Welcome back to Blogmas 2025, my annual series of holiday-themed blog posts that runs every day through Christmas. This year, I've enlisted the help of AI to generate daily writing prompts, which has led to some interesting creative challenges and unexpected topics. Today's prompt for December 19th asks a deeply personal question: If you could … Continue reading Where Magic Still Lives: Choosing My Fictional Christmas
Harry Potter
Harry Potter: Exploring Identity and Belonging Through Half-Blood Characters
In the rich tapestry of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world, few aspects offer as compelling a lens into themes of identity and belonging as the complex lives of half-blood characters. These witches and wizards, born of both magical and Muggle heritage, navigate a world where blood status carries deep social implications, even as their growing numbers … Continue reading Harry Potter: Exploring Identity and Belonging Through Half-Blood Characters
Do Death Eaters Have Day Jobs?
As a diehard Potterhead, I've spent more time than I'd care to admit pondering the inner workings of the wizarding world. And one question that's always nagged at me is - what exactly do Death Eaters do when they're not carrying out Voldemort's evil bidding? I mean, You-Know-Who can't possibly require their presence 24/7 right? … Continue reading Do Death Eaters Have Day Jobs?
The Best Movies from My Fourth Decade
This is it... The final ten years out of my first 40. Let's not waste time, shall we? 1980s1990s2000s And now, welcome to the 2010s… 2010: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxqsmsA8y5k Why do we split up a book to make two movies? Because money. Though, to be fair, there are a … Continue reading The Best Movies from My Fourth Decade
The Best Movies from My Third Decade
I mentioned yesterday that I would be traveling today. I think I mentioned it... If I didn't, I spent most of the day today driving home from a week of much needed vacation. Now that I'm home, I find that I really don't have time to watch this week's movie as planned. So I figured … Continue reading The Best Movies from My Third Decade
My Favorite Movies #10 – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 2005 Directed by Mike Newell Quick synopsis... In his fourth year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter competes alongside young wizards from faraway schools in the treacherous Tri-Wizard Tournament. Meanwhile, Lord Voldemort waits in the wings for his chance to destroy the boy and everything he stands for. Welcome to … Continue reading My Favorite Movies #10 – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
My Favorite Movies #49 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 2011 Directed by David Yates Quick Synopsis... In the saga's final installment, Harry and friends continue their quest to vanquish Voldemort. Just as things begin to look hopeless, Harry discovers a trio of magical objects that endow him with powers to rival Voldemort's formidable skills. Seeing as how … Continue reading My Favorite Movies #49 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2
My Favorite Movies #51 – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 2004 Directed by Alfonso Cuarón Quick Synopsis... In his third year at Hogwart's, Harry faces extreme danger yet again when Voldemort sympathizer Sirius Black escapes from prison to hunt down Harry. In a bid for help, Harry turns to sympathetic Professor Lupin -- but will it be enough? Have … Continue reading My Favorite Movies #51 – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
My Favorite Movies #64 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 2001 Directed by Chris Columbus Netflix says... On his 11th birthday, orphaned Harry Potter learns he's a powerful wizard -- with a place waiting for him at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he learns to harness his newfound powers, he uncovers the truth about his parents' deaths. … Continue reading My Favorite Movies #64 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
My Favorite Movies #79 – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 2002 Directed by Chris Columbus Netflix says... In this sequel to the smash hit Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry ignores warnings not to return to school -- that is, if he values his life -- to investigate with Ron and Hermione a mysterious series of attacks. And … Continue reading My Favorite Movies #79 – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The Confusing Middle 