Moon Castle on the Hill
My grandfather’s last name was Lunenschloss, meaning Castle of the Moon. When my father was lost in WWII, Mama and I lived with my grandparents in this white castle on the hill. We were alone on the summit until a couple of families joined us. Grandpa had built the home when they lost their original one during the depression. He named the dirt road that led up to it Castle Crest Drive.
The view from atop the hill was breathtaking, especially at night. Overlooking Los Angeles to the East and Glendale to the West the cities lay like twinkling stars at our feet. Daytime brought no end of joy for a child: searching for quartz with veins of gold, sliding down hills in cardboard boxes, and climbing “my” pepper tree. Mud pies, hide and seek, kick the can—life was an outdoor adventure, morning till night.
Mythic memories
Winter moon—childhood magic
Lifescapes ebb and flow.
Posted for dVerse Monday Haibun where the prompt this week is Hometown Haibun.
Photo: Labeled for non-commercial reuse. The home was the only one at the top of this hill. The area has completely changed.
Victoria C. Slotto, Author 
A moon castle! Sounds like magic. (K)
LikeLike
a childhood filled with golden memories and your grandfather created a special place for you kids to always visit in your thoughts, such a grand life lived with contentment.
LikeLike
A genuine write and glimpse into your past, Victoria. I was in awe of your surroundings as I read this but I can relate to the memories of childhood adventures….outside interacting with others and nature. Loved this.
LikeLike
Childhood does make for some epic and mythic memories….everything was just so much bigger and grander. A nice write.
LikeLike
Wow, that is so cool!
LikeLike
I remember childhood as an adventure morning to night as well.
LikeLike
A castle on the hill – that is the stuff of fairy-tales indeed, although fairy tales of course are not always happy…
LikeLike
I can just imagine how different it is today… such tragedy to lose your father, but such bliss to have a castle to move in…. you must have felt like a princess.
LikeLike
Wow, Victoria! Your grandfather had a very aristocratic name and I love the idea of living in a castle on a hill, especially with such a wonderful view.
LikeLike
With a last name like that it seems only fitting to have an enchanted childhood, growing up in the hills. How fun to find gold and play in the mud!
LikeLike
What a splendid way to stamp one’s history into the landscape!
LikeLike
What a lovely childhood, in spite of the loss of your father. You’ve written about your pepper tree before and it always seemed like a safe place for you. Moon castle…i love learning about your childhood, growing up in California. The haiku at the of this is beautiful and yet sad.
LikeLike
Losing a parent at a such a tender age was nightmarish for all of you. So tragic. However strong guardians do make childhood days priceless and almost fairy tale like. Beautifully penned Victoria.
LikeLike
Reads like a dream.
LikeLike
Wow. It sounds amazing, though I bet it was emotionally complex for the adults. I want to know more!
LikeLike