The Legend of the Blue Moon

Do you all remember that old saying, "once in a blue moon?"  Well we officially had one last night.  A blue moon is when there are two full moons in one month. For us (Mystics) it is a few hours where everything becomes entirely different, some would say insane.  I remember seeing a vampire put his pants on his head and his shirt on his legs.  It was freaking hilarious!

But that is what happens during this rare occurrence.  Our behaviour becomes erratic but it is not in a harmful way.  For one day our behaviour becomes a little uninhibited due to the changes in the moon and the tides.   I remember the last blue moon when I put on Angelica's (the angel) fancy gown and did a handstand.  I was trying to be a bellflower.

In the Earth Realm, it is more subtle than that. My behaviour didn't change but my circumstances did.  I had just arrived to Vancouver Island and I saw the moon was bright, beautiful and so blue. It was true proof that the mystical and magical can exist in this world. 

We stop at is this whimsical little place off the road called "Ice Cream Mountain".  It's not really a mountain made of ice cream (I checked) but it is a romantic little spot worthy of first dates and moon magic. 

I got a huge surprise when I saw that they have the same ice cream flavors in this place as they do in our favorite market town of Merkiva in the Nether Realm.  So, I decided to order a scoop of  "Moon Mist" and a scoop of "Rainbow Sherbert."  I had forgotten the flavor of Moon Mist but it was very yummy.  The Rainbow Sherbet was just as I remembered; bright and lively to the taste.  These ice creams are from a company called "Island Farms."  I am curious if they are from the Nether Realm because of the names of some of these ice cream flavors.  I'd like to meet them and find out.

So there I am, enjoying my delicious moon-a-licious ice cream, admiring the view and appreciating the blue moon in a beautiful calm spot.  Come to think of it, not being wild and being serene is very unusual for me.  I guess that was my blue moon oddity.  Everyone has a weird night where the unexpected happens on a blue moon.  What happened on your blue moon last night?

Picnic in the Plaza - Out of this World

Can anyone imagine a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday than being out and about?  Especially when that out and about happens to be in the East Village of Calgary where a lively event, Picnic in the Plaza, is taking place.  What happens there is that many food trucks are spread out by the River Plaza.  These trucks are looking to sell some food and make their presence known. They are similar to the food carts in our world that you see  most in the market town of Merkiva.  There is also a small stage with the "Bass Bus."  Live musicians and deejays played some hot beats and chill melodies.  Sounds like heaven right?  And it's just by the river, so it was paradise.
 

 I came to this event with an old Naga friend that I made in college.   We haven't seen each other for a year and she happened to be in my neck of the realms.  She asked me not to write her name for privacy reasons and I have to respect that.  Many of us know Nagas are half human, half snake creatures from the Hindi/Buddhist regions and are a part of the Siren Clan.  They are similar to mermaids, as they can change their tails into legs. The difference is that they can reside on land and not be affected when water touches their legs.  They still have to be careful because their transformation can happen when they are the most relaxed.  Now being water creatures, they are often the most relaxed when close to water.  We decided that we would go check this thing out and I am really glad that we did.  
 
Our adventure began when we paid our $5.00 at the door and went inside.  The first thing we saw was a small caravan that sold clothing and jewelry. Their clothing was of the more vintage, bohemian, casual type but the jewelry, I lost my heart to it.  It is made locally from recycled material and made to look as if it came from another time.  My friend could not leave without a blue stone necklace that reminded her of home. I don't blame her.  And you know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say these items came straight from the Nether Realm. 

After we had finished admiring the clothing caravan, my friend and I explored and sampled a little of this and a little of that.  I think my favorite was either the mango bruschetta or the triple chocolate cupcake.   Both were so delicious that I could not decide which was better.  I must warn everyone though.  Do not buy the "Love Potion".  My friend and I both agreed that all it would stir up is divorce.  One taste of this would ward off all kinds of human contact.  So naturally, we kept it for protection.  No offense to those who made it but you can't win them all.  



  

But we felt like we won.  The ebb of the river and the eclectic music made the whole event more joyous.  We decided to eat our unusual tacos out by the river since there is an opening at the fence right by it.  My friend, being a Naga and so drawn to water, was very pleased that we did this.  As we ate, we dipped our feet in the river. To me the water was ice cold and damn frigid.  Not so much fun for me but for my friend, she loved it.  To a Naga any water, especially if water is hard to come by, is sacred no matter how cold.  
 
We were listening to the music.  It had some good pulsing beats but it was mellow enough to just enjoy.  The sound of the music seemed to match the look and flow of the water.  I wonder if these musicians and deejays knew this. To be serenaded that way while we chilled out by the water was like we were back in the Nether Realm.  Because she was a little to relaxed, my friend's snake trail showed a bit causing a little concern.  But I covered it with my jacket until her legs came back and luckily no one noticed.  So all is well.

If there is another food truck event like Picnic in the Plaza, I recommend you check it out.  If you have a good friend, good food, good music, water and a warm spring day, you will have a splendid time.


  

Happy Ghost Stories

Good day everyone!  After seeing so many trailers and advertisements for the movie, "Poltergeist" (No it's not about you Bobby), I decided to go out and hear a few real life ghost stories in this realm.  What is unique about these stories is that these are not stories of tragedy but rather happy ones.  Here is one such tale.

A young woman who chooses to remain anonymus tells me about her experiences growing up in a haunted house.  Her story begins at the tender age of 3 years old.  One night while she was asleep in her room, she woke up having the need for a glass of water.  When she opened her eyes, she saw a strange man with brown hair and a beard.  He wore an old fashioned brown suit with a black tie, had circular rimmed glasses and brown dress shoes. He was a very intellectual looking man. 

Never-the-less, the girl being too young to understand that the apparation meant no harm, ran to her parents bedroom and got her mother.  When her mother came with her to look in her room, the man was gone but she believed her daughter because she once saw this man too.  She told her daughter that she saw him as a reflection in the window one day and when she looked back he disappeared.  Her mother assured her that this ghost is harmless.  This story helped the girl feel better enough to go back to bed. 

After a few nights of seeing this man, he finally spoke her and assured her to not be afraid.  He wasn't there to hurt her, he only wanted to talk to her.  She spent a couple of hours listening to his story and realized that he was telling her the truth.  He meant no harm.  She learned that he was a medicine man who treated alot of women and children.  He has helped many but unfortuneatley he couldn't help himself.  He got really sick with consumption and passed away but he wasn't through helping others.

Many visitations happened with him, until he and this little girl became good friends.  They sat on the grass together whenever she played outside, they'd watch movies together and sometimes they would just sit and talk.    He helped this woman just by being there for her and being a friend.  Even to this day when she visits her family, she still gets a sense that he is still there watching over her.  With that she wanted to say, "Thanks Harry, for everything." 

Our next story is from a man (he too, chooses to be anonymous) who had an invisible named Louis.  This began in his childhood as well.  As a young boy growing up on the farm with many older brothers and sisters, he would play outside often.  One day, he was playing in a hay stack while his brothers and sisters were at school.  He was playing with some of the kittens that he and his family owned.  Naturally, he climbed all the way to the top of the haystack thinking he was king of the mountain.  Suddenly, he started to fall but someone caught him.  It was a man who was tall with very blue eyes and a big grey moustache.  This man introduced himself as Louis and for the rest of the day, the young boy had some company. 

Later that night, his mother asked him what he did that day.  He told her about Louis and the fact that he met him over at the hay stack in the field.  After listening to her son, the mother had realized somthing.  The desciption of this man fits with the boy's grandfather.  He had never met him, nor has he seen his picture, so how could he know this?  His mother remembered of how her father always took care of the fields as he was a farmer himself. So it made perfect sense that her son would see him out there. Louis was a good man who lived a long healthy life and met a good death in his sleep.  She imagined that he was not at rest because he wanted to watch over things a little longer.  After that day, the boy never saw Louis again but still thinks of him now and again.  

There you have it.  There are some happy ghost stories out there.  You just have to look for them or if you are in the Nether Realm just talk to one of our ghostly residents. They are always happy to have a chat with you. If you have a fond memory of a ghost or a tale where you met a kindly spectre please share it on my blog.  I'd love to know what others have experienced. 

Shouting Out to the Shape-shifter Clan

Well this is my latest shout out!  And I want to say a friendly "Hi there and Hello!" to the Shape-Shifting Clan.  Love you guys!  And no not just because I know that you guys can rip all of my extremeities off of my body.  But because you guys are one of the biggest builders, helpers and defenders of all those who really need your help. 
Yes, I am talking about the werewolves, werecats and the many weres out there.  You guys are the greatest!  Thanks to you guys, we have good homes, safe streets, and food on the table (even though that food is mostly meat).  These friendly, outdoorsy folks have always come through in a time of trouble.  Without them, I don't think any of the clans would be here today.  I know I wouldn't be.

I remember being a small child wandering through a meadow when this dark ominous shadow appeared before me.  It tried to reach out to me with these large pointy claws.  I was so scared that I froze right then and there, completely unable to move.  All of a sudden this large grey dog-like creature jumped out of the long grass and clawed at it.  The shadow let out a screech and vanished.  Just as it did, this beast looked at me for a few moments, sniffed me (for any injury I think) and then ran away.  I never did get to meet him (I don't think).  But I have met several others and they have been nothing but nice.

Now don't get me wrong.  These guys have an angry streak.  If you cause them harm or to anyone they care about, they get into a rage and destroy everything in sight.  To say that they make an awful mess is an understatement.  I haven't seen it personally but I heard many a tale about homes being in shambles and... well people dying (not so fun to talk about that).
Still, they are real party animals.  They are fun and have some amazing stories to share.  If you ever find yourself sitting across from a shape-shifter at a dinner party, don't walk away.  Stay there because you will hear some of the most interesting and intriguing stories.  For example; the werecat I was talking to at my friend's party.  She actually went through a whole building in this realm (Earth) with noone seeing her.  She went in and out of vents and noone noticed.  Not even the video cameras. 

This could be a good spy movie, right?  Before I finish flattering you guys, I will say one thing.  You guys have got to stop shreading all over my furniture.  And as for the werecat that scratched up my couch.  You are paying for it!  Anyway, lots of love to you guys and thank you for all you do.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Well St. Patrick's Day is over, and that means that all mystics have to go back to work.  It's nice having a day off to get things done especially when one of those things is the celebratory green beer.  It's really nice that we celebrate and say thanks to all our Irish mystics with a day off.  We owe them alot.  For example, our leprechauns have helped us all when it comes to money.  They are our most gifted accountants, bankers, etc. 

 Without them, our economy back in the Netherworld would be struggling like it is here in the earth realm.  That reminds me I want to give a shout out to my leprechaun friend back home.  "Hey Mikey!  Thanks for helping me get my lovely new living space.  You're a real pal." 

I love St. Patrick's day.  It's a fun day and not just for the beer but for the music, the dancing and all things green.  Speaking of green, I hear that Chicago (USA) has it's river running green.  Talk about getting into the spirit of things.   How many places do this?  ...Seriously how many? 

Well as you all know St. Patrick's day is a day to commemorate the man who got rid of all the snakes off of Ireland.  Guess what his name is.  :P  Anyway, I have learned not too long ago that snakes might have been a metaphor for pagans and other non-christian types.  (Yeah right.  Good job Patty, since none of them had left.) 

Well lets not focus on that.  Let's focus on the fun. If we are thinking in Christan values, this is the one day that you can indulge in food and drink (aka green beer) during lent.  Now come on, Who doesn't love that?  Since I'm in the earth realm.  I will enjoy my St. Patty's day just relaxing, enjoying some pub food, and having my favorite green beverage.

<-----Oh yeah and wearing green.  Hope you all enjoyed this lovely holiday!  Please feel free to tell me what you all did.

New Orleans Post 3 - The Museums and Culture

This Journey takes us to New Orleans Museum of Art or NOMA for short.  This is the place to find amazing works of art from the medieval ages to our modern society.  From east to west, Native to European, the art here is varied and beautiful.  A fascinating piece of history sits right before you with an explanation and a story to fascinate even the most uninterested of people. 

My personal favorite was the portrait of Marie Antoinette by Vigee Le Brun.  Big, tall and majestic.  That is exactly how I would have pictured her.  And I also liked the Chinese Snuff Bottles that were made from various materials such as jade and brass.  As you all well know, we still use those in our world.  We often use them for medicines or small potions but the humans (both Chinese and Europeans) used them for containing powdered tobacco.  If you are feeling homesick, take a look at these lovelies and know that its not as far as you think.

My next visit is to the Botanical Gardens that are just next door of NOMA.  Now this is a place where the flora captures you in an art all of its own.  I don't know about the rest of you but the majesty of nature always inspires me.  There are not as many flowers at this time of year but there are some that are not around where I am from (especially this time of year).  Floral trees, beautiful fountains, trees that seem more alive than anything else and little wild flowers popping up where you would least expect them.  And I can not forget the statues that remind you of Ancient Greece.  Go there to meditate or catch a glimpse of the wonderful plants.  It's not expensive at all either ($4.00 USD) when you want to connect to nature.

When it comes to learning more about history, there is a museum that you must go to and that is the World War II Museum.  Real life WWII Veterans will be happy to share their stories with you.  They are very intense, tragic and make you appreciate what we have today due to these noble people who sacrificed so much.  Even the locals speak really high of it and you get a first hand education of what happened in those days.  You won't get a better one. 

Now for something really unique, visit the Sculpture Garden.  The oddest and coolest structural pieces are there including what looks like a giant spider.  Something's you have to use your imagination for but others you can not help but admire the effort that these artists put in the detail of all these pieces. 

If you want art, history or getting a first hand experience of the culture that New Orleans provides check these places out.  You will find the wondrous in each and every one of these places.

A shout out to the undead clan!

 On my trip to New Orleans, one of the biggest supernatural centres of this realm and you guys are sure making a name for yourselves here.  Some of you are praised and some of you are feared but one thing you all have in common in this neck of the swamps is that you make things interesting.

  

Now as all you know, the undead clan consists of vampires, ghosts, zombies and the many more beings that fill that list.  This is the clan that very few understand and that most humans over exaggerate with their stories.  I have taken a tour that describes some of what happened in New Orleans. (Details will be described in a later blog).  And you guys gave these poor souls a really big scare especially if they are talking about it a couple centuries later.  

Most of us mystics know that this clan is the most mysterious and misunderstood clans of them all.  You'll bump into these people now again and often times they do not attack you.  They are people just like anybody else.  the vampire (for example) needs blood to live just like humans need food but often times, the blood is collected in a way that no one dies nor are they harmed.  Places like blood donations for example is one way they collect it.  Sometimes they will have animal blood or tomato juice (the later is usually a diet drink for them).  

Ghosts are humans who are just stuck in a certain surreal immortality that can leave them lost or confused.  Sometimes not though. Those that know they are ghosts and wish to stay that way can "live" very happy and productive existences as  we see in the nether realm.  They mean no harm or I'll will just let them be.  

So yes,  many are quick to judge them without really talking to them or getting to know them.  Granted some are @$$#0|€£ but just like humans and other Mystics that's not all of them.  Many of them are good kind souls that wish no one any harm.  But keep up the good ghost stories guys we need the entertainment.  And please keep it fictional.