The Curse of Shadow and Thorns is a dark, ancient legend that has been whispered in hushed tones for generations. It is said to be a malevolent force that brings suffering and despair to those unfortunate enough to fall under its grip. According to the legend, the curse was born from a wicked sorceress who sought ultimate power and was willing to sacrifice anything to achieve it. Consumed by her own greed and ambition, she delved deep into forbidden magic and came upon a cursed artifact, a pendant adorned with shadow and thorns. When she wore the pendant, the sorceress gained unimaginable power, but it came at a great cost. The curse slowly took hold of her, infecting her mind, body, and soul with darkness.
Here's an extreme example of what @Melospiza is talking about. I have a variegate Chinese elm that I am growing out to increase the trunk caliper. This summer, it was almost completely defoliated by a tree rat - a very discriminating tree rat that only liked the small leaves. The rat kept returning each night despite my best efforts to prevent it, even crawling under a net that I had placed over the tree. Eventually I moved the tree to the other side of my yard, where it has started to recover.
So the underlying DNA still has all the code for the normal form of the species, so when the epigenetic control is unblocked, the growth reverts to normal. I have seen dwarf spruces revert to normal growth, variegated privet revert to normal, green-leaved privet, weeping cherries revert to upright growth.
The curse slowly took hold of her, infecting her mind, body, and soul with darkness. The pendant became fused to her skin, embedding shadow and thorns into every fiber of her being. As her power grew, so did her malevolence.
Witches Broom
STATEMENT
I grew up in a house of optical phenomena. My father was a physicist with a specialty in optics (although neighbors claimed he worked at the Optical Department at Sears). Lasers, lenses, prisms, and holographs were plentiful; as were lessons on the natural world. In our house, a solar eclipse became a graduate level seminar. On long car trips, we passed the time with questions to stump Dad: Why was the sky orange, what caused hail, and how were tunnels built under the bay? (Incidentally, we refer to these questions now as "Tunnel Talk" questions).
BIOGRAPHY
I begin my paintings with questions like those of "Tunnel Talk" times. What is the color of amber, iron-ore, pollen? How can wind and water be suggested? The paintings gradually grow in layers. In the strata of paint, the shape of a microscopic protein hovers beneath a planet's elliptical orbit and decorative ironwork cancels out dense foliage. It is these strange alliances between the common and uncommon, natural and synthetic that I find compelling to paint. The compressions, connections, and contradictions of the layers shape the personality of the painting.
This knotted, painted combination forces a continual shift of attention among the many levels. I compare this to a single moment in landscape and the competing levels of activity. When I stand on Devonian limestone on the levee of the Mississippi, the barges and riverboats pass, herons fly, behind, a train noisily rumbles and streetlights flicker on, the smell of diesel fuel drifts in while rain clouds build. It's the density of experience that continues to raise questions and excite me as a painter.
Education
INDIANA UNIVERSITY, Bloomington, IN., M.F.A. - Painting, 1988
TYLER SCHOOL OF ART, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA., B.F.A, Painting,1984
Professional Experience
ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY, Davenport, Iowa, Professor, 1989-present UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, El Paso, Texas, Visiting Professor, 1988-1989
When a variegated/dwarf/weeping/fancy-leaved cultivar produces a "normal" branch, that branch is usually more vigorous than the cultivar, i.e., it grows quicker, photosynthesizes better, survives cold and drought more easily etc. This makes sense because the fittest version of the plant is what would survive in the wild. This eventually results in the reverted branch taking over the whole plant, with the 'fancy' part of the plant dying off.
The sorceress unleashed her wrath upon the world, casting spells that brought destruction and suffering to anyone who crossed her path. She reveled in the pain and despair that she caused, knowing that her curse had become a powerful tool of her wickedness. However, the power of the curse soon turned against its wielder. The darkness and thorns that had become a part of the sorceress began to consume her from within. Her body wasted away, ravaged by the curse's insidious effects. Realizing that her own demise was imminent, the sorceress used her last moments to cast a final enchantment upon the pendant. She cursed it to bring suffering and despair not only to herself but also to anyone who possessed or came into contact with it. The pendant became an object of fear and was hidden away, safeguarded from the world. Since then, tales of the Curse of Shadow and Thorns have spread far and wide. Many have attempted to find and wield the cursed pendant, believing that its power could grant them untold strength and dominance. But all who have sought it have been met with tragedy and misfortune. The curse is said to bring not only physical pain but also a deep emotional darkness that drains the life and joy from those afflicted. It is a burden that taints every aspect of a person's existence, trapping them in a never-ending cycle of suffering. Legends warn that only the purest of hearts and the strongest of wills may have a chance to break the curse's hold. But even then, the cost of such power is immeasurable, and few are willing to risk everything for a chance at redemption. The Curse of Shadow and Thorns serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences that can arise from the pursuit of power. The legend continues to be a cautionary tale, reminding us to tread carefully in our own quests for greatness, lest we too become ensnared by the curse's dark embrace..
Reviews for "The Deadly Dance of Shadows and Thorns: Survival in a Cursed World"
1. Samantha - 2 out of 5 stars
I was really excited to read "Curse of Shadows and Thorns" based on the intriguing synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was extremely slow, and it took me a while to get into the story. The characters lacked depth and were quite forgettable. The world-building was also lacking, and I never felt fully immersed in the fantasy realm. Overall, I felt disappointed and underwhelmed by this book.
2. Thomas - 1 out of 5 stars
"Curse of Shadows and Thorns" was a complete letdown for me. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to stay engaged. I found the writing style to be clunky and awkward, with excessive descriptions that did nothing to enhance the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. It was a struggle to finish this book, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Jessica - 2 out of 5 stars
I had high hopes for "Curse of Shadows and Thorns," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The story lacked originality and felt like a generic fantasy tale. The protagonist was quite bland and didn't go through any significant character development. The romance subplot felt forced and unnecessary. Additionally, the plot twists were predictable, and there were no surprises or suspenseful moments. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre and forgettable.