Watch out for Sea Serpents!
Living in Pebble Beach, California for the past 13 years has inspired me in many ways. Wandering in nature, discovering local artists and learning historical lore - if you look and listen, a place offers inspiration uniquely its own.
As the story of Witch Grannie unfolded, it called for a nod to “danger” to create tension for young readers. The moment I asked the question, “What trouble would Witch Grannie encounter?” The answer came in an instant. The Sea Serpents of course!
The Sea Serpent archetype connects one to legend and lore on the Monterey Peninsula. The acclaimed local artist and cartographer, Jo Mora (1876 - 1947) had a studio in Pebble Beach. Among other talents, he created playful illustrations in his maps. My favorite map graces a wall in the Pacific Grove Library, and adorns a another at Monterey Peninsula Country Club (MPCC). Every time I encountered the map, my eyes would go straight to the silly sea serpent situated off the coast at Point Joe near the Restless Sea.
Sea Serpents spark curiosity, and they bring and a smile to my face. After a century, Jo Mora’s work continues to inspire the present.
Joe Mora’s Sea Serpents
at Point Joe in the Restless Sea.
And below is Witch Grannie’s Illustrator, Kaja Kajfez’s version of the Sea Serpents in the Restless Chocolate Sea near Forevermore Forest.
Sea Serpents lurk in the Restless Chocolate Sea in the Story of Witch Grannie.
Along the 17-Mile Drive are two world-class golf courses at Monterey Peninsula Country Club (MPCC). For almost a century, the logo for this club was the image of a couple of pine cones on a cypress branch. In 2016, the members wanted to modernize the logo, and create something that would stand out and represent of the area. The iconic MPCC Sea Serpent logo was born!
MPCC Sea Serpent Logo
The majestic par 3, 14th hole on the Dunes Course, sits right on water’s edge at Point Joe. Legend has it that on Halloween in 2018, a “real” sea serpent appeared on the green.
Most of the golfers escaped, however the mystery of Magotina Boni’s “disappearance” on her wedding day has never been solved. Every once in a while she appears in her wedding dress on the balcony of the Great Room, on what should have been her wedding day.
In the story of Witch Grannie, Great-Grandaddy Cypress warns Witch Grannie about the Sea Serpents. When they are not stealing candy in Forevermore Forest, they like to eat witches!
I wonder how the drama unfolds?
In Witch Grannie, Great-Grandaddy Cypress warns her about the Sea Serpents. When they are not sneaking candy, they like to eat witches!
How will the drama unfold?
You’ll have to read the book to find out…
