Our imagination is one of the greatest treasures we possess, it enables us to transform our mundane realities in to exciting adventures. As more mature people we can easily distinguish between reality and fantasy but that does not mean we can’t believe. You can believe in something and yet know its not entirely true, only those with the most terribly rational view on the world are incapable of this.

Do you miss believing in fairies? Do people and places seem a little flat to you these days, even those you once found amazing? Perhaps you need to wake your Imagination up a little and give it some exercise!

Pay attention to the world around you, your home, your garden, local parks, buildings that you go past on your way to work or school. Rather than seeing them exactly as they are, take a really good look at them and come up with a little story for them and perhaps a name. On my way to work there is this a great big brick tower, I have no idea what its really for but I think there is a foreign Prince locked up there, for the crime of offending a powerful witch.

Write stories, or just make them up inside your head. Make stories about strangers you see in the street, your friends and family and of course yourself! I often think of buskers as wandering minstrels and give them a coin if I can. Do you have a wicked stepmother? A wizard for a grandfather? Perhaps you have a special birthmark that shows you are descended from ancient kings.

Make wishes. Not just on birthday candles, but whenever you feel particularly lucky or want something very much. Believe that whatever you wish for will come true. Don’t underestimate your ability to bring things in to reality simply by wishing for them. Close your eyes, focus very hard and imagine it coming true. Shooting stars are useful too.

Talk to animals, feed the birds, greet the nymphs inside their trees, make up songs and melodies, draws maps of desert islands and magical kingdoms, give yourself a secret name, create a magic spell, name your electrical goods, tell ghost stories, camp out for a night, write poetry, send a message in a bottle, take a walk by moonlight, look for mermaids at the beach, go on a quest in your local shopping center. Don’t worry about seeming silly or crazy, these are your private imaginings and you don’t have to share them with anyone. Rediscover the magic in this World.

This has got to be one of the most visually stunning movies ever made, even though it is a musical I find it more a feast for the eyes than for the ears (though the score is no less lovely for it.) Last night I watched the Joel Schumacher version of the film, I haven’t seen it before, though I’ve seen other adaptions, and it was breathtaking

The Phantom has always caught me as a sort of twisted version of Beauty and the Beast, one where the story did not quite go to plan. It is romantic, tragic and a little frightening all at once which forms a powerful combination. I love Christine’s character, she is so innocent and seems trapped by the scenario but in the end you see that she really is the one with the power, the choice of love or hate.

I could watch this film for the sets and costumes alone, they are so elegant and detailed and decadent. The magnificent Opera house with its gilt nymphs and angels, the stage as it transforms from garden bower to rococo chamber to firey tower. The Phantom’s lair is intriguing with its mirrors and candelabras and that gorgeous swan bed, but most of all I love the dressing room used by Christine and Carlotta. The scene where Christine opens the door and the room is full of pink roses, on every available surface makes me sigh with joy. I adore the little opera chapel too. This movie makes me want to fill my room with candles!