Today the results of our anonymous storytelling were announced on Clown On Fire. For those who didn’t catch the update, you should check it out– it is a truly lovely read, the Magic card I made for myself is posted, and prize winners are announced: http://wp.me/p2bN9f-4qg
I had a lot of fun with this game, and will eventually share many thoughts on the subtlety of voice and the perspective of storytelling, but for now…
Let’s address some mysteries, and unravel some tangles…
- My mama is a fair-skinned wonderment. My skin tone is a mix of my father’s rather dark-coffee tone and my mother’s peach-rose. It’s the bane of my existence that peach coffee isn’t as delicious a skin tone as it sounds. Many of my blood relatives, including my older sister and seemingly all my nephews and nieces, are as light as she. You can see a picture of Mamasaur here: http://rarasaur.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/happy-birthday-mom/
- My Great Aunt Lali was not related to me at all by blood. She was, as she would say, a proper Scot. Still, she loved me with all her heart and I loved her. She was my Great Aunt, and sister to my beloved Grandpa, in every way that mattered. A story about Grampasaur can be found here: https://rarasaur.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/by-the-grace-of-trees/
- My big brother is 12 years older than me, allowing that strange age gap which allows for me to sit upon his shoulders.
- Mythos and saffron are two of my favorite words, and saffron is one of my favorite colors. It was an accent color that Lali favored, and perhaps that is part of the reason it is so dear to me. Those who caught that have quite the discerning eye!
- Despite the cherished nature of this memory, it is a story I rarely retell. I was pretty ill when the post was due, so I grabbed onto the strongest Christmas memory I could hold. Reading it back now, I think I could tell the story better– and perhaps one day I shall. I think the rawness of the writing accounts for some of the confusion, but strangely — perfectly– I think Lali would have preferred the choppiness. Towards the end, she used to interrupt my stories, asking me to cut out the explanation and just leave the magic. Like a proper Scottish telling.
On the Kindness of Thoughtful Comments
Many comments who guessed me were exceptionally thoughtful and warmed my heart, whether it be from their confidence in my voice or the reasoning behind their choice. I want to share a few here– not so much for you, but so I can return and read these words on foggy days. To those who wrote them, thank you. To those who are reading them, pardon the Blitzens.
But what the blitzen… I’ll just close my eyes and put it out there- I think this is Rara – because I do. - Jessie
This is written by my favorite Rara. No one can create magic like she does!
My Lord, this was beautifully-written and heartfelt. Whoever you are, you’re brilliant,. Thank you. - The Hook
Rarasaur. It’s both reflective and sentimental. Saffron. The name Lali. The family togetherness and wisdom. - Kylie
I believe this was written by the lovely Rarasaur because there’s magic. smiles. - Dani
This is Blitzen Rarasaur, for how the blitzen couldn’t it be? - The Clock Tower Sunset
I’m gonna go with Rarasaur, it has that make-believe feel. - Nicki
Texas… magic in the stars… those say Rara to me. [...] This sounds like her. - Matticus
This is just dripping with Rara magic. I adored every word, and feel like I’ve just glimpsed the intersection of reality and fairy tales so… must be her! - Jennie Saia
I’m going with Rara, for it’s simple beauty. - Dawn
This post has that touch of childlike innocence that is the magic we call Rara. I love that quality in Rara. Whomever wrote it – that quality cannot be manufactured. You either have it, or you don’t. Rara’s blog is covered in “star-generated miracles,” so hence, my guess. - Samara
It reads like a Rara story.- CK Hope
My first guess was Rara as she has a whimsical way of writing and how she sees magic. - Tahira
Rarasaur the dinosaur who believes in magic and unicorns and it seems Christmas magic too? - Shree
It has that magical, sparkling element that Rara brings to things. - Steph
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Many thanks to all those who played the game! Regardless of who you guessed, or why. I’m very appreciative of your support and I hope those of you who dropped a Blitzen or two enjoy your cards. (There’s still a few rounds left!)
As to those who didn’t play– well, there’s always the next game, and I’m so looking forward to future our adventures together! Onward we rawr!
You can read my memory here: http://clownonfire.com/2013/12/17/anonymous-two/
Do you have beloved family members that aren’t related by blood, too?