Witchcraft Blender Engineer is a term used to describe a unique blend of skills and expertise in the field of engineering and witchcraft. It refers to individuals who possess knowledge and capabilities in both conventional engineering practices as well as mystical and occult arts. These individuals are adept at applying engineering principles and techniques to magical practices and vice versa. They combine scientific and technical knowledge with intuitive and esoteric understanding to create innovative solutions and achieve desired outcomes. A Witchcraft Blender Engineer may have a background in various engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. They also possess a deep understanding of witchcraft practices, rituals, and the principles underlying magical arts.
The universality of the human experience
With her two sisters, Gouty s childhood which seems idyllic in many ways, is also a story that many of us who have had normal childhoods with responsible parents and supportive families can relate to. I find that if I am not living the ordinary well that is, in a healthy way, my anxiety is worse, not only on the day to day but especially when those big events come up.
They also possess a deep understanding of witchcraft practices, rituals, and the principles underlying magical arts. The term "blender" signifies the ability of these individuals to blend or merge these seemingly contrasting areas of expertise. They are capable of seamlessly integrating engineering concepts and theories with magical practices to achieve specific goals or solve complex problems.
The magic of ordinay life
The Magic of Ordinary
A sweet story of growing up with siblings in a loving home where the father provides magic that turns ordinary events into extraordinary adventures.
As a memoir writer and reader, in recent times, I have been disappointed with bestsellers which fall into one of two categories – a celebrity tell-all of a dysfunctional present or confessions of a regular person who describes a dysfunctional past often involving addiction or trauma. The former sells because of the person’s public status, the latter because it is a well-crafted story with a generous publicity budget.
Gouty’s memoir does not fall into these categories. In fact, my initial impression in the early chapters – that it was a literary version of a TV show that I loved during the years I lived in the US, The Wonder Years – remained unchanged when I got to the end of the book.
Nostalgic ride to a simpler time
Vivid descriptions of a simple American childhood spent riding bicycles in a neighbourhood where kids spend time outdoors playing games, swimming, and engaging with the community (a rare sight in today’s digital world), made me envious and yearn for the ‘good old days’.
From removing warts on full moon nights with magic chants, to delivering her sister in their own home, Gouty’s father, Melford Johnson, was not just the fun and handy ‘Daddy’ she knew but also a devoted husband, loving friend, and a cheerful person who told tall tales, sang with abandon, tended earnestly to a flourishing garden, and volunteered at church for years after his retirement.
His insistence that his daughters master three skills – typing (for employment), driving (for independence) and swimming (for joy) reveal a pragmatist in action albeit one who still held on to a phenomenal zest for life for eight seven years.
Primed to look for drama in the narrative arc, I kept my eyes open for a shocking scene or a twist in what seemed to be an ordinary tale of a happy family. I must admit that I was relieved by the absence of alcoholism, abuse, trauma and terror in Gouty’s life. With her two sisters, Gouty’s childhood which seems idyllic in many ways, is also a story that many of us who have had normal childhoods with responsible parents and supportive families can relate to.
Of all the little details that make the book come alive, my favorite was the epigraph of each chapter. Some are quotes by well-known authors but others are excerpts from letters that Gouty’s father wrote over the years, a touch that makes the book much more personal.
The universality of the human experience
While my childhood in India was very different from what Gouty has described, my parents followed the same philosophy as Gouty’s – “we-gave-you-wings-now-go-fly.” I could see glimpses of my father in many of the episodes, particularly when he supports Gouty’s decision for a divorce despite his own experience of a long stable marriage to her mother.
Gouty’s writing is evocative, honest, and free of prescriptive advice. She invites readers to relive her childhood and succeeds in highlighting the universality of the human experience that transcends many of the artificial barriers that we sometimes hide behind.
Gouty’s statement – “In his (her father’s) mind, there was a kind of magic in being ordinary. Average, common people, not upper-crust, but not trampled on. Neither arrogant, nor despairing. Just people accepting who they were and what they had. Dealing with it and moving on,” are a true reflection of my thoughts.
I laughed at the chapter about her father making not just a snowman but an entire family of snow-critters, and delighted in tales of her father’s adventures exploring sinkholes and caves with his buddies. The moving description of the last days of her father’s life made me teary as I thought back to the time I lost my father.
Why we need to believe in magic
Gouty answers her question – ‘what happens when equal parts generosity and kindness are mixed with abundant joy’ – with a simple conclusion, a person is born who loves doing good deeds.
Melford Jonhson was undoubtedly an ordinary man, but he was also a very special one whose authenticity exemplified a life of purpose, something everyone can aspire to be. The legacy and proof of being raised by a good role model lies in this unexpectedly satisfying father-daughter story that can make you believe in magic.
I received an ARC of the book from the author at the end of a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. I could not have picked a better book to end the year on a positive note.
My opinion: Highly recommended The Magic of Ordinary if you are a memoir lover who loves a feel-good story.
Have you read other feel-good memoirs that you would recommend?
Photo credit: Ranjani Rao‘s personal archives
Gouty’s memoir does not fall into these categories. In fact, my initial impression in the early chapters – that it was a literary version of a TV show that I loved during the years I lived in the US, The Wonder Years – remained unchanged when I got to the end of the book.
A Witchcraft Blender Engineer can apply their knowledge to a wide range of applications. For example, they may use their engineering skills to design and construct magical tools and apparatus that enhance the effectiveness of spells or rituals. They may also develop innovative techniques and methods for harnessing and channeling mystical energies. Furthermore, these individuals may use their understanding of witchcraft to influence engineering processes and outcomes. They may employ magical practices to enhance their creativity, intuition, and problem-solving abilities. They might also use divination techniques or other mystical practices to gather insights and guidance for engineering projects. The Witchcraft Blender Engineer represents the convergence of science and mysticism, rationality and intuition, and the tangible and the esoteric. They are the embodiment of a holistic approach to problem-solving that bridges different domains of knowledge and practice. In conclusion, the concept of a Witchcraft Blender Engineer encapsulates the unique blend of engineering expertise and witchcraft knowledge. These individuals possess a rare synthesis of scientific and mystical understanding, which enables them to create innovative solutions and achieve desired outcomes in both fields. They represent a holistic approach to problem-solving, uniting seemingly disparate areas of knowledge and practice into a seamless whole..
Reviews for "The Wonders of Witchcraft and Blender Engineering: An Engineer’s Perspective"
1. John - 2 stars - "I was really excited to try out the Witchcraft blender engineer after hearing all the buzz, but I was severely disappointed. The blender itself felt cheaply made and the blades were not as sharp as I expected. The blending results were subpar, with chunks of fruits and vegetables remaining even after multiple attempts. Additionally, the blender was very loud and created a lot of vibrations. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this blender to anyone looking for a quality and efficient blending experience."
2. Sarah - 1 star - "The Witchcraft blender engineer was a complete waste of money for me. It looked promising with its sleek design, but that's where the positives ended. The blender was incredibly difficult to use, with a complicated control panel that was not intuitive at all. The blending power was weak, and it took forever to blend even the simplest ingredients. The noise level was also unbearable, making it impossible to use the blender without waking up the whole household. I regret purchasing this blender and would advise others to stay away."
3. Michael - 2 stars - "I had high hopes for the Witchcraft blender engineer, but it fell short of my expectations. The blender consistently struggled to blend ingredients smoothly, leaving behind chunks and uneven textures in my smoothies. Cleaning the blender was also a hassle, as the parts were difficult to disassemble and the blades were hard to clean thoroughly. The noise level was also quite high, making it challenging to have a conversation while using the blender. I regret purchasing this blender and will be looking for a more reliable option."