MGUIyUjGETj72fJ54__A7WXDiqE-OsgPCG6YtpxQRXnpIsGWNl14SjnR2i2Jqv5-91Q-6eivuOonH_PIxG7oyuARXrZ-O6JuOxZ4rNWiH2zP6-kMZomEOKLuzXXYxImFZBNeYpy1aL1WrCflLA/s320/Author%205.png" width="320" /></a></div>Here we are again on November 23. <b>Happy 801st birthday to the focal point of my scholarly joy!</b> <p></p><p>In May of this year, I had an opportunity to revel in more than 200 objects (pottery, architecture, clothing, manuscripts, recreated musical and scientific instruments, and more!) having to do with Alfonso X, <i>el Sabio</i>, and I think this is an excellent occasion to share some highlights. </p><p>I haven't counted, but I think the most celebrations over these two years have taken place in the city of Alfonso's birth. And I have to assume the exhibit Alfonso X: The Legacy of a Precursor King was the most extensive, impressive, and enjoyable. </p><p>My mother was with me, and I wore her out looking at everything on offer for a long Spanish morning with excitement that only seemed to increase with every piece. I felt each object in my heart and bones. </p><p>The exhibit filled the entire second floor of the Museum of Santa Cruz, and was beautifully organized into moments of Alfonso's life, from birth and family connections, to his early reign, the intellectual projects (the biggest section, of course--we're talking about a certified brainiac), through to the end of his reign, and the impressions of him throughout history since his death in 1284. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYJwA8fTfoq05IfZh1iOExxBkMLgpm-tmR1HKhWXK1h8mRjEKvlMLNP0G_5adXhrQ41E8ZNsVYjHIFw2dYDZn3LDdo2HuOpuujjpeGsM5_4q6CTMGsbUiI2O88ZH7MEseTS5lNS_cSzW_DHQB1g_ia0pDdVAQQEQr13tkGscDWytfJcE5e_3OJEjPIA/s4032/IMG_2120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYJwA8fTfoq05IfZh1iOExxBkMLgpm-tmR1HKhWXK1h8mRjEKvlMLNP0G_5adXhrQ41E8ZNsVYjHIFw2dYDZn3LDdo2HuOpuujjpeGsM5_4q6CTMGsbUiI2O88ZH7MEseTS5lNS_cSzW_DHQB1g_ia0pDdVAQQEQr13tkGscDWytfJcE5e_3OJEjPIA/w300-h400/IMG_2120.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>The exhibit started in an anteroom with this lovely model for a nineteenth-century statue that was never completed. I took the opportunity to be photographed with a handsome physical representation of this person I will never meet in life. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDmnu48b2RHMItPegbVQtqK0gjaYazWtq752lPrHJUXzbkVERmgSRBfZp2nrUHS-CQsdicJVVLY8VizpWNzmKfVWU43VN2SiLnymxcUxb2vPYLluOp0vpYOPsI0hhxqiXkAiHkzTZcygnFnOgc6yoin-2YFjV28g505cvf6Vv4fNhPpeQ82kJRI3-xw/s4000/IMG_20220511_104211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDmnu48b2RHMItPegbVQtqK0gjaYazWtq752lPrHJUXzbkVERmgSRBfZp2nrUHS-CQsdicJVVLY8VizpWNzmKfVWU43VN2SiLnymxcUxb2vPYLluOp0vpYOPsI0hhxqiXkAiHkzTZcygnFnOgc6yoin-2YFjV28g505cvf6Vv4fNhPpeQ82kJRI3-xw/w400-h225/IMG_20220511_104211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The bead curtains in the background were used throughout the exhibit to separate the sections and highlight the pieces. The intense colors, translucent glow, and symbols of royalty made this visitor feel like she was walking into an Alfonsine manuscript.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uvRKafiaaqw_P3jqTDZJv_QePGwcc6-xhF8MinFx3P_DOcdtTzwvVxgFCkFYyzvoAP_6STbKZIgKKK7Rdw6Xc6d86EU1OnYNqI0hZ4OkN4azMf8nUvtgCyDBpd0Uk4SKhqAyGbFVyDGPyi4fKzM2lYLgYYJcjt9oNJrgBARTBH73R10ANqmPh2ptdA/s4000/IMG_20220511_105958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uvRKafiaaqw_P3jqTDZJv_QePGwcc6-xhF8MinFx3P_DOcdtTzwvVxgFCkFYyzvoAP_6STbKZIgKKK7Rdw6Xc6d86EU1OnYNqI0hZ4OkN4azMf8nUvtgCyDBpd0Uk4SKhqAyGbFVyDGPyi4fKzM2lYLgYYJcjt9oNJrgBARTBH73R10ANqmPh2ptdA/w400-h225/IMG_20220511_105958.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One representative of Alfonso's early family life was his brother, Prince Felipe. This linen and silk bonnet was removed from his tomb in Villalcázar de Sirga. The colors have darkened over time, but the castles and lions, emblems of the prince's royal status, are still visible. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you work mainly with texts, your heroes are ephemeral collections of thoughts and ideas. Anything that gives evidence of that hero's physical existence, even if it was 800 years ago, is the closest thing we have to traveling in time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Closed tombs, architecture where they lived, or pottery they might've used become a concentrated blast of emotion accumulated over years of study. If possible, clothing is an even more intense sensory experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Clothing so rarely survives because it's so delicate, and it is one of the most intimate things any person will ever use. Being so close I could touch the threads and smell the earthiness of the silk and metallic gold, and imagining this very hat on the head of Alfonso's brother... and ones just like it on the head of the king himself... Simply overwhelming. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEe4gI1zNZIctV2mUmX0mEVi1FXPbdCXVnkax7gkCyIKy1_S8y57W8TZFnMoRKoq46YbxfNn2CfYeuRtFpwFrTLHDb_VFCtdQ3-hyQpfeoopHfcKvWTRwJ1Qhu_4UfCxsvEj3S8I9fHkgGrWVSxW4-BQL0ZiyOTW6xdrTb0iGa8EroCtfCwy55YZWew/s4032/IMG_2141.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEe4gI1zNZIctV2mUmX0mEVi1FXPbdCXVnkax7gkCyIKy1_S8y57W8TZFnMoRKoq46YbxfNn2CfYeuRtFpwFrTLHDb_VFCtdQ3-hyQpfeoopHfcKvWTRwJ1Qhu_4UfCxsvEj3S8I9fHkgGrWVSxW4-BQL0ZiyOTW6xdrTb0iGa8EroCtfCwy55YZWew/w400-h300/IMG_2141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Unlike the hat, this cape retains all its original splendor. Probably a gift from Alfonso X to his brother-in-law, Prince Sancho, when Sancho was made Archbishop of Toledo (the most important ecclesiastical role in medieval Spain), the cape's silk and gold threads show the symbols of Castile and León (Alfonso's kingdom), Aragón (Prince Sancho's kingdom of origin), and the eagle of the Staufen family in memory of Alfonso's mother, Beatriz of Swabia. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSZfAIeeDKCNTU8o5RvXhHhVFSXc5_RxC38cEwoFUeC4m2ng9xB4nj_TylaP3Kx_qqR3KW50M9Eh2kumzKVzNgiXF0erjxQAGhzwDquahRKr2Iih2xQ0Thg7RT9dqyBVxWqBY52s4apaXRe24JNDKIOz23Y-TiYuI31WsWMUqosleCvlMJVjUV7Mm7A/s4000/IMG_20220511_110742.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSZfAIeeDKCNTU8o5RvXhHhVFSXc5_RxC38cEwoFUeC4m2ng9xB4nj_TylaP3Kx_qqR3KW50M9Eh2kumzKVzNgiXF0erjxQAGhzwDquahRKr2Iih2xQ0Thg7RT9dqyBVxWqBY52s4apaXRe24JNDKIOz23Y-TiYuI31WsWMUqosleCvlMJVjUV7Mm7A/w400-h225/IMG_20220511_110742.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This closeup shows itsintricate detail and solid embroidery. It had to have been created by a team of royal tapestry-makers, and it's so intact, it must hardly have been used and been stored in very fortunate conditions. The bead curtains we were "wrapped" in the whole time are based on this pattern. <br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHja-a7T25rGRExq7xO2I8TPObb4hTWYBZ3XBRbnf0fWm9XxyYQmU_1xNoD__K9UfiBRgM1pRQwXuvuZ5UQAdssyR-b_zx2d0y0-uTrqCF2cEZt4BJiCmbqmGl8wVEuzGuqZNfhC_ZqyXSDvoypOdrOcnZRdsvCiI6KQE3M0oWyO3aKA4TCqQ2IjPzg/s3757/IMG_2154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2796" data-original-width="3757" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHja-a7T25rGRExq7xO2I8TPObb4hTWYBZ3XBRbnf0fWm9XxyYQmU_1xNoD__K9UfiBRgM1pRQwXuvuZ5UQAdssyR-b_zx2d0y0-uTrqCF2cEZt4BJiCmbqmGl8wVEuzGuqZNfhC_ZqyXSDvoypOdrOcnZRdsvCiI6KQE3M0oWyO3aKA4TCqQ2IjPzg/w400-h297/IMG_2154.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>The Book of the Privileges of Toledo</i>, late thirteenth century, is a deluxe manuscript to ensure no one forgot exactly what rights and benefits Toledo had from the king. The miniature shows Alfonso X granting these privileges to grateful Toledans, yet another representation of the king doing his job with due generosity. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNZQMnatBh-IgqX0ohq1Im8jIlRIfSefE7GZ5T1bHdHP0N_vbyGzlzEjXNzWcuKNJBmb6NYdYPj9rClght_q3sKugzdtCCybJ8-Jq3bPXBLU5I0GAgCIgXS1uGhF2t7Iiyoe_iiiWOCF52siPxiyC-CPST7QXevrX3c8BpphTlWYHNCP_5Vo7LCQiYQ/s3213/IMG_2157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2934" data-original-width="3213" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNZQMnatBh-IgqX0ohq1Im8jIlRIfSefE7GZ5T1bHdHP0N_vbyGzlzEjXNzWcuKNJBmb6NYdYPj9rClght_q3sKugzdtCCybJ8-Jq3bPXBLU5I0GAgCIgXS1uGhF2t7Iiyoe_iiiWOCF52siPxiyC-CPST7QXevrX3c8BpphTlWYHNCP_5Vo7LCQiYQ/w400-h365/IMG_2157.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>I have a cherished replica of this seal at my home in the United States. In the Middle Ages, seals of authentication were large and hung from the documents by a cord. This wax seal is as big as the palm of an "average" man's hand and shows Alfonso X riding into battle. </div><div><br /></div><div>Medieval Spanish kings were expected to be able warriors and participate in whatever important battles came up. Though we no longer emphasize this aspect when remembering him, Alfonso X took active part in many battles, including helping his father win important cities in the south while he was still prince. His declining health in later years and extraordinary intellectual accomplishments are what people emphasize about him. Every once in a while it's good to recall that Alfonso X never shirked his physical duties, either. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJtCNvFAab-_mkKttQvagSZ0FIvigz86gDC26nFiB-q6ZBRmA7QrYx8A3b9ydSr4VjD-AbKuTIqqhDfKJCVGhZuy4iyv0J9Vg1o3nxIaZ1MK91keaBsRYqAV9v5tVn6QGq76ReShiDikWifhggeKnmdT7OpsDwMTyLgB-VzmWoeWQsOFuvMMlWYyr2Q/s3023/IMG_2202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2979" data-original-width="3023" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJtCNvFAab-_mkKttQvagSZ0FIvigz86gDC26nFiB-q6ZBRmA7QrYx8A3b9ydSr4VjD-AbKuTIqqhDfKJCVGhZuy4iyv0J9Vg1o3nxIaZ1MK91keaBsRYqAV9v5tVn6QGq76ReShiDikWifhggeKnmdT7OpsDwMTyLgB-VzmWoeWQsOFuvMMlWYyr2Q/w400-h394/IMG_2202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here I am with the To codex of the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>. Remember what I wrote about clothing being so personal? In Alfonso X's case, <i>Cantigas </i>manuscripts, which he definitely commissioned, may have edited and approved, and certainly physically touched to refer to when complete, are probably the most personal physical object possible. </div><div><br /></div><div>The only reason my head didn't explode at this point was that I had already seen this very codex in February in Madrid at the National Library. That day I saw so many of the manuscripts I've spent decades admiring from afar that I broke down sobbing for a few minutes. With that out of the way, in May I had emotional space to take in this manuscript again and all the new-to-me wonders, as well. It's an accomplishment! </div><div><br /></div><div>The To codex was open to a different page for this exhibit than it had been in Madrid. Significantly, it displayed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiBZGSn0KLU" target="_blank"><i>Cantiga </i>12</a>, which takes place in Toledo. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TcdnBaBjp0nUbaiqQgdaw0fRWbongfNqmTw2tSYwdhUAw5LUBKtPhBQZyQuOunEgQaw5NDf9QTLVC6SKQI7QgvGt1gxEexAbFP3IpR27MR1o7AZBpHxx6zirz3C3xjmJJjRLVF4Eh9NvzmFqSgIpuMvcKkM1PWP_UNRctyVJLZd0Pz7yMw1W2oK8AQ/s4000/IMG_20220511_112458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TcdnBaBjp0nUbaiqQgdaw0fRWbongfNqmTw2tSYwdhUAw5LUBKtPhBQZyQuOunEgQaw5NDf9QTLVC6SKQI7QgvGt1gxEexAbFP3IpR27MR1o7AZBpHxx6zirz3C3xjmJJjRLVF4Eh9NvzmFqSgIpuMvcKkM1PWP_UNRctyVJLZd0Pz7yMw1W2oK8AQ/w225-h400/IMG_20220511_112458.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>Alfonso X enters Cádiz and takes possession of the sea in this lively nineteenth-century painting that won the artist, Matías Moreno, a gold medal. This painting was at the entrance to the document-heavy section of the exhibit, so perhaps it served to remind visitors that these documents are not merely dry ink on vellum. They depict exciting events, many of which had centuries-long repercussions. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WFJ1yiGpfOWxioLAU6ZSg3PY0t_fQuKHtRT-otwFuXefFJzaQ3kp3F-NskO4GNRQP-xz_jYHmukK_MBdKoxNv0AnwPPWf2kNAZA1fGXIGMv0hou5uQXopsDul3C_UJzoH9Sxs87fFUql-5PMeoyNGQcvCN3hkI4oX9ZzPdrBkjkDeKX-F2ziCEsdJA/s3227/IMG_20220511_113418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2139" data-original-width="3227" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WFJ1yiGpfOWxioLAU6ZSg3PY0t_fQuKHtRT-otwFuXefFJzaQ3kp3F-NskO4GNRQP-xz_jYHmukK_MBdKoxNv0AnwPPWf2kNAZA1fGXIGMv0hou5uQXopsDul3C_UJzoH9Sxs87fFUql-5PMeoyNGQcvCN3hkI4oX9ZzPdrBkjkDeKX-F2ziCEsdJA/w400-h265/IMG_20220511_113418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Many legal documents display these beautiful circular symbolic royal signatures for a validation that's obvious to anyone who looks at it. This royal circle, especially deluxe with its rich reds, greens, black, and gold, is from a May 24, 1256, privilege granting coin minting to the archbishop and council of the Cathedral of Toledo.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhw5Ig6ubMEWngshP2hZMllptM43aawb65F-ahFyJTJWsqtmn6LlzQL8j5r774aACX2-d4IIKnWaeJDU-hFpZofDNIqGd3P4MJstJml4JRyLUI9IJa-_aGbUQSuT2r1lPrq98uU3g1QUnJ5z0orDgtCT21NSD7I6Iyu_QQx5rMaopmgv8POYQUHoxCg/s4000/IMG_20220511_113436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhw5Ig6ubMEWngshP2hZMllptM43aawb65F-ahFyJTJWsqtmn6LlzQL8j5r774aACX2-d4IIKnWaeJDU-hFpZofDNIqGd3P4MJstJml4JRyLUI9IJa-_aGbUQSuT2r1lPrq98uU3g1QUnJ5z0orDgtCT21NSD7I6Iyu_QQx5rMaopmgv8POYQUHoxCg/w400-h225/IMG_20220511_113436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A closeup of the same document shows the king and queen's names highlighted in green and red. I have a feeling I'll be discussing <a href="https://jessicaknauss.blogspot.com/2018/08/seeking-queen-violante.html" target="_blank">Queen Violante</a> more on this blog in the coming months. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTj4AM4Wu5qwIjQ-uQjngXbJUq4TMjxTYfMZdHE5LW5wfgOje-cmrE_jI8s9w-0POJMwMb-NCiBQczVq7ItBgnVrcjvpRJ1UX9kDWDUjgdJasJjDSTqpfAKDhOyy-tRdn6ISCK96oH9rIYJgB-rIPtBNLDdbXp3oxUNu6hJ1QMlmvTx6_IK_od66NS2Q/s4000/IMG_20220511_124026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTj4AM4Wu5qwIjQ-uQjngXbJUq4TMjxTYfMZdHE5LW5wfgOje-cmrE_jI8s9w-0POJMwMb-NCiBQczVq7ItBgnVrcjvpRJ1UX9kDWDUjgdJasJjDSTqpfAKDhOyy-tRdn6ISCK96oH9rIYJgB-rIPtBNLDdbXp3oxUNu6hJ1QMlmvTx6_IK_od66NS2Q/w400-h225/IMG_20220511_124026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A painted wooden St. Mary of the Navarra school, late thirteenth century, is a three-dimensional example of the aesthetic found throughout the Alfonsine manuscripts. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQk1MdmM_z-4Bv31SVrS99_tGoURk2SMrWs8XIEfxmjel_dsLbq1O3fLqpQdx3YwrHvtRFu6l9IzVHXUSYKSf46GlkHuBFNUtxSGbV4sbsWLxEyPEGEQ9ZWBmNx4sFPBLbG_ruPWxZ2l0IGJeBWcvLpu9ud91Qpxngy71Ta2qAthIyV5fWrm85yMMkgA/s4000/IMG_20220511_125631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQk1MdmM_z-4Bv31SVrS99_tGoURk2SMrWs8XIEfxmjel_dsLbq1O3fLqpQdx3YwrHvtRFu6l9IzVHXUSYKSf46GlkHuBFNUtxSGbV4sbsWLxEyPEGEQ9ZWBmNx4sFPBLbG_ruPWxZ2l0IGJeBWcvLpu9ud91Qpxngy71Ta2qAthIyV5fWrm85yMMkgA/w225-h400/IMG_20220511_125631.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>In the astronomy section, some of the most impressive pieces were reconstructions of the instruments described and illustrated in the Alfonsine books that measure the phenomena of the night sky. Eduard Farré recreated this Mercury clock, which shows the movement of the constellations, based on the <i>Book of Knowledge of Astrology</i>.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJmzm0UOzmzoBVcpq2CLTP9cpVcn8ua1wdlTB26ZtnIA4zPzI1C_Z9XEiPl9YpRzMF9hjYAoScUYk1YB2sc9JcbQNJOeVvbhomRBvuV--dnSJJ-vLFUzZBoVmKtCxfySBRibBVNSNsMJNkBvI5tqrcm7UayOE5FEGesge3U8FYjvuk3CJvLQM2jgGEA/s3185/IMG_20220511_130401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3185" data-original-width="2228" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJmzm0UOzmzoBVcpq2CLTP9cpVcn8ua1wdlTB26ZtnIA4zPzI1C_Z9XEiPl9YpRzMF9hjYAoScUYk1YB2sc9JcbQNJOeVvbhomRBvuV--dnSJJ-vLFUzZBoVmKtCxfySBRibBVNSNsMJNkBvI5tqrcm7UayOE5FEGesge3U8FYjvuk3CJvLQM2jgGEA/w280-h400/IMG_20220511_130401.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>The most diligent intellectuals are the people most in need and deserving of taking a little break now and then. This philosophy is found at the beginning of the <i>Book of Chess and Board Games </i>(1283), the last book Alfonso X commissioned. This chessboard from fourteenth-century Granada looks like it came out of an illustration from that book. It's practical, with storage for the pieces and a way to secure and carry it wherever it's needed for some clean fun. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLfxyClE_WPsRVLKNAVaJblfhT-L4opFd3Vud93cKQzgEjADQeL30CI0tLu0MTTeMmd1io0u0MyB2FX624_Vnw2S-RDqthuhQyeJAin3Q7Wwle5tGQFEcq4Q0sP5AciXl1hy_CKwrqHXipcDCqMGMK3f-opwKHd8SJoz7VN3lEatXLTsCJZ8xZn3u2w/s4000/IMG_20220511_130633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLfxyClE_WPsRVLKNAVaJblfhT-L4opFd3Vud93cKQzgEjADQeL30CI0tLu0MTTeMmd1io0u0MyB2FX624_Vnw2S-RDqthuhQyeJAin3Q7Wwle5tGQFEcq4Q0sP5AciXl1hy_CKwrqHXipcDCqMGMK3f-opwKHd8SJoz7VN3lEatXLTsCJZ8xZn3u2w/w400-h225/IMG_20220511_130633.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The exhibit boasted an enormous altar of musical instruments recreated from illustrations in the <i>Cantigas </i>manuscripts. Jesús Reolid, Jota Martínez, and María José Campos crafted this lovely citole, accurate down to the castles and lions. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbkNreYKm5Z4c765-2IiY72PCHR6ByHtQomb_NONLYMF03Y2q_diZITpZPJ9v70x1zQL93miyZYJvUTy18jqd07jj-OFUs9zqaAtc9FNi8NWdQwwo4HD8We5zBuu0Mmm1Q35EnAzo8dD1f1DJJEXKH6nvsS8S4fByIPPfH6EweqMY3AEAfENwQaMyjQ/s4000/IMG_20220511_133436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbkNreYKm5Z4c765-2IiY72PCHR6ByHtQomb_NONLYMF03Y2q_diZITpZPJ9v70x1zQL93miyZYJvUTy18jqd07jj-OFUs9zqaAtc9FNi8NWdQwwo4HD8We5zBuu0Mmm1Q35EnAzo8dD1f1DJJEXKH6nvsS8S4fByIPPfH6EweqMY3AEAfENwQaMyjQ/w225-h400/IMG_20220511_133436.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>After a somber section describing Alfonso X's difficult final years and death, but that also provided a video summary of his accomplishments, the exhibit featured what turned out to be the star items. When they opened the tomb of Sancho IV, Alfonso's second son and successor, in 1947, the scholars rescued many items Sancho had been buried with. The first on display was this spectacular sword. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think I would be so into medieval Spain or swords if I hadn't adored <i>The Princess Bride</i> as a preteen. This kind of thing still has plenty of capacity to delight me. This sword is regally decorated and must have rested in Sancho's hand on any number of occasions. It's another very personal item for that reason. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL1-xssXdd4_fR3QytIlDHWsyOHzhDvkSK0Nz05FmBCqd3zjYH8-9TfiD_n07wKiZ1NGkY_aAOxKC7DY9gYfDiya3oasRMxFG7PlB0OrUCDGvkCmQb9qVPxg-CYPllo3k0IReJQU-PwiIp6f4eyVLt8JjHl3lYyDWxEzBTi8sAnIroPbGl9IT1kGa0w/s4000/IMG_20220511_133733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL1-xssXdd4_fR3QytIlDHWsyOHzhDvkSK0Nz05FmBCqd3zjYH8-9TfiD_n07wKiZ1NGkY_aAOxKC7DY9gYfDiya3oasRMxFG7PlB0OrUCDGvkCmQb9qVPxg-CYPllo3k0IReJQU-PwiIp6f4eyVLt8JjHl3lYyDWxEzBTi8sAnIroPbGl9IT1kGa0w/w400-h225/IMG_20220511_133733.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The piece I had been longing to see came at the end. Another item extracted from Sancho's tomb, this is the only medieval Spanish king's crown that we are aware of having survived to the present day. The only one! And it seems extraordinary. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love the ingenious way the castles serve as the peaks. There's no pictorial evidence that this was the usual way to design a crown. The large precious stones, however, are typical. The cameos aren't a medieval specialty, but it was very medieval to repurpose Roman cameos. I think these cameos were probably already antique when they were set into the crown. The hinges so it could adapt to different heads and headwear are another delightful surprise. The king would've worn a soft hat, often of velvet, and placed this crown on top. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the thing. Though it was found in Sancho's tomb, it's pretty clear Alfonso X used this crown before his son did. Alfonso's 1282 testament granted his heir "the crown with stones and cameos." Most scholars agree it makes sense that he's referring to this crown, the only one that survived the Middle Ages to our time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would've bought a reasonably accurate replica of this crown, no questions asked, no matter the cost. Even though I had no room in my suitcase after my mom had brought me a couple of things from the United States and three weeks of travel. Even though I have nowhere to put it in my apartment. I would've found a place. </div><div><br /></div><div>But no replica was available, and so I went home with just a great CD of <i>Cantigas </i>by the Jota Martínez Ensemble.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVV0O96fSzbpZNu4DhdrQWoFc6V-TpOg2ocoMQcz3tUduuRw6Qvnc4ffju5QZpH4xzb0aGsqdLjCmCV3PPK0vibcVD4TzDOZKjPy8Eh5BWWbAb0zsGA5E81a9OGri6o0NML-vkBXpwM_b-f8RdHLNL9wY_vjx6A3KE9-ziv6fxYYyig9Tk077KQ6A2A/s3557/IMG_20220511_113854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="3557" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVV0O96fSzbpZNu4DhdrQWoFc6V-TpOg2ocoMQcz3tUduuRw6Qvnc4ffju5QZpH4xzb0aGsqdLjCmCV3PPK0vibcVD4TzDOZKjPy8Eh5BWWbAb0zsGA5E81a9OGri6o0NML-vkBXpwM_b-f8RdHLNL9wY_vjx6A3KE9-ziv6fxYYyig9Tk077KQ6A2A/w400-h225/IMG_20220511_113854.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granular closeup of a bejeweled sheath said to accompany a <br />sword belonging to "Roland." Since it's from 1250 and part <br />of the royal treasury, it's likely Alfonso X, his father, and his son <br />were the actual owners of this sword. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />After a wonderful visit, I've been reading about the Romanesque art of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Maestro Mateo, the designer, was kind enough to sculpt a near-life-size statue of Santiago the pilgrims could approach and wrap their arms around. In this way, they tangibly experienced the object of a devotion so strong, they left their homes and walked for months in its honor. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was nearly a thousand years ago, so it has nothing to do with modern commercialism, but with a deep-seated need for humans to bring their interior hopes and dreams into exterior reality. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've left the place of my birth and have been on this Alfonsine journey much longer than it takes to walk the Camino de Santiago. Of course I want tangible evidence of my decades of study. The Precursor King exhibit has been the event that came closest to fulfilling that desire. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I wasn't able to <i>literally </i>touch any of the books, clothing, instruments, or metalwork. The saga continues...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for letting me share a small part of my joy with you. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Further reading:</h3><div><br /></div><div><i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/our-ladys-troubadour/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/law-and-order-in-medieval-spain/" target="_blank">Law and Order in Medieval Spain</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-64280671669692475392022-09-23T00:30:00.001-07:002022-09-23T00:30:00.217-07:00New Historical Fiction: The Last Dollar Princess by Linda Bennett Pennell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyeE1mWwMFJYnbyuw86foqVUoIeUv0Ks05QMatHXRGa4oJmDkjXj1TmLwEpEYq7mbqYcY9xVgUefrsRNZsYM-faxghcAdyqxfhnJWMuu2d9KxeumGDRdBsJXhTpu9hs-sk72CGdjA3T5A5GCu1H7RTNAetBISbsRDDaDeyQ75MsDDsQqYUWKayK-i7Q/s640/The%20Last%20Dollar%20Princess%20front%20cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="432" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyeE1mWwMFJYnbyuw86foqVUoIeUv0Ks05QMatHXRGa4oJmDkjXj1TmLwEpEYq7mbqYcY9xVgUefrsRNZsYM-faxghcAdyqxfhnJWMuu2d9KxeumGDRdBsJXhTpu9hs-sk72CGdjA3T5A5GCu1H7RTNAetBISbsRDDaDeyQ75MsDDsQqYUWKayK-i7Q/w270-h400/The%20Last%20Dollar%20Princess%20front%20cover.jpeg" width="270" /></a></div><p>It must be said. Scandal follows her family like a faithful hound. No matter how hard they kick it away, it comes slinking around to insinuate itself into their lives again. Although her family is obsessed with social position, one thing is certain. Heiress India Elisabeth Petra De Vries Ledbetter is an outlier among her kin. She is determined to set her own course, family expectations and society's demands be damned.</p><p>Reared away from the social whirl of Gilded Age New York, India would prefer a life of philanthropy in her native Appalachia, but Mother and Grandmama have far grander plans. They believe Mrs. Astor’s old 400 are ready to overlook the past and that an advantageous marriage will cement their place in society once more. In fact, they have already selected the prospective bridegroom. The only problem? No one consulted India.</p><p>With captivating insights into the human spirit and heart, <i>The Last Dollar Princess</i> leads us on a riveting quest for self-determination through the most elegant and glamorous settings of the early 20th century. Perfect for fans of Marie Benedict, Daisy Goodwin, and Julian Fellows, this sweeping work of historical fiction will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Dollar-Princess-Independence-Coronation-ebook/dp/B0B2X9ZG4Q/" target="_blank">Pick up your copy here! </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwJquggGrni_vSIBfcLYtReawFx9B7hEOGdUtTc2Zhqoe4P5Cq51goxpw7FkmoGRccvm6F1SZ3qbOg8tUF-boYEiXz1YnVHrI1y6Bbpy5B7AmoeQiRlcP7Y3oVWebDdhYpLiK1RFgXnJCD7925x-dJ3BIN-f7RngB1ej8Q1fud9MTgCjtIuAGJP1T9w/s640/Linda.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwJquggGrni_vSIBfcLYtReawFx9B7hEOGdUtTc2Zhqoe4P5Cq51goxpw7FkmoGRccvm6F1SZ3qbOg8tUF-boYEiXz1YnVHrI1y6Bbpy5B7AmoeQiRlcP7Y3oVWebDdhYpLiK1RFgXnJCD7925x-dJ3BIN-f7RngB1ej8Q1fud9MTgCjtIuAGJP1T9w/s320/Linda.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><p>Linda Bennett Pennell has been in love with the past for as long as she can remember. Anything with a history, whether shabby or majestic, recent or ancient, instantly draws her in. It probably comes from being part of a large extended family that spanned several generations. Long summer afternoons on her grandmother's wrap around porch or winter evenings gathered by the fireplace were filled with stories both entertaining and poignant. Of course, being set in the American South, those stories were also peopled by some very interesting characters, some of whom have found their way into Linda’s work.</p><p>As for her venture in writing, it has allowed Linda to reinvent herself. We humans are truly multifaceted creatures, but unfortunately we tend to sort and categorize each other into neat, easily understood packages that rarely reveal the whole person. Perhaps you, too, want to step out of the box in which you find yourself. Linda encourages you to look at the possibilities and imagine. Be filled with childlike wonder in your mental wanderings. Envision what might be, not simply what is. Never forget that all good fiction begins when someone says to her or himself, "Let's pretend." </p><p>Linda resides in the Houston, Texas, area with one sweet husband and one adorable Labradoodle who is quite certain she’s a little girl.</p><p>"History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up." --Voltaire </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.lindapennell.com/" target="_blank">Find out more about Linda and her books at her website. </a></p><p><a href="http://historyimagined.wordpress.com " target="_blank">Get all the news on her blog! </a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLindaBennettPennell" target="_blank">Follow Linda on Facebook for more historical goodness.</a></p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-27971066532895439392022-09-22T00:30:00.055-07:002022-09-22T00:30:00.192-07:00World Rhino Day 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_u-D4gXPJEDor7Z_PMNXIyY6PVdxK2bR6rzP1tVXZG4qvAfPQ63hH8SCQvhmnVyhpaizYcbc33aVNikFByXATYcV5xpnA5HhIto28-HjwNcABmwegVCsOGcacRmA6KLundboEW2jy5h0Ipq1b5sjm89dZwJ8gJXiVKUHS5D2n6_NnZehN9i_XNl1Kmw/s1396/IRF_WRD-Logo_Sept-22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1396" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_u-D4gXPJEDor7Z_PMNXIyY6PVdxK2bR6rzP1tVXZG4qvAfPQ63hH8SCQvhmnVyhpaizYcbc33aVNikFByXATYcV5xpnA5HhIto28-HjwNcABmwegVCsOGcacRmA6KLundboEW2jy5h0Ipq1b5sjm89dZwJ8gJXiVKUHS5D2n6_NnZehN9i_XNl1Kmw/w400-h245/IRF_WRD-Logo_Sept-22.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />One great thing about the pandemic was the decrease in rhino poaching incidents. Now, COVID-19 is considered to be under control in most places in the world, and along with all the great stuff that implies, poaching incidents are on the rise. <p></p><p>For those who don't know, rhinos are hunted for their horns because some people wrongly believe that these special horns have a few different medicinal properties and will pay hefty sums for them. </p><p>No. The only one who needs a rhino horn is a rhino. A rhino horn is made of plain old keratin you can find in many other places. You might as well chew your own fingernails, </p><p>But greed and wrongheaded ideas are evergreen. </p><p>Please think about how wonderful these five species of gentle giants are for their respective environments, how few of them are left, and how sad it would be if there were no more of them. </p><p>I'm writing this post before the twenty-second, but you'll be able to catch up with the State of the Rhino Report and lots of fun activities at <a href="http://rhinos.org">rhinos.org</a>. </p><p>Thank you! </p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-22891182844860631942022-09-13T00:30:00.139-07:002022-09-13T00:30:00.206-07:00Thirteenth Anniversary<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk71qRrYGAKBSuby1fZKG8fW96AdskqjHATpgIiCTrzTFg0ge_OoxcDjjKfrwW3cCnhbHpenOR0qTfliCnrDZPJzzFTneD-Sf_HUAo0l_uRL_h_O0mAAlAOuCW5kKbAhdvq9XnD8nBh8vesbC25lJtLfLGN9m5Jmqm3A12D4dxE6UDAnNBcPwd3xWmg/s3396/IMG_9517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2264" data-original-width="3396" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk71qRrYGAKBSuby1fZKG8fW96AdskqjHATpgIiCTrzTFg0ge_OoxcDjjKfrwW3cCnhbHpenOR0qTfliCnrDZPJzzFTneD-Sf_HUAo0l_uRL_h_O0mAAlAOuCW5kKbAhdvq9XnD8nBh8vesbC25lJtLfLGN9m5Jmqm3A12D4dxE6UDAnNBcPwd3xWmg/w400-h266/IMG_9517.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Today marks thirteen years since I married Stanley Arthur Coombs. Thirteen was our number: We met on a thirteenth and married on a different thirteenth the following year. We mentioned, at the very least, that it was our day on the thirteenth of every month we were together. <p></p><p>I wrote some solid things that are still true for our tenth anniversary <a href="https://jessicaknauss.blogspot.com/2019/09/tenth-anniversary.html" target="_blank">on this blog</a>, and I don't want to repeat myself. I'll use this space to say that Stanley died in 2016, so this anniversary marks a moment in time when I've survived him almost as long as I was married to him. We only missed celebrating our seventh anniversary together by a month and half, so the marriage still wins by a few months at this point, but the symmetry being so close on "our number" anniversary seems significant to me.</p><p>If you know that Stanley was twenty-four years older than me, you might wonder why I was so blindsided that he predeceased me by so many years. </p><p>He always seemed healthy and youthful. The world was a place of new experiences and ceaseless wonder for him. He was never old. His parents also both lived well into their eighties, and I figured he must've inherited some longevity, and we had at least twenty more years ahead of us in 2016. </p><p>I'd forgotten that he'd smoked a pack a day for forty years before he met me. </p><p>It was easy to forget because as soon as I mentioned that I didn't appreciate smoking, he quit. I never saw him with a cigarette. </p><p>If only the cells in his lungs could've forgotten so easily! </p><p>Our short years together compacted an insane amount of love and joy. We did everything right, from finding each other at long last, to not waiting long to marry, to wandering all around the United States and Spain, enjoying life on Earth in all its complexity. </p><p>Our relationship changed to the nonphysical realm too quickly. Tobacco companies stole some two decades from us. Stanley always said, "You gotta die from something." It's true, but I can't help but think that something so stupid and preventable was unworthy of my wonderful husband. </p><p>It was too late by the time I met him. </p><p>It may not be too late for you. </p><p>The present moment is all we have. </p><p><br /></p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-7748022374260821972022-08-01T00:30:00.002-07:002022-08-01T01:05:17.533-07:00Brand New (Oddio) Audiobooks to Enjoy! Y una nueva edición muy guay<p>I've always known my books are mostly <i>odd</i>, so it only makes sense that they should be available in <strike>oddio</strike> audio. I'm so excited that this dream is now finally coming true! I've decided to reach readers through their ears instead of their eyes! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgpkIJlVHuWIFA4c0fJJVzyU0CgbidUKCPcnVUIIA5mtFfX2zk7uzwPV_UKrJcTMZ0ArCvAMZe7AeFEAbjrOTa0wZxrDiUbMI6QAlijDB5Z5B-ebVbbOupBqbkg1gaAVUCUCuRqq6hgeKsit8nfSkOmShcj4wijuJTSkxrnEGWC5su9tcyTHzZaRbqw/s1280/Aben%20cerraje.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgpkIJlVHuWIFA4c0fJJVzyU0CgbidUKCPcnVUIIA5mtFfX2zk7uzwPV_UKrJcTMZ0ArCvAMZe7AeFEAbjrOTa0wZxrDiUbMI6QAlijDB5Z5B-ebVbbOupBqbkg1gaAVUCUCuRqq6hgeKsit8nfSkOmShcj4wijuJTSkxrnEGWC5su9tcyTHzZaRbqw/w400-h225/Aben%20cerraje.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />The first book is a medieval classic prepared for you with modern technology, my translation, <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/the-abencerraje-a-new-translation/" target="_blank">The Abencerraje</a></i>.<p></p><p>Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF6WMmr2bwU" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>This short story (it will take you less than an hour to listen to) was written in Spanish in the 1560s, and it will surprise you with its depth of feeling and its powerful message about the value of human life and especially of friendship. </p><p><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF6WMmr2bwU" target="_blank">The Abencerraje</a></i> is a popular text in Spanish literature survey courses at the university level, and I've also completed this project in the spirit of helping out a few students. </p><p><b>More amazing audiobooks are on their way! Feel free to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_YwEofzIbXGpHyqb_3Egg" target="_blank">subscribe to my YouTube channel</a> so you never miss another one.</b></p><p>These texts are read by yours truly. What I lack in professional locution skills, I hope to make up for in enthusiasm and drama.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZJWhP8__sSnEiDkGBXtkhiz6JvMWJd0_jxl6G6cstcbfPNnZt_sRs201ixbtHBpKZA2vLWGkF_JvFuj2swJ7mRc17I0XwATaBE7fZaq_Fj3gmv1r807tlad1IZ9Ke78aaIeZ3qxtVT0MtLXoAsU3ZYow-eaAZVkNrAEAPZg9BTcfC9G6SJirTntDmA/s2250/The%20Empress%20of%20Misfortune.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="1410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZJWhP8__sSnEiDkGBXtkhiz6JvMWJd0_jxl6G6cstcbfPNnZt_sRs201ixbtHBpKZA2vLWGkF_JvFuj2swJ7mRc17I0XwATaBE7fZaq_Fj3gmv1r807tlad1IZ9Ke78aaIeZ3qxtVT0MtLXoAsU3ZYow-eaAZVkNrAEAPZg9BTcfC9G6SJirTntDmA/s320/The%20Empress%20of%20Misfortune.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>Grab your copy of the extraordinarily entertaining historical novella, <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/empress-of-misfortune-a-novella/" target="_blank">Empress of Misfortune</a></i>: <p></p><p>- available at <a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/empress-of-misfortune-a-novella/" target="_blank">select outlets</a></p><p>- FREE only to my email subscribers</p><p>It's coming out in paperback and audiobook read by the author <i>very </i>soon!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsV4rXBhPOhw8A0wpn2xccFuB3grfQ0w7R1DxpB0p_ey8lvureLRFORgyA_i5WpMDqe4R7wkiQYs1UsNt8wu5PceTZl7p8uZkZLjIzHSI-sCUCb0--yOcuLzuJLHXXFHGvSGrjzAbbydU-WHgBdV1XUtJfeuuAC9h7FTRlIeWSbH7oFye6FcPP_d8wmA/s1280/COMPLETE%20AUDIOBOOK%20Read%20by%20the%20author.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsV4rXBhPOhw8A0wpn2xccFuB3grfQ0w7R1DxpB0p_ey8lvureLRFORgyA_i5WpMDqe4R7wkiQYs1UsNt8wu5PceTZl7p8uZkZLjIzHSI-sCUCb0--yOcuLzuJLHXXFHGvSGrjzAbbydU-WHgBdV1XUtJfeuuAC9h7FTRlIeWSbH7oFye6FcPP_d8wmA/w400-h225/COMPLETE%20AUDIOBOOK%20Read%20by%20the%20author.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The audiobook magic continues in my other genre! The second book, releasing today, is the sweet, fun science fantasy novella <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/the-atwells-avenue-anomaly/" target="_blank">The Atwells Avenue Anomaly</a></i>. I'm so excited to bring this original story to readers in this new format! </p><p>Watch/listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv4aDLisV2I" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>If you're in a massive heat wave like I am, <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv4aDLisV2I" target="_blank">The Atwells Avenue Anomaly</a></i> can help you cool off. It takes place in Providence, Rhode Island, in the autumn, and also in another universe that never has unpleasant weather! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIsR-fFVm0O9FQKminMuG2mz-9d7sKtiHG_fVOCP8ZW5beQcncOKwY-3J1BK4w4X5AuNLWLBMIcU53m0zDIj3MW1HU65m8e71q_zZBCpXVSVS_-LdLNaCtnpymIX4iMSHPBtDxLi0x2Z-P9XwjRLSTRNmooJjF4NerVuPoIx4t127aF3-qn2R9ipKsw/s1280/TH%20YouTube%20Thumb.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIsR-fFVm0O9FQKminMuG2mz-9d7sKtiHG_fVOCP8ZW5beQcncOKwY-3J1BK4w4X5AuNLWLBMIcU53m0zDIj3MW1HU65m8e71q_zZBCpXVSVS_-LdLNaCtnpymIX4iMSHPBtDxLi0x2Z-P9XwjRLSTRNmooJjF4NerVuPoIx4t127aF3-qn2R9ipKsw/w400-h225/TH%20YouTube%20Thumb.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Next up in audiobook is the always controversial women's novella, <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/treehouse-a-novella/" target="_blank">Tree/House</a></i>. This one is read by a professional! Look for it very soon on my channel! <p></p><p>And again, I would be grateful if you subscribed to my channel so you can always have access to surprising, memorable stories.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo5LQ4jSnN5eQqYgNG7NHv7iIdolNQYRG2dm8otayp-4y33M73ByQ071vwbLr2DHl44bEI5S8jdywFYg3NpS8qmBqxqOuhoL_qs5kuNyj0VGV2t97V2yP691CjW_kiqCItrWjASaGESc7u54-TMF2EP2wXCBxqJy-pFsHyw7U06BmOYyHsz0nk5uE2A/s1381/Mundos%20impre%203d%20cover.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1381" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo5LQ4jSnN5eQqYgNG7NHv7iIdolNQYRG2dm8otayp-4y33M73ByQ071vwbLr2DHl44bEI5S8jdywFYg3NpS8qmBqxqOuhoL_qs5kuNyj0VGV2t97V2yP691CjW_kiqCItrWjASaGESc7u54-TMF2EP2wXCBxqJy-pFsHyw7U06BmOYyHsz0nk5uE2A/s320/Mundos%20impre%203d%20cover.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Y por último, quizás lo más importante: <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/mundos-impredecibles-relatos/" target="_blank">Mundos impredecibles</a></i>, mi colección de relatos que consistentemente alcanza cinco estrellas de sus lectores satisfechos, ya aparece en una nueva edición. ¡Ahora ya se puede adquirir en rústica! Ver toda la información <a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/mundos-impredecibles-relatos/" target="_blank">aquí</a>.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you for letting me share my hard work and excitement with you! </p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-68975078145002638502022-07-18T03:06:00.004-07:002022-07-18T03:12:41.266-07:00950 Years Later, the Siege of Zamora<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxV85PrvXOLud8WvP2lHAi-QKI0UGgK7RmnAxTAF9OsdWKpx-D3ucQq832-9XATcQhB4dctxcSQIOlpmD9SEGSuc75Z1Zrkh93RvhikQsbrst5PV3gL7JfRo4uAh5Mn27Wk6D0oM_m9X6MbG-SHPLYE6w-hv3B_R1KoHPzw0QR-AFBHuqdG0VAV7LNg/s4000/IMG_20220712_104235.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxV85PrvXOLud8WvP2lHAi-QKI0UGgK7RmnAxTAF9OsdWKpx-D3ucQq832-9XATcQhB4dctxcSQIOlpmD9SEGSuc75Z1Zrkh93RvhikQsbrst5PV3gL7JfRo4uAh5Mn27Wk6D0oM_m9X6MbG-SHPLYE6w-hv3B_R1KoHPzw0QR-AFBHuqdG0VAV7LNg/w400-h225/IMG_20220712_104235.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mural by beloved Zamoran artist Antonio Pedrero <br />graphically represents the Siege of Zamora <br />at the Puerta de la Feria (not far from my house).</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This year marks the 950th anniversary of Zamora's most famous moment in history, the Siege of Zamora. If you've seen the <i>El Cid</i> film, this story occupies the first part. That is by far not the only medium this epic story has found it way into, with plays, songs, poems, and visual art existing almost since the time of its occurrence in 1072. <p></p><p>This weekend (the hottest on record), the city government sponsored the revival of a play by Agustin Garcia Calvo, just one of many events marking this anniversary. The production by contra-tiempo-teatro and many collaborators was brought to life with modern spectacle and a heavy dose of charm. I thought using photos from the event would be a great way to tell this story on my humble blog. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnZoVgoLp9hS6s3F4sv0vhHx4IJWg7jYDYDIYpBETQVqoOuANUTea1OHdcUuHAq21utMomPhtWLp8HZzeVVrO_GmwXlbBwbvv6SEfGTko2VXSem65ZY8QtcQn0jqLGM4WAbjIOJSloEyReqmj1nXNtY8a5f9yeN7dGBJ5JSDqcRzIpO2BlOz9M_jU7Q/s4000/IMG_20220717_215654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnZoVgoLp9hS6s3F4sv0vhHx4IJWg7jYDYDIYpBETQVqoOuANUTea1OHdcUuHAq21utMomPhtWLp8HZzeVVrO_GmwXlbBwbvv6SEfGTko2VXSem65ZY8QtcQn0jqLGM4WAbjIOJSloEyReqmj1nXNtY8a5f9yeN7dGBJ5JSDqcRzIpO2BlOz9M_jU7Q/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_215654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The sun sets behind the castle, a very evocative setting for the story of the siege of Zamora. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBglp8PAYwme7QCiXRuK8IkdXsfJLV7OqRllQTW9gzQOoIIgifeZjafDvMgzrJpOTdf-yEulS38oXJcsysc_ShJITuAkimL4KNlaJUGnue1PU54LuijJEfJHhiH67th-kAgRs39UsiK3W72AmFaoHbq8pQjKsxU4m3LJ2LD6pFIq7yXhwXsc9fyAdFw/s4000/IMG_20220717_215700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBglp8PAYwme7QCiXRuK8IkdXsfJLV7OqRllQTW9gzQOoIIgifeZjafDvMgzrJpOTdf-yEulS38oXJcsysc_ShJITuAkimL4KNlaJUGnue1PU54LuijJEfJHhiH67th-kAgRs39UsiK3W72AmFaoHbq8pQjKsxU4m3LJ2LD6pFIq7yXhwXsc9fyAdFw/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_215700.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>It was necessary to reserve tickets days in advance. These cultural events are very popular in Zamora. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5m1SVfyS137ha1f5s5vk962hjOQXZrr_KL0lMfHmuAyDZixRy2jPzZ2-Cffel4hJFJp54RwjQ3yA0rhCCVnvRHkcWZ6s3xpBqk2YjouMEdGJxnkXssPhBnOmHl6mNUSMgETKOLDWnF6H7gBkxemBUoIuINCQFwLUjuh07XlwLzGlOpO_0KfUVmCtnA/s4000/IMG_20220717_221057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5m1SVfyS137ha1f5s5vk962hjOQXZrr_KL0lMfHmuAyDZixRy2jPzZ2-Cffel4hJFJp54RwjQ3yA0rhCCVnvRHkcWZ6s3xpBqk2YjouMEdGJxnkXssPhBnOmHl6mNUSMgETKOLDWnF6H7gBkxemBUoIuINCQFwLUjuh07XlwLzGlOpO_0KfUVmCtnA/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_221057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The actors and musicians arrive on the scene. The play was very medieval in that most of it was narrated by a pair of singers and a vihuela, a medieval stringed instrument. Both the sung lyrics and spoken parts were in medieval epic meters with rhyme. </div><div><br /></div><div>I often wonder why Spanish historical fiction feels no need to update the mode of delivery of the content. If I were writing a play about the Siege of Zamora, I would never think to use narrators, but would reveal all the complex story through action and dialogue with psychological development. But that's my Anglophone historical fiction perspective. This way of doing things pleases the audience because it's "more medieval," and that's what counts. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpe5zT0oZsD6Ipw7xTSyYng5IgBGKhyjS2bKivPkcf7fzFMBiTfFmonwg8MGG5Vm55fXsFnTV2NQ3SB84vaowFEhRdZ86MxAMuK-18fJmFFEg9VrSHZWXB50HBsBsyN2uQkYCLt3DXbsTqOvuIBBkhjKSU2argNg5PGQiVenq_mHp1PYhm2lSQAjLqQ/s4000/IMG_20220717_221104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpe5zT0oZsD6Ipw7xTSyYng5IgBGKhyjS2bKivPkcf7fzFMBiTfFmonwg8MGG5Vm55fXsFnTV2NQ3SB84vaowFEhRdZ86MxAMuK-18fJmFFEg9VrSHZWXB50HBsBsyN2uQkYCLt3DXbsTqOvuIBBkhjKSU2argNg5PGQiVenq_mHp1PYhm2lSQAjLqQ/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_221104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The action begins with King Fernando I on his death bed, dividing up his kingdoms. To Sancho goes Castile, Alfonso receives Leon, and to Garcia goes Galicia. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVoJ0LYR3h2g0rTAEywxPtt-obywru2I0ix2Gigj_Zi08hmSt0h3sUs2oihKYzmlRcPoO44SY5WsoU_1zY5PfV-d_3Pjqxz8P-o-578oY40vn_ldXkypKzR32ixyc9xqEqCzqMwgwcAuut-OmiUzE2xwFGfhuqnUair8gryCvOZWb8LA_n6LGUILCfw/s4000/IMG_20220717_221420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVoJ0LYR3h2g0rTAEywxPtt-obywru2I0ix2Gigj_Zi08hmSt0h3sUs2oihKYzmlRcPoO44SY5WsoU_1zY5PfV-d_3Pjqxz8P-o-578oY40vn_ldXkypKzR32ixyc9xqEqCzqMwgwcAuut-OmiUzE2xwFGfhuqnUair8gryCvOZWb8LA_n6LGUILCfw/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_221420.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Fernando I's daughter Urraca arrives on the scene to say more or less, "What am I, chopped liver?" Of course she isn't. The king grants her the noble and strategic city of Zamora to govern. She becomes our "Queen." We love her even today. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w4PdQ8UxReQK5eP8-BH_8Ij2zDyGlse9DZBGL_WfcKRjEx_imp9x8KrBmHSoJzFGL7vWSU33SPvU6wL6PqHcWW-LGVHMkdxUHDM0Iycb5jaElS-tXwnxtxn2UElVEl3zUiLPxGcOLu2Hjq8vSgBZRG1von65sS4jKCKYb1G4WxRkIb8JrzWuORvGFg/s4000/IMG_20220717_221819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w4PdQ8UxReQK5eP8-BH_8Ij2zDyGlse9DZBGL_WfcKRjEx_imp9x8KrBmHSoJzFGL7vWSU33SPvU6wL6PqHcWW-LGVHMkdxUHDM0Iycb5jaElS-tXwnxtxn2UElVEl3zUiLPxGcOLu2Hjq8vSgBZRG1von65sS4jKCKYb1G4WxRkIb8JrzWuORvGFg/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_221819.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Fernando I is dead. Urraca is offered the throne in Zamora, but she says, "Why sit down? Sancho's just going to push me off again!" Indeed, Sancho, not satisfied with the biggest piece of the pie, Castile, wants his siblings' pieces, too. He's taken control of Galicia and Leon and imprisoned his brother, Alfonso. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjrG7ePvCiXBOP_Qa0phnfoHeBxsBbWxuP60ooKZ9kWP6QRIE1YvAGp0H_cXj1G-bfc2abJhfV3gkS6c68hFi81habUbSELi5gMGo_xCi3lyPz6vvp-TxZCe7b_wJJKeolOLyLPKW2nnWcq68_aeksIdJ0kPm6FMzQ3x3YrVzu4XAMs6kFQPoBra9Vg/s4000/IMG_20220717_222100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjrG7ePvCiXBOP_Qa0phnfoHeBxsBbWxuP60ooKZ9kWP6QRIE1YvAGp0H_cXj1G-bfc2abJhfV3gkS6c68hFi81habUbSELi5gMGo_xCi3lyPz6vvp-TxZCe7b_wJJKeolOLyLPKW2nnWcq68_aeksIdJ0kPm6FMzQ3x3YrVzu4XAMs6kFQPoBra9Vg/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_222100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sancho's forces set up tents in order to lay siege to Zamora. It was very cool to watch the actors actually put up the tents. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOXpDLiDOwQWP769rkwIE7oO-RcJESVxBAvyTudJH77l3lEHE58Yu5QqHQsXclWtA7jp-Mq9KWi5LLT5TcRAkVi9YuxIBywUycAlXFlGDY9RJ7p1FduyF9Qaf1FX_gmSx400noKjFRmAqvGi_D1dE2Xt2WtFTfKk220XYDQpiTGJA2Jl4MvgINTEzgQ/s4000/IMG_20220717_222237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOXpDLiDOwQWP769rkwIE7oO-RcJESVxBAvyTudJH77l3lEHE58Yu5QqHQsXclWtA7jp-Mq9KWi5LLT5TcRAkVi9YuxIBywUycAlXFlGDY9RJ7p1FduyF9Qaf1FX_gmSx400noKjFRmAqvGi_D1dE2Xt2WtFTfKk220XYDQpiTGJA2Jl4MvgINTEzgQ/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_222237.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sancho asks his knight El Cid (yes, that one!) to ask Urraca to hand over Zamora so they don't have to start the siege. El Cid and Urraca know each other pretty well. If anyone can convince her, he can. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnnTPfnRI3QmlFQ0SceCLFY2Ss-A2leIhPrYeMotsVqFrtZFZ_-NRoad9xbLmEV0YSBLcJ5RfzeM5lfKFWrw55HjfQFkMX4a0auj_IPM6wj2uNgrOaGKHd0SWEtWLlskv2iqUwiVOPnolBmVK2HSj3cn8ZhwDKfQESY1BFkJDUUojLM1Pg21EIvXQ5g/s4000/IMG_20220717_223226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnnTPfnRI3QmlFQ0SceCLFY2Ss-A2leIhPrYeMotsVqFrtZFZ_-NRoad9xbLmEV0YSBLcJ5RfzeM5lfKFWrw55HjfQFkMX4a0auj_IPM6wj2uNgrOaGKHd0SWEtWLlskv2iqUwiVOPnolBmVK2HSj3cn8ZhwDKfQESY1BFkJDUUojLM1Pg21EIvXQ5g/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_223226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>El Cid arrives on his valiant steed (a terribly cute and expressive stuffed animal). In no version of this legend does Urraca ever simply hand over Zamora. Come on! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj_ttDqR_dY-mjt2MpniNsotRXWJ6oF6WTTkRsOydoy3NYJVdYVrPgPrawb22p3E3OH6-W4VCDcibKpTuG5jPZDzGeVUgnx1cnsCItX5w5FDXPr-MHmdeQB7Yu50DrHvJy4S2tFEDTFBuGSR5o0p-UYMzrnOjMLfI26_HW5wx_jbfs2O_c4FNp3RzWw/s4000/IMG_20220717_223234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj_ttDqR_dY-mjt2MpniNsotRXWJ6oF6WTTkRsOydoy3NYJVdYVrPgPrawb22p3E3OH6-W4VCDcibKpTuG5jPZDzGeVUgnx1cnsCItX5w5FDXPr-MHmdeQB7Yu50DrHvJy4S2tFEDTFBuGSR5o0p-UYMzrnOjMLfI26_HW5wx_jbfs2O_c4FNp3RzWw/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_223234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In this version, she says, more or less, "You had your chance to marry me, and you didn't take it. You're not the boss of me, and I'll never surrender Zamora!"</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfplJxRybg4ID9LHKhi9Vt3Dfq93TvX5SEBWk1MdleB2ZsIWLg6g5WC3pICDtzDcXGmtmkktfxBqGrZn84gKsSg3Aq0QmwNn0EshpnWbj_6qdPhdctmx8Bs1PoT5ZSBZSp0LdiTMTgfwOrvR5iO10b3jTrbUD5TvJ1eq-llc3yCDqQE0bzjXDOrC78w/s4000/IMG_20220717_223335.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfplJxRybg4ID9LHKhi9Vt3Dfq93TvX5SEBWk1MdleB2ZsIWLg6g5WC3pICDtzDcXGmtmkktfxBqGrZn84gKsSg3Aq0QmwNn0EshpnWbj_6qdPhdctmx8Bs1PoT5ZSBZSp0LdiTMTgfwOrvR5iO10b3jTrbUD5TvJ1eq-llc3yCDqQE0bzjXDOrC78w/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_223335.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>El Cid tells Sancho's other knights, "I knew that wouldn't work. Let's start the siege." Zamora lasts for eight or nine months without budging. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3ppWGQ6m3UzC4TqJhA6zf7hqhTGROT9ec87Nu_WKcSfvZx6tXACBsDrnyD-cqB0Q8QJBIdE73VUJoNvfJcPPFMKAw4eOpS6Ye85VxSSLr4dhs2e6hhcjJ9yf5lZVAQWF8wo_AM7b7Fvlb6gb-Lrz5Ra3WR8AfYLXyTQcfmWBRZU1xM8daKCRJqtalA/s4000/IMG_20220717_224550.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3ppWGQ6m3UzC4TqJhA6zf7hqhTGROT9ec87Nu_WKcSfvZx6tXACBsDrnyD-cqB0Q8QJBIdE73VUJoNvfJcPPFMKAw4eOpS6Ye85VxSSLr4dhs2e6hhcjJ9yf5lZVAQWF8wo_AM7b7Fvlb6gb-Lrz5Ra3WR8AfYLXyTQcfmWBRZU1xM8daKCRJqtalA/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_224550.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Vellido Dolfos, formerly a knight of King Alfonso, confers with Urraca without ever implicating her in his plans in this version. He then insinuates himself into Sancho's camp under false pretenses of bringing solid intelligence about where to attack Zamora's impenetrable walls. </div><div><br /></div><div>In short order, he assassinates King Sancho, bringing a quick end to the siege and the fratricidal war. Alfonso is now the only brother left. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBtp7JoJTAO8e_bZbXBLgCebq-Jfwp6CQmGkO7bJrnGg6zWWHmjbtq-A6Ubz2dxkl4xdZ4RIRcTxWGYQ3jL0P1D2OF1KEUBvd2URgvWunDIVkYqBQd6YELC8H8g1esGZTnW-Qu8Zq9D3hezfRiqskbElttoiOogfUYky-fPgwSHifhXgp2xCxySsxxQ/s4000/IMG_20220717_225317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBtp7JoJTAO8e_bZbXBLgCebq-Jfwp6CQmGkO7bJrnGg6zWWHmjbtq-A6Ubz2dxkl4xdZ4RIRcTxWGYQ3jL0P1D2OF1KEUBvd2URgvWunDIVkYqBQd6YELC8H8g1esGZTnW-Qu8Zq9D3hezfRiqskbElttoiOogfUYky-fPgwSHifhXgp2xCxySsxxQ/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_225317.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Another of Sancho's best knights, significantly more hotheaded than El Cid, accuses Zamora (in the person of Arias Gonzalo) of Sancho's death. And I mean he accuses <i>all of Zamora</i>, enumerating the women, children, dogs, and chickens as conspirators. </div><div><br /></div><div>Arias Gonzalo explains calmly that he cannot bring a formal complaint against every last living thing in Zamora. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ixIM3Yx33WaVaGiPBz6V-lk3gFlUpmzRcWSb_9xPu-mdTCwmlB3KZ38YCAlhL77_4MZpaPFiat4Ev0BTAy9fCKDTu_vhZCm4VD1faOtYJfDSzLHebmkIR85TPLYG9BIb_MiHbP57J24NO4X9Ivfe_KTklBoByhcFEeYOY2v2Aaq5WZ9bh4VXyZC0aA/s4000/IMG_20220717_225735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ixIM3Yx33WaVaGiPBz6V-lk3gFlUpmzRcWSb_9xPu-mdTCwmlB3KZ38YCAlhL77_4MZpaPFiat4Ev0BTAy9fCKDTu_vhZCm4VD1faOtYJfDSzLHebmkIR85TPLYG9BIb_MiHbP57J24NO4X9Ivfe_KTklBoByhcFEeYOY2v2Aaq5WZ9bh4VXyZC0aA/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_225735.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Consulting with Urraca, Arias Gonzalo sets up a trial by combat. If Sancho's knight beats each of five Zamoran knights in single combat, then his accusation is true, and Zamora must pay further. If Sancho's knight falls, however, his accusation is false. The five Zamoran knights are Arias Gonzalo's four sons and himself. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApCzNkWP0ALTiKrb2yElCdQKILcFTY-ipYuCsBZSh19-Kkf78PxVDOX48mfQU2WlPViwrDcHOLr2oPOzYqACAnsdL8PuD9zZHTvIENFGEVleVZyqDMq97s0naDC_N62ccbQvXoRqBK4-0EYCoxYpmfiW4_F7CS1Vs3-YJ9YmfaT64R_io37JqKGmBrQ/s4000/IMG_20220717_225956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApCzNkWP0ALTiKrb2yElCdQKILcFTY-ipYuCsBZSh19-Kkf78PxVDOX48mfQU2WlPViwrDcHOLr2oPOzYqACAnsdL8PuD9zZHTvIENFGEVleVZyqDMq97s0naDC_N62ccbQvXoRqBK4-0EYCoxYpmfiW4_F7CS1Vs3-YJ9YmfaT64R_io37JqKGmBrQ/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_225956.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These were some really cool action sequences I couldn't capture very well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sancho's knight beats the first two sons of Arias Gonzalo. But then son number three defeats Sancho's knight by hook or by crook. The arbiters of the process, the Knights of Santiago, decide that this outcome leaves the trial inconclusive. So much like real life. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt8Zq5KImHUzcDavJiypzFom67vyTxAXfgnX-5HKrB1IE3_N3eZrMFd5S6Ie9LS2IS8uBLoXQSpP-DXoHj_Vxw6gsBnLdJIgmsLl4R1QUManoEmvda8xDqIfhBUpO3CYRwbVFpZUQ6PL20cmzKQ0Dwh2J14NIQPz1erHHJN3b6tNzMZIrRfLrHDUrNA/s4000/IMG_20220717_230412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt8Zq5KImHUzcDavJiypzFom67vyTxAXfgnX-5HKrB1IE3_N3eZrMFd5S6Ie9LS2IS8uBLoXQSpP-DXoHj_Vxw6gsBnLdJIgmsLl4R1QUManoEmvda8xDqIfhBUpO3CYRwbVFpZUQ6PL20cmzKQ0Dwh2J14NIQPz1erHHJN3b6tNzMZIrRfLrHDUrNA/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_230412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The funeral procession for King Sancho is projected on the castle wall. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREXLzdi5SvYLgji5ECOjXuCjH8cY2u60ukdBNPMfUw63FTtAr9iWYjiJu6M9Ntat7Heu-rm94LJYvJR8GFaxHjK-JWw726xSoq6ObAdkCfh44mAyCmHjYNyznLKwSWQ08cAAaxyDTQDmhsQVf-vHb4jEl2cNxLTcEEZRlWKxx4YFT4WmzRM3Ec0EG0Q/s4000/IMG_20220717_231145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREXLzdi5SvYLgji5ECOjXuCjH8cY2u60ukdBNPMfUw63FTtAr9iWYjiJu6M9Ntat7Heu-rm94LJYvJR8GFaxHjK-JWw726xSoq6ObAdkCfh44mAyCmHjYNyznLKwSWQ08cAAaxyDTQDmhsQVf-vHb4jEl2cNxLTcEEZRlWKxx4YFT4WmzRM3Ec0EG0Q/w400-h225/IMG_20220717_231145.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The actors take their bows to thunderous applause. </div><div><br /></div><div>The last lines in the play are spoken by El Cid on his way to meet King Alfonso as he rides away from Zamora. He says some lovely things about how strong it is and wishes the city well, knowing that it will endure for many, many centuries. At first I thought the audience was clapping for what he said because they love Zamora, too. But no, the play was over at that point. The story stopped at a place ripe for more epic action, as we see in the <i>El Cid</i> film. But, since it was titled <i>The Siege of Zamora</i>, it delivered on its promise, and nothing more. <br /><p>This story certainly needs a good historical novel in the Anglophone tradition. I'm trying to start something else right now, so consider the gauntlet thrown. Alternatively, if one exists and I just haven't read it, feel free to let me know about it! </p></div>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-21125819067931832722022-02-16T15:30:00.313-08:002022-02-16T15:30:00.212-08:00The Exhibits I Waited 800 Years to See<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_e2YwuyJM66DapT4v8zqgON9uvSY7CY9DDmLuDKw0mXV1rJLmr0qXoSdSCLZcaqXOjowtsW0QuYcnJXCpZ1Ns1A2YGvHtARQg5CogaAY9xgKcXzMssiQlR-T_6l9wvAQ1YvYQiqpt3gMfho6Hvg47aeinv0NrTXCo5AMM9d8VGXuLRdx4mEBklstqRw=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_e2YwuyJM66DapT4v8zqgON9uvSY7CY9DDmLuDKw0mXV1rJLmr0qXoSdSCLZcaqXOjowtsW0QuYcnJXCpZ1Ns1A2YGvHtARQg5CogaAY9xgKcXzMssiQlR-T_6l9wvAQ1YvYQiqpt3gMfho6Hvg47aeinv0NrTXCo5AMM9d8VGXuLRdx4mEBklstqRw=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the most important <i>men </i>of letters of Spain<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wrote <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/our-ladys-troubadour/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i> for Alfonso X's 800th birthday. I was largely under the impression that most celebrations had been canceled or curtailed by the pandemic. But, wonder of wonders, the two most appropriate institutions in Spain recently had exhibits in honor of this grand anniversary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The exhibits were appropriate because Alfonso was the Learned King, and the exhibits were of his books: the books he had his scholars research, write, lay out, and decorate in his court, and which he would've inspected to make sure they were to his standard and then left for future generations in his testament. <i>Those books</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The places housing the exhibits were appropriate because they're the two most important libraries in Spain. Even the humblest of libraries is a temple of learning. These buildings, with their grandeur and special designs for preserving and honoring books, are cathedrals of learning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My new knight in shining armor and I have been crazy busy, but when I saw that these once-in-a-millennium exhibits were about to end, we made a special trip, right around Valentine's Day. Books = Love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, "The Books of the Wise King" at the National Library of Spain in Madrid. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqxCuA6MjZQ4Z05_uCbzMJfGESeOXLzG1QdH2U8v0Ucg0mrA_y5AOoUWaZRXbl8m-v_5nEgSSIQ4fl7XBzeiWs2MsfNQ_T8eIR13Hxf641_afgXKo2FjEyxgOYi4PV8bp8Qv-thM9cu6qsjGoJAjVDCQQFNsV7nhcd-dvzpJLp-GDgtTC-tzgCU-9qJQ=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqxCuA6MjZQ4Z05_uCbzMJfGESeOXLzG1QdH2U8v0Ucg0mrA_y5AOoUWaZRXbl8m-v_5nEgSSIQ4fl7XBzeiWs2MsfNQ_T8eIR13Hxf641_afgXKo2FjEyxgOYi4PV8bp8Qv-thM9cu6qsjGoJAjVDCQQFNsV7nhcd-dvzpJLp-GDgtTC-tzgCU-9qJQ=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>That illuminated A... I would wear a shirt with that on it! <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5lkGEIBeUA-RATBDD7rA5XtMM3hZzqzhZCri0ailWrablo-19tQKU5ksO4uBkKYm2HemdU2CTeG3-AuY8crxMK2dCy6rbP5ecScsoOkAIJ0T2cJGdlWxvhQEVkwiSj0hbWmKMgj_uI9lf0fyluuIHuFa7S9kbyWJC2ouk4IEv6w_oKyBZ9wk-GAZPgg=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5lkGEIBeUA-RATBDD7rA5XtMM3hZzqzhZCri0ailWrablo-19tQKU5ksO4uBkKYm2HemdU2CTeG3-AuY8crxMK2dCy6rbP5ecScsoOkAIJ0T2cJGdlWxvhQEVkwiSj0hbWmKMgj_uI9lf0fyluuIHuFa7S9kbyWJC2ouk4IEv6w_oKyBZ9wk-GAZPgg=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>The mask keeps the drool from hitting the glass cases. 😉 Yours truly with the To codex of the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCDaq1ifAQHS0vVR1GzQ08uI7LejGpjX7726tZ4tnxknlpVyPCban7fhTa6tf9x-yxRa6wEPdQz78jjLTxNaoPttFFYoL-MpNXr7yvGzWj2J-SvorANBIN4AaS4yPwayIDu0FjXaEsD5YYlgdQcwPrD5gmUURvs2d6q95_UgxWpT1nerFabBBIV0kJ8g=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCDaq1ifAQHS0vVR1GzQ08uI7LejGpjX7726tZ4tnxknlpVyPCban7fhTa6tf9x-yxRa6wEPdQz78jjLTxNaoPttFFYoL-MpNXr7yvGzWj2J-SvorANBIN4AaS4yPwayIDu0FjXaEsD5YYlgdQcwPrD5gmUURvs2d6q95_UgxWpT1nerFabBBIV0kJ8g=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>Just flipping out with a display of the E codex <i>Cantigas </i>presentation miniature. I'm practically in Alfonso's colorful court! </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinIIncaaF0AVvENQ-PpbBk5rymjIFWk_W7acbAFg8sblHNAjzdjUo4SRWtxB9HHQwlOP7RINGFPv-TuhNfdvSJkk-slW0pIlj8gRdtT46aFexfLEM7WAdXn5PwIbCv246GuR0zGI6oT7XbbuJGgjbQg5J5mezk-DfJW-D4estj7B_4FtG9GNURFL243Q=s4000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinIIncaaF0AVvENQ-PpbBk5rymjIFWk_W7acbAFg8sblHNAjzdjUo4SRWtxB9HHQwlOP7RINGFPv-TuhNfdvSJkk-slW0pIlj8gRdtT46aFexfLEM7WAdXn5PwIbCv246GuR0zGI6oT7XbbuJGgjbQg5J5mezk-DfJW-D4estj7B_4FtG9GNURFL243Q=w400-h225" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>What we all came for right up front: the To codex of the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>, produced at the court of Alfonso X and personally approved by the king. With about 100 <i>cantigas</i>, it's considered to be the first part of a project that just kept growing. <div><br /></div><div>I can't emphasize enough that these books are deluxe and that it's a miracle we can decipher the musical notation today and enjoy these beautiful songs. The manuscript is open to <i>Cantiga </i>37, a miracle about a man whose foot hurt so much he cut it off. The foot was replaced when he asked St. Mary for help.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLFcZKv7CHOseeznPNFGGEM1LSjaE4QcPMMiYyb3_Pb6iZxNOFLmhwv--Y_0wH5LU4ggxQU4kXMmCKPSxwe8dcmRkLupQDhOtivQ9uIaVbANZBy9AtrMybwNLClwiqTI5USkkVuD0oMLKmjZwh9iVmP8mvnkKF0Dy6M9wzLC8UR3mnoQZLvRVPX4M_dQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLFcZKv7CHOseeznPNFGGEM1LSjaE4QcPMMiYyb3_Pb6iZxNOFLmhwv--Y_0wH5LU4ggxQU4kXMmCKPSxwe8dcmRkLupQDhOtivQ9uIaVbANZBy9AtrMybwNLClwiqTI5USkkVuD0oMLKmjZwh9iVmP8mvnkKF0Dy6M9wzLC8UR3mnoQZLvRVPX4M_dQ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>The greatest law treatise of Alfonso's court, the <i>Siete Partidas</i>, this time in a copy for Queen Isabel I. I studied this and other law treatises for my doctoral dissertation. The confidence and clarity with which these scholars wrote in a language that had only been written down officially for about fifty years is stunning. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2r3c7SUTpGrTxXoyJjwv3chs99SpScnf-eh38opF3KL1JFGk2UeX5KhkJU8z0YvbZ64pL6cO8DSqvjV2CtoYNNQ7WulhhVaXLf9SHJxS110ohABAEzDCTwTpIUT5cTbce-Z3G3t43QJd1d97351MQl2cgou8Hia3dupoIe0GYQzfScFYlWRp08BbYaw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2r3c7SUTpGrTxXoyJjwv3chs99SpScnf-eh38opF3KL1JFGk2UeX5KhkJU8z0YvbZ64pL6cO8DSqvjV2CtoYNNQ7WulhhVaXLf9SHJxS110ohABAEzDCTwTpIUT5cTbce-Z3G3t43QJd1d97351MQl2cgou8Hia3dupoIe0GYQzfScFYlWRp08BbYaw=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>The other great law treatise, the <i>Especulo</i>, predecessor of the <i>Siete Partidas</i>, in a copy from the fourteenth century, which is the only medieval copy the National Library has.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha_4pCTBxXUBj2CFJTn7LOtv8bJ1JSZYLQYjL3SKVm2BnZSqpwT1jK0ot2xv-OuLrNm_85OfF1fze47zEgO-PTtWuuAr_VkdXlZNEaUa6BolOc0ugsqBIQ-E6PyXssutLXEDF4FmgyNHH8LoB-8GJcYrIYmJLqBX7i0Ahoc5UDuCnJLYOjzvj9ODFjAA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha_4pCTBxXUBj2CFJTn7LOtv8bJ1JSZYLQYjL3SKVm2BnZSqpwT1jK0ot2xv-OuLrNm_85OfF1fze47zEgO-PTtWuuAr_VkdXlZNEaUa6BolOc0ugsqBIQ-E6PyXssutLXEDF4FmgyNHH8LoB-8GJcYrIYmJLqBX7i0Ahoc5UDuCnJLYOjzvj9ODFjAA=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>A beautiful codex of the <i>Fuero Real</i>, a royally sanctioned municipal law code. This one was granted to Valladolid in 1255, just three years into Alfonso's reign. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZN1Qrt1r5pMILiqGEyjB4CVwlcGl0uYYpD3RkSxmLnkWEgq4k_e5h91voEb98eCV5zhNWBpopt0MoiwnF-cQj4ZD5_zNZMkGMjKaGgpnPMgJO4andRL9Opdefm_BbyEf69ZtWnDMOs66ng77CkX_1bGrnYRX-o1GujBfjBj8AZGVy6biCXB7Dy6uC4w=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZN1Qrt1r5pMILiqGEyjB4CVwlcGl0uYYpD3RkSxmLnkWEgq4k_e5h91voEb98eCV5zhNWBpopt0MoiwnF-cQj4ZD5_zNZMkGMjKaGgpnPMgJO4andRL9Opdefm_BbyEf69ZtWnDMOs66ng77CkX_1bGrnYRX-o1GujBfjBj8AZGVy6biCXB7Dy6uC4w=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>Display of the presentation miniatures of a codex of the first <i>Partida </i>that is held in the British Library. I'd only ever seen black-and-white reproductions before. Unlike traditional medieval European presentation miniatures, instead of a scribe presenting a completed book to the person who asked for it to be copied (usually a king), here King Alfonso dictates the contents of the book and looks overhead at the book's inspiration and eventual recipient: God. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQHUmXEkHGA-FthSe8gOTijKK9Q76JYDivaq2Bbg8ADFlS1uOdTl2FiXd2rry7YJ7Z2R-J3SKvJz9Sr0B7su-aXaBKaQNPpC5XSJbF8CwmtAcH2swTbM4UpE-PN6mERrJddZD6lHFkPMdiOw4tLhv7-l6BpmoylkFbw1ud_HIDMPrJgqTXlStS2ZhbwA=s3722" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2084" data-original-width="3722" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQHUmXEkHGA-FthSe8gOTijKK9Q76JYDivaq2Bbg8ADFlS1uOdTl2FiXd2rry7YJ7Z2R-J3SKvJz9Sr0B7su-aXaBKaQNPpC5XSJbF8CwmtAcH2swTbM4UpE-PN6mERrJddZD6lHFkPMdiOw4tLhv7-l6BpmoylkFbw1ud_HIDMPrJgqTXlStS2ZhbwA=w400-h224" width="400" /></a></div>Display of the presentation miniature from a <i>History of Spain</i> codex from about 1280. The king tells his historians what to write and points to his heir, Sancho, who will become Sancho IV. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf-X-Yq91ZcelEn4t5AMkLF9fq2okw5vGdWC7axEm52BE8Ny1cvLz9tdYolq6BfjcUkGpQFteIMYQL8mYhI1auj2lHu5kEmmnWVCG90HKb-5TIm4lbQ1UizhsMOOpiGsJ_xvI1CI4lF0aOwuErb0uf4QvIz514YmdieRADSMmf3HtSsDksqbd8xhkuVw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf-X-Yq91ZcelEn4t5AMkLF9fq2okw5vGdWC7axEm52BE8Ny1cvLz9tdYolq6BfjcUkGpQFteIMYQL8mYhI1auj2lHu5kEmmnWVCG90HKb-5TIm4lbQ1UizhsMOOpiGsJ_xvI1CI4lF0aOwuErb0uf4QvIz514YmdieRADSMmf3HtSsDksqbd8xhkuVw=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>The <i>General History</i> was meant to be a history of the world from ancient times to the thirteenth century (their present day), but only made it to the first century AD before Alfonso's death cut the project short. This massive codex is from the royal scriptorium, about 1270, and is only the first part.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA1aaOP3J8kZZR2wBzQqK2SN5_ioLvrzLFq1pmMLZF6-xMjOSlNnlfpcCGZOryfLJG4JpKgrQKPeUEFDrAwWyUDzdaO_YWJyS4CMjY9Lz0xmToBGh_NLi6UCpfg8s3T1g3JnpYLJtJAOE7iJcxaUwtt-1fscwe3k9xj0Ci7k8tQSg3_h4K6lFNN5fO1g=s2069" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="2069" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA1aaOP3J8kZZR2wBzQqK2SN5_ioLvrzLFq1pmMLZF6-xMjOSlNnlfpcCGZOryfLJG4JpKgrQKPeUEFDrAwWyUDzdaO_YWJyS4CMjY9Lz0xmToBGh_NLi6UCpfg8s3T1g3JnpYLJtJAOE7iJcxaUwtt-1fscwe3k9xj0Ci7k8tQSg3_h4K6lFNN5fO1g=w400-h294" width="400" /></a></div>A closeup of the beautifully legible text (you can't become learned if you can't read the texts) about the lineages of Jacob, <i>General History</i>.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBVRIHDklKZowoctl3JWaxLNIVlC5yqSQwCIJ_Gzz--ixDw4pdafCL7ABw69oZ1td8xOICsICiT58uqCE54Ybrjc4UBOU8X38hJRARX2OaEDQfkcy-mMYPEgX4CQ0xH7v1uKMJ48ZdzJYt_JIRnjWDi8Z6Tagu6FamSLGEU7zdl9K5jDWFTFTV_KEI1Q=s3197" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3197" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBVRIHDklKZowoctl3JWaxLNIVlC5yqSQwCIJ_Gzz--ixDw4pdafCL7ABw69oZ1td8xOICsICiT58uqCE54Ybrjc4UBOU8X38hJRARX2OaEDQfkcy-mMYPEgX4CQ0xH7v1uKMJ48ZdzJYt_JIRnjWDi8Z6Tagu6FamSLGEU7zdl9K5jDWFTFTV_KEI1Q=w230-h400" width="230" /></a></div>Display of the beautiful colophon of the <i>Book of the Canons</i>, an astronomy treatise. The red and blue part reads, "Here ends the book of the canons the most noble King Don Alfonso ordered to be written. May God grant him life and good health for a long time."</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAJs6XXZTrowzOGg13f7GAV09BHFAON8ImIvsGjbFMI-JmsNWpkBLFOx46JmOhYFfoFD08JbiLzt8D5drmS-mrjl2awcG-sAcYEqlqDKO3Fo_DE-YtAg4aiidZCN6_S6H_a9n2tqrG7Kcoe5vV17fqjojhQHqQCyrY5gZChfzmutIL5dIO47W2BBgLZA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAJs6XXZTrowzOGg13f7GAV09BHFAON8ImIvsGjbFMI-JmsNWpkBLFOx46JmOhYFfoFD08JbiLzt8D5drmS-mrjl2awcG-sAcYEqlqDKO3Fo_DE-YtAg4aiidZCN6_S6H_a9n2tqrG7Kcoe5vV17fqjojhQHqQCyrY5gZChfzmutIL5dIO47W2BBgLZA=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>The <i>Book of the Crosses</i>, an astrology treatise from 1259, signed by its translators, Yehuda ben Mose ha-Kohen and Juan de Aspa.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-bepoEjxmgi2Gzh_1EGo2ZOawoIh5Sm_I-4bQNJ8ItAqCECx-O_WiTfTcvie4bu356LaFzlomZacZHnR2NAi2uKx8nJuOtmL7aL2-BcymSmZ5tI0U85Z-RuEJwcP_1yJ_F4_4x2WRuY-SDj8_OKUx2suPwhqIRNYf5DYFNth0PK69Fprf70lXnmuGyw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-bepoEjxmgi2Gzh_1EGo2ZOawoIh5Sm_I-4bQNJ8ItAqCECx-O_WiTfTcvie4bu356LaFzlomZacZHnR2NAi2uKx8nJuOtmL7aL2-BcymSmZ5tI0U85Z-RuEJwcP_1yJ_F4_4x2WRuY-SDj8_OKUx2suPwhqIRNYf5DYFNth0PK69Fprf70lXnmuGyw=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>The <i>Complete Book on Scrutiny of the Stars</i>, about 1254.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRiB9uxM3KsPKJL-k0nja2QXIrFWPEbdiuaGj0191_OxeRUGNb3A3rnuCtokwx9D7U5ADFukeHsrpy-M2nNIekO-MIy2PnTHW33TJ35JSjXd5e8cmEBwquPxFRzV9dXnPan8vosJZaiDRQ88Wv-vDFxDDHFpE8N4a6ogPUDCEXFB6IJuWlNeu6EJzbCQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRiB9uxM3KsPKJL-k0nja2QXIrFWPEbdiuaGj0191_OxeRUGNb3A3rnuCtokwx9D7U5ADFukeHsrpy-M2nNIekO-MIy2PnTHW33TJ35JSjXd5e8cmEBwquPxFRzV9dXnPan8vosJZaiDRQ88Wv-vDFxDDHFpE8N4a6ogPUDCEXFB6IJuWlNeu6EJzbCQ=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>The <i>Tablas Alfonsies</i> were astronomical measurements taken at Toledo for Alfonso X between 1263 and 1274, and were used by scholars all over the known world for hundreds of years thereafter. This manuscript is from Paris, about 1320.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRcdQ-LfnpWAS4zsVYBL0L4uDCjCUt-hNEyMDt3nkyUlmDkXOARXdbUp5KTSCbeEdJGWiKJNv94cJJcXqteBYpDLWd8IaUFoyNh46EdguvX1OlsSg-agdzR6ZkTJ_cPSWeHVgMBv6z5UXUk0xWhcoPrmlV-zGRCtNvqGrc08i5BCxScN5ooD83SbD5wQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRcdQ-LfnpWAS4zsVYBL0L4uDCjCUt-hNEyMDt3nkyUlmDkXOARXdbUp5KTSCbeEdJGWiKJNv94cJJcXqteBYpDLWd8IaUFoyNh46EdguvX1OlsSg-agdzR6ZkTJ_cPSWeHVgMBv6z5UXUk0xWhcoPrmlV-zGRCtNvqGrc08i5BCxScN5ooD83SbD5wQ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A <i>History of Spain</i> from the beginning of the fourteenth century (after Alfonso's death).</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_HAQGGGD9ZnSnZVTI_Duyz0s4lPC0ttQDxUwQIiiZwXbj2RmfAiSx917gd5N_CzfMGJZlwgmeZEP7bvLRicOEbO_eIs645nH6tNj3eKLu8FwdZn9xYsVn7Aq-l2Ym3s8-I2QzK9msSWfBZQk1biUxu9QMbF_oS7UcnbzNy-rFO6JkVXb1m8pCnUo1_Q=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_HAQGGGD9ZnSnZVTI_Duyz0s4lPC0ttQDxUwQIiiZwXbj2RmfAiSx917gd5N_CzfMGJZlwgmeZEP7bvLRicOEbO_eIs645nH6tNj3eKLu8FwdZn9xYsVn7Aq-l2Ym3s8-I2QzK9msSWfBZQk1biUxu9QMbF_oS7UcnbzNy-rFO6JkVXb1m8pCnUo1_Q=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>Finally, a feminine touch: Queen Isabel II, who helped found the National Library. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbe9WELJoms3xYUKNTp0tUeIcXiZAm2jae2Hehwv4jVshd0Uey-iPM6sCp48fn2lmpEost06_qNBP2fA9fAslqrq_4SHCKgiYx3qkCSRjiEoH99EIC7cB9EK-E4MTnxMYHc_05bvnVGQM30DB7QC8GPqPpGJ5266yzBtSm_xjvRSXCG766z5ORjUkufw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbe9WELJoms3xYUKNTp0tUeIcXiZAm2jae2Hehwv4jVshd0Uey-iPM6sCp48fn2lmpEost06_qNBP2fA9fAslqrq_4SHCKgiYx3qkCSRjiEoH99EIC7cB9EK-E4MTnxMYHc_05bvnVGQM30DB7QC8GPqPpGJ5266yzBtSm_xjvRSXCG766z5ORjUkufw=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>Out front, twentieth-century statues of the greats of Spanish literature. Here, Vives (father of psychology) and Nebrija (who wrote the first Spanish dictionary, 1492). </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVpp-Lxo3xNl4fdoMLRjQ_aOUWhsJwP-1tygGKR5BhYiNfLmpWh3BSHssdx6VZL4k8M_cvRARcEcxK-kSYFFnQ8pln4KqErWq9Kryv6U6RgZqqCdfGsUMfNn97MbfKLiStUmYWztCblTgi8UwOj61IFj5AX_cbGjJ0_1aDdng3LMunZRt2EQkVcaY4KQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVpp-Lxo3xNl4fdoMLRjQ_aOUWhsJwP-1tygGKR5BhYiNfLmpWh3BSHssdx6VZL4k8M_cvRARcEcxK-kSYFFnQ8pln4KqErWq9Kryv6U6RgZqqCdfGsUMfNn97MbfKLiStUmYWztCblTgi8UwOj61IFj5AX_cbGjJ0_1aDdng3LMunZRt2EQkVcaY4KQ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>Lope de Vega and Miguel de Cervantes, who I suppose don't need further introduction. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUeYN_20cozGtmXh2QKL26mnK9cuwSPOC3HZ-hI9Yt-Bu9Hj3AtHumbJFjFxhjqGQUuryKqsXlcwhYGt6Nrzvv1hcS-YxNpbD4_K_EdFO_7D0Gsh2D5pycaR2YZ2wcvFVXyM3rA2DcZAyK2vW1EO1DUX5eUO1OnW6DhjwPxwZ8g-gy-KZ192swOOiEUA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUeYN_20cozGtmXh2QKL26mnK9cuwSPOC3HZ-hI9Yt-Bu9Hj3AtHumbJFjFxhjqGQUuryKqsXlcwhYGt6Nrzvv1hcS-YxNpbD4_K_EdFO_7D0Gsh2D5pycaR2YZ2wcvFVXyM3rA2DcZAyK2vW1EO1DUX5eUO1OnW6DhjwPxwZ8g-gy-KZ192swOOiEUA=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>Isidore of Seville, a Visigoth (c. 560 - 636) who takes pride of place here because he wrote Latin <i>Etymologies </i>that have been an important reference ever since.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg35-RiXkKL_wv7LzmxdDzR9rdJKRQbfnjIMkVsIevv9dSOzPm6qZPFBraijkucpTmE8ZPVcH0aJhwRjZLWOd1cGRdverqEPZflEnDoJH7AWd6nlNqQy1-x6dpB1P3uX_BdmBH4DkTQDPiFRmHj1u9DNMgiPYAQATekkWAeu2CTiwIvnDckDg5jDWFuow=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg35-RiXkKL_wv7LzmxdDzR9rdJKRQbfnjIMkVsIevv9dSOzPm6qZPFBraijkucpTmE8ZPVcH0aJhwRjZLWOd1cGRdverqEPZflEnDoJH7AWd6nlNqQy1-x6dpB1P3uX_BdmBH4DkTQDPiFRmHj1u9DNMgiPYAQATekkWAeu2CTiwIvnDckDg5jDWFuow=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>And the star of all learning, Alfonso X, <i>el Sabio. </i></div><div><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDEfbZCr_XV1qt7MBD6jTHXDGclkKokJFy8CKPGdfxTl8hQRx14Mj4fPp1AS-G7Re2wA1Gb21d86aJTLMTutJW8d0VZMW3q55jyJD8uIGAWNTaMhyNVTebSrqSVnGXnms8YJe7xtBue8JjqeVgsMraGi41Ou3B3VkSzVBZIVTl0Twt4Cfwk2NFy2gG2g=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDEfbZCr_XV1qt7MBD6jTHXDGclkKokJFy8CKPGdfxTl8hQRx14Mj4fPp1AS-G7Re2wA1Gb21d86aJTLMTutJW8d0VZMW3q55jyJD8uIGAWNTaMhyNVTebSrqSVnGXnms8YJe7xtBue8JjqeVgsMraGi41Ou3B3VkSzVBZIVTl0Twt4Cfwk2NFy2gG2g=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>This statue exercises a particular attraction on this book nerd. In his hand, he holds a sheet from the <i>Siete Partidas</i>. It was probably hard to decide which branch of learning to represent with this medieval Renaissance man. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZaCqpBDrRDj0TzEtJ1XB2quxOR9u1JL03Muf_g9kPW4iCBOYSdLXANbmkIVZUNrojFGmAVfi7fngclnkyZ6pOIj8dN51VVxXF5itk4I7mGft9hAO3aNzkJ-nzN22hmmfk_MYWbEl9HwCU3WLekDmvrKTLyvcrNRuKlacYSoZxQuQ7FUP3WonIrhKqWA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZaCqpBDrRDj0TzEtJ1XB2quxOR9u1JL03Muf_g9kPW4iCBOYSdLXANbmkIVZUNrojFGmAVfi7fngclnkyZ6pOIj8dN51VVxXF5itk4I7mGft9hAO3aNzkJ-nzN22hmmfk_MYWbEl9HwCU3WLekDmvrKTLyvcrNRuKlacYSoZxQuQ7FUP3WonIrhKqWA=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeWHvVB1L5LZOgBGxRTonq9zyCkWPsqz9veIpKki9wXhfOuHkExDVFZ8lZIE3ug07rHQ6Bur6fxCL5pR-LEa0cWTUWkxoP1A6QJ1TE5U_5tVCoWNVC8eV68dZk_MsexGMg3Z4mecrcHIxzpEb3FXUM2c5G-xxfizU_8kxJYR1wMPjq7UX8g6fKqNzTlg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeWHvVB1L5LZOgBGxRTonq9zyCkWPsqz9veIpKki9wXhfOuHkExDVFZ8lZIE3ug07rHQ6Bur6fxCL5pR-LEa0cWTUWkxoP1A6QJ1TE5U_5tVCoWNVC8eV68dZk_MsexGMg3Z4mecrcHIxzpEb3FXUM2c5G-xxfizU_8kxJYR1wMPjq7UX8g6fKqNzTlg=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0vFAJpT7qIyLwJcvq69i6sZp5w9ifoS3N7B2bHPGOJq5ff7HvDLMmN-gYQD9LSjSQr3Y-J9A1VrCF5yE3-jx-fI_bb3eEyyir01G7_iMhkZby1RHFN3qSRy1jmSZ-5BGzi18rJ-pQjmtaABrVgRHsFqKyF0qHwetCrc3sO1lOuzNQfX-oak-LDQpFoQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0vFAJpT7qIyLwJcvq69i6sZp5w9ifoS3N7B2bHPGOJq5ff7HvDLMmN-gYQD9LSjSQr3Y-J9A1VrCF5yE3-jx-fI_bb3eEyyir01G7_iMhkZby1RHFN3qSRy1jmSZ-5BGzi18rJ-pQjmtaABrVgRHsFqKyF0qHwetCrc3sO1lOuzNQfX-oak-LDQpFoQ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqnccZDiVVahBrkkT0C2_gcCMag8QfPvXDQRwJiSg-kskkQ1ZyQaI0hhbrKwXzVqWhJ7w8DwfF-jQwXFZeBJzoPtaDMBkF0LIzY80DwZZs1RU5-aCVoNm-HWevzDKYs50K2jy9TIPZElxtEHUydyrmz76Bkz55xuNUDSH7wBUArj5EMhSmCYjqbiWV5A=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqnccZDiVVahBrkkT0C2_gcCMag8QfPvXDQRwJiSg-kskkQ1ZyQaI0hhbrKwXzVqWhJ7w8DwfF-jQwXFZeBJzoPtaDMBkF0LIzY80DwZZs1RU5-aCVoNm-HWevzDKYs50K2jy9TIPZElxtEHUydyrmz76Bkz55xuNUDSH7wBUArj5EMhSmCYjqbiWV5A=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>Mario and I walked back to where we'd parked through most of monumental Madrid. It's such a wonderful place to visit! Here I am with another statue of Cervantes across from the congress building. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXU3S5jFrKChzQp_PuT7vpmx5Gmd8bLgc0doIMOF0lcagnJxRxnJdz10r6mPt3OVRCZUVqoUOYe9oq8jUMFu-YqWE8cWgxCrO3qoOZVDcNXyv7dcg4vjsZ11cefBayAOgZ8uWEquFSGtiL8-sendnSSWf2BzqrQ-_UMe_MUUWW0-RA8WgUpxmCego1NA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXU3S5jFrKChzQp_PuT7vpmx5Gmd8bLgc0doIMOF0lcagnJxRxnJdz10r6mPt3OVRCZUVqoUOYe9oq8jUMFu-YqWE8cWgxCrO3qoOZVDcNXyv7dcg4vjsZ11cefBayAOgZ8uWEquFSGtiL8-sendnSSWf2BzqrQ-_UMe_MUUWW0-RA8WgUpxmCego1NA=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>The very next morning, we headed to El Escorial in the mountains around Madrid for "Codices of the Wise King."</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGytiAQsh7Y9cs-cD4G_DuZb7wxrytZjZUj5mgP7opFpGA5dtewgWslDDSDKlznI_y2LzD0uVQ39x0yswj8VH_byL1ETAJ9cT9mjOCtkTVjOc3mlMl4CcWrYaP68KvllZXVj7_npN0yQleY92VjmW2_Cfeh2DRHggAIfI_kd4s7ZRmLHvkR_-SAZIE5g=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGytiAQsh7Y9cs-cD4G_DuZb7wxrytZjZUj5mgP7opFpGA5dtewgWslDDSDKlznI_y2LzD0uVQ39x0yswj8VH_byL1ETAJ9cT9mjOCtkTVjOc3mlMl4CcWrYaP68KvllZXVj7_npN0yQleY92VjmW2_Cfeh2DRHggAIfI_kd4s7ZRmLHvkR_-SAZIE5g=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>The monastery of El Escorial was built for Felipe II according to Neo-Classical architectural principles of reason, proportion, and balance. It has the most important manuscript library in Spain. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHmL-Vq4hXnvg-0vxNJOApa6MRILV1KI9_GXILBMI1RCtjtPXJpquJyI2k0jsH_xM-Vacv54p3GNgzLSL8UuK-VnK8IhaSmWLtRRRas6lnBvAIJaxNF8KkRPiwRuYYstaHuy0xP4eP3CpUG8IZjeeGLgKME1t49oMm13XoyR1fcgQHMne-oXBXYBemDg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHmL-Vq4hXnvg-0vxNJOApa6MRILV1KI9_GXILBMI1RCtjtPXJpquJyI2k0jsH_xM-Vacv54p3GNgzLSL8UuK-VnK8IhaSmWLtRRRas6lnBvAIJaxNF8KkRPiwRuYYstaHuy0xP4eP3CpUG8IZjeeGLgKME1t49oMm13XoyR1fcgQHMne-oXBXYBemDg=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>I liked that my mask had the same image on it! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrCu9HSD1Jyy5w5dKA4x7fMvp5QAwyCtgctdcSqf0kqf3e3tEgNmmnHt1IYXzQGJKbj8KjHAdeBzOTeyfX2VAvmifhlZZeXKo-9Mky1Ui27wLwu1WnsjI6aWVidC8aa55LnRDggd6ZBmsFJNL41kYb00vnbM8wsnEUu42pJAmOsxXr8j57WGF2olcq3Q=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrCu9HSD1Jyy5w5dKA4x7fMvp5QAwyCtgctdcSqf0kqf3e3tEgNmmnHt1IYXzQGJKbj8KjHAdeBzOTeyfX2VAvmifhlZZeXKo-9Mky1Ui27wLwu1WnsjI6aWVidC8aa55LnRDggd6ZBmsFJNL41kYb00vnbM8wsnEUu42pJAmOsxXr8j57WGF2olcq3Q=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>This exhibit was, if possible, even more mind-blowing because all the manuscripts were from the court of Alfonso X, books the king himself would have touched and marveled at (or possibly pointed out the flaws in), including the E and T codices of the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>, which obviously I have some affection for. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the beautiful library, a veritable temple of learning. Absolutely electrifying! But at the library of El Escorial, they never allow photos. So you'll have to take my word for it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghip-ZlWN7c_0k4YcIJBvRJ2TDaD_6BH0_mmGo8Vo-_4LR-2L88AtyEmhLifFOZH5wj9Y8lLdwQGmUfGKt8QnJt2iggBN9vf0-OwHiUR2q7VNBQGp9fqy1r-hZ0woKrCPbPD90CRBGKl0KTgmVxBEmvOTiEPrzq4vi8Db_8CcSGv3vLMryXPpAtU-vuA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghip-ZlWN7c_0k4YcIJBvRJ2TDaD_6BH0_mmGo8Vo-_4LR-2L88AtyEmhLifFOZH5wj9Y8lLdwQGmUfGKt8QnJt2iggBN9vf0-OwHiUR2q7VNBQGp9fqy1r-hZ0woKrCPbPD90CRBGKl0KTgmVxBEmvOTiEPrzq4vi8Db_8CcSGv3vLMryXPpAtU-vuA=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div>This was as close as I got before they started yelling not to take photos. I really think it should be apparent that I am not there to harm the books in any way, shape, or form. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd like to note that the ceiling of the library is painted with symbols of all the branches of learning. Alfonso X appears in the section for astronomy, with a tablet and an astrolabe. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mario and I spent a good hour and half poring over the exhibit of nine manuscripts, so we got our money's worth. </div><div><br /></div><div>The gift shop had many beautiful items with <i>cantigas </i>and <i>Book of Chess</i> designs on them, and of course I nabbed a few. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the car, we decided on a strategy for lunch, and suddenly the whole couple of days came crashing down, and I sobbed with the emotion. Yes, it meant that much to me to see these books in person. With someone who encouraged my passion, no less. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't always weep with gratitude, but this occasion certainly merited it. <br /> <p></p></div></div>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-35049267852982689422021-12-28T15:24:00.001-08:002021-12-28T15:24:00.208-08:002021, An Alfonsine Year in Review<p> 2021. At least it wasn't 2020, amirite? </p><p>I'm going to focus on positives in this post, as I do in real life. It's the best way forward, as I understand it. </p><p>In 2021, I found a couple of ongoing freelance editing jobs I'm satisfied with. I hope to continue for the foreseeable future with these companies, though freelancing is nothing if not unpredictable. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX0g3GxKnttuyiBhnL5iAzOgNBaWmjtbVuaXoCYVhq9MAumG2upp4-AZybW2OfvbPGL-FPu5wupF0b_Kh6ZkRDZCZEi-yV5sbbXfJddypcCaALVeKcLD07F79W49xf-6tu0MDSh8P9lJReG-KsQ9LpCDc7zDonh3jX1vIHxr0tm6kXzeW5JvAEVrPyMg=s2048" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1544" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX0g3GxKnttuyiBhnL5iAzOgNBaWmjtbVuaXoCYVhq9MAumG2upp4-AZybW2OfvbPGL-FPu5wupF0b_Kh6ZkRDZCZEi-yV5sbbXfJddypcCaALVeKcLD07F79W49xf-6tu0MDSh8P9lJReG-KsQ9LpCDc7zDonh3jX1vIHxr0tm6kXzeW5JvAEVrPyMg=s320" width="241" /></a></div>I published a work very particular and special to me, <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/the-atwells-avenue-anomaly/" target="_blank">The Atwells Avenue Anomaly</a></i>. If you're bored with predictable love stories or science fantasy, take a look at this deeply felt tale of the pursuit of happiness! I published only after collaborating with the ultra-talented Shirley MacKenzie, who prepared four unique illustrations. These appear in full color in both ebook and paperback. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB5QP9ZspilxaTJtAjRoY5K2BHKxs8fYfksUkqzZETiD7N0x_0AFouJFGB6zcZLtztD-hcGdZbhCZVMdnzki03T2bXJAO6AbnBbF4v0Xjpte9O-nnodtwiP_nPqt28fZq2hVJIOxeBKvT3rz9jf2e4lAALwTEepYf-bk3bPsblxSUWFHs7VK6ddZSkkg=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB5QP9ZspilxaTJtAjRoY5K2BHKxs8fYfksUkqzZETiD7N0x_0AFouJFGB6zcZLtztD-hcGdZbhCZVMdnzki03T2bXJAO6AbnBbF4v0Xjpte9O-nnodtwiP_nPqt28fZq2hVJIOxeBKvT3rz9jf2e4lAALwTEepYf-bk3bPsblxSUWFHs7VK6ddZSkkg=s320" width="320" /></a></div>I was thrilled to welcome two Portuguese editions of my work into the world: <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/casa-na-arvore/" target="_blank">Casa na Árvore</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/mundos-imprevisiveis/" target="_blank">Mundos Imprevisíveis</a>.</i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>Although those two events would be plenty for a normal year, for more than two decades, I've been waiting for 2021 to have a big blowout in honor of Alfonso X, <i>el Sabio</i>'s, 800th birthday. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeh3LwIqBYM_fLeXw9gTXZqn8l-7f5eSbjJffkCpytiZaMMpsVpiFX9ImA8lENXPX-2E3M13DHYBajC8H1Wqgxce7A9V6nF2Pl1M5paUcaXQvb9-nyX_F0pFAnX9lbcmvPoQjqxm_JYWyhfVpCpz6MlTXREK-sDW2l58oeT-q50J-nRayKTotlTlPI2g=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeh3LwIqBYM_fLeXw9gTXZqn8l-7f5eSbjJffkCpytiZaMMpsVpiFX9ImA8lENXPX-2E3M13DHYBajC8H1Wqgxce7A9V6nF2Pl1M5paUcaXQvb9-nyX_F0pFAnX9lbcmvPoQjqxm_JYWyhfVpCpz6MlTXREK-sDW2l58oeT-q50J-nRayKTotlTlPI2g=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>And so, I visited his favorite city, Sevilla, to see <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEnWKOKbhZI" target="_blank">a play</a> that integrated <i>cantigas </i>to tell the story of the last years of Alfonso X's life. It was thrilling to see the historical people I'm usually thinking about at any given moment embodied in living, breathing actors, and to hear the <i>cantigas </i>played with so much care and conviction. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNti-lxveW9DdQHfbj0pDzSTnGz53EbvhvhdWDbXtjBKXQyW5uaFcaueqfO50yAldBlDKZ_vO1bC1OhZzSChqevN4xU7UQS_bJkRAcKCURCrljfI5PLtj5bSdVAbtR1Ifsn9ci6TuawEjHocuHnbZ-mFgG_dKK7xT1rVJHIaAGfDUpK0bAvvwKy19_kQ=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNti-lxveW9DdQHfbj0pDzSTnGz53EbvhvhdWDbXtjBKXQyW5uaFcaueqfO50yAldBlDKZ_vO1bC1OhZzSChqevN4xU7UQS_bJkRAcKCURCrljfI5PLtj5bSdVAbtR1Ifsn9ci6TuawEjHocuHnbZ-mFgG_dKK7xT1rVJHIaAGfDUpK0bAvvwKy19_kQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div>I published a beautifully designed book with Encircle Publications that I've had in mind for more than two decades: <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/our-ladys-troubadour/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i>, ten miraculously positive stories based on some of the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>. This has been my main tribute to the 800th birthday. It's the result of double the blood, sweat, and tears, because it came out on the same day <a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/trovador-de-santa-maria/" target="_blank">in Spanish</a>, the language Alfonso X worked so hard to establish as worthy of writing. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP25DaPhYEotTmyqR724TNya4oRclqvDmSDYRdZiu-chqmN601tgpRmJ6-0fc862FIYi504_uSy7Ncwc5j2BKWlRcoYPexaPPwSTOf_tHhp0UW-0WV_GWNBvezTsiAaVdH8MhAGJ2kaFZXGI0WIowxI2bUX-Z003C9tHVRS8eS6dqJJ0tQQxN5HoPy-w=s2048" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1283" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP25DaPhYEotTmyqR724TNya4oRclqvDmSDYRdZiu-chqmN601tgpRmJ6-0fc862FIYi504_uSy7Ncwc5j2BKWlRcoYPexaPPwSTOf_tHhp0UW-0WV_GWNBvezTsiAaVdH8MhAGJ2kaFZXGI0WIowxI2bUX-Z003C9tHVRS8eS6dqJJ0tQQxN5HoPy-w=s320" width="200" /></a></div>Once I got going on the stories, I couldn't resist writing an eleventh one. This one came out much longer because it's the "Byzantine novel" I've always anted to write. It tells the twisty-turny story of Beatriz, Empress of Rome, how for reasons beyond her control, she loses everything, and how she comes back from certain death to triumph because of her resilience and faith. <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/empress-of-misfortune-a-novella/" target="_blank">Empress of Misfortune</a></i> is available separately in digital formats, and I hope to have a paperback edition available in 2022. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNdQFYKRsLlEazYvgz63JTAQoQ_uoD7NIzccf5hVEX8fDqgRfA7DB9OFfXy0CEg1cIArZvq2JZR7xFYhe4-O8Jkn9FuocClsIJne1wwJYPzMH_vmAdOEfUoxSUT-zYVjhjAs8GOUWWAaiqVCIiRTM-60gmqHndWUB3aOHBLXnRu6bEoI1eSm5eJmTdTQ=s1264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="1264" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNdQFYKRsLlEazYvgz63JTAQoQ_uoD7NIzccf5hVEX8fDqgRfA7DB9OFfXy0CEg1cIArZvq2JZR7xFYhe4-O8Jkn9FuocClsIJne1wwJYPzMH_vmAdOEfUoxSUT-zYVjhjAs8GOUWWAaiqVCIiRTM-60gmqHndWUB3aOHBLXnRu6bEoI1eSm5eJmTdTQ=w400-h120" width="400" /></a></div>I had a fun and fruitful interview with Dr. Debra J. H. Bolton of Kansas State University about the importance of Alfonso's legacy and the wonders of the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>. <a href="https://peopleandcultures.blog/2021/11/30/the-musical-biography-of-king-alfonso-x-13th-century-spain/" target="_blank">A transcript of the radio show is available here</a>, and the full interview audio will become available very soon. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7aKuEQ_VYJIX1BuDe5tGoRlN8Vltn_CfAvZ9nlsjHUZGghd8vM6sekhJoqSOW13xk70AizWE1s4hnw14Dh-Wa5xz72nxgVrhtZU2N5A4pHRO6JV8LUajYay68sK228VDmu8FKr4mP09uYtpGymEC-5-iaxtnqEvZi4Ul24awf3RC-SNT3Lc0FnRdENA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7aKuEQ_VYJIX1BuDe5tGoRlN8Vltn_CfAvZ9nlsjHUZGghd8vM6sekhJoqSOW13xk70AizWE1s4hnw14Dh-Wa5xz72nxgVrhtZU2N5A4pHRO6JV8LUajYay68sK228VDmu8FKr4mP09uYtpGymEC-5-iaxtnqEvZi4Ul24awf3RC-SNT3Lc0FnRdENA=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>I also had a dream come true when I seized the opportunity <a href="https://jessicaknauss.blogspot.com/2021/11/how-i-celebrated-alfonso-xs-800th.html" target="_blank">to spend Alfonso X's 800th birthday, November 23, 2021, in Ciudad Real</a>, where Eduardo Paniagua gave a concert with some members of Música Antigua, effectively bridging eight centuries so that the audience could feel what it was like to hear <i>cantigas </i>in the court of Alfonso X. <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO5H5kBsUUkUnIm6g9dF4uWee2NG0Aijq3AL2YMRAgHEJPC-kjj2Bs5rN1-pjoe53IRw5O1A_yf7Qz45xBOXELyTSHdbwv-k3orgJAP-DoEIagItYXbaBxDyQgbpg5Vu8usoT7QuwEhG0YrraMGzYz9xIU2D0YTLn9RXFRCchYMnYuG-BuqD95FE4Hug=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO5H5kBsUUkUnIm6g9dF4uWee2NG0Aijq3AL2YMRAgHEJPC-kjj2Bs5rN1-pjoe53IRw5O1A_yf7Qz45xBOXELyTSHdbwv-k3orgJAP-DoEIagItYXbaBxDyQgbpg5Vu8usoT7QuwEhG0YrraMGzYz9xIU2D0YTLn9RXFRCchYMnYuG-BuqD95FE4Hug=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing (sold out!) books in Zamora</td></tr></tbody></table>Because <i>Our Lady's Troubadour</i> came out in Spanish, I was able to live out the dream of doing a book launch in Spain. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3UcN1AxIBI" target="_blank">The first event was in my home town of Zamora</a>. It was an unbelievable, unique evening during which I got to see one of my aims for the book--for more people to hear about Alfonso X's wonderful works--come true right before my eyes. The musicians and I practiced for months beforehand, and the people of Zamora were incredibly welcoming of me and my little book! <p>It wasn't captured on video, but when I came out in my thirteenth-century costume that looked like I'd stepped right out of an Alfonsine manuscript painting, the audience was delighted and seemed unable to stop applauding. It created a wonderful sense of anticipation, and I think the evening delivered on that promise. The bookstore had never seen such a crowd and we didn't have enough copies of the book to meet the demand! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinob_gCfxyYKbbjqEUyf3Ba6iT1e07G8L4oxmBq6sYtSkzZlNxQbAFvvB00QLc0YJHjLgWZDXRSm_AO3TNElXIdJT4e7ocav_bJmvbNJtpv4_LLtZ2LR8jbjc956T4OpMsukKNlXv4MFdAWCn24GFc9e6YBBs76hzL0J0RVkpw6DzI1oUxuuJiKAVIPA=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1280" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinob_gCfxyYKbbjqEUyf3Ba6iT1e07G8L4oxmBq6sYtSkzZlNxQbAFvvB00QLc0YJHjLgWZDXRSm_AO3TNElXIdJT4e7ocav_bJmvbNJtpv4_LLtZ2LR8jbjc956T4OpMsukKNlXv4MFdAWCn24GFc9e6YBBs76hzL0J0RVkpw6DzI1oUxuuJiKAVIPA=w400-h270" width="400" /></a></div>A week later, I did a completely different <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzHfi5Tytlc" target="_blank">presentation in Burgos</a>. I got to see my friend, Daniel, whom you know from this blog, after a year and a half. I have strong writerly ties to Burgos through <i>Seven Noble Knights</i>, and honestly, Burgos boasts more connections with Alfonso X than Zamora. After doing an interview at the local radio station, the host took me to place I hadn't seen before: the ruins of a monastery where it's said Alfonso's traitor brother Simon was buried. The stereotype of the cold Burgosian was further given the lie at the presentation. There weren't nearly as many people as in Zamora, but those who were there treated me like the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I'm more than satisfied. <p></p><p>In spite of how well they went, I lost money at these two events due to shipping costs and the requirements of the Spanish government for me to sell physical books legally. All for Alfonso! </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoRAO6rZPniE_9-LEdlj-CyjUeUDL5MDF-8fBsMPpCjAUWSpPUT3BV77oH82qCOVJhTUqsk-JggZew0l0BprpafNJr9O-gkyqPOr4qwjAz3mRp7fbsOru28PgW7ZwKUY1XvOzGfjOOFtl_T_VCLlFbPnqQgM1DjI4p0VtjJ8FvZN-JiCF7xkDJphQl1A=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoRAO6rZPniE_9-LEdlj-CyjUeUDL5MDF-8fBsMPpCjAUWSpPUT3BV77oH82qCOVJhTUqsk-JggZew0l0BprpafNJr9O-gkyqPOr4qwjAz3mRp7fbsOru28PgW7ZwKUY1XvOzGfjOOFtl_T_VCLlFbPnqQgM1DjI4p0VtjJ8FvZN-JiCF7xkDJphQl1A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An awkward selfie with an early printed version of the <i>Siete Partidas</i>, <br />which I studied extensively for <i>Law and Order in Medieval Spain</i>, <br />right there in Salamanca. Full circle. </td></tr></tbody></table>A last activity I was able to do in honor of 800 years of Alfonso X was to visit my old haunt, the University of Salamanca, to see a temporary exhibit of historical manuscripts. The trajectory illustrated the influences on Alfonsine historiography, actual Alfonsine manuscripts such as the <i>Fuero Real </i>and the <i>Estoria de Espanna</i>, and works about him by later generations as well as work directly influenced by the Alfonsine history workshop. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9zl4N0WRaAfud1cdIhSocL8Al6cpc9PcglkL6o1Q8bC9QouWYe4wdW_GvhMMRwDhZYaJ_sgT5MPlDWx1U8_bLFIW9IRzw7s0i6zW5co1BDaq-XnuW8Ip9WwMLK8q3--o32-r4h2Y5o-snUl0k2HgEYat6Z4huDhBw5Y-A0GXJJRNT91WBfIFEPAAyxg=s3836" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2216" data-original-width="3836" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9zl4N0WRaAfud1cdIhSocL8Al6cpc9PcglkL6o1Q8bC9QouWYe4wdW_GvhMMRwDhZYaJ_sgT5MPlDWx1U8_bLFIW9IRzw7s0i6zW5co1BDaq-XnuW8Ip9WwMLK8q3--o32-r4h2Y5o-snUl0k2HgEYat6Z4huDhBw5Y-A0GXJJRNT91WBfIFEPAAyxg=w400-h231" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A thirteenth/fourteenth-century manuscript of the <i>Fuero Real</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeBWwibI8BZmSfgGmz7zDn9Ksf5Pe4WuAs_uxZEXMyZYFtxNugqMslVZjKnB0zVykPvD4s3-72EVmRjVHW9YmQhL5nn_XbvcNVnb5fiqWDI9MmwPYPlgVtSR8dle2NZ9k9l38LT_xvLKfVd9ZlOt4J1G_Z8QWtx-vJdf3aTIFuWmcyohWi_vo9J7otYA=s3385" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2207" data-original-width="3385" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeBWwibI8BZmSfgGmz7zDn9Ksf5Pe4WuAs_uxZEXMyZYFtxNugqMslVZjKnB0zVykPvD4s3-72EVmRjVHW9YmQhL5nn_XbvcNVnb5fiqWDI9MmwPYPlgVtSR8dle2NZ9k9l38LT_xvLKfVd9ZlOt4J1G_Z8QWtx-vJdf3aTIFuWmcyohWi_vo9J7otYA=w400-h261" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fifteenth-century manuscript of <i>Estoria de Espanna</i>, part IV</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY7gZBEmp7UX-Zx1IxXlxhA5qGIVcA99lm7pXTTk9CteM93u_wCm8Ap23f2YTH20MCSON_iqR8Xm8EEWMKvrH0IQHwQ6KG5T9mSzn5nfdmMl44BgdQvo4CUbNEdNPcmSmBbogUX55GSSSkr-5dN-vFV5ZQn-D9qzCBg4Zr0kys79QL0747jljsIuOkYw=s3710" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3710" data-original-width="2250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY7gZBEmp7UX-Zx1IxXlxhA5qGIVcA99lm7pXTTk9CteM93u_wCm8Ap23f2YTH20MCSON_iqR8Xm8EEWMKvrH0IQHwQ6KG5T9mSzn5nfdmMl44BgdQvo4CUbNEdNPcmSmBbogUX55GSSSkr-5dN-vFV5ZQn-D9qzCBg4Zr0kys79QL0747jljsIuOkYw=w242-h400" width="242" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail from fourteenth-century <br /><i>Chronicle of the Kings of Aragon and Counts of Barcelona</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIWADK_lIgRbkfOZnE-CXLBwnyRyZGo3cvTUpyj3HZ9ldoQOyuo3H5Dk_MaIb3aQaLAF-QrHSuLIh57NBWBIR4YssnS90Ti1cbjW3-pBw4R5H5T9aFEjIdMtTO3psFreWqSvu6UFNAkrddl6hyCTc7bh6VWoJ95zB8ZETCjGwrjeB7M872G6Ox1su-LA=s3417" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2213" data-original-width="3417" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIWADK_lIgRbkfOZnE-CXLBwnyRyZGo3cvTUpyj3HZ9ldoQOyuo3H5Dk_MaIb3aQaLAF-QrHSuLIh57NBWBIR4YssnS90Ti1cbjW3-pBw4R5H5T9aFEjIdMtTO3psFreWqSvu6UFNAkrddl6hyCTc7bh6VWoJ95zB8ZETCjGwrjeB7M872G6Ox1su-LA=w400-h259" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chronicle of Spain</i> by Diego de Valera, printed 1517,<br />with a note from a reader showing passionate interest in Alfonso X </td></tr></tbody></table><p>One regret is that I haven't yet been able to get the Spanish translation of <i>Law and Order in Medieval Spain</i> out into the world before the end of 2021. It will come out sometime in 2022. Unlike King Alfonso, I do not have a team of translators, writers, and publishers working on my projects. </p><p>But, especially considering that the world was in the second year of a global pandemic and the healthcare, supply, and budget interruptions that accompanied it, 2021 has been replete with celebrations of different kinds, reflecting the wide variety of knowledge in Alfonso X's legacy. </p><p>It's 800 years later, and humanity is still dealing with issues of cross-cultural communication and acting without thinking. It's important to highlight Alfonso's ideals of accepting the contributions of all cultures and confronting challenges with considered wisdom and knowledge. If one additional person has been inspired to open their mind, I consider the main mission accomplished. </p><p>Happy new year! </p><br />Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-83355794653372564762021-11-25T15:30:00.544-08:002021-11-26T00:49:58.018-08:00How I Celebrated Alfonso X's 800th Birthday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXZ5nLw6ZRQ/YaAPpdPmyeI/AAAAAAAAaTY/ECFhjHjdb5QUIgCKEGGYeP1Z_CJRr-rjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-20211123-WA0002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXZ5nLw6ZRQ/YaAPpdPmyeI/AAAAAAAAaTY/ECFhjHjdb5QUIgCKEGGYeP1Z_CJRr-rjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG-20211123-WA0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing the king my birthday present for him <br />All photos in this post 2021 Jessica Knauss </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've been looking forward to Alfonso X's 800th birthday on November 23, 2021, for a very long time: since before I moved to Spain, before so many things, before I went to study <i>cantigas </i>in England (of all places). <div><br /></div><div>I was hoping to participate in lots of events for this grand occasion now that I live in Spain and could easily go to any one of Alfonso's favorite cities. Then the pandemic happened. I'd had <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i> in the works for while, and thought since I can write a book under practically any circumstances, that it would be an apt tribute. </div><div><br /></div><div>And so <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i> came into being, with a lot of help from friends and Encircle Publications. But meanwhile, the conditions of the pandemic relaxed, and some conferences and theatrical experiences celebrating the 800 years started to take place. Mostly, I heard about them and sighed wistfully because travel is still difficult or because I heard about them too late to do anything. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fRrwVQTcuY/YZ_8em2a3CI/AAAAAAAAaSo/MjczgIWPFAcLF3IlXN2pPTFO1-as5CbMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_20210806_221502.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fRrwVQTcuY/YZ_8em2a3CI/AAAAAAAAaSo/MjczgIWPFAcLF3IlXN2pPTFO1-as5CbMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20210806_221502.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesús Lozano plays Alfonso X in <i>Alfonso X: La última cantiga</i>, Sevilla, August 2021 </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was able to go to Sevilla for my own birthday and see the play <i>La última cantiga</i>, twice. It tells the story of the last years of Alfonso's reign and life and is punctuated by <i>cantigas </i>played by Cantica and Emilio Villalba (wonderful artists!). I know the history well, and to see it played out before my eyes was truly thrilling. Too few have been the times I've been to an event with <i>cantigas </i>played live. This is how they were meant to be enjoyed, in all their foot-tapping glory! </div><div><br /></div><div>But that was my birthday. Was I going to spend Alfonso's great anniversary stuck at home among piles of my own books? </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't have to! I found out about Eduardo Paniagua doing a limited tour with the basic members of Música Antigua, ostensibly to promote their latest discs, about a month before the anniversary. With his group, Eduardo Paniagua has been recording all the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>, every last one of 427. They've been at it for about thirty years, and have some 380 done. The goal is on the horizon... </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iba9qrraCfk/YaAIDznRqpI/AAAAAAAAaS4/Tsxl9EjC6fwOgeVS1LTHv-fOJSrWX5m3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211123_193017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iba9qrraCfk/YaAIDznRqpI/AAAAAAAAaS4/Tsxl9EjC6fwOgeVS1LTHv-fOJSrWX5m3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20211123_193017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The closest thing you can get to the instruments of Alfonso's court. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />The group uses instruments created from medieval miniatures and sculptures and a variety of voices and techniques. The approach they take, recording the entire text of each <i>cantiga </i>and developing the story with dialogue and interplay, has influenced my literary interpretation of the texts more than any single <i>cantigas </i>critic. Singing along with the recordings has helped me enter into the medieval mindset to write the stories in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i>, and given me a burning desire to perform <i>cantigas </i>in public (which I will do on December 10 if the worsening COVID figures don't stop me!). </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAGjvW9ouy8/YaAJ-ynDyvI/AAAAAAAAaTI/ewYgp5YLyigK7fFBWPaSKp649eMQg12_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211122_175750.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAGjvW9ouy8/YaAJ-ynDyvI/AAAAAAAAaTI/ewYgp5YLyigK7fFBWPaSKp649eMQg12_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/IMG_20211122_175750.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city crest of Ciudad Real appears to feature Alfonso X! </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've been listening to Música Antigua's work since 1998. So when I found out that they were going to do a concert on November 23, the exact birthday, in Ciudad Real, which Alfonso founded (and <a href="https://jessicaknauss.blogspot.com/2017/05/i-think-i-was-robbed-trip-of-lifetime.html" target="_blank">where I'd meant to go and see a Manolo García concert in 2008, but that's another story</a>), I leapt at the opportunity! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zUSWPrrscA/YaAJsKsocEI/AAAAAAAAaTA/3CrhUZJOKzk43wk0VLc7PLrqxW3cFgjiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211122_204351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zUSWPrrscA/YaAJsKsocEI/AAAAAAAAaTA/3CrhUZJOKzk43wk0VLc7PLrqxW3cFgjiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20211122_204351.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Ciudad Real isn't close to where I live. I reserved the Hotel Alfonso X, because how can you not, and tried to find out how to guarantee a seat when it was going to be first come, first served. I wrote to the cultural ministry, and at great personal cost, called, but never got to speak with the organizers. I had to just go and trust. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxKhYQA2dsk/YaAHbpzbawI/AAAAAAAAaSw/GzKYeebofk0QDd5-A0MpegeRiD8J3G0VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1501/IMG-20211122-WA0004.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1136" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxKhYQA2dsk/YaAHbpzbawI/AAAAAAAAaSw/GzKYeebofk0QDd5-A0MpegeRiD8J3G0VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-20211122-WA0004.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>Another element of this story is that I have a shiny new boyfriend (shiny as in "knight in shining armor"), whom you will probably hear more about. His name is Mario, and when he suddenly got the opportunity, he offered to go to Ciudad Real with me, doing the driving. We had a delightful road trip to Don Quijote country through snow and sunshine. It was sleeting when we go to the town of Milagros in the mountains north of Madrid, and Mario took this photo showing <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">a book of miracles</a> in a town called Miracles so I could hold the umbrella and keep the book from getting wet. What a great guy! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJfVNXVmsNU/YaANeNQr2cI/AAAAAAAAaTQ/N89C1cPSH30bppZ1dkHDNRhx_F9xUmsxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211124_110055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJfVNXVmsNU/YaANeNQr2cI/AAAAAAAAaTQ/N89C1cPSH30bppZ1dkHDNRhx_F9xUmsxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20211124_110055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We toured Ciudad Real. It has a strong current of Don Quijote going on, less so of Alfonso X. The mural in the above photo was done last week, just in time for the 800th birthday. But I couldn't be stopped. We saw the mural, a couple of statues, and a fountain, and it was enough to keep me happy. I was coming full circle, finally seeing a concert in Ciudad Real--not Manolo, but Alfonso, and I was comparably excited. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5CZ5ivz6P4/YaAQr1P9pjI/AAAAAAAAaTg/9WJ5daKhLhcFBr02tDHTvhi-juH1tng4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211123_104131.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5CZ5ivz6P4/YaAQr1P9pjI/AAAAAAAAaTg/9WJ5daKhLhcFBr02tDHTvhi-juH1tng4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20211123_104131.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old casino building </td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the morning, we headed to the concert venue, which is the headquarters of the cultural ministry in the old casino building. We wanted to see if they would guarantee us seats because we had come so far and, after all, I'd just published a book for Alfonso X. We met with the organizers, and my social ineptitude took over. I let Mario do the talking, but when he couldn't make a very strong case for us based on how far we'd traveled, he started explaining that I'm an Alfonso X expert. I took up the challenge finally when he said, "But she can explain it better than I." </div><div><br /></div><div>I shakily removed <i><a href="https://www.amazon.es/Trovador-Santa-Mar%C3%ADa-historias-milagrosas/dp/1645992969/" target="_blank">Trovador de Santa Maria</a></i> from the bag we'd been carrying around to protect it from the rain and explained that it had ten stories based on the plots of <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>, and that I thought the City of Ciudad Real should have a copy. Everyone's demeanor changed. They said to come back when they opened the doors, and they would make sure we got in. (They didn't seem to feel the urgency I did about the limited number of seats.) </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ1I3L8dOZ4/YaAZBmACmtI/AAAAAAAAaTo/-tP4PpP3VcAf97P57-6C2Nz7LnUR1tmnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211122_191942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ1I3L8dOZ4/YaAZBmACmtI/AAAAAAAAaTo/-tP4PpP3VcAf97P57-6C2Nz7LnUR1tmnACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/IMG_20211122_191942.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santiago, the oldest church in Ciudad Real, <br />might've seen Alfonso X cross its threshold. </td></tr></tbody></table>That done, we had a busy morning sightseeing, and all the while my mind was roiling with how the concert was going to go coupled with the excitement of hearing <i>Cantigas </i>live by the best musicians. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the afternoon, I read the introduction of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.es/Trovador-Santa-Mar%C3%ADa-historias-milagrosas/dp/1645992969/" target="_blank">Trovador de Santa Maria</a></i> to Mario, both to share with him the importance of this occasion and to get used to speaking about these things I so love. He suggested we go to the Plaza Mayor and read the introduction out loud at the fountain with Alfonso X's statue so he could hear his present. I wept copiously at the suggestion, thinking about all the years I've studied Alfonso X and how I wish I could know whether he likes my gift to him. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ehed9McYBGE/YaAb0nVwRRI/AAAAAAAAaTw/wcyHKU88UYMFBUaOMTbd8XGtCenQJGXIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211123_193422.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ehed9McYBGE/YaAb0nVwRRI/AAAAAAAAaTw/wcyHKU88UYMFBUaOMTbd8XGtCenQJGXIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/IMG_20211123_193422.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front row, baby! </td></tr></tbody></table>We showed up at the casino early in our enthusiasm, and were told to come back later, not to worry, even if there were no seats available, they'd make room. Even with that hint, I still didn't imagine what ended up happening: we were personally escorted to the section labeled "protocol" in the front row! We were joined by members of the press and the organizers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, the anticipation! The instruments were laid out as in the photo near the top of this post, and the air seemed to spark as, indeed, every last seat filled in behind us. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNLd67WkVrI/YaAe6HNv1RI/AAAAAAAAaT4/zTMd-v2koecSebjwg0RV3FNzN6Cfy231wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211123_201820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNLd67WkVrI/YaAe6HNv1RI/AAAAAAAAaT4/zTMd-v2koecSebjwg0RV3FNzN6Cfy231wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20211123_201820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And then, Wafir Sheik, Luis Antonio Muñoz, Eduardo Paniagua, and Jaime Muñoz walked out and took their seats to play instrumental versions of <i>Cantigas </i>388 (295) and 1. The sound, without amplifiers of any kind, was as perfect as on the discs, but so much more alive. It was like lifting a veil and opening a passageway to a thirteenth century full of richness and beauty. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0kkvadupxQ/YaAfjzqVWmI/AAAAAAAAaUA/BFLo0bg0AbkaJW1maSPLuMcHjtXL3HgYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211123_204526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0kkvadupxQ/YaAfjzqVWmI/AAAAAAAAaUA/BFLo0bg0AbkaJW1maSPLuMcHjtXL3HgYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20211123_204526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I knew most of the <i>cantigas </i>in the concert well. They're like old friends, and I couldn't help tapping my feet and mouthing the words as I stared unabashedly at the wonders taking place in front of me. Mario was also overcome with the masterful playing of the marvelous instruments. The photos don't do it justice. Videos wouldn't have, either. </div><div><br /></div><div>Eduardo Paniagua talked with the audience between <i>cantigas</i>. He explained the miracles and their context, his perceptions of Alfonso's contribution to world culture, and how moved he was to be playing <i>cantigas </i>in Ciudad Real on November 23, 2021. I'd seen interviews with him before, and he always struck me as a very practical, no-nonsense kind of guy. But you can't be strictly practical and head a project of this magnitude for thirty years. Perhaps he's both down-to-earth and unbelievably passionate about this best of all medieval books, rather like I imagine Alfonso X himself. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYUMBWpygfs/YaAiKjNuHwI/AAAAAAAAaUI/eFIcwrC4wZgl5Po3eHYBeg3jp3h8COBWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211123_212018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYUMBWpygfs/YaAiKjNuHwI/AAAAAAAAaUI/eFIcwrC4wZgl5Po3eHYBeg3jp3h8COBWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20211123_212018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Afterward, they had discs for sale and the musicians stayed to chat with any audience member who wished to ask about the instruments or <i>cantigas</i>. I stood, my knees like jelly, my brain mush, and couldn't force myself to get in line to talk to Eduardo Paniagua just yet. Mario seized the opportunity to chat with Jaime Muñoz about the various flutes. While participating in that conversation, I also observed the others interacting with everyone and got the sensation that everyone in that large room loved <i>cantigas </i>and treated each other with kindness and respect because of that mutual understanding. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msIRW9RVj6o/YaCMrcIxOEI/AAAAAAAAaUY/QxdeubJx1QYlreoTPV6VT-ZBRksnDVUsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211123_212811.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msIRW9RVj6o/YaCMrcIxOEI/AAAAAAAAaUY/QxdeubJx1QYlreoTPV6VT-ZBRksnDVUsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/IMG_20211123_212811.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>Rather than calming me down, that rush of love wound me up more. When it was finally my turn to talk to Eduardo Paniagua, I could only start by buying the latest two discs, which are in fact two-disc sets. But then somehow I managed to say my fangirl speech about how I think the <i>cantigas </i>project is the best project in the world and how I've been listening for twenty years, and being able to listen to the music has influenced my writing. </div><div><br />Luckily, Eduardo then asked me what I write. I accepted <i><a href="https://www.amazon.es/Trovador-Santa-Mar%C3%ADa-historias-milagrosas/dp/1645992969/" target="_blank">Trovador de Santa Maria</a></i> from Mario, and showing it to Eduardo, I explained that it's a book I wrote for the 800th anniversary, and that the short stories are based on the plots of <i>cantigas. </i>And that I would be honored if he accepted this copy. He was incredibly gracious, insisting I sign it and gifting me a triple-disc set in return. (So I'm seven discs richer in <i>cantigas </i>than before I went to Ciudad Real!) </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EWj6rXG_MY/YaAm897dYnI/AAAAAAAAaUQ/JdTGtYxayFgJF9Cx6um6O8BGmoA7ehFMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211123_213754.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EWj6rXG_MY/YaAm897dYnI/AAAAAAAAaUQ/JdTGtYxayFgJF9Cx6um6O8BGmoA7ehFMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20211123_213754.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Alfonso enthusiasts exchange works of art. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Afterward, I went over to where Luis Antonio Muñoz, who did most of the singing, was showing the psaltery to a journalist, and told him (forgive my schmaltz), "Thank you for being the voice of Alfonso X." He was a very good sport about it and had a more-than-pleasant conversation with us. We were also able to congratulate Wafir Sheik on his excellent lute playing before we left. </div><div><br /></div><div>A journalist overheard Mario and me talking with Luis Antonio Muñoz and came to ask us why we'd come so far to see a free concert. By then, I was warmed up, not to say on fire, and launched right into <i><a href="https://www.amazon.es/Trovador-Santa-Mar%C3%ADa-historias-milagrosas/dp/1645992969/" target="_blank">Trovador de Santa Maria</a></i>. Look at the <a href="https://www.lanzadigital.com/provincia/ciudad-real/las-cantigas-proporcionan-un-retrato-de-la-sociedad-del-siglo-xiii-gracias-al-legado-culturizador-de-disfrute-y-sanador-de-alfonso-x-el-sabio/" target="_blank">last paragraph of this article</a>. I feel so proud looking at that! The organizers said they'd be in touch about a possible book event, too. A triumph all around. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so grateful for these moments! I honestly don't know if I could've gone through with talking to everyone without Mario's encouragement. So I'm unspeakably grateful that he was able to come with me! </div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, Alfonso X's 800th birthday was better than I could've imagined. Happy birthday! </div><div><br /></div><div>See more Alfonsine photos here:</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="928" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D4764616890228445%26id%3D194593673897479&show_text=true&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe><div><br /></div>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-49095910812127294872021-11-23T00:01:00.007-08:002021-11-23T00:01:00.193-08:00Happy 800th Birthday to the Wise King - Feliz 800º cumpleaños al Rey Sabio<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUZeDQ2SKEw/YZbFJtauvEI/AAAAAAAAaRA/Jzo4K1CACEcpIyQi2itCPqHUXqXJXjJ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Happy%2Bbirthday.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUZeDQ2SKEw/YZbFJtauvEI/AAAAAAAAaRA/Jzo4K1CACEcpIyQi2itCPqHUXqXJXjJ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Happy%2Bbirthday.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />On November 23, 1221, a boy was born who would become
Alfonso X, King of Castile and León. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even his political enemies couldn’t tarnish his legacy of
intellectual curiosity and cultural open-mindedness. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I took the opportunity of Alfonso’s personal appearance in
in <i>Cantiga </i>321 to portray the empathetic and kind ruler I personally hope he
was in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i>. (The excerpt is from "Clear Water." But more about that story in another post.) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Happy eight-hundredth birthday to the Wise King! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In honor of this extraordinary occasion, I'd like to share my translation of one of the most autobiographical <i><a href="http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com/2014/09/wonders-and-marvels-cantigas-de-santa.html" target="_blank">Cantigas de Santa Maria</a></i>. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Every tenth <i>cantiga </i>is a song of praise. These usually don't have plots, but do have more daring poetic and musical forms. <i>Cantiga </i>200 is special among these special <i>cantigas </i>because here, Alfonso X himself uses the form of praise to present an autobiographical sketch of sorts. It's general, but it's told from an emotional point of view, unlike other, more specific such stories. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AdgWDH5LiyQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="AdgWDH5LiyQ"></iframe></div><br />Cantiga 200</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Refrain:</i> I've praised, I praise, and I will keep praising St. Mary.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Because among all the most honored men alive today, she's shown me the most blessings, as I will recount.</p><p class="MsoNormal">She made me descend from good people and wanted me to fully rein and be king.</p><p class="MsoNormal">And with her mercies, she aided me in grave illnesses. Therefore, you must know that I will serve her. </p><p class="MsoNormal">And to those who wished me ill and conspired and plotted against me, she gave them what they deserved, as I will prove. </p><p class="MsoNormal">She pulled me out of great poverty and gave me riches, and so I will tell all her noble qualities that I can.</p><p class="MsoNormal">She who doesn't err and never erred made me the lord of a good land and helped me in every war when I called on her. </p><p class="MsoNormal">She delivered me from misfortune, death, and injury. So, know, good people, that I will die for her. </p><p class="MsoNormal">So everyone help me pray with good will for her to help me, since I have need.</p><p class="MsoNormal">And whenever she desires, that she will take me from the tumult of this world, and that I will see her whom I've always loved. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">***</p><p class="MsoNormal">I believe and hope Alfonso X achieved what he's asking for in this personal poem. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps the greatest present we can give him on his birthday is the feat of remembering him 800 years later. </p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the main goal of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i>. </p><p class="MsoNormal">And, as <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i> is available in both <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">English </a>and the <a href="https://amzn.to/3wHjXAA" target="_blank">Spanish</a> Alfonso X did so much to create: </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNrs8SSHfKw/YZbFVQcujiI/AAAAAAAAaRE/sHisVwSX2CkFrPLVbpJXkXAPjVjhhxM1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Feliz%2Bcumple.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNrs8SSHfKw/YZbFVQcujiI/AAAAAAAAaRE/sHisVwSX2CkFrPLVbpJXkXAPjVjhhxM1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Feliz%2Bcumple.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />El 23 de
noviembre de 1221, nació un niño que se convertiría en Alfonso X, rey de
Castilla y León.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Ni siquiera sus
enemigos en la política han podido mancillar su legado de la curiosidad
intelectual y mentalidad abierta, al final. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Aproveché la
oportunidad de su aparición en la <i>Cantiga </i>321 para retratar a un soberano empático
y bondadoso, como yo personalmente espero que fuera. (La foto tiene un fragmento de "Agua clara". Escribiré más sobre ese
relato en otro momento). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">¡Feliz 800º cumpleaños
al Rey Sabio!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3wHjXAA" target="_blank">Trovador de SantaMaría</a> </i>es mi humilde obsequio. <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-17795526787373631922021-11-18T15:30:00.046-08:002021-11-18T15:30:00.231-08:00Beautiful, Fun Music: The Cantigas de Santa Maria<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjLcXfPEV0w/YZVBcZVUofI/AAAAAAAAaP0/NETwLPfbksoOvZiblWOyydFsyUjB69ZZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1265/194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1265" height="391" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjLcXfPEV0w/YZVBcZVUofI/AAAAAAAAaP0/NETwLPfbksoOvZiblWOyydFsyUjB69ZZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h391/194.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good troubadour in <i>Cantiga </i>194, T codex. <br /><i>Cantiga </i>194 gives <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i> its title. <br />RB. Patrimonio Nacional.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With music, poems, and pictures, the <i>Cantigas de Santa
Maria</i> are still a true multimedia experience. The music was the most enigmatic aspect for a long time, but since the code was unlocked in the early twentieth century, musicians have leapt at the chance to re-create the sounds of Alfonso X's court. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A major reason Alfonso X is considered “the wise king” is
because he placed himself at the center of the constant exchange of hybrid cultural
currents of his era. He fostered an avid interest in the both the sciences and the
arts and was obsessed with setting it all down in writing. This mania for
compilation led to the <i>Cantigas</i> manuscripts becoming one of the largest
songbooks of medieval Europe, with musical notation for more than 400 songs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9CjqK4sUxg/YZVC3Dn_aXI/AAAAAAAAaP8/C7hQeLQQzuIDn0F3wqVlkBODtC0yRMPwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1118/B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="974" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9CjqK4sUxg/YZVC3Dn_aXI/AAAAAAAAaP8/C7hQeLQQzuIDn0F3wqVlkBODtC0yRMPwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w349-h400/B.jpg" width="349" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alfonso holds up the musical prologue in the T<br /> manuscript of the <i>Cantigas</i>. RB. Patrimonio Nacional. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I’ve studied the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>, mostly as
literature, for more than twenty years, and I’m accustomed to English-speaking
people having some strange preconceptions about this marvel of the Middle Ages.
Now that I live in Spain, where the people ought to have these rhythms in their
blood, I thought I might be able to skip the introductory lecture on what the <i>Cantigas</i>
are really like. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was wrong. My wonderful musician friends who are helping
me put together some <i>cantigas</i> for my book launch in December made the
same assumption non-Spaniards have made in the past. Since the stories tell the
miracles of the Virgin Mary, they think the melodies are going to be droning,
stultifying church music heavily influenced by the apparent shapelessness of
Gregorian chant. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doDzQS11FiM/YZVDtzRCWfI/AAAAAAAAaQM/dh48x35mQnoR8nmnwPYIFKYnDCoINvkRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/E380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1456" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doDzQS11FiM/YZVDtzRCWfI/AAAAAAAAaQM/dh48x35mQnoR8nmnwPYIFKYnDCoINvkRACLcBGAsYHQ/w285-h400/E380.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cantiga </i>380 (E manuscript) with exotic hats and written music.<br />RB. Patrimonio Nacional. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Now, I don’t consider Gregorian chant to be boring, but it’s
true it never captured my imagination the way the <i>Cantigas</i> have, with
their virtuosic earworms and lively rhythms. Although the <i>Cantigas</i> have
a single line of text and music, this doesn’t reflect the influence of church
music, which at the time was largely polyphonic. Here, monophony is a way to
avoid obscuring the words and the meaning of the stories. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s important to remember that this music was written by
the best troubadours at the most sophisticated moment of their age, and in some
cases by the cosmopolitan king himself. It was meant to be heard at court,
possibly accompanied by dance or even some type of drama. The story was
all-important. The <i>Cantigas’</i> music is more like the movies,
singer-songwriters, folk music, and even marching bands of their time than like
something a monk would sing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mv0jgZMZZk/YZVDO9McExI/AAAAAAAAaQE/jNzPSU22aa8RcZPx2ZbH88Afbur0Y1PYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s914/E130%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="816" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mv0jgZMZZk/YZVDO9McExI/AAAAAAAAaQE/jNzPSU22aa8RcZPx2ZbH88Afbur0Y1PYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w358-h400/E130%2Bcrop.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This illustration for <i>Cantiga </i>130 from the E manuscript <br />shows a multicultural environment. RB. Patrimonio Nacional.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Additionally, the Castilian court likely welcomed the
influence of the Andalusians or Moors, who brought the latest innovations in
instruments and theory to the Iberian Peninsula. Although no one has discovered
a manuscript describing the style with which Alfonso wanted the <i>Cantigas</i>
to be played, the melodies, the stories, and even the miniatures point clearly
to Muslim musicians, who were, culturally, the posh kids of the time everyone
wanted to imitate. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These seemingly opposite currents of northern troubadours
and southern musicians, and ostensibly religious themes in a secular court
setting, came together to create what I consider some of the most beautiful and
just plain fun music in the world. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I leave you with a version of <i>Cantiga </i>166, which features in the introduction of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a>, </i>because when I heard it for the first time, it changed my life. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qiG6GWLTAZ8" width="320" youtube-src-id="qiG6GWLTAZ8"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_T9b-51fno/YWcIUZ9sHVI/AAAAAAAAaNE/lkbyTWleY2oXLPfZr43niNI89m2Bch1PQCPcBGAYYCw/s1146/OLT%2B3d%2Bcover%2B%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="832" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_T9b-51fno/YWcIUZ9sHVI/AAAAAAAAaNE/lkbyTWleY2oXLPfZr43niNI89m2Bch1PQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/OLT%2B3d%2Bcover%2B%2B1.png" width="232" /></a></i></div><i><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i> lets you experience this rich world in a fun new way with ten exciting stories! <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-2546845072924070382021-11-17T15:30:00.028-08:002021-11-17T15:30:00.214-08:00Alfonso X's Greatest Work on His 800th Birthday<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sn0gtk9UKlI/YZQGgwx0b6I/AAAAAAAAaPc/NGLkkGTPE7MqUEdgvpD9rByOg-FT2OmvACLcBGAsYHQ/s890/235%2Bcropped.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="890" height="378" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sn0gtk9UKlI/YZQGgwx0b6I/AAAAAAAAaPc/NGLkkGTPE7MqUEdgvpD9rByOg-FT2OmvACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h378/235%2Bcropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This illustration of <i>Cantiga </i>235 in the F manuscript of the <i>Cantigas</i><br />shows Alfonso X meeting a diplomatic retinue during his travels to meet with <br />the Pope in Beaucaire in 1275. The trip ended in disappointment, and <br />much worse was soon to come... </td></tr></tbody></table><br />The historical figure of Alfonso X, <i>el Sabio</i>, has accompanied me through travels, trials, and tribulations for most of my life. As a human being, he was probably as complex and hard to live with as anyone, but I will always love what he stands for now: thirst for knowledge and the application of that knowledge to live better and improve the world. <p></p><p>I've written about Alfonso X many times. Perhaps most important is <a href="http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-intellectuals-alfonso-xs.html" target="_blank">his contribution to world culture</a>. It gives some indication why I feel such tremendous respect for this king and scholar. </p><p><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i>, which came out yesterday, celebrates Alfonso's 800th birthday on November 23, 2021, by adapting ten of the plots of the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i> so modern readers can easily enjoy them and understand something of Alfonso X's world. </p><p>The <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i> are one of the medieval compilations of miracles of the Virgin Mary. This collection is unique because: </p><p>the miracles are told in the form of song; </p><p>it’s a very large collection, with more than 400 of these songs, including every musical style in the Europe of their time; </p><p>the manuscripts themselves are unique; </p><p>the way the songs are organized has no equal; </p><p>and most importantly, the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i> are unique because of the personal involvement of the king. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTTlOgPuU8c/YZQxfErD0BI/AAAAAAAAaPk/h6jfxDT8GaMWE8ueBbzC35qlEgWVrr-_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1942/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1942" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTTlOgPuU8c/YZQxfErD0BI/AAAAAAAAaPk/h6jfxDT8GaMWE8ueBbzC35qlEgWVrr-_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h186/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alfonso X's court in the presentation miniature of the E manuscript. <br />RB. Patrimonio Nacional. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Here we see the king, Alfonso X himself, in the center of this illustration of his court from the first pages of the E codex. On the sides we have musicians tuning up, noblemen seated on pillows ready to listen, and tonsured monks ready to take dictation. Gold leaf, bright colors, happy feet jutting over the border, and blissful expressions complete a dynamic portrait of the royal workshop. The king's centrality in this picture is not casual: this is one of many ways Alfonso put his personal signature on the <i>Cantigas</i>. He wanted future generations to know that this wonderful book came about because of him. <p></p><p>As we read the different miracles in the <i>Cantigas</i>, we witness all levels of daily life as well as extraordinary times. We spend time with people who have nothing to eat or are ill as well as with princes and an empress. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_T9b-51fno/YWcIUZ9sHVI/AAAAAAAAaNE/lkbyTWleY2oXLPfZr43niNI89m2Bch1PQCPcBGAYYCw/s1146/OLT%2B3d%2Bcover%2B%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="832" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_T9b-51fno/YWcIUZ9sHVI/AAAAAAAAaNE/lkbyTWleY2oXLPfZr43niNI89m2Bch1PQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/OLT%2B3d%2Bcover%2B%2B1.png" width="232" /></a></div>For an introduction to how wonderful the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i> are with examples, <a href="http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com/2014/09/wonders-and-marvels-cantigas-de-santa.html" target="_blank">read here</a>. <p></p><p>For a more thorough but no less enthusiastic introduction to the <i>Cantigas</i>, read <a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/our-ladys-troubadour/" target="_blank">the introduction to <i>Our Lady's Troubadour</i></a>. </p><p>For an even more thorough, documented, and scholarly approach to what the <i>Cantigas </i>are (where you'll still note unadulterated joy shining through), read <a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/law-and-order-in-medieval-spain/" target="_blank">the second chapter of <i>Law and Order in Medieval Spain</i></a>. </p><p>I'll write more about the wide variety of topics to explore in the <i>Cantigas </i>in the weeks and months to come. It's going to be a fun ride! </p><p>I'll end this strange introduction to an extraordinary king and his favorite book with my take on <i>Cantiga </i>295. </p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zp6IrFzxlrg" width="320" youtube-src-id="Zp6IrFzxlrg"></iframe></i></div><i><br />Cantigas </i>295 is one the happiest of the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria.</i> In it, some nuns the king himself brought in to worship a certain image of St. Mary have a vision of St. Mary herself calling for the king. When he comes to lay prostrate before her, saying he would kiss her hands and feet in devotion, St. Mary says no, she wants to kiss <i>his </i>hands because of all the great things he does in her honor. A dream come true for Alfonso X! <p></p><p>This is me singing unaccompanied, and yes, there are mistakes. But I hope you can hear the joy with which I share this music with you! Thanks for listening. </p><p><br /></p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-47842488962852732972021-11-04T16:00:00.002-07:002021-11-04T16:00:00.215-07:00I'm Not a Performing Artist<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMhbP2dCjQ4/YYQhwjiIfTI/AAAAAAAAaOQ/sx15pZ6iatkgkV4j83hRo5n6ks_417TYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1051/Performing%2Bartist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1051" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMhbP2dCjQ4/YYQhwjiIfTI/AAAAAAAAaOQ/sx15pZ6iatkgkV4j83hRo5n6ks_417TYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h268/Performing%2Bartist.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tryna do it like I seen 'em do it over on the UToob</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My big, amazing idea to break through with lots of sales of my latest book (which happens to be intensely important to me because it commemorates 800 years of my man, <a href="https://jessicaknauss.blogspot.com/2010/11/born-on-this-day-in-1221-alfonso-x-el.html" target="_blank">Alfonso X</a>) was to do a series of videos, which would naturally go viral. </p><p>Largely due to the sweeping cultural changes of 2020, I've become much more aware of the power of sites like YouTube. I have a unique voice and can talk on subjects that are interesting to at least a few people, so videos seemed like something I should do. </p><p>I wanted a video introducing the <i><a href="http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com/2014/09/wonders-and-marvels-cantigas-de-santa.html" target="_blank">Cantigas de Santa Maria</a></i>, why they're awesome, and why I wrote a book using some of the stories from them at this moment in time. Then I would have at least one video for each of the stories in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></i> explaining where the miracle came from, cool details about where it takes place and/or its illustrations in the manuscripts, and the melody of at least one verse and chorus, sung by yours truly. </p><p>Ideally, these videos would've been released throughout 2021 and built up tons of excitement for <a href="http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-intellectuals-alfonso-xs.html" target="_blank">Alfonso</a>'s 800th birthday, as much excitement as I already feel! </p><p>But here we are in November, and not a single video has been made. </p><p>Why is this? I'm not lazy, not a procrastinator. Ask anyone who knows me, who went to school with me, or worked with me: I never miss a deadline. </p><p>Answer that may seem like an excuse: I'm a widow, and if I don't work (at my editing business) and meet my deadlines, nobody (me) eats. It feels counterproductive to pour time into my day job when what I want is for my writing career to take off. That's the suffering of artists in our time. </p><p>Of course I manage to make some time to forward my writing career, so the question remains--not a single video?</p><p>Every time I sat down to put together the graphics and think about what I was going to say, I got overwhelmed, and then the slightest thing would distract me. Me, the Great Concentrator. I can concentrate long enough to edit a 200,000-word book that seems to have been written by a drunk fifth-grader (I don't think that about all my editing clients, not by far), but I can't spend a few hours to make a ten-minute video about one of the things I love most in the world? </p><p>It's finally dawned on me that unlike the troubadours at the court of Alfonso X, I'm not a performing artist. </p><p>Surprisingly to this lifelong wordsmith, making videos is not my forte. I bought a microphone and have loads of strategies for making the best of my strange lighting situation. And then the cat starts to meowl. Or the construction project two houses down makes a racket. And then I have to get ready to go to choir practice. </p><p>I'm not great at conversation. Never have been. When it comes to speaking on camera, I'm only really comfortable when I know exactly what to say. I can't seem to sustain a coherent structure on the fly. But who can memorize a script these days? And reading on camera looks terrible. So I'm left with few choices. See the video below if you're curious about what I mean. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy17cacq5muzytqTfnTVgLGXwXZmEX0e1Ie-FFpMHfyHQr4dFceTqWXLP9vaYqZgLBJ8v2fm1qcegtBnaRGgA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>I can barely keep it together for one minute. Plus my voice sounds weird. And perhaps that wasn't the best lighting solution, after all. This is as far as I got before my grand epiphany that the video project is too much at this moment in time, and I'll be happier if I switch to something else. </p><p>What else?</p><p>Kind of obviously, my forte is the written word. Always has been. Whenever a professor "generously" "let" students do presentations instead of writing a final paper, I never took them up on the offer. A presentation, easier than a paper? What planet are they on? Not the same one I am. </p><p>That goes in the other direction, too. I'm much likelier to enjoy, understand, and retain something if I've read it as opposed to hearing it. </p><p>So I'm going to do the same series as blog posts. They'll be fun for me to write, and informative and hopefully joyful for you to read. They'll include video snippets and lots of pretty pictures. </p><p>I realize blogs are antique in 2021, and that videos are the wave of the present, and hopefully the future, because I wouldn't honestly look forward to that marvel my brother and I mentioned many times, smellavision. </p><p>But after all, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09J1HFKV6/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a> is historical fiction, so I'm going to support its release with this historical medium. If you want to read historical fiction, maybe you want to read blog posts, too...?</p><p>If I had a lot more free time to tweak the technology and write and remember scripts, a video project might seem doable again. So if you see more videos from me, they're either quite short and manageable, or my life circumstances have changed for the better! </p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-11615400786859529632021-10-13T15:00:00.016-07:002021-10-13T15:00:00.229-07:002021's Most Commemorative Preorder! Our Lady's Troubadour<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_T9b-51fno/YWcIUZ9sHVI/AAAAAAAAaNA/DEUOITqvw0UzI1tpNMPZTCVwwMOTI_cmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1146/OLT%2B3d%2Bcover%2B%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="832" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_T9b-51fno/YWcIUZ9sHVI/AAAAAAAAaNA/DEUOITqvw0UzI1tpNMPZTCVwwMOTI_cmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w290-h400/OLT%2B3d%2Bcover%2B%2B1.png" width="290" /></a></div><br />On November 23, 1221, 800 years ago, a baby boy was born in Toledo, Spain. He would go on to become King Alfonso X, <em>el Sabio</em>. He earned his wise reputation because he enthusiastically sought out knowledge wherever it could be found: in Europe, Africa, or Asia; with Christians, Jews, or Muslims. Attracting the top scholars of his time (a very sophisticated time!) to his court, Alfonso was the patron of works of science, literature, history, and law that have influenced scientists, authors, and lawyers for hundreds of years. <p></p><p>This open-minded embracing of different cultures for the betterment of humanity should be celebrated now more than ever. I'm doing just that with <strong><em>Our Lady's Troubadour</em></strong>. It's a book of ten short stories based on Alfonso's greatest work, the <em>Cantigas de Santa Maria</em>. The stories tell of people just like you and me dealing with relatable problems--and finding miraculous solutions. <br /><br />I'm so excited to see <em>Our Lady's Troubadour</em> out in the world! It will debut on November 17, 2021. November 17 was my husband's birthday. I'm so pleased to be able to honor two of the most important men in my life with one book! </p><p>It's ready for preorder now, so you can be sure to have it in time to commemorate November 23. One ebook venue is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HFKV6/" target="_blank">here</a>, and many sources for the paperback and hardback editions can be found <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/our-ladys-troubadour/" href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/our-ladys-troubadour/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br />The Spanish edition will be available on the same day! <br /><br />Happy 800th birthday, Alfonso! <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5c5hPYpf28/YVl6sI27_tI/AAAAAAAAaMI/3L3zKI7IZs8OLKVjjcoVyVBXB_fbXZqTQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/The%2BEmpress%2Bof%2BMisfortune.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1283" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5c5hPYpf28/YVl6sI27_tI/AAAAAAAAaMI/3L3zKI7IZs8OLKVjjcoVyVBXB_fbXZqTQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/The%2BEmpress%2Bof%2BMisfortune.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />And grab your copy of the extraordinarily entertaining companion volume, <em>Empress of Misfortune</em>: <br />- available for 99 cents <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/empress-of-misfortune-a-novella/" href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/empress-of-misfortune-a-novella/" target="_blank">at select outlets</a><br />- or <u>FREE to <a href="http://eepurl.com/bQ58sr" target="_blank">my email subscribers</a></u> <br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNnmIzPcQZM/YWcHVjM81PI/AAAAAAAAaM4/s3Pn1CHq7gwQeBtndk81Bls4U-N-NgNEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Copy%2Bof%2BCopy%2Bof%2BBull%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNnmIzPcQZM/YWcHVjM81PI/AAAAAAAAaM4/s3Pn1CHq7gwQeBtndk81Bls4U-N-NgNEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Copy%2Bof%2BCopy%2Bof%2BBull%2B%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />In still historical, but not medieval, news: <p></p><p>For October, I've gotten into the spirit of scary (the melancholic, Edgar Allan Poe kind) with a story based on the poem "The Lake." <a data-cke-saved-href="https://vocal.media/fiction/the-lake-6odfjy0b7y" href="https://vocal.media/fiction/the-lake-6odfjy0b7y" target="_blank">It's free to read on Vocal</a>, and in fact, if you scroll to the bottom, you're really helping me out. Thanks! <br /><br /><br /></p><br data-cke-eol="1" />Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-9029266854699886152021-10-04T15:00:00.001-07:002021-10-04T15:00:00.202-07:00Empress of Misfortune, a Big Little Novella, Out Now! <p>I've been working on a very special story that's so big, it outgrew the confines of forthcoming <em>Our Lady's Troubadour</em>. </p><p><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/empress-of-misfortune-a-novella/" href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/empress-of-misfortune-a-novella/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/images/f0265918-869e-37e7-5b0c-5ca0f114c926.png" data-file-id="6037313" height="298" src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/images/f0265918-869e-37e7-5b0c-5ca0f114c926.png" style="float: right;" width="200" /></a>It started as a short story for <i>Our Lady's Troubadour</i>, but there was just so much to tell, it became a novelette, and now I'd like to share this brand-new, imaginative historical novella, <em>Empress of Misfortune</em>, with you. <br /><br /><strong>Description: </strong></p><p>In an Ancient Rome that never was, Empress Beatriz is surrounded by loyal subjects and the emperor, who cherishes her above all else. Due to one man’s lust and greed, she must fight, alone, for her dignity—and her life.</p><p>The primeval tale of the valiant empress has been adapted from <em>Cantiga</em> 5 of the thirteenth-century Spanish <em>Cantigas de Santa Maria</em>. Though this volume stands alone, it is also a companion to the ten short stories in <em>Our Lady’s Troubadour</em> (Encircle Publications, 2021).</p><p>Between fantasy and history, this thrilling novella takes us on an imaginary tour of the ancient Mediterranean and inspires us to rely on our own best nature.</p><p>Includes two deluxe color illustrations from the <em>Códice rico</em> of the <em>Cantigas de Santa Maria</em>.<br /><br /><strong>Get <em>Empress of Misfortune</em>:</strong> </p><p>99 cents <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/empress-of-misfortune-a-novella/" href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/empress-of-misfortune-a-novella/" target="_blank">at select outlets</a></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Or </span><a data-id="https://jessicaknauss.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734&id=f3598a1d07" data-type="URL" href="https://jessicaknauss.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734&id=f3598a1d07" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #bbbbbb; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">sign up for my author newsletter</a><span style="background-color: white;"> and read this heart wrenching tale for free!</span></span></p><p><br /><strong>Excerpt</strong><br />“Beatriz stood with her hands out and faced the wind, daring it to knock her into the water. A scream had been building inside her for years, since the moment Felix had laid his hands on her. It had gained power when Antoninus sent her to die without a second thought, when she lost the chance to see her children ever again, when Rufus embraced her, and especially when that miscreant robbed the world of little Evander. It stood back when the captain treated her humanely, and she hoped for a simple life in the East. But now that every person she’d ever cared for, every possibility for peace she’d ever come upon, and every hope she’d ever held to had been mercilessly taken from her, the scream pressed on her heart and clawed at her throat.<br /><br />“She loosed it to the winds. No one heard it but St. Mary.” –from Chapter VI<br /></p><p><strong>Early Review</strong><br />“Empress of Misfortune reads as part fairy tale, part hagiography. It’s about piety but also about a woman taking charge of her destiny. The reader can’t help but like Beatriz and really want the villains to get their just deserts. The chapters end in a suspenseful way and make this reader want to turn the page.” —author Kim Rendfeld <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/books/awash-in-talent/" href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/books/awash-in-talent/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/images/9bc18da3-d511-8b88-ea3c-370cf15e1446.jpg" data-file-id="6037317" height="275" src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/images/9bc18da3-d511-8b88-ea3c-370cf15e1446.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 275px; margin: 0px; width: 500px;" width="500" /></a></div><p>In other news, Kindle Press has decided to give everyone a chance to experience Providence's most mystical tradition, WaterFire, in October, just like the characters in <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" target="_blank"><em>Awash in Talent</em></a>! October 5 - 11, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" target="_blank"><em>Awash in Talent</em></a> is only 99 cents in Kindle! Walk along the river, admiring the luminous pyres right along with Kelly and Brian, without having to travel. </p><p>Great things are still to come in 2021! </p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-39006459260796318242021-09-11T13:27:00.000-07:002021-09-11T13:27:51.236-07:00Enlarging the Family: Tree/House and Unpredictable Worlds Now Available in Portuguese<p>It is my great pleasure to announce the ebook release of <i>Casa na Árvore</i> and <i>Mundos Imprevisíveis</i>, two of my most imaginative books, in Portuguese! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xWDcDL3WM4/YT0QimqLE8I/AAAAAAAAaKY/GP64bW1tV9UwgIhFdVp4FflufBXVJrvewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Bem-vindos%2B%25C3%25A0%2Bfam%25C3%25ADlia.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xWDcDL3WM4/YT0QimqLE8I/AAAAAAAAaKY/GP64bW1tV9UwgIhFdVp4FflufBXVJrvewCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bem-vindos%2B%25C3%25A0%2Bfam%25C3%25ADlia.gif" width="320" /></a></div><p>My writing is heavily influenced by magical realism, which is an important literary trend all over Latin America. So I'm thrilled that <i>Tree/House</i> and <i>Unpredictable Worlds</i> are now available in the two dominant languages of Latin America, Spanish and now beautiful, poetic Portuguese. </p><p>I've done 500 days of Duolingo in Portuguese and taken a fantastic trip through northern Portugal with a Spaniard. My skills in this marvelous language leave something to be desired.</p><p>But they've been translated by two up-and-coming translators, and I trust that these stories are just as complex and thought-provoking in Portuguese. </p><p>More information about <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/casa-na-arvore/" target="_blank">Casa na Árvore</a></i> here.</p><p>More information about <i><a href="https://www.jessicaknauss.com/mundos-imprevisiveis/" target="_blank">Mundos Imprevisíveis</a></i> here. </p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-77543716195947356712021-07-28T00:59:00.000-07:002021-07-28T00:59:00.413-07:00Burning Questions about The Atwells Avenue Anomaly Answered<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098XG1HN8" target="_blank"><i>The Atwells Avenue Anomaly</i></a> is a short science fantasy read that really gets people talking! In this video, I answer a few reader comments about my new release. </p><p>You'll hear about a portal to another universe, see a couple of beautiful illustrations, and dream about an infinite library! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k2ooabmZ-Gs" width="320" youtube-src-id="k2ooabmZ-Gs"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-90018178089536524232021-07-20T15:30:00.001-07:002021-07-20T15:30:00.185-07:00Amazing Book Debuts in Three Languages to Honor the Most Bookish King in the Year of His 800th Birthday with Cover Reveals<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNJdgrz3YII/YO9X7prU8jI/AAAAAAAAaGo/E7lfrdCn3akDwiIUBnZ48Pk_jg5QIucJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BEmpress%2Bof%2BMisfortune.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1283" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNJdgrz3YII/YO9X7prU8jI/AAAAAAAAaGo/E7lfrdCn3akDwiIUBnZ48Pk_jg5QIucJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w250-h400/The%2BEmpress%2Bof%2BMisfortune.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />November 23, 2021, marks eight hundred years since King Alfonso X, <i>el Sabio</i>, came into the world. He earned his sobriquet, which means "the Wise," or "the Learned," by encouraging scientific developments that influenced astronomers for centuries, and setting his workshop to writing histories and the incomparably wonderful <i><a href="http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com/2014/09/wonders-and-marvels-cantigas-de-santa.html" target="_blank">Cantigas de Santa Maria</a></i>, among other projects. <br /><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the ten happy, miraculous stories in <em><a href="https://jessicaknauss.blogspot.com/2021/07/announcing-our-ladys-troubadour.html" target="_blank">Our Lady's Troubadour</a></em>, I'm going to publish a companion volume, a novella based on the plot of <em>Cantiga </em>5, <em>Empress of Misfortune</em>. The scope of Empress Beatriz's thrilling adventures simply would not fit in with the other stories, so she's going it alone, and will appear this fall shortly before <em>Our Lady's Troubadour</em>. <br /><br />The cover image, which my newsletter subscribers got a first look at in June, is just a taste of the masterpiece medieval illustrations I'm including with the story. <br /><br />My newsletter subscribers will have the chance to receive this harrowing tale of resilience and the redemption of innocence <strong>for free</strong>. <br /><p></p><p><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/_compresseds/c16369d4-92ba-8153-048e-d0cef212acb9.jpg" data-file-id="5930770" height="304" src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/_compresseds/c16369d4-92ba-8153-048e-d0cef212acb9.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); float: left; height: 304px; margin: 15px 15px 15px 0px; width: 200px;" width="200" />Las conmemoraciones alfonsinas siguen con la edición de mi libro de crítica literaria en español con el título <em>La ley y el orden en la España medieval</em>. Traducido por un joven promesa, Diego Alejandro Parrilla, este libro investiga el punto de vista del rey a través de las <em>Cantigas de Santa María</em> y su obra legislativa para pasar un rato en el mundo idealizado que el rey deseaba que fuera la Castilla del siglo XIII. </p><p>(The celebrations of Alfonso X continue with the well-timed appearance of my nonfiction examination of his worldview, <i>Law and Order in Medieval Spain</i>, in Spanish as <em>La ley y el orden en la España medieval</em>.) <br /><br />"That's still only two languages," you say. <br /><br />Never fear, the third comes with the spectacular news that <em>Seven Noble Knights</em> is being released in Italian from Vintage Editores. I don't speak Italian, but if that's your reading language of choice, an epic story of family, love, and revenge in the exotic locations of medieval Spain await you! It will be available in September, which feels right because <u>Sette</u>mbre = <i><u>Sette</u> nobili cavalieri</i>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzQa3IB-WfE/YNxIaVR8M1I/AAAAAAAAaDY/mzHYSD4Vq7gFYjfFIiUbJT46QMM5n98IwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1350/Settembre.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1350" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzQa3IB-WfE/YNxIaVR8M1I/AAAAAAAAaDY/mzHYSD4Vq7gFYjfFIiUbJT46QMM5n98IwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h239/Settembre.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i><br /></i></div>As you know, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1645991202/" target="_blank">Seven Noble Knights</a></i> is based on texts found in Alfonso X's history book <i>Estoria de Espanna</i>. My 2021 is all about Alfonso X! Eight hundred years of studiousness, baby! <br /><p><br /></p></div>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-57647030539183636572021-07-13T15:30:00.001-07:002021-07-13T15:30:00.199-07:00Announcing Our Lady's Troubadour, Historical Fiction from My Heart, with Cover Reveal<p>I've been pounding away at the keyboard, seriously. You can hardly see the letters anymore, my nails have been scraping them off so much! This has been almost all to bring you a book that's really important to me: <i>Our Lady's Troubadour and Other Miraculous Tales from the</i> Cantigas de Santa Maria <i>in Honor of Alfonso X,</i> el Sabio. </p><p>Alfonso X is my favorite king because he has a reputation for loving learning. His legacy includes histories, astronomy, legislation, and his masterwork, the <i>Cantigas de Santa Maria</i>, which is the largest collection of Marian miracles ever set to music. They survive in four deluxe manuscripts that emphasize how important these songs were to the king. </p><p>November 23, 2021, marks 800 years since the birth of Alfonso X. There are a few conferences, concerts, and plays scheduled in places such as Toledo and Sevilla, but for a while there, the pandemic made it seem none of that would be possible. So I ramped up a project I'd started years ago, adapting some of the stories from the <i>Cantigas </i>into a short story collection. </p><p>With a last push during confinement (lockdown), and the go-ahead from my publisher, Encircle Publications, years of love, devotion, writing, and editing, have resulted in <i>Our Lady's Troubadour</i>, ten short stories set in an ideal medieval Spain with problems and perils, but always happy endings. It will release on November 17, 2021, in hardcover, paperback, and ebook. </p><p>November 17 was the birthday of my beloved husband, Stanley, so I'm touched to be able to add that small tribute to this project that's so important to me. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1kRVsyBjv0/YOyyYGmZm2I/AAAAAAAAaFo/BZKMV5QQACgtIPBxaaEO7VMgO17RkkwswCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/OurLadysTroubadour_Front.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1kRVsyBjv0/YOyyYGmZm2I/AAAAAAAAaFo/BZKMV5QQACgtIPBxaaEO7VMgO17RkkwswCLcBGAsYHQ/w259-h400/OurLadysTroubadour_Front.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br />The cover is based on one of the miniatures in the most important <i>Cantigas </i>codex. In it, Alfonso X himself points out to St. Mary and attendant saints and an angel all the wonderful ways he's sung her praises. Alfonso is shown to have direct access to St. Mary many times in the <i>Cantigas</i>, and this (unorthodox, bordering heretical) close relationship is unique in medieval European art. I always love something wonderful that much more if it's unique. <p></p><p>More about this joyful new book coming soon!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT1jUOZwlNQ/YO3-JNH_EgI/AAAAAAAAaGI/9DvSxHIAZFgYEdjKu1_WfcI5oHDqGT_8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/TrovadordeSantaMaria_Front%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT1jUOZwlNQ/YO3-JNH_EgI/AAAAAAAAaGI/9DvSxHIAZFgYEdjKu1_WfcI5oHDqGT_8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w259-h400/TrovadordeSantaMaria_Front%2B2.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br />Este tributo desde el fondo de mi corazón sale el mismo día 17 de noviembre en castellano con el título de <i>Trovador de Santa María</i>. El 3 de diciembre, habrá en Zamora una presentación del libro con música, y con un poco de suerte, también en Toledo.<p></p><p>(This heartfelt tribute will appear simultaneously in Spanish as <i>Trovador de Santa Maria</i>, and I'm planning an in-person book launch in my medieval city of Zamora, hopefully with an appearance to follow in Toledo.) </p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-86210936041745374402021-06-23T04:34:00.005-07:002021-07-19T12:08:08.380-07:00Announcing The Atwells Avenue Anomaly with Cover Reveal<p>The act of writing is very important in <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" target="_blank"><em>Awash in Talent</em></a>, which is a novel made up of a journal required by a therapist, a young firestarter's secret diary, and a psychic therapist's case log. As I was finishing up the second section, <i>Waterfire</i>, I had an idea to explain where the manuscripts from that world populated with Talented people and those envious of them came from. I was going to frame the novel with the story of a down-on-his-luck Brown University professor stumbling onto a portal to another universe. In the end, I didn't use that text, but there may be a reference to a certain house on Atwells Ave in Providence at the end of <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" target="_blank"><em>Awash in Talent</em></a> that has its origin in that idea. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9h4_bHLGDE/YNMXRmLVTZI/AAAAAAAAaCk/Kc7VLIGH6FYXKV83tzUgPR4NxSoU7PFJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1168/DSC00664_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="876" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9h4_bHLGDE/YNMXRmLVTZI/AAAAAAAAaCk/Kc7VLIGH6FYXKV83tzUgPR4NxSoU7PFJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC00664_2.JPG" /></a></div><br />That idea, in turn, came about because of the long drop awaiting anyone walking out this door on Atwells Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island. I took this photo way back in 2008. <p></p><br />In 2017, after <em><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" target="_blank">Awash in Talent</a> </em>had been published, I took up the story of the dumb-luck professor in Providence as a kind of lifeline during the first year after my beloved husband passed away. The first part was well-received at the Tin House Summer Workshop that year, but it wasn't yet complete. <div><br /></div><div>Four years later, the story has become a novella that undermines every expectation a reader might have, <b><em>The Atwells Avenue Anomaly</em>. </b><div><br /></div><div>Here's the description and a first look at the cover (my newsletter subscribers got <i>the </i>first look):<br /><br /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/images/be9495a3-79cc-cab7-95d8-05d6332c57d0.png" data-file-id="5929502" height="319" src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/images/be9495a3-79cc-cab7-95d8-05d6332c57d0.png" style="border: 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); float: left; height: 319px; margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; width: 200px;" width="200" /><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">A lonely English professor falls for a physics genius. His only chance to be with her might be in an alternate universe populated by flipper-footed birds and cats covered in rose petals. It's not only the low atmospheric oxygen that makes them lightheaded. <br /><br />When the happy couple is separated by chance, the physics genius must raise their brainy daughter with no other humans to ask for advice. Are scientific curiosity and the memory of love enough for mother and daughter to create their own world?<br /><br />In this unique novella, the author of <em>Awash in Talent</em> and <em>Unpredictable Worlds</em> brings you a fast science fantasy read about isolation and belonging the editors of <em>Hybrid Fiction</em> have called "sweet, imaginative," and "engaging." </span><br /><br /><br /><em>The Atwells Avenue Anomaly</em> will appear in ebook and paperback in August with exclusive illustrations by Shirley MacKenzie. Catch a small glimpse of the artistic wonders below. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Og3c5dHdk58/YNMX0jJetwI/AAAAAAAAaCs/24LoTrlBgmItioQYXVehM7YIFE2ueFXFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BResearchers%2Bbest%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1544" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Og3c5dHdk58/YNMX0jJetwI/AAAAAAAAaCs/24LoTrlBgmItioQYXVehM7YIFE2ueFXFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BResearchers%2Bbest%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">"Something of Monumental Proportions" by Shirley MacKenzie, 2021</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">Part of </span><em style="text-align: left;">The Atwells Avenue Anomaly</em><span style="text-align: left;"> series. </span><br style="text-align: left;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><i>The Atwells Avenue Anomaly</i> will debut at a low price so my devoted readers can save a few dollars. Don't miss it! Preorder <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098XG1HN8" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-76219056862383312802021-03-23T04:25:00.000-07:002021-03-23T04:25:09.503-07:00My First Unboxing Video for the First Hardcover Edition of Any of My Books!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EcJ3RdZq__4" width="320" youtube-src-id="EcJ3RdZq__4"></iframe></div><br /> I never really imagined <i>Seven Noble Knights</i> would come out in hardcover. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAXrnoq5oIk/YFnN1M02URI/AAAAAAAAZ50/zQOUxkLOYb8gYGEmfQAnmNURDYM3OfKPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210323_111541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAXrnoq5oIk/YFnN1M02URI/AAAAAAAAZ50/zQOUxkLOYb8gYGEmfQAnmNURDYM3OfKPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20210323_111541.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>It used to be that every top-tier new book release would be available only in hardcover for sometimes a whole year. "I'm waiting for the paperback," could be heard in the houses of frugal readers. After the advent of ebooks, even a paperback is a luxury, and hardcovers have lost their financial relevance. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdvZPyT23Qw/YFnOAW4h8wI/AAAAAAAAZ54/JEwqC0Ro3J8Q_uUwOnEhuUkHOi8MeFYiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210323_111705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1333" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdvZPyT23Qw/YFnOAW4h8wI/AAAAAAAAZ54/JEwqC0Ro3J8Q_uUwOnEhuUkHOi8MeFYiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w260-h400/IMG_20210323_111705.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can never have too many copies. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Except for those wonderful collectors who prefer the solid feel of a hardcover book in their hands. And except for libraries. As I mention in the video, I was a catalogue librarian for a sweet time in my life, so I know all too well the steps involved in acquiring a book for the stacks. A paperback will not last the same way a hardcover will, and there are many steps in the decision about what to do with a paperback. A quality hardcover like this takes all of that headache away. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nv6Q3CD0V8/YFnOno91ayI/AAAAAAAAZ6E/st65G7oJKkYMq3tDBIeUUZf4VmJRNW1YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210323_111946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1652" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nv6Q3CD0V8/YFnOno91ayI/AAAAAAAAZ6E/st65G7oJKkYMq3tDBIeUUZf4VmJRNW1YgCLcBGAsYHQ/w323-h400/IMG_20210323_111946.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><br />And my goodness, does it ever look good on a shelf! <p></p><p>Thanks so much to Encircle Publications for making this wonderful phenomenon a reality. </p><p>I'm going to look into the financial practicality of doing a giveaway to my loyal readers, so look out for that! </p><p><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LCF3JY3/" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #96152b; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30797827165" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #96152b; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">ABE Books</a> | <a href="https://www.alibris.com/Seven-Noble-Knights-J-K-Knauss/book/48457153" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #96152b; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Alibris</a> | </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seven-noble-knights-j-k-knauss/1137921521" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #96152b; font-family: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">|</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/Seven-Noble-Knights-9781645991205" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #bbbbbb; font-family: inherit; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Better World Books</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">|</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Seven-Noble-Knights-J-K-Knauss/9781645991205" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #96152b; font-family: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://encirclepub.com/product/sevennobleknights/" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #96152b; font-family: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Encircle Publications</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">|</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781645991205" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #96152b; font-family: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Indiebound</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">| </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781645991588" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #96152b; font-family: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Indiebound hardcover</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">|</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/seven-noble-knights/9781645991205" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #96152b; font-family: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Your favorite indie bookstore</a></p><p><br /></p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-89212925544765538282021-03-04T15:00:00.031-08:002021-05-15T06:26:37.489-07:00Loads of News for Everyone's Favorite Month, March!<p> I'm going to jump right in with all the bookish gossip.</p><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/images/cfda5d81-e021-4db2-a81e-1ab0e2ab62f0.png" data-file-id="5601001" height="309" src="https://mcusercontent.com/363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734/images/cfda5d81-e021-4db2-a81e-1ab0e2ab62f0.png" style="border: 0px; float: left; height: 309px; margin: 0px; width: 229px;" width="229" /><br />The fine folks at Encircle Publications surprised me by releasing <em>Seven Noble Knights</em> in hardcover! This initiative to encourage library purchases makes me very proud. I honestly never dreamed that in this day and age, I would be the author of a book in hardcover.<br /><br />If hardcover is your preferred format, <em>Seven Noble Knights</em> is discounted at <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Noble-Knights-J-Knauss/dp/164599158X/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Noble-Knights-J-Knauss/dp/164599158X/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. If you prefer to support your local bookstore, try <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781645991588" href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781645991588" target="_blank">Indiebound</a> or <a href="https://bookshop.org/books/seven-noble-knights/9781645991205">Bookshop.org</a> for the human touch (taking all pandemic precautions, of course). <br /><br /><p>I'm working overtime on my next medieval project. It's a short story collection with no unhappy endings, and it's guaranteed to be released in time for November 23, 2021. (Hint, hint.) More on this passion project very soon. <a href="https://jessicaknauss.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=363e3e323b681dbf2211c7734&id=f3598a1d07" target="_blank">Sign up for the newsletter</a> to get the dirt before anyone else! <br /><br /></p><p>You read this blog because you know here will you find unpredictable stories that will entertain you anytime you have a moment. Great news in that regard! I'm now on the writers' platform Vocal, and I already have my <a data-cke-saved-href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" target="_blank">first story</a> up! <a data-cke-saved-href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" target="_blank"><br /></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHDoOB_3K-E/YD0YL4x40vI/AAAAAAAAZ4Y/P57sBY07NScyFUqG8bwkqa4H1Iw3sbYKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Reginald%2Band%2BMe.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHDoOB_3K-E/YD0YL4x40vI/AAAAAAAAZ4Y/P57sBY07NScyFUqG8bwkqa4H1Iw3sbYKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Reginald%2Band%2BMe.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a data-cke-saved-href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" target="_blank">"The Bloody Landing: Or, Reginald and Me"</a> starts out as a thriller and quickly moves into an impossible love story. I let myself fantasize about a lot of cash and a Moleskine notebook, and this is the result. Reader response has been very positive, always asking for more, but there was a word limit! <br /><br />It's <a data-cke-saved-href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" target="_blank">free to read</a>, and if you scroll all the way down, I will get paid eventually, so feel free to share with your friends. If you're feeling very generous, Vocal has even made it easy to leave a direct tip, but don't feel obliged. Just <a data-cke-saved-href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" href="https://vocal.media/humans/the-bloody-landing" target="_blank">your visit</a> makes me incredibly happy. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Icr-AEQVWM/YD0Yy_gPQVI/AAAAAAAAZ4g/gArJo4WaTJYwoPc1-IJjtOhugduWFaccgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/AWASH%2BIN%2BCHRISTMAS%2BSPIRIT.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1283" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Icr-AEQVWM/YD0Yy_gPQVI/AAAAAAAAZ4g/gArJo4WaTJYwoPc1-IJjtOhugduWFaccgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AWASH%2BIN%2BCHRISTMAS%2BSPIRIT.png" /></a></div>In other news, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" target="_blank"><em>Awash in Talent</em></a> is on sale in Kindle for only 99 cents this week only, March 4 through 10. This quirky, engaging fantasy is "better than X-Men" and will have you questioning everything at the end.<p></p><p>To celebrate the sale, I've released a slightly out-of-season short companion story for free! <br /><br />"Awash in Christmas Spirit" is the first chance to see into the point of view of multi-Talented Beth, who's pivotal in every story in <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" target="_blank"><em>Awash in Talent</em></a>. No one has more Christmas spirit than Beth! The magic of Christmas in Rhode Island seems undeniable to everyone but her surly sister, Emily. <br /><br />Get it in .mobi, .epub, or .pdf for free at <a data-cke-saved-href="https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/TtVZ6Uge" href="https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/TtVZ6Uge" target="_blank">ProlificWorks</a>, or in .epub (still free) at <a data-cke-saved-href="https://books2read.com/u/4jLl1X" href="https://books2read.com/u/4jLl1X" target="_blank">these exclusive retailers</a>. And check my <a data-cke-saved-href="https://vocal.media/authors/jessica-knauss" href="https://vocal.media/authors/jessica-knauss" target="_blank">Vocal profile</a>. It will likely make an appearance there. <br /><br />I hope you enjoy these writings from the bottom of my heart. More great stuff coming soon! <br /><br /></p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-26219346178948573792021-02-17T11:32:00.000-08:002021-02-17T11:32:51.580-08:00The End of the Pandemic<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMuR-0klU_w/YC1VSC1abnI/AAAAAAAAZ10/Zw2m8IPXXD8xlDu4XrFihUjM6fxXKlBOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1159/Cruz%2Bde%2Bla%2BCarne%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1159" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMuR-0klU_w/YC1VSC1abnI/AAAAAAAAZ10/Zw2m8IPXXD8xlDu4XrFihUjM6fxXKlBOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h253/Cruz%2Bde%2Bla%2BCarne%2B3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cruz de la Carne in its deluxe silver holder or monstrance, <br />in a photo grabbed from ZamoraNews.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Middle Ages came together with the present day in a spectacular way today, Ash Wednesday, in my history-soaked Zamora. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgJ5xAt6YdU/YC1qKZQnlMI/AAAAAAAAZ2A/c2_fVGfr8VMZdeIxUUcutdrHHjjGP5LEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210217_103328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgJ5xAt6YdU/YC1qKZQnlMI/AAAAAAAAZ2A/c2_fVGfr8VMZdeIxUUcutdrHHjjGP5LEACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_20210217_103328.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onlookers like me and the paparazzi prepare for the new rite. <br />This and all following photos and video 2021 Jessica Knauss <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I'm sure you're aware, we're in a global viral pandemic. As the strangely prescient release of <i><a href="https://books2read.com/FallDown" target="_blank">We All Fall Down</a></i> emphasized, this is not the first such health crisis, not by far. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgPtjceevVg/YC1qkA5ET0I/AAAAAAAAZ2I/bhLqL1jG1b8ob0H5vCO3F8duzRGkFus5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s989/IMG_20210217_105315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="989" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgPtjceevVg/YC1qkA5ET0I/AAAAAAAAZ2I/bhLqL1jG1b8ob0H5vCO3F8duzRGkFus5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h288/IMG_20210217_105315.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bishop processes from the main altar and reads a prayer. </td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The legend says that during the first run of the Black Death through Spain, in about 1350, a monk named Ruperto poured his heart and soul into praying for the end of the pandemic. An angel appeared to Ruperto and gave him the relic now known as the Cruz de la Carne (Flesh Cross), saying that as long as this cross was worshipped, there would never be a pandemic in Zamora. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5ENEuAl-qw/YC1rDh4b-qI/AAAAAAAAZ28/o-EIPWCQNW0LumvMQC6bbmnBf7Qy_UFWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1019/IMG_20210217_105333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1019" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5ENEuAl-qw/YC1rDh4b-qI/AAAAAAAAZ28/o-EIPWCQNW0LumvMQC6bbmnBf7Qy_UFWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h279/IMG_20210217_105333.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I guess the Cruz de la Carne fell out of Zamora's devotion, in spite of its prominent placement in one of the chapels in the cathedral, because we've had our share of COVID losses, like everywhere else. Before the pandemic, the Bishop of Zamora passed away and is now buried in the floor behind the choir in the cathedral. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-_Rkhbkh2s/YC1rS7k9lMI/AAAAAAAAZ3E/aCfyY6ZH0wkLeNAM7eGHrXX7JWSJC84LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1001/IMG_20210217_105344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1001" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-_Rkhbkh2s/YC1rS7k9lMI/AAAAAAAAZ3E/aCfyY6ZH0wkLeNAM7eGHrXX7JWSJC84LQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h284/IMG_20210217_105344.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Just last December, Zamora finally got a new bishop. He came to us from Murcia, and apparently, is looking to make his mark. He learned about the legend of Ruperto and declared that every Friday during Lent this year, the Cruz de la Carne would be the protagonist of a special prayer at the north door. They decided to start observing this rite today, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHfeGkw6SmE/YC1rqY4T9QI/AAAAAAAAZ3Q/nSxZ3VSxkCUbRINR5LyZK2VVG8UukL99ACLcBGAsYHQ/s965/IMG_20210217_105428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="965" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHfeGkw6SmE/YC1rqY4T9QI/AAAAAAAAZ3Q/nSxZ3VSxkCUbRINR5LyZK2VVG8UukL99ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h294/IMG_20210217_105428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Today, I didn't attend mass, as I didn't want to occupy one of only 25 spots because I'm not Catholic and wouldn't want to get the ashes on my forehead. That spot should go to someone else. But I went to the cathedral door to witness the rite and absorb the medieval atmosphere. It felt a little like the old days, arriving at a beautiful, historical spot in Zamora to wait for an event, like Holy Week, but with social distancing. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qI5A3rk1ikw/YC1r3TwPZvI/AAAAAAAAZ3U/SSBr2tXcOz0iaALH5-S7umV_0L3tq745ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1003/IMG_20210217_105437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1003" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qI5A3rk1ikw/YC1r3TwPZvI/AAAAAAAAZ3U/SSBr2tXcOz0iaALH5-S7umV_0L3tq745ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h284/IMG_20210217_105437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Bishop himself said prayers asking for the end of the current pandemic and displayed the Cruz to all the cardinal points, thus reestablishing the worship of the Cruz de la Carne in Zamora and keeping the legend alive. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLdg3fyjd-4/YC1sB80_XzI/AAAAAAAAZ3c/RhmqSOJjv_U6E8cBGjJbWLUzsMPrJDDgACLcBGAsYHQ/s951/IMG_20210217_105509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="951" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLdg3fyjd-4/YC1sB80_XzI/AAAAAAAAZ3c/RhmqSOJjv_U6E8cBGjJbWLUzsMPrJDDgACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h290/IMG_20210217_105509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Personally, I don't find the relic itself pretty to look at--what kind of flesh is it?--but I do feel the pull of history when I'm in its presence. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uSbiSfLEnU/YC1sJb8mHOI/AAAAAAAAZ3k/WC6amcXyFPUosxV2Cn4Wt0ajG_2UeqfuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210217_105648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1528" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uSbiSfLEnU/YC1sJb8mHOI/AAAAAAAAZ3k/WC6amcXyFPUosxV2Cn4Wt0ajG_2UeqfuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w299-h400/IMG_20210217_105648.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br />As readers of this blog know, I'm passionately devoted to medieval Spanish history, and get a particular frisson of delight when I come across medieval legends or miracles. I hope this kind of devotion suffices. If so, we have already officially kicked this pandemic's butt. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sdHB7tbp4RE" width="320" youtube-src-id="sdHB7tbp4RE"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7666125513958045866.post-89104998185461888892020-12-16T04:40:00.001-08:002020-12-16T04:40:06.986-08:00Happy Holidays<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6Oh7VMTA2E/X9n32WSRPII/AAAAAAAAZsU/kCqOSTLh6mwLGSUQ0CNQYbA8X5J28NKZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201206_183617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="2048" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6Oh7VMTA2E/X9n32WSRPII/AAAAAAAAZsU/kCqOSTLh6mwLGSUQ0CNQYbA8X5J28NKZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h243/IMG_20201206_183617.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Feliz Navidad sign always makes the <br />Plaza Mayor look like a postcard. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>This year, there doesn't seem to be much holiday cheer. So here are some photos of the cheeriest things in my city and a video of one very enthusiastic author talking about the thing she loves most (my book launch party). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMcLJZ6Pj5k/X9n3zs2qaZI/AAAAAAAAZtg/1wXS-g9r0AYihh95AaKLEfkIkpoa5uaYQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201125_192334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="2048" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMcLJZ6Pj5k/X9n3zs2qaZI/AAAAAAAAZtg/1wXS-g9r0AYihh95AaKLEfkIkpoa5uaYQCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h250/IMG_20201125_192334.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not the holidays without certain treats. My favorite variety tray of <br />the "most expensive turrón in the world." It's not <i>that </i>pricey. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoa-0HDFZoU/X9n37mD9JtI/AAAAAAAAZtk/bg4xDhaWIBElI-ZIgaOOLZAofJIjcqW3wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201215_143010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoa-0HDFZoU/X9n37mD9JtI/AAAAAAAAZtk/bg4xDhaWIBElI-ZIgaOOLZAofJIjcqW3wCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201215_143010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found a Yule Log! I used to find these at Italian bakeries <br />in the United States, though the word "yule" suggests<br /> a Celtic origin... This Spanish version is <i>so good</i>. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NaWd-D3iYAI" width="320" youtube-src-id="NaWd-D3iYAI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-WWIkxmDVk/X9n3y_N8SgI/AAAAAAAAZtg/v7qEtKHffEc3q_-Ulas5m5BYsXZRDyf6QCPcBGAYYCw/s810/AIT%2B2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="810" height="249" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-WWIkxmDVk/X9n3y_N8SgI/AAAAAAAAZtg/v7qEtKHffEc3q_-Ulas5m5BYsXZRDyf6QCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h249/AIT%2B2020.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fine folks at Kindle Press are gifting you a trip to magical <br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAWRMKU/" target="_blank">Providence, RI, for only 99 cents</a> this December! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uw5ltS5UBTw/X9n30p2uJUI/AAAAAAAAZtc/fRGLB798ojQWOzsJfPcJ92QMBFyZwEaAwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_182912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uw5ltS5UBTw/X9n30p2uJUI/AAAAAAAAZtc/fRGLB798ojQWOzsJfPcJ92QMBFyZwEaAwCPcBGAYYCw/w225-h400/IMG_20201206_182912.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The street lighting this year is even more subtle than usual.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qn8lj2dO2Zs/X9n30rN_FQI/AAAAAAAAZtk/22tsDx4FKZYq-JaKgIXqTlZ1dgaJU0qTwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qn8lj2dO2Zs/X9n30rN_FQI/AAAAAAAAZtk/22tsDx4FKZYq-JaKgIXqTlZ1dgaJU0qTwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_183042.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But with the native beauty of Modernist and <br />Romanesque architecture, you don't need to add much. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMeKtaL6j9M/X9n31MaYV3I/AAAAAAAAZtc/oZR54BuJilwz2IAwlO8zMbBVBioCRJnRACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMeKtaL6j9M/X9n31MaYV3I/AAAAAAAAZtc/oZR54BuJilwz2IAwlO8zMbBVBioCRJnRACPcBGAYYCw/w225-h400/IMG_20201206_183114.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon strolls down the shopping street.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoSSqUgdBB0/X9n31tKapJI/AAAAAAAAZtk/Y6X9aUX2c4oE7N3IDlOvyYncYfvN2Xc9gCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1460" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoSSqUgdBB0/X9n31tKapJI/AAAAAAAAZtk/Y6X9aUX2c4oE7N3IDlOvyYncYfvN2Xc9gCPcBGAYYCw/w285-h400/IMG_20201206_183536.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oA1YhakZ6Xo/X9n314tOteI/AAAAAAAAZtc/exv5rgXYeYc1I99oQ8Dwjna0YncCkCS_QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oA1YhakZ6Xo/X9n314tOteI/AAAAAAAAZtc/exv5rgXYeYc1I99oQ8Dwjna0YncCkCS_QCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_183547.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old town hall. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OSsJKdWaH8/X9n32NE8q6I/AAAAAAAAZtg/j9EY5Mi8lxYmyLwgYyvYutgJf4xldWMiwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OSsJKdWaH8/X9n32NE8q6I/AAAAAAAAZtg/j9EY5Mi8lxYmyLwgYyvYutgJf4xldWMiwCPcBGAYYCw/w225-h400/IMG_20201206_183606.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down Balborraz Street, one of the oldest <br />and most beautiful streets in Zamora. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlECsHHvoqg/X9n324Wbc2I/AAAAAAAAZtg/ee6e_WzxNAYTQkBjpMvHmTcwYRkrOxKqACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlECsHHvoqg/X9n324Wbc2I/AAAAAAAAZtg/ee6e_WzxNAYTQkBjpMvHmTcwYRkrOxKqACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_183705.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "umbrella" in the Plaza Mayor with the sign <br />so you don't forget where you are! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhsgxAf2TFs/X9n32-Ez0CI/AAAAAAAAZtc/ds-pS8SV5bUS9xS85joO2-AoYDa3P3wwgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhsgxAf2TFs/X9n32-Ez0CI/AAAAAAAAZtc/ds-pS8SV5bUS9xS85joO2-AoYDa3P3wwgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_183716.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jbn__GIwUo/X9n36jKELaI/AAAAAAAAZtk/p6anj3QFHewUw5ot-GvGOWuyXjAtoqZfgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_190039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jbn__GIwUo/X9n36jKELaI/AAAAAAAAZtk/p6anj3QFHewUw5ot-GvGOWuyXjAtoqZfgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_190039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVpQblkQb0A/X9n36irQb1I/AAAAAAAAZtc/9sWayJQbbAoEuaPGnVp-YCOpDJ7-7hr_gCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_190124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVpQblkQb0A/X9n36irQb1I/AAAAAAAAZtc/9sWayJQbbAoEuaPGnVp-YCOpDJ7-7hr_gCPcBGAYYCw/w225-h400/IMG_20201206_190124.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My city has "love" in it! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywDjPBVq1JY/X9n37tWqK2I/AAAAAAAAZtg/XlHoAjwBKi0jffz2yFpiFKcPta5nWlaPACPcBGAYYCw/s300/SNK%2BCH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywDjPBVq1JY/X9n37tWqK2I/AAAAAAAAZtg/XlHoAjwBKi0jffz2yFpiFKcPta5nWlaPACPcBGAYYCw/s16000/SNK%2BCH.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wrote <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LCF3JY3/" target="_blank">this book</a> to curl up with and get lost in. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdXsLhv9mKI/X9n33CmXM1I/AAAAAAAAZtk/aN3j4Gi7scIJnjUqER6giZ44KkMdu--3QCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdXsLhv9mKI/X9n33CmXM1I/AAAAAAAAZtk/aN3j4Gi7scIJnjUqER6giZ44KkMdu--3QCPcBGAYYCw/w225-h400/IMG_20201206_183814.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading toward the oldest part of the city. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yilw7hBO6Xw/X9n332Sy1wI/AAAAAAAAZtU/oDAzmeWLl0oEY9IsT7ECKDc29rs0VaAggCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yilw7hBO6Xw/X9n332Sy1wI/AAAAAAAAZtU/oDAzmeWLl0oEY9IsT7ECKDc29rs0VaAggCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_183936.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The theatre, for plays and events. <br />(People from elsewhere often ask me if it's a movie theatre, <br />which seems to be the fate of many old theatres.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6ky4c2LnNY/X9n34iICkZI/AAAAAAAAZtg/IMXycsBQYr0SWAvNsnN7jfAsOe6pdeXlgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_183951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6ky4c2LnNY/X9n34iICkZI/AAAAAAAAZtg/IMXycsBQYr0SWAvNsnN7jfAsOe6pdeXlgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_183951.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the side of the Parador. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWFe0IboJf8/X9n34wTIi_I/AAAAAAAAZtg/7ouj7tftKZURWUcG9T4SnG7yRSji2cQBgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_184030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWFe0IboJf8/X9n34wTIi_I/AAAAAAAAZtg/7ouj7tftKZURWUcG9T4SnG7yRSji2cQBgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_184030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxAMUwqGJF0/X9n35J-mhCI/AAAAAAAAZtg/4bo-DPHhr6wrpZ4jEhHuziXQYrHVz3nKACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_184131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxAMUwqGJF0/X9n35J-mhCI/AAAAAAAAZtg/4bo-DPHhr6wrpZ4jEhHuziXQYrHVz3nKACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_184131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHwxHgk7IdY/X9n35ezdiaI/AAAAAAAAZtY/jQ0_2ZFNiv0wmPpTvAA4lleK0uEOJcCuQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_184339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHwxHgk7IdY/X9n35ezdiaI/AAAAAAAAZtY/jQ0_2ZFNiv0wmPpTvAA4lleK0uEOJcCuQCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_184339.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sflIINo7xY/X9n358H9IsI/AAAAAAAAZtk/KlGn5u_djtUM3RwA_WfC4iJ-bTBlu1K8wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_184559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="2048" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sflIINo7xY/X9n358H9IsI/AAAAAAAAZtk/KlGn5u_djtUM3RwA_WfC4iJ-bTBlu1K8wCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h246/IMG_20201206_184559.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The store with the weird costumes for parades has a tree! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xH9TNTW-hXo/X9n36XomppI/AAAAAAAAZtg/3fsIPQC3HMsx_ZVevkNX7S3iZIQWIAr1wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_184710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xH9TNTW-hXo/X9n36XomppI/AAAAAAAAZtg/3fsIPQC3HMsx_ZVevkNX7S3iZIQWIAr1wCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_184710.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Renaissance convent and a Modernist balcony. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-3lRyNUfwE/X9n37cS5bNI/AAAAAAAAZtk/0ICUt8yYOL4lFEWUp3nh28zDtZ2gR6MVwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_20201206_190434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-3lRyNUfwE/X9n37cS5bNI/AAAAAAAAZtk/0ICUt8yYOL4lFEWUp3nh28zDtZ2gR6MVwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h225/IMG_20201206_190434.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The palace from the time of Ferdinand and Isabella </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWv6sWMm6OU/X9n3zLaJRII/AAAAAAAAZtc/z-DJqaxOGlQWDk16RYpeYwoa49cy_wvJgCPcBGAYYCw/s1747/Holiday%2Brhino.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1747" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWv6sWMm6OU/X9n3zLaJRII/AAAAAAAAZtc/z-DJqaxOGlQWDk16RYpeYwoa49cy_wvJgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h285/Holiday%2Brhino.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can you not follow <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LCF3JY3/" target="_blank">the advice</a> of Holiday Rhino? <br />Holiday Rhino is from a complete zoo in Winterhaven, <br />Tucson, Arizona, 2011.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As this year comes to a close, let's be grateful it's over! And certain that 2021 will be much, much better. Stay safe, everyone. </div>Jessica Knausshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049731983377756203noreply@blogger.com0