The Visitors 2023

Time to share my annual Halloween Story, which I wrote when I lived in Ireland.  Happy Halloween!

**************************

In Old Ireland…it all began, a long, long time ago, about a century perhaps. The countryside was almost deserted. There was a graveyard very near a small, thatched cottage. It was nighttime the end of October, and autumn seemed more like winter. The rain and wind began their song and dance as the pitch black of the night descended. The only light in the surrounding countryside came from the little fire and two candles burning in the tiny cottage.

Father settled in his chair in front of the warm crackling fire, with his corncob pipe. Mother was there too, mending old clothes. The children were playing and whispering together. The six-year-old boy had fair hair and deep penetrating blue eyes that never said what was lurking in the mind behind them. He was very intelligent but didn’t talk much except with his sister. She was five, with brownish hair and dark brown eyes that seemed to look into your very soul. She too was very smart, but more outgoing than her brother was.

Their Father was the keeper of the graveyard, and also the one who dug the graves. The relatives of those buried there lived rather far away and were not able to visit the cemetery very often, or at all. So, it was up to this quiet gentle man to look after the place. The children would go there frequently to play. Sometimes they seemed to be talking to other people, but no one else could be seen. Mother was a quiet, soft-spoken woman. She took care of the family and home. What else was there to do in this lovely, but deserted part of the country.

Just as on other nights, they gathered around the fire after dinner. They would take turns telling stories or just talking about their day. This particular night Father was telling one of his favorite stories…from the old days!

Suddenly, there came a sound, then another, and another. It sounded like voices, but very distant, very hushed…and very, very eerie. They all heard it but would not let each other know they heard it. Father stopped his storytelling only a moment…almost like a brief pause; until…each time it became a little louder and closer.

They looked at each other, especially mother and father. They began to shiver with the cold increasing beyond normal. With a shrug, Father said “it’s just the rain and wind talking to each other.” But then it came even closer, louder…more distinct, like voices, talking, then screeching, kind of crying howling sound. The silence in the little cottage was sudden and tense. The sound, noises, voices…whatever they were, were so frightening and kept getting even louder and closer.

Father thought to himself “maybe I should board up the windows and block the door.”  Mother is thinking, “I should blow out the candles and maybe the darkness will make them go away.”  Then they heard voices, saying “Don’t lock us out, and blowing out the candles won’t do any good. What about the fire? We could still find you anyway.” They all heard it and began to shake with fear as a knock, and another knock, and another was heard at the front door. They sat there frozen, looking at each other, when a voice said, “please, let us in!” No answer came so the voice said it again “let us in.”

Well, the father, thinking this whole thing very silly, finally rose slowly and went to the door. From where the mother and children sat in front of the fireplace, they could see just what father saw when he slowly and cautiously, opened the door. The visions were that of human shapes, but very very strange and spooky indeed. The visions all spoke very slowly and distant like “give us something to eat.” “Who are you and where do you come from?” asked Father. In unison again, they said, “we have come a long journey, but not far away.” This didn’t seem to make much sense, but everyone was in such shock. Mother asked, “What do you want?”

“We want something to eat. If we don’t get something nice to eat, we will do things you won’t like. If you give us good things to eat, we will go away and not bother you.” Mother decided to put out all the lovely things she spent the day baking and hoped it would satisfy them so they would go away. After what seemed a very long time, but in fact it was only a few minutes, they had finished every last morsel. The strange beings began to leave. But as they were going out the door they said, “That was very nice, so we will be here again same time next year and every year forever after.”

They left so suddenly, and the silence was so deafening it was like they’d never been there. Mother would have thought she’d been dreaming except all the goodies she had baked all day were gone…not a crumb left. Father also thought he imagined it all.

The children, however, knew all along what was happening as it had been planned all day. The Visitors were their friends, the ones they talked to in the cemetery. The brother and sister had told their friends of mother baking all the goodies that day and decided to play a trick on her and Father. That night was October 31, midnight. And, every year after that, they came. Mother and Father never knew the truth…although, I’m sure they do now.

The children had continued the tradition even after Mother and Father died and taught their children to do the same. Their children passed it on down through the generations. After the first year the Visitors told others and the group of visitors grew each year, so more and more homes were needed to treat them. Now when you hear strange sounds on Halloween night, and you think it’s the usual neighborhood ghosts and goblins, you may be right…so don’t forget those goodies, or else…

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The Visitors

Image via Wikipedia

Time to share my annual Halloween Story, which I wrote when I lived in Ireland.  Happy Halloween!

***************************

They come in the night, but only once a year…for Halloween.

In Old Ireland…it all began, a long, long time ago, about a century perhaps.The countryside was almost deserted. There was a graveyard very near a small thatched cottage. It was nighttime the end of October, and autumn seemed more like winter. The rain and wind began their song and dance as the pitch black of the night descended. The only light in the surrounding countryside came from the little fire and two candles burning in the tiny cottage.

Father settled in his chair in front of the warm crackling fire, with his corncob pipe. Mother was there too, mending old clothes. The children were playing and whispering together. The six-year-old boy, had fair hair and deep penetrating blue eyes that never said what was lurking in the mind behind them. He was very intelligent, but didn’t talk much except with his sister. She was five, with brownish hair and dark brown eyes that seemed to look into your very soul. She too was very smart, but more outgoing than her brother was.

Their Father was the keeper of the graveyard, and also the one who dug the graves. The relatives of those buried there lived rather far away and were not able to visit the cemetery very often, or at all. So, it was up to this quiet gentle man to look after the place. The children would go there frequently to play. Sometimes they seemed to be talking to other people, but no one else could be seen. Mother was a quiet, soft-spoken woman. She took care of the family and home. What else was there to do in this lovely, but deserted part of the country.

Just as on other nights, they gathered around the fire after dinner. They would take turns telling stories or just talking about their day. This particular night Father was telling one of his favorite stories…from the old days!

Suddenly, there came a sound, then another, and another. It sounded like voices, but very distant, very hushed…and very, very eerie. They all heard it, but would not let each other know they heard it. Father stopped his storytelling only a moment…almost like a brief pause; until…each time it became a little louder and closer.

They looked at each other, especially mother and father. They began to shiver with the cold increasing beyond normal. With a shrug, Father said “it’s just the rain and wind talking to each other.” But, then it came even closer, louder…more distinct, like voices, talking, then screeching, kind of crying howling sound. The silence in the little cottage was sudden and tense. The sound, noises, voices…whatever they were, were so frightening and kept getting even louder and closer.

Father thought to himself “maybe I should board up the windows and block the door.”  Mother is thinking, “I should blow out the candles and maybe the darkness will make them go away.”  Then they heard voices, saying “Don’t lock us out, and blowing out the candles won’t do any good. What about the fire? We could still find you anyway.” They all heard it and began to shake with fear as a knock, and another knock, and another was heard at the front door. They sat there frozen, looking at each other, when a voice said, “please, let us in!” No answer came so the voice said it again “let us in.”

Well, the Father, thinking this whole thing very silly, finally rose slowly and went to the door. From where the mother and children sat in front of the fireplace they could see just what father saw when he slowly and cautiously, opened the door. The visions were that of human shapes, but very very strange and spooky indeed. The visions all spoke very slowly and distant like “give us something to eat.” “Who are you and where do you come from?” asked Father. In unison again, they said, “we have come a long journey, but not far away.” This didn’t seem to make much sense, but everyone was in such shock. Mother asked, “What do you want?”

“We want something to eat. If we don’t get something nice to eat, we will do things you won’t like. If you give us good things to eat, we will go away and not bother you.” Mother decided to put out all the lovely things she spent the day baking and hoped it would satisfy them so they would go away. After what seemed a very long time, but in fact it was only a few minutes, they had finished every last morsel. The strange beings began to leave. But, as they were going out the door they said “That was very nice, so we will be here again same time next year and every year forever after.”

They left so suddenly, and the silence was so deafening it was like they’d never been there. Mother would have thought she’d been dreaming except all the goodies she had baked all day were gone…not a crumb left. Father also thought he imagined it all.

The children however, knew all along what was happening as it had been planned all day. The Visitors were their friends, the ones they talked to in the cemetery. The brother and sister had told their friends of mother baking all the goodies that day, and decided to play a trick on her and Father. That night was October 31, midnight. And, every year after that, they came. Mother and Father never knew the truth…although, I’m sure they do now.

The children had continued the tradition even after Mother and Father died, and taught their children to do the same. Their children passed it on down through the generations. After the first year the Visitors told others and the group of visitors grew each year, so more and more homes were needed to treat them. Now when you hear strange sounds on Halloween night, and you think it’s the usual neighborhood ghosts and goblins, you may be right…so don’t forget those goodies, or else…

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Home is Where?

How many times have I heard or read “home is where the heart is” or “home is where you hang your hat” or “home is wherever you are” ~ oh my! Anyway, I left Michigan where I was born to live in the sunnier Miami, Florida. It was “ok,” but the humidity and heat so many months of the year was stifling. Just as I was thinking about moving back to Michigan near family, I met a man and we ended up getting married! Well that ended 5 years later when he was having an affair with a neighbor and said he wanted a divorce. A couple years later and after several major traumas in my life, ending with my Father’s death I moved to Ireland.  I needed a major break in my life and wanted to experience living abroad. A few months after moving there, guess what, I met a man and we ended up getting married several months later. After 12 years of marriage, most of that time in and out of marriage counseling  I found out he was having an affair. As there was no divorce in Ireland and 20% unemployment I moved back to the US.  I chose Atlanta GA where I believed it was the right place to start back in my home country. I got the divorce from the Irish husband and lived in Georgia for 23 years, except for five months in Napa CA. In all these places I never felt AT HOME.

In 2006 after moving back to GA from CA I decided to find a place near enough for just getting away day trips. Once reading about the downtown area of Greenville, SC I decided to make a trip to check it out. It was great and so were the people. I found it to be a breath of fresh air, times of joy in my life every time I visited. Then change in me began to take place and one day I realized I had actually found HOME. The desire to move there grew, but I had a townhouse in GA to sell. I first started trying to sell in 2008 just as our economy tanked, and it continued to get worse. I finally sold it November 2013. Still lost my shirt on it, but didn’t have to take money to the table to get rid of it. So I was finally able to move to Greenville, SC.

Everything is not perfect here. Some of those who were so friendly and even suggested we would get together…never happened.  I have yet to find a part time job, which I really need pretty soon (some source of supplemental income).

BUT, I am so HAPPY being in Greenville. I love it here and it is HOME to me. I have made some lovely new friends, found a great church, and becoming more involved in life here. Here is where I find my JOY.

Have you found your HOME place and your JOY?

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The Visitors

Image via Wikipedia

Time to share my annual Halloween Story, which I wrote when I lived in Ireland.

***************************

They come in the night, but only once a year…for Halloween.

In Old Ireland…it all began, a long, long time ago, about a century perhaps. It was almost deserted, the countryside. There was a graveyard very near a small thatched cottage. It was nighttime the end of October, and autumn seemed more like winter. The rain and wind began their song and dance as the pitch black of the night descended. The only light in the surrounding countryside came from the little fire and two candles burning in the tiny cottage.

Father settled in his chair in front of the warm crackling fire, with his corncob pipe. Mother was there too, mending old clothes. The children were playing and whispering together. The six year old boy, had fair hair and deep penetrating blue eyes that never said what was lurking in the mind behind them. He was very intelligent, but didn’t talk much except with his sister. She was five, with brownish hair and dark brown eyes that seemed to look into your very soul. She too was very smart, but more outgoing than her brother was.

Their Father was the keeper of the graveyard, and also the one who dug the graves. The relatives of those buried there lived rather far away and were not able to visit the cemetery very often, or at all. So, it was up to this quiet gentle man to look after the place. The children would go there frequently to play. Sometimes they seemed to be talking to other people, but no one else could be seen. Mother was a quiet, soft-spoken woman. She took care of the family and home. What else was there to do in this lovely, but deserted part of the country.

Just as on other nights, they gathered around the fire after dinner. They would take turns telling stories or just talking about their day. This particular night Father was telling one of his favorite stories…from the old days!

Suddenly, there came a sound, then another, and another. It sounded like voices, but very distant, very hushed…and very, very eerie. They all heard it, but would not let each other know they heard it. Father stopped his storytelling only a moment…almost like a brief pause; until…each time it became a little louder and closer.

They looked at each other, especially mother and father. They began to shiver with the cold increasing beyond normal. With a shrug, Father said “it’s just the rain and wind talking to each other.” But, then it came even closer, louder…more distinct, like voices, talking, then screeching, kind of crying howling sound. The silence in the little cottage was sudden and tense. The sound, noises, voices…whatever they were, were so frightening and kept getting even louder and closer.

Father thought to himself “maybe I should board up the windows and block the door.”  Mother is thinking, “I should blow out the candles and maybe the darkness will make them go away.”  Then they heard voices, saying “Don’t lock us out, and blowing out the candles won’t do any good. What about the fire? We could still find you anyway.” They all heard it and began to shake with fear as a knock, and another knock, and another was heard at the front door. They sat there frozen, looking at each other, when a voice said, “please, let us in!” No answer came so the voice said it again “let us in.”

Well, the Father, thinking this whole thing very silly, finally rose slowly and went to the door. From where the mother and children sat in front of the fireplace they could see just what father saw when he slowly and cautiously, opened the door. The visions were that of human shapes, but very very strange and spooky indeed. The visions all spoke very slowly and distant like “give us something to eat.” “Who are you and where do you come from?” asked Father. In unison again, they said, “we have come a long journey, but not far away.” This didn’t seem to make much sense, but everyone was in such shock. Mother asked, “What do you want?”

“We want something to eat. If we don’t get something nice to eat, we will do things you won’t like. If you give us good things to eat, we will go away and not bother you.” Mother decided to put out all the lovely things she spent the day baking and hoped it would satisfy them so they would go away. After what seemed a very long time, but in fact it was only a few minutes, they had finished every last morsel. The strange beings began to leave. But, as they were going out the door they said “That was very nice, so we will be here again same time next year and every year forever after.”

They left so suddenly, and the silence was so deafening it was like they’d never been there. Mother would have thought she’d been dreaming except all the goodies she had baked all day were gone…not a crumb left. Father also thought he imagined it all.

The children however, knew all along what was happening as it had been planned all day. The Visitors were their friends, the ones they talked to in the cemetery. The brother and sister had told their friends of mother baking all the goodies that day, and decided to play a trick on her and Father. That night was October 31, midnight. And, every year after that, they came. Mother and Father never knew the truth…although, I’m sure they do now.

The children had continued the tradition even after Mother and Father died, and taught their children to do the same. Their children passed it on down through the generations. After the first year the Visitors told others and the group of visitors grew each year, so more and more homes were needed to treat them. Now when you hear strange sounds on Halloween night, and you think it’s the usual neighborhood ghosts and goblins, you may be right…so don’t forget those goodies, or else…

Read Full Post »

The Visitors

Image via Wikipedia

Time to share my annual Halloween Story, which I wrote when I lived in Ireland.

***************************

They come in the night, but only once a year…for Halloween.

In Old Ireland…it all began, a long, long time ago, about a century perhaps. It was almost deserted, the countryside. There was a graveyard very near a small thatched cottage. It was nighttime the end of October, and autumn seemed more like winter. The rain and wind began their song and dance as the pitch black of the night descended. The only light in the surrounding countryside came from the little fire and two candles burning in the tiny cottage.

Father settled in his chair in front of the warm crackling fire, with his corncob pipe. Mother was there too, mending old clothes. The children were playing and whispering together. The six year old boy, had fair hair and deep penetrating blue eyes that never said what was lurking in the mind behind them. He was very intelligent, but didn’t talk much except with his sister. She was five, with brownish hair and dark brown eyes that seemed to look into your very soul. She too was very smart, but more outgoing than her brother was.

Their Father was the keeper of the graveyard, and also the one who dug the graves. The relatives of those buried there lived rather far away and were not able to visit the cemetery very often, or at all. So, it was up to this quiet gentle man to look after the place. The children would go there frequently to play. Sometimes they seemed to be talking to other people, but no one else could be seen. Mother was a quiet, soft-spoken woman. She took care of the family and home. What else was there to do in this lovely, but deserted part of the country.

Just as on other nights, they gathered around the fire after dinner. They would take turns telling stories or just talking about their day. This particular night Father was telling one of his favorite stories…from the old days!

Suddenly, there came a sound, then another, and another. It sounded like voices, but very distant, very hushed…and very, very eerie. They all heard it, but would not let each other know they heard it. Father stopped his storytelling only a moment…almost like a brief pause; until…each time it became a little louder and closer.

They looked at each other, especially mother and father. They began to shiver with the cold increasing beyond normal. With a shrug, Father said “it’s just the rain and wind talking to each other.” But, then it came even closer, louder…more distinct, like voices, talking, then screeching, kind of crying howling sound. The silence in the little cottage was sudden and tense. The sound, noises, voices…whatever they were, were so frightening and kept getting even louder and closer.

Father thought to himself “maybe I should board up the windows and block the door.”  Mother is thinking, “I should blow out the candles and maybe the darkness will make them go away.”  Then they heard voices, saying “Don’t lock us out, and blowing out the candles won’t do any good. What about the fire? We could still find you anyway.” They all heard it and began to shake with fear as a knock, and another knock, and another was heard at the front door. They sat there frozen, looking at each other, when a voice said, “please, let us in!” No answer came so the voice said it again “let us in.”

Well, the Father, thinking this whole thing very silly, finally rose slowly and went to the door. From where the mother and children sat in front of the fireplace they could see just what father saw when he slowly and cautiously, opened the door. The visions were that of human shapes, but very very strange and spooky indeed. The visions all spoke very slowly and distant like “give us something to eat.” “Who are you and where do you come from?” asked Father. In unison again, they said, “we have come a long journey, but not far away.” This didn’t seem to make much sense, but everyone was in such shock. Mother asked, “What do you want?”

“We want something to eat. If we don’t get something nice to eat, we will do things you won’t like. If you give us good things to eat, we will go away and not bother you.” Mother decided to put out all the lovely things she spent the day baking and hoped it would satisfy them so they would go away. After what seemed a very long time, but in fact it was only a few minutes, they had finished every last morsel. The strange beings began to leave. But, as they were going out the door they said “That was very nice, so we will be here again same time next year and every year forever after.”

They left so suddenly, and the silence was so deafening it was like they’d never been there. Mother would have thought she’d been dreaming except all the goodies she had baked all day were gone…not a crumb left. Father also thought he imagined it all.

The children however, knew all along what was happening as it had been planned all day. The Visitors were their friends, the ones they talked to in the cemetery. The brother and sister had told their friends of mother baking all the goodies that day, and decided to play a trick on her and Father. That night was October 31, midnight. And, every year after that, they came. Mother and Father never knew the truth…although, I’m sure they do now.

The children had continued the tradition even after Mother and Father died, and taught their children to do the same. Their children passed it on down through the generations. After the first year the Visitors told others and the group of visitors grew each year, so more and more homes were needed to treat them. Now when you hear strange sounds on Halloween night, and you think it’s the usual neighborhood ghosts and goblins, you may be right…so don’t forget those goodies, or else…

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day with Gratitude and Joy…March 17, 2012

The Gates_Ireland by Ann Marquette

With joy and gratitude I remember the Ireland I knew for over 12 years, and the friends I made there.  It has been way too long since I have been there for a visit.

I just read the post “If You’re Irish…” by MargeKatherine on her Inside Out Café blog
http://margekatherine.com/2012/03/17/thats-how-i-spell-ireland/#comment-3153
with views of Ireland and Irish songs, which brought tears to my eyes.

Check out her post and enjoy as we come to the closing of this St. Patrick’s Day 2012.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Wonder

Yes, this is a “wonder” … it is ME with Audrey Hepburn in Dublin, Ireland.  Someone took this of me, the photographer for the UNICEF events with Audrey there as UNICEF Ambassador.  I am still in wonder/amazement that this experience was gifted to me.  This will always hold a special place in my heart.  She was an amazing woman.

Me with Audrey Hepburn in Dublin, Ireland

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The Visitors

Image via Wikipedia

Time to share my annual Halloween Story, which I wrote when I lived in Ireland.

***************************

They come in the night, but only once a year…for Halloween.
In Old Ireland…it all began, a long, long time ago, about a century perhaps.It was almost deserted, the countryside. There was a graveyard very near a small thatched cottage. It was nighttime the end of October, and Autumn seemed more like Winter. The rain and wind began their song and dance as the pitch black of the night descended. The only light in the surrounding countryside came from the little fire and two candles burning in the tiny cottage.Father settled in his chair in front of the warm crackling fire, with his corncob pipe. Mother was there too, mending old clothes. The children were playing and whispering together. The boy, six years old, had fair hair and deep penetrating blue eyes that never said what was lurking in the mind behind them. He was very intelligent, but didn’t talk much except with his sister. She was five, with brownish hair and dark brown eyes that seemed to look into your very soul. She too was very smart, but more outgoing than her brother was. Their Father was the keeper of the graveyard, and also the one who dug the graves. The relatives of those buried there lived rather far away and were not able to visit the cemetery very often, or at all. So, it was up to this quiet gentle man to look after the place. The children would go there often to play. Sometimes they seemed to be talking to other people, but no one else could be seen. Mother was a quiet, soft-spoken woman. She took care of the family and home. What else was there to do in this lovely, but deserted part of the country. Just as on other nights, they gathered around the fire after dinner. They would take turns telling stories or just talking about their day. This particular night Father was telling one of his favorite stories…from the old days! Suddenly, there came a sound, then another, and another. It sounded like voices, but very distant, very hushed…and very, very eerie. They all heard it, but would not let each other know they heard it. Father stopped his storytelling only a moment…almost like a brief pause. Until…each time it became a little louder and closer. They looked at each other, especially mother and father. They began to shiver with the cold increasing beyond normal. With a shrug, Father said “its just the rain and wind talking to each other.” But, then it came even closer, louder…more distinct, like voices, talking, then screeching, kind of a crying howling sound. The silence in the little cottage was sudden and tense. The sound, noises, voices…whatever they were, were so frightening and kept getting louder and closer. Father thought to himself “maybe I should board up the windows and block the door.” Mother, to herself, “I should blow out the candles and maybe the darkness will make them go away.” Then they heard voices, saying “Don’t lock us out, and blowing out the candles won’t do any good. What about the fire? We could still find you anyway.” They all heard it and began to shake with fear as a knock, and another knock, and another was heard at the front door. They sat there frozen, looking at each other, when a voice said, “please, let us in!” No answer came so the voice said it again “let us in.” Well, the Father, thinking this whole thing very silly, finally rose slowly and went to the door. From where the mother and children sat in front of the fireplace they could see just what father saw when he, slowly and cautiously, opened the door. The visions were that of human shapes, but very very strange and spooky indeed. The visions all spoke very slowly and distant like “give us something to eat.” “Who are you and where do you come from?” asked Father. In unison again, they said, “we have come a long journey, but not far away.” This didn’t seem to make much sense, but everyone was in such shock. Mother asked, “what do you want?”“ We want something to eat. If we don’t get something nice to eat, we will do things you won’t like. If you give us good things to eat, we will go away and not bother you.” Mother decided to put out all the lovely things she spent the day baking and hoped it would satisfy them so they would go away. After what seemed a very long time, but in fact was only a few minutes, they had finished every last morsel. The strange beings began to leave. But, as they were going out the door they said “That was very nice, so we will be here again same time next year and every year forever after.” They left so suddenly, and the silence was so deafening it was like they’d never been there. Mother would have thought she’d been dreaming, except all the goodies she had baked all day were gone…not a crumb left. Father also thought he imagined it all. The children however, knew all along what was happening as it had been planned all day. The Visitors were their friends, the ones they talked to in the cemetery. The brother and sister had told their friends of mother baking all the goodies that day, and decided to play a trick on her and Father. That night was October 31, midnight. And, every year after that they came. Mother and Father never knew the truth…although, I’m sure they do now. But, the children had continued the traditional even after Mother and Father died, and taught their children to do the same. Their children passed it on down the line through the generations. After the first year the Visitors told others and the group of visitors grew each year, so more and more homes were needed to treat them. Now when you hear strange sounds on Halloween night, and you think it’s the usual neighborhood ghosts and goblins, you may be right…so don’t forget those goodies, or else…

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God’s Gift

I love this gift God has blessed me with later in my life.  It all began while living in Ireland.  I don’t remember which of these came first, and not sure it matters.

One day I started writing the story of my life!  Of course, I don’t think I was going to write it for anyone else to read it.  Anyway, after struggling with it and feeling the pain of some of the memories I decided not to go on.  I wasn’t sure of the point of it anyway.  Hummmmm!  Why would anyone want to read it.

I read the book “The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende  and it is my favorite story to this day.  The book is so much better than the movies.  I read it five times within a couple of months and each time noticed something new.  In addition to the amazing details I love the many underlying positive messages.

I read the information about Michael Ende.  He wrote it for children, but it became so popular with all ages that it was published in many languages and reprinted several times.  I thought “what an amazing legacy to leave behind.”  I began to think about my life and not only did I have no children, but had not done anything of value with my life.

One morning, after my then husband left for work, a story began filling up my brain to overflowing.  I had to sit down with pen and paper, and wrote all day.  I couldn’t stop.  My imagination took me to other places, different ways the story could be told other than as a published book.  At that time I don’t think I actually imagined it would ever be published.  Another great gift was the day, several years later, when I held my published book in my hands.

 

Little One book cover (property of Ann Marquette)

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Have you ever considered writing a book? If so what kind?

Little One book cover

This was an earlier suggested topic and decided it was time to write about it.
Have you ever considered writing a book? If so what would it be about? Make a list of the ideas you want to cover, or the themes it might have. If you’ve never considered writing a book, what other major work have you thought about (a movie? a symphony?). Write a paragraph or two about what you imagine it would be like.

When I lived in Ireland some years ago I thought about writing my memoirs. I started working on it, but it became too painful.

I found a fabulous book…an amazing story and very creative character and scene descriptions. I read it 5 times within three months, which I have never done with any book, before or after. Each time I read “The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende, I noticed something new; usually another underlying positive moral message. Ende had written the book initially as a children’s story. However, it became so popular among adults as well the children that it has been published many times in many different languages. I thought “what an amazing legacy to leave behind.”
Yet, I never thought about myself writing such a story.

One morning, probably a year or so after I had read that book, I woke with a vision of a story gliding through streets of my mind. With a clean, new pad of paper and a pen I sat down and began writing, and writing, and writing….all day.
It was an amazing experience and the first of its kind in my life.

At one point in the writing of the story, another part of my brain was imagining other ways the story could be told besides a published book. I really didn’t think I would ever have a book published!

After that day I would frequently find myself writing more bits and pieces of the story.

Eventually I returned to live in the U.S. and had to spend much time finding a place to live and a new job. In my spare time I would take walks along a river and inspiration would take hold of my mind and fill it with more ideas for the story.
I found a place to rent for a while and a job. Along the path of this new life I made time to write in order to finish the story.

I began to let a few people read a small portion of it, which is a short story by itself. The responses blew me away, and they wanted to read all of it. Then people began to tell me it was wrong of me to not get it published, that it should be shared with the world.

In 2003 “Little One ~ End of Journey Alone” by Ann Marquette was published. That experience was an amazing ride. Holding the book with my story printed in it and my picture on the back was surreal. A huge benefit was finally finding my voice. The best gift of all has been the responses from the readers.

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Shamrocks

This day is extra special to me because I was blessed to have lived in Ireland for 12 years; and made some lovely friends.

And I have friends here who are of Irish decent. Each year at one of the March birthday celebrations the theme is St. Patrick’s Day, even though not actually on THE day. There is a sign draped across the fireplace mantle, shamrock plants on the tables and at least some of us wearing green. We have a great time…especially the birthday boys who are more interested in the gifts they are getting.

I don’t always have anything special planned for St. Patrick’s Day itself, but tomorrow I do.
No, I am not going to tell. I will tell about it at another time, so you will have to stay tuned.

In the meantime, I just heard this young man sing Danny Boy on Britain’s Got Talent http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utfkGocmCiE&feature=related  His voice gave me goose bumps. Enjoy.

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Where would I go?

Ireland

Today’s suggested post topic – When teleportation is finally possible, where will you beam yourself first?

This is an easy one for me. I would beam myself to Ireland to visit my friends and spend time traveling around the country again. I lived there for 12 years. Sadly it has been 18 years since I have been there. I miss seeing my friends there, and visiting places around Ireland.

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If you had a time machine…

Lovely day spent OUT of the house after being cooped up most of the week due to the snow and ice keeping us indoors. It was a beautiful sunny day with warmer temperatures. It helped melt more of the ice still out there.

I missed my brisk walk/aerobic exercise today, but I did get close to an hour of easy walking. Better than nothing though.

I was wondering what I could write about tonight until I checked my emails, and there it was…
Today’s TOPIC: If you had a time machine that only let you spend one hour in a different time, what date would you go to?

I wondered where would I go? Was there a special time with a special someone ~ like my junior prom with Johnny, the love of my life who died the following summer? Was there a special surprise event ~ which would surely be when I assisted my friend in Ireland who was Director of UNICEF by helping finalize plans for the Gala Ball and Auction; and photographing the two days of events with Audrey Hepburn, UNICEF Ambassador to launch the Children’s Relief fundraiser.
Or maybe the day I woke up with a story in my head, and I spent the day writing and dreaming of other ways the story could be old, not just as a published book. I love the amazing magical story, and that first magical day when it began. What about the day my brother came into my life and special times together throughout our lives.

There were many other special moments and very special people as part of those times; and each could be at least an hour I would enjoy going back to in my time machine. I can’t pick just one, but I am grateful for the wonderful memories. And when I think about it, I CAN actually go back and relive and enjoy those moments…in my memory and in my heart…anytime I want.

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These Gates

Photo taken by Ann Marquette in Ireland 1982
________________________________________
These are the Gates to my Home,
and my Heart…
You are welcome to enter both
as Family and/or Friend.
The keys to unlocking the gates
are kindness, peacefulness,
and love…within yourself.
Once you enter…let us always
be gentle with, considerate of,
and loving to each other. These
will allow us to feel at Home
in our hearts and in
God’s presence.
Upon departing, or retiring for
the night…let us always do so
in peace with each other, with
a hug, and a prayer in our
hearts that all mankind may
someday feel the same.
May God Bless and Protect all
who enter These Gates.

©September 1993

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The Visitors

Image via Wikipedia

Getting ready for Halloween.  Read this to the children, or just enjoy it yourself.

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They come in the night, but only once a year…for Halloween.
In Old Ireland…it all began, a long, long time ago, about a century perhaps.It was almost deserted, the countryside. There was a graveyard very near a small thatched cottage. It was nighttime the end of October, and Autumn seemed more like Winter. The rain and wind began their song and dance as the pitch black of the night descended. The only light in the surrounding countryside came from the little fire and two candles burning in the tiny cottage.Father settled in his chair in front of the warm crackling fire, with his corncob pipe. Mother was there too, mending old clothes. The children were playing and whispering together. The boy, six years old, had fair hair and deep penetrating blue eyes that never said what was lurking in the mind behind them. He was very intelligent, but didn’t talk much except with his sister. She was five, with brownish hair and dark brown eyes that seemed to look into your very soul. She too was very smart, but more outgoing than her brother was. Their Father was the keeper of the graveyard, and also the one who dug the graves. The relatives of those buried there lived rather far away and were not able to visit the cemetery very often, or at all. So, it was up to this quiet gentle man to look after the place. The children would go there often to play. Sometimes they seemed to be talking to other people, but no one else could be seen. Mother was a quiet, soft-spoken woman. She took care of the family and home. What else was there to do in this lovely, but deserted part of the country. Just as on other nights, they gathered around the fire after dinner. They would take turns telling stories or just talking about their day. This particular night Father was telling one of his favorite stories…from the old days! Suddenly, there came a sound, then another, and another. It sounded like voices, but very distant, very hushed…and very, very eerie. They all heard it, but would not let each other know they heard it. Father stopped his storytelling only a moment…almost like a brief pause. Until…each time it became a little louder and closer. They looked at each other, especially mother and father. They began to shiver with the cold increasing beyond normal. With a shrug, Father said “its just the rain and wind talking to each other.” But, then it came even closer, louder…more distinct, like voices, talking, then screeching, kind of a crying howling sound. The silence in the little cottage was sudden and tense. The sound, noises, voices…whatever they were, were so frightening and kept getting louder and closer. Father thought to himself “maybe I should board up the windows and block the door.” Mother, to herself, “I should blow out the candles and maybe the darkness will make them go away.” Then they heard voices, saying “Don’t lock us out, and blowing out the candles won’t do any good. What about the fire? We could still find you anyway.” They all heard it and began to shake with fear as a knock, and another knock, and another was heard at the front door. They sat there frozen, looking at each other, when a voice said, “please, let us in!” No answer came so the voice said it again “let us in.” Well, the Father, thinking this whole thing very silly, finally rose slowly and went to the door. From where the mother and children sat in front of the fireplace they could see just what father saw when he, slowly and cautiously, opened the door. The visions were that of human shapes, but very very strange and spooky indeed. The visions all spoke very slowly and distant like “give us something to eat.” “Who are you and where do you come from?” asked Father. In unison again, they said, “we have come a long journey, but not far away.” This didn’t seem to make much sense, but everyone was in such shock. Mother asked, “what do you want?”“ We want something to eat. If we don’t get something nice to eat, we will do things you won’t like. If you give us good things to eat, we will go away and not bother you.” Mother decided to put out all the lovely things she spent the day baking and hoped it would satisfy them so they would go away. After what seemed a very long time, but in fact was only a few minutes, they had finished every last morsel. The strange beings began to leave. But, as they were going out the door they said “That was very nice, so we will be here again same time next year and every year forever after.” They left so suddenly, and the silence was so deafening it was like they’d never been there. Mother would have thought she’d been dreaming except all the goodies she had baked all day were gone…not a crumb left. Father also thought he imagined it all. The children however, knew all along what was happening as it had been planned all day. The Visitors were their friends, the ones they talked to in the cemetery. The brother and sister had told their friends of mother baking all the goodies that day, and decided to play a trick on her and Father. That night was October 31, midnight. And, every year after that they came. Mother and Father never knew the truth…although, I’m sure they do now. But, the children had continued the traditional even after Mother and Father died, and taught their children to do the same. Their children passed it on down the line through the generations. After the first year the Visitors told others and the group of visitors grew each year, so more and more homes were needed to treat them. Now when you hear strange sounds on Halloween night, and you think it’s the usual neighborhood ghosts and goblins, you may be right…so don’t forget those goodies, or else…

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