Often the magical elements in my books are standing in for elements of the real world the small and magical-in-their-own-right sorts of things that we take for granted and no longer pay attention to like the bonds of friendship that entwine our own lives with those of other people and places.
Mom was the one who taught me unconditional love. With Dad I'd always felt there was something to live up to - expectations. But in the last year we had a wonderful relationship.
