For the Love of Harry Potter!

2017 brought about some amazing ups and downs, occasions and events, triumphs and defeats.  But for me, one such day stands out, June 26th, 2017-the birthday of the Harry Potter series.  Yes, you read that right, this is going to be a post about Harry Potter.  No matter if you’re a fan or not, there is a fierce following that includes a generation of mothers and fathers who are now sharing the enchanting world of Harry Potter with their children. While my daughter is only 2, she knows how to “swish and flick” with the best of them!
Twenty years ago, we were introduced to the fascinating world of Harry Potter.  If you’re like me, I was at an age when the “magic” of childhood was vanishing and the world of adulthood was fast approaching.  I devoured the Harry Potter books grasping at what little “magic” the world could still provide me. Then I marveled at the beauty of those books as I gazed upon the charming fantasy the big screen gave us. Laughing, crying, learning about the value of friendship, and believing there’s magic inside us all, literally produced a twinkle in my eye that’s still here today.  Which is why 2017 provided me with many magical moments that I want to share with you.
This last summer I was invited by a friend and fellow mother of two, to join Pottermore. What is Pottermore you ask? “Pottermore, the digital publishing, e-commerce, entertainment and news company from J.K. Rowling, is the global digital publisher of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. As the digital heart of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, https://www.pottermore.com/ is dedicated to unlocking the power of imagination. It offers news, features, and articles as well as new and previously unreleased writing by J.K. Rowling.”  It was here that I was sorted into the Ravenclaw house-“Members of this house are characterized by their wit, learning, and wisdom while possessing the traits of cleverness and creativity. Ravenclaw corresponds roughly to the element of air; the House colors blue and bronze were chosen to represent the sky and eagle feathers respectively, both having much to do with air.”   I also found out that my patronus is a Dolphin.  Yes, I took precious nap time minutes to get lost in this magical world online and don’t regret it one bit!
Imagine my excitement when local Omaha businesses jumped on the HP bandwagon and began offering classes and excursions for muggles like you and me!  Everything from painting and sip classes to, Harry Potter themed nights at baseball games to a full blown Christmas dinner at Hogwarts and I’m willing to bet a few of you were there!  My husband and I attended Fontenelle Forest’s wonderful event for muggles and wizards alike-“A Night in the Forbidden Forest.”  Activities included riding on the Knight Bus, creating wands, treats from Honeyduke’s treat trolley, Honey mead, live owls, Horcrux Hunts, interactions with “magical creatures” by the whomping willow, map drawing, and so many “adults” dressed to the nines as their favorite Harry Potter character.  
Omaha Children’s Museum put on an adult-themed “Escape from Azkaban” night while the Omaha Symphony celebrated with a concert.  Omaha Sexy Nerd Society put on a full blown “Yule Ball” at Hogwarts and the Apollon Art Space hosted a “Holiday at Hogwarts” Christmas dinner.  I was lucky enough to attend this last event with my lil (27-year-old) brother and was amazed at how many families were there!  Children of all ages 7-17 were there with their parents sipping “butter beer” (non-alcoholic) squealing with delight at the antics of the theatre’s characters.  Dads alongside their daughters attended classes in potions and herbology. Mothers and their sons dabbled in defense against the dark arts sessions all before enjoying a grand celebratory feast!

While this was going on, I asked a few of the families there, who introduced who to the Harry Potter books?  Everyone’s answer was “the parents.”  I then asked the parents what made this series so special? One father answered, “The magic.  I couldn’t wait to share the magic with her when she was old enough.”  A mother told me that her mother had introduced her as an adult and she introduced her children to the series as soon as she could.  She was there with 3-THREE teenagers all dressed in their robes and house ties.  If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is!  So what makes Harry Potter so special?  I want to hear from you!  If you’re a fellow “Potterhead” tell me what you love best about Harry Potter!

Kassandra
Born and raised in Omaha, Kassandra has a heart for her city and loves that she can call it home. After ten years battling infertility, she and her husband of 14 years, Nicholas, have a beautiful feisty little firecracker named Eloise (2015). Kassandra formerly taught preschool for 15 years and decided to leave teaching in a school setting to help her friend start up "The Wonder Nook" (a space of creativity and wonderment for all ages) When time allows it, you will more than likely find Kassandra somewhere writing, dreaming, doing.