It didn't take long for the trees to close around me. I looked back and could barely see the tower through the thick branches and leaves. At this point my nerves started to give out. What in the world was I doing? I'm not this adventurous.
I turned around and took a step back toward the tower and stopped. Deep in the back of my mind I felt I should go on. I hesitated, not sure what feelings I could trust at this point. With slow measured steps I resumed my travels on the path.
The forest around me was quiet and peaceful. Different from any other forest I had visited. The usual noises of bugs and wildlife were gone replaced only by the sound of wind moving through the branches high above my head. I craned my neck searching for a landmark ahead, but I could only see the path winding through the trees.
After what felt like an hour I sat down to rest. I was tired and hungry and thoroughly unimpressed with this new adventure. I knew if I kept going it would eventually get dark and I would need to eat and sleep. With these new thoughts I became worried.
What if I never got out of this place? What if I died in this dream? I shuddered. It was like The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe gone crazy. I should have met a faun or someone by now.
Angry this time I turned back and again I stopped. The deep urge to continue almost overwhelmed my senses. At that point I knew I would not be able to return until I finished what ever it was I had to do here in this forest, so I continued on.
As I walked I reviewed every fairytale I had ever heard and tried to figure out which on my brain had thrust me into all the while wondering why I hadn't awakened yet. As I walked further away from the tower I started to notice a change in the forest. The trees started growing further apart and the rustle of the wind in the leave above was now being challenged by other sounds.
The sounds didn't frighten me, on the contrary I felt more comfortable and at ease. After what felt like another two or three hours the trees broke away and I found myself at the edge of a deep chasm.
To be continued...
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
A Thank You To Our Military
So I had the chance to come home for a few days and visit with my Dad and pick up a few things I left in the move. As I was getting situated I noticed a young man across the aisle from me. He was in his Navy blues and looked tired and worried.
A gentleman passing thanked him for his service and a few minutes later the gentleman sitting next to me struck up a conversation with the young man. He was heading home to the east coast to be with his daughter who was in the hospital. He mentioned that he was anxious to get there and I could completely understand.
I always get teary eyed when I see these wonderful men and women in uniform who are sacrificing so much to keep us free and I just want to add my thank you to them as well. I also want to ask those who might be reading my little blog to say a prayer for this man and his daughter. Our military have enough to worry about without having to worry about family at home.
It may be such a little off-hand note from me, but I know if we combine the power of prayer, whatever your religion may be, then hopefully one valiant soul and his family will be blessed.
Thank you to all those who serve in the armed forces!!!
A gentleman passing thanked him for his service and a few minutes later the gentleman sitting next to me struck up a conversation with the young man. He was heading home to the east coast to be with his daughter who was in the hospital. He mentioned that he was anxious to get there and I could completely understand.
I always get teary eyed when I see these wonderful men and women in uniform who are sacrificing so much to keep us free and I just want to add my thank you to them as well. I also want to ask those who might be reading my little blog to say a prayer for this man and his daughter. Our military have enough to worry about without having to worry about family at home.
It may be such a little off-hand note from me, but I know if we combine the power of prayer, whatever your religion may be, then hopefully one valiant soul and his family will be blessed.
Thank you to all those who serve in the armed forces!!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Tower 5
The door opened again just as it had the first time. Without reservation I entered and glanced around. Nothing had changed, except there seemed to be a layer of dust on everything. I looked up at the winding staircase and groaned.
I still hurt from climbing the stairs before and here I had to do it again. With a deep sigh I started. The passage didn't seem to go as long as before and after a much shorter time I found myself at the top of the stairs looking across at the flickering fire.
Everything up here was just as dusty as the main floor, but I turned immediately to the tall chair and the stand where the man had put the book. The chair was empty and the book still sat on the stand. I walked silently across the thick carpet and approached the book.
The dust here was the same as everywhere else. I reached out and brushed it away, anxious to see what was there. The page was blank. I blinked remembering something had been on it before. I looked around hoping the man would return to explain everything, but the room remained empty.
Frustrated and annoyed I walked over to the bookshelves. They were still lined with the many leather-bound book, but they looked even older and more worn. I couldn't understand what was happening. Why did this place look like a hundred years had passed. It had not even been a day.
I took a deep breath trying to picture everything as I had first seen it that morning. The warm fire, the rich carpets and no dust. When I opened my eyes nothing had changed. Frustrated I moved toward the stairs. Clearly there was some sort of magic involved in this, but I didn't understand it nor would I be able to without some sort of help.
Resigned I started down the stairs. I am a practical person, but I love fantasy. This whole dream reeked of fantasy and magic. Yet my practical brain wanted to understand, wanted an explanation. So I was determined to find one.
I reached the bottom of the stairs and left the tower. A large meadow surrounded the tower and tall trees surrounded the meadow. To the north I noticed a tiny break in the trees and what looked like a path. With a tremor of excitement and nerves I made my way to the path.
To be continued...
I still hurt from climbing the stairs before and here I had to do it again. With a deep sigh I started. The passage didn't seem to go as long as before and after a much shorter time I found myself at the top of the stairs looking across at the flickering fire.
Everything up here was just as dusty as the main floor, but I turned immediately to the tall chair and the stand where the man had put the book. The chair was empty and the book still sat on the stand. I walked silently across the thick carpet and approached the book.
The dust here was the same as everywhere else. I reached out and brushed it away, anxious to see what was there. The page was blank. I blinked remembering something had been on it before. I looked around hoping the man would return to explain everything, but the room remained empty.
Frustrated and annoyed I walked over to the bookshelves. They were still lined with the many leather-bound book, but they looked even older and more worn. I couldn't understand what was happening. Why did this place look like a hundred years had passed. It had not even been a day.
I took a deep breath trying to picture everything as I had first seen it that morning. The warm fire, the rich carpets and no dust. When I opened my eyes nothing had changed. Frustrated I moved toward the stairs. Clearly there was some sort of magic involved in this, but I didn't understand it nor would I be able to without some sort of help.
Resigned I started down the stairs. I am a practical person, but I love fantasy. This whole dream reeked of fantasy and magic. Yet my practical brain wanted to understand, wanted an explanation. So I was determined to find one.
I reached the bottom of the stairs and left the tower. A large meadow surrounded the tower and tall trees surrounded the meadow. To the north I noticed a tiny break in the trees and what looked like a path. With a tremor of excitement and nerves I made my way to the path.
To be continued...
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Tower 4
I opened my eyes and realized I was back in the hotel room. It was a dream, or was it? I felt like no time had passed. The sunlight was still coming through the window, but it was a bit dimmer than before. I glanced at the clock. It still read the same time.
I yawned and rolled out of bed. My legs were sore and stiff like...I thought about my 'dream'...like I had climbed hundreds of stairs. I shook my head. This wasn't possible.
Suddenly the phone rang. I jumped and then reached over to answer it. My wake up call. With a groan I stiffly got up and showered and got ready for the day. I had three flights to work and then we'd be coming back to the hotel for another night.
When I finished I grabbed my lunch and manual and left the hotel room. Everything seemed slightly off, like I was still dreaming. The sounds around me echoed a little and I took a deep breath trying to shake the feeling. I reached the lobby and met my crew and then we hopped on the shuttle to the airport.
The day was normal and when we returned to the hotel that afternoon I made a beeline for my room. It had taken two flights for me to shake the weird feeling and I was anxious to change and relax. I planned to walk around the hotel and soak in some of the beautiful sunshine.
When I changed I sat on the bed feeling suddenly tired. Unconsciously I lay down and closed my eyes. When I opened them I was again standing in front of the tower.
To be continued...
I yawned and rolled out of bed. My legs were sore and stiff like...I thought about my 'dream'...like I had climbed hundreds of stairs. I shook my head. This wasn't possible.
Suddenly the phone rang. I jumped and then reached over to answer it. My wake up call. With a groan I stiffly got up and showered and got ready for the day. I had three flights to work and then we'd be coming back to the hotel for another night.
When I finished I grabbed my lunch and manual and left the hotel room. Everything seemed slightly off, like I was still dreaming. The sounds around me echoed a little and I took a deep breath trying to shake the feeling. I reached the lobby and met my crew and then we hopped on the shuttle to the airport.
The day was normal and when we returned to the hotel that afternoon I made a beeline for my room. It had taken two flights for me to shake the weird feeling and I was anxious to change and relax. I planned to walk around the hotel and soak in some of the beautiful sunshine.
When I changed I sat on the bed feeling suddenly tired. Unconsciously I lay down and closed my eyes. When I opened them I was again standing in front of the tower.
To be continued...
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Time
So I haven't really been busy, but I have been very lazy and not writing when I should have. I have no excuse just tired and lazy oh and wait and ear infection. So that's my excuse. I still wanted to write even though it would be totally boring and I hope you can forgive my lapse.
Hopefully there will be something creative coming out of me tomorrow.
Hopefully there will be something creative coming out of me tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Tower 3
A figure sat in the shadows of a tall-backed, reading chair. I couldn't see his face, but I could tell he was very tall and broad shouldered. I backed up until I felt the bookshelves behind me.
"Who are you?" I demanded.
"I am the owner of this tower," came the gentle, but firm response.
"But who are you?" I asked again slowly.
"Unfortunately I can't answer that question right now," he replied. "I have been waiting for you for quite some time now."
"Me? You were waiting for me?" I couldn't fathom why he would be waiting for me. I was a simple girl from a small town working as a flight attendant for a smaller airline. I was not anyone of importance, so why would this mysterious figure in the strange tower be waiting for me?
"For all the reasons you just listed in your head and for the fact that you were brave enough to climb the stairs...and because you saw the books before you even knew I was here," he replied. Even in the shadows I could tell he was smiling.
I relaxed a little, very little. I still didn't understand so I waited for him to continue.
He took a deep breath. "There is a book on the fourth shelf with a dark purple cover and silver writing, will you bring it to me?"
Though nervous to turn my back on him, I faced the shelves and located the volume in question. I pulled it carefully from the shelf. It was very old and the leather was worn and cracked on the corners. As it fell completely into my hands I realized it was very heavy, more so than any text book I had ever carried in college.
I stepped toward the chair and the man moved to get up. For the first time the firelight illuminated his face. It was a very handsome face with piercing blue eyes and dark brown hair. His features were tired and worn, but the wisdom in his expression could not be masked.
He got to his feet and I looked up in surprise. He had to be at least six foot seven or taller. I stepped back involuntarily and he paused. A look of chagrin crossed his face and he reached out carefully for the book I held.
"I forgot how my height amazes your people," he said moving toward a reading stand.
I shook my head. "Only a little surprised. I have a cousin who is six seven," I replied. "I just don't see many people as tall as you."
He looked back at me with an expression of pleasure. He carefully set the volume on the stand and began turning the pages. I watched for several moments before I realized that he hadn't actually touched the pages.
When he stopped he beckoned me closer. Though still a bit uncertain I moved to his side and glanced down at the pages in front of us. In an instant I could feel myself being pulled back through the darkness of sleep.
to be continued...
"Who are you?" I demanded.
"I am the owner of this tower," came the gentle, but firm response.
"But who are you?" I asked again slowly.
"Unfortunately I can't answer that question right now," he replied. "I have been waiting for you for quite some time now."
"Me? You were waiting for me?" I couldn't fathom why he would be waiting for me. I was a simple girl from a small town working as a flight attendant for a smaller airline. I was not anyone of importance, so why would this mysterious figure in the strange tower be waiting for me?
"For all the reasons you just listed in your head and for the fact that you were brave enough to climb the stairs...and because you saw the books before you even knew I was here," he replied. Even in the shadows I could tell he was smiling.
I relaxed a little, very little. I still didn't understand so I waited for him to continue.
He took a deep breath. "There is a book on the fourth shelf with a dark purple cover and silver writing, will you bring it to me?"
Though nervous to turn my back on him, I faced the shelves and located the volume in question. I pulled it carefully from the shelf. It was very old and the leather was worn and cracked on the corners. As it fell completely into my hands I realized it was very heavy, more so than any text book I had ever carried in college.
I stepped toward the chair and the man moved to get up. For the first time the firelight illuminated his face. It was a very handsome face with piercing blue eyes and dark brown hair. His features were tired and worn, but the wisdom in his expression could not be masked.
He got to his feet and I looked up in surprise. He had to be at least six foot seven or taller. I stepped back involuntarily and he paused. A look of chagrin crossed his face and he reached out carefully for the book I held.
"I forgot how my height amazes your people," he said moving toward a reading stand.
I shook my head. "Only a little surprised. I have a cousin who is six seven," I replied. "I just don't see many people as tall as you."
He looked back at me with an expression of pleasure. He carefully set the volume on the stand and began turning the pages. I watched for several moments before I realized that he hadn't actually touched the pages.
When he stopped he beckoned me closer. Though still a bit uncertain I moved to his side and glanced down at the pages in front of us. In an instant I could feel myself being pulled back through the darkness of sleep.
to be continued...
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Tower 2
The door swings eerily open beckoning me. I step over the threshold and look around. The light from the door illuminated the room revealing a tiny fireplace and an enormous stone staircase.
I could feel the cold and smell the dank, musty air of an unused building, but a fire crackled in the fireplace. I scanned the room suspiciously looking for anyone who could have built the fire. It seemed deserted so I decided to try the stairs.
I felt uncomfortable from the first step a feeling that I was being watched haunting me as I descended. The stairs seemed to go on forever winding up and up. I glanced at my watch and realized it was missing.
Time seemed to stand still as I lifted one foot after another. The sound of my shoes slapping against the stone echoed up and down the stairway. Just when I thought it would never end I reached the top of the stairs.
Thick carpets with strange designs covered the floor of the circular room. Another fireplace, much larger than the one downstairs, sat on the far wall with another fire crackling merrily. I could feel the warmth from the stairs. I slowly walked across the floor my steps silenced by the thick carpets.
I reached out my hands feeling the heat. It toasted my fingers and up my arms. I turned around to let the heat warm the back of my body. I looked around the room taking in the surroundings. An old fashioned desk sat across from the fire with a whole series of bookshelves lining the walls several feet out from the desk.
Books with worn, leather covers filled the shelves. For the first time I noticed the pungent smell of leather in the air. I crossed the room again this time heading straight for the books. The titles were all written in a slanted script and sparkled like gold or silver.
"The ones on the right are the most interesting," a deep voice said behind me.
I whirled around to face the speaker.
to be continued...
I could feel the cold and smell the dank, musty air of an unused building, but a fire crackled in the fireplace. I scanned the room suspiciously looking for anyone who could have built the fire. It seemed deserted so I decided to try the stairs.
I felt uncomfortable from the first step a feeling that I was being watched haunting me as I descended. The stairs seemed to go on forever winding up and up. I glanced at my watch and realized it was missing.
Time seemed to stand still as I lifted one foot after another. The sound of my shoes slapping against the stone echoed up and down the stairway. Just when I thought it would never end I reached the top of the stairs.
Thick carpets with strange designs covered the floor of the circular room. Another fireplace, much larger than the one downstairs, sat on the far wall with another fire crackling merrily. I could feel the warmth from the stairs. I slowly walked across the floor my steps silenced by the thick carpets.
I reached out my hands feeling the heat. It toasted my fingers and up my arms. I turned around to let the heat warm the back of my body. I looked around the room taking in the surroundings. An old fashioned desk sat across from the fire with a whole series of bookshelves lining the walls several feet out from the desk.
Books with worn, leather covers filled the shelves. For the first time I noticed the pungent smell of leather in the air. I crossed the room again this time heading straight for the books. The titles were all written in a slanted script and sparkled like gold or silver.
"The ones on the right are the most interesting," a deep voice said behind me.
I whirled around to face the speaker.
to be continued...
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Obedience
Obedience was the theme at church today and in my scripture study. We talked about our willingness to follow the Lord's commandments and how we can be blessed by being obedient. In the Book of Mormon Nephi tells his father that he will do what the Lord commands, 'for I know the Lord will provide a way.'
I have thought about this statement many times over the last few months seeing how the Lord has provided a way for the things in my life to come together. I quit my job and two weeks later heard about an interview with the airline. Now I am a flight attendant and loving my job for the first time in years.
I could give a hundred different examples, but the reality is that if I am willing to obey the small and simple commandments the Lord will bless me. That doesn't mean life will be easy on the contrary there will probably be even more challenges, but I will be a better person for holding to my values and standards. I will be stronger as an individual.
I am grateful for the blessings I have gained by being obedient to the commandments of God. I know there are many people out there who believe in some sort of a higher deity and some who don't believe in anything, but I do know that what ever you believe if you can follow those basic laws of positive living or the commandments we have been given we will be blessed.
We must understand though that the blessings may not be what I want, but the Lord will make sure it is what I need.
I have thought about this statement many times over the last few months seeing how the Lord has provided a way for the things in my life to come together. I quit my job and two weeks later heard about an interview with the airline. Now I am a flight attendant and loving my job for the first time in years.
I could give a hundred different examples, but the reality is that if I am willing to obey the small and simple commandments the Lord will bless me. That doesn't mean life will be easy on the contrary there will probably be even more challenges, but I will be a better person for holding to my values and standards. I will be stronger as an individual.
I am grateful for the blessings I have gained by being obedient to the commandments of God. I know there are many people out there who believe in some sort of a higher deity and some who don't believe in anything, but I do know that what ever you believe if you can follow those basic laws of positive living or the commandments we have been given we will be blessed.
We must understand though that the blessings may not be what I want, but the Lord will make sure it is what I need.
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Tower 1
I lay in bed listening to the rushing sound of the morning traffic on the freeway just below my hotel room. Sunlight filters through the sheer curtains creating a natural golden cast on everything it touches. Despite the freeway there is a peaceful feeling in the room. I close my eyes wanting to bask in the experience for just a little longer.
The sounds from the freeway melt into the background and are slowly replaced by another. It is familiar, but unfamiliar. I listen carefully until I finally realize it is the rustling of leaves in a morning breeze. I open my eyes and to my surprise find myself lying on a soft carpet of moss in the middle of a forest.
Massive trees reach hundreds of feet to the sky. The sunlight passing through the leaves make distorted patterns on the ground beneath my feet. I turn around in awe taking in the strange beauty all around me. Uniquely shaped bushes are scattered across the forest floor. I reach out to touch one and it shimmers and blurs before me. When my eyes refocus I find the bush has moved several feet away.
Confusion washes over me. Where was I? How did I get here? These questions fill my mind with increasing fear. I close my eyes and take a deep breath calming my scattered nerves. When I feel ready I open them and look around carefully. A trail, slightly hidden by the strange bushes, lays just to my right. I move toward the trail stepping carefully past the foliage.
I walk for what seems like hours weaving in and out between the massive trees. Ahead I notice a change in the light; I increase my pace. I can see now there is a break in the trees. I approach it cautiously not wanting to fall off a cliff or anything. It feels like the trees step aside for me to pass.
I now face a clearing the size of half a football field. In the center of the clearing is a tower made of beautiful round stones. An arched doorway at the base catches my eye. I slowly make my way to the doorway. It looks like wood, but with the sparkle of granite in the sunlight. As soon as I reach the door it opens.
Nervously I step across the threshold.
to be continued...
The sounds from the freeway melt into the background and are slowly replaced by another. It is familiar, but unfamiliar. I listen carefully until I finally realize it is the rustling of leaves in a morning breeze. I open my eyes and to my surprise find myself lying on a soft carpet of moss in the middle of a forest.
Massive trees reach hundreds of feet to the sky. The sunlight passing through the leaves make distorted patterns on the ground beneath my feet. I turn around in awe taking in the strange beauty all around me. Uniquely shaped bushes are scattered across the forest floor. I reach out to touch one and it shimmers and blurs before me. When my eyes refocus I find the bush has moved several feet away.
Confusion washes over me. Where was I? How did I get here? These questions fill my mind with increasing fear. I close my eyes and take a deep breath calming my scattered nerves. When I feel ready I open them and look around carefully. A trail, slightly hidden by the strange bushes, lays just to my right. I move toward the trail stepping carefully past the foliage.
I walk for what seems like hours weaving in and out between the massive trees. Ahead I notice a change in the light; I increase my pace. I can see now there is a break in the trees. I approach it cautiously not wanting to fall off a cliff or anything. It feels like the trees step aside for me to pass.
I now face a clearing the size of half a football field. In the center of the clearing is a tower made of beautiful round stones. An arched doorway at the base catches my eye. I slowly make my way to the doorway. It looks like wood, but with the sparkle of granite in the sunlight. As soon as I reach the door it opens.
Nervously I step across the threshold.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Source URL: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AStone_Tower_at_Hillcrest_Cemetary_Grafton_State_Hospital.jpg
to be continued...
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