It is a blustery October morning, and the sun is hiding behind smoky clouds. The shadowy day was pale and chilly, yet I hoped to make a quick journey to the pumpkin patch. Because today, of course, is the
Hauntingly Magical Celebration, hosted by
A Fanciful Twist, and I needed some lovely pumpkins to adorn my home!
Pulling my cloak a bit closer about me, I made my way to the pumpkin patch. I knew a shortcut I could take... but I was a bit fearful. The old Haversford Cemetery had a reputation for shifting shadows and whispering trees, and the stories the locals told... But I was running late, and I reminded myself ghosts usually only rattled their chains at midnight, and it wasn't yet noon.
The rolling hills, dotted with their crumbling tombstones, was as silent as... the grave. Then a noise, whisper soft, made my heart beat faster. I peeked around a stately oak, and caught a glimpse of someone else making their way through the stones.
"Hello?" I called, but was answered only with a soft sigh of swishing branches as this mysterious wandered disappeared in a thicket of crimson leaves. Curious, I peered into the tangled branches.
A key, large and rusty, dangled from the branch, a mysterious invitation. Pumpkins forgotten, I reached for the key...
It had to belong to the cloaked figure I spied in the graveyard. I could just follow the path, the branches still quivering, to see where she had gone off to. Just to see if the key was indeed hers. The branches created a darkened tunnel, twisting and turning, until suddenly I stumbled into the open, and saw the House.
Large and stately, it loomed against the pale sky. A heard a door thud shut, but not before a soft laugh floated across the expanse. "Wait!" I cried, "I think I found your key?" I trotted up to the front porch, the echo of that laugh still ringing in my ears. I knocked on the door, but no one answered. I considered the key in my hand, and my curiosity overcame me.
The door opened without a sound, and I poked my head inside the darkened foyer. "Anyone home? Helloooooo..." I thought I heard footsteps above, and a dim light flickered above, making shadows play on the staircase in front of me.
I followed the elusive footsteps, and found myself in a small room, the only light filtering in through a lonely window...
But wait! There was a light in the corner.
A small table stood in the corner, and it looked as though a child had just left his play.
Little wooden blocks lay abandoned, and a magazine lay open to a charming little puzzle. I moved the blocks aside, wanting to see the little story...
A Halloween Party! So the owners of the house were having a party, too, perhaps! I glanced about, wondering where these elusive people might be. I went back to the door and listened - but the house was still. I turned back to study the puzzle...
..but that was strange. I don't think those blocks were stacked like that. A tinkling laugh from behind me sent shivers up my spine, and I decided I had seen enough of this room...
I went downstairs. I would just leave the key on the kitchen table, write a note, and get out of this house.
Back downstairs, I headed down the hall and found myself in a lovely sitting room.
A large fireplace looked lonely next to the forgotten chair, and I found myself wishing that a warm, crackling fire were lit. A glimmer of candles at the other end caught my eye. There was a table set up, and in the candlelight I could make out a stack of boxes. Presents, perhaps? It was looking more and more like a party was being planned.
But what kind of party? Black and white packages were nestled among the candles...
...and mysterious little books were tucked in among the boxes...
I looked up in the flickering candlelight, and let out a muffled scream - someone was there!
I let a sigh of relief. It was merely a statue. "Is that you, William?" For I recognized the bearded Bard, Shakespeare, and felt oddly comforted by his presence. A familiar face in this flickering darkness. But then the words from Macbeth came unbidden into my mind, and I found myself whispering into the darkened room, "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes..."
I gave a nervous giggle, and looked at ghostly companions keeping old William company...
These frightful but delightful pumpkins leered and grinned in the darkness, and I continued on into the house, calling out. "Hello? Anyone here?" Still no answer. "Trick or treat?" But still, no answer. A few more steps, and I found myself in what had to be the kitchen. The table was set, but no guests seemed to have arrived...
But this was the strangest kitchen I had ever seen. The shelves held dozens and dozens of tiny little glass bottles, all with very unusual labels...
Wing of Bat? Phoenix Tears? Ground Mummy? I decided, then and there, that it was time for me to leave.
"Ok, well, I am just going to leave your key here, ok?" I called out to the flickering darkness. "Have fun at your party..." I added, at a loss for what else to say to the empty house.
Thank you...
It was a whisper, softer than a sigh, and it was right behind me...
I dropped the key and ran out the back door, not looking back until I was safely out of the house. I turned for one last look. I heard music floating from the window.
Was that - no, could it be? I could hear the strains of "Monster Mash." I put my chilled hands in my pocket, and found a note. Heart beating, I unfolded the piece of parchment, and read:
Dinner is at seven o'clockLaughing, I folded the note up, and made my way to the pumpkin patch. I was going to need more pumpkins for the pies I planned to bring to this
fabulous party.
good time :) I will be doing a random draw Monday morning (October 19) from the comments for a delightful prize!
It is no secret I love pinks and greens. With two boys, I love the chance to girl it up with some pretty pastels! With Christmas around the corner, however, these colors are perfect for more than just "girly" cards. Gingerbread and candy canes, frosting and minty goodness are for everyone! This little card was super fun to make. I have been so busy with Halloween preparations, it was nice to push aside my black cardstock and pull out some red and pink! 
More wintery wonders await you at the Pixie Cottage blog... the Design team has been working like Santa's elves to bring you some Pixie Peeks!
