Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers.
PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bulltot
“Mama, that doesn’t look like happy ever after.”
Ella’s deflated voice was another bitter reminder of our disastrous vacation. My precocious daughter had been so excited to see a real castle. I should have known better. How could a six-year old see past her Disney-colored glasses at the beauty of this twelfth century wonder? I looked up in awe and imagined an idyllic Camelot, my own unachievable idea of happily ever after.
Time for a change.
I knelt next to her and pressed my hand to her heart. “Sweetie, happily ever after isn’t in a castle. It’s in here.”
Susan Jarreau - Of Dreams and Disasters 
Yep. Gotta start countering the Disney mystique early, or they end up building castles in the air for life.
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Disney is fun but I believe true happiness is found in ourselves.
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Children have to be pretty old usually —like past 30— before they develop much enthusiasm for history.😉
But you’re right; she’ll have to find happiness within.
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I don’t know. I would have loved this vacation. Maybe not at six but at sixteen certainly.
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Sweet story.
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Thank you.
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Disney castles only exist at Disneyland and that’s way to expensive to visit! The real things are way better. Sweet take.
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I prefer real castles and my imagination too! Thanks.
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Oh, such a beautiful little story. Really really enjoyed this.
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Thanks. The picture really spoke to me.
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Good lesson…
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One I hope gets taught more often.
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Good imagination. Loved the piece. http://www.lavmuses.com
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Thank you.
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Dear Susan,
A good lesson she’ll learn soon enough. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle.
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Disney’s vision really is pernicious, isn’t it? I had my five grandchildren, and my two daughters staying recently, and we all watched Rapunzel. I looked at them during the film, and it honestly appeared as though they were being programmed, minds in neutral, critical faculties switched off. Quite chilling.
Your story pointing out that Disney is sometimes wrong is timely!
Oops, I’m ranting! Sorry!
It’s a well written story. I enjoyed it. It flows really well, and I like the construction. And it’s an original take on the prompt – always a plus!
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Thank you. I’m not anti-Disney but your example highlights the way they affect our every day experiences. The key is to keep it as an imaginary world and strive for your own hopes and dreams to prevail.
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True-life lessons, told with love and understanding by a wise mommy. Loved it.
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Thank you. A lesson I wish I’d gotten a little earlier in life.
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Yes. Me too.
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Looks like the kid needs a few lessons in imagination, but Mum sure knows what counts, she’ll teach her. Lovely story.
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Thanks. Moms are good like that!
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