Dancing with Harry

There is almost thirty years between us, Gabby and me. But we had the same thought, “It’s nice to be young.”  We were sitting in the Palace Theater watching a dance recital. Our mutual great granddaughter, granddaughter, Anna, was our little star and we were loving it. She’s a joy to watch because she has joy in the dance.  

In her second appearance, all in glittery purple and flourishing her wand, Anna danced with her fellow stars to a Harry Potter theme. The lights dimmed and the music began. Take a listen, and then come back.  The haunting melody had our eyes riveted to the stage.

From there my mind began to spin as it often does during sermons, news reports and absorbing discussions about hair.

Out of the mind of one woman came a whole industry. One insane (perhaps) flight of fancy written to excite and challenge the imaginations of children, became a world wide phenomenon. We’re still reeling from it. A boy, Harry, and his mortal enemy, Valdemort, along with a host of side characters and an owl go at it hammer and tongs in thick book after thick book. How in the world does that happen? And will it ever be equaled?

And then it occurred to me that, really, this could happen to anyone. Like JK Rowling, we all have worlds swirling around in our heads. Perfect pictures of how things are or could be. Places we’d love to visit or maybe stay (which could wind you up in the loony bin - ahem) that we carry around with us. Some let it out on paper, some share those places with only a few. And some seem to be ordained for the worldwide stage.

And then I’m watching Anna spin and move and twirl her wand through a place in her head that she’s sharing with this audience.

Yes, Gabby, she’s young. It was great to be that way once upon a time, wasn’t it? A smile and a sigh give weight to our thoughts of youth. But how about this – today, why don’t you re-visit some of the places you have in your own noggin? What fun – even the loony bin thoughts. It’s a worthwhile pursuit and who knows? You might be the next worldwide phenom – even if you’re not so young anymore.

Yeah – It could happen. 

Image: Free Digital Photos