Robin Murphy's Blog, page 12
January 15, 2013
Honoring with Bags of Sand and Candles/2009
Thermal socks…check. Thermal underwear…check. Wind and rain-proof coat, boots, scarf, and gloves…check. Feeling as though I had all that was needed, I headed to the field with my nail clippers and lighter.
The gang was beginning to arrive as I saw the first grid line of paper bags straight as an arrow run up the hillside. The rain had turned to a mix of snow and the wind blew it sideways. I headed toward the wheel barrel and grabbed as many bags as I could and began to drop them beside the pieces of marked gray tape wrapped around the bright orange chord.
This is an understood process that my husband and I have been doing for the past seven years. We had been asked to join a group from Main Street Arts, close friends of ours, in 2002. We had the opportunity to witness the glowing bags on the battlefield that first Saturday in December of 2001. It was our first year of living in Sharpsburg, MD. But nobody prepared us for the fulfillment of laying down close to a thousand bags filled with sand and candles representing 23,110 casualties of the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862.
Our group was asked to take on a new field this year around the MD monument, which we proudly volunteered for, and began calling upon friends for help. We knew this would be a large task, but we were ready for the mission. We listened to instructions from our trusty leader, Dave LeMarie, and went to work dropping the sand-filled bags with candles.
The next step in our process was to open the bags, clip the wicks with our nail clippers, and place the candles squarely in the sand. After the first line of forty bags I began to feel my knees and back ache and my gloves became soaked through from the wet snow.
We continued on. We didn’t give up until the last bag was dropped. Maybe it was because of the gratification of knowing what we were doing. Or, it could have been the fact it was time for lunch and we knew there was warm soup and chili awaiting us back at command central, Dave and Annie’s place.
As our group slowly filtered in for lunch, we shared our stories of frustration with the weather. The wind was picking up and we were concerned how our next step was going to pan out…the lighting of the candles. We patted each other on the backs for sticking with it and warmed ourselves with great food, warm coffee, and wassail. We took turns throwing wet clothing into the dryer and relaxed until we had to go back out and fight the elements.
It’s a grand expectation for this event each year. You get to visit with old friends and meet new. The group has grown each year, and we always rally around the TV to watch the traditional college football game. As the afternoon continues and we are sufficiently refueled, we begin the ever-long process of donning on our layers of clothing. We receive our parking passes for our vehicles, and head back out to our field to light the candles.
Upon arrival, we notice the snow covered bags and wonder how we will keep them open. We cuff the top edges over and begin lighting the wicks. The lighters stop working as they freeze from the wet snow. We feverishly keep trying but the wicks slowly die out and leave us with unlit candles and disappointment. Some of us continue relighting them, but others of us have lost the will and head back to our cars to again thaw our bodies and dry out our attire.
While waiting for our car-load to return, we learn the ceremony of dignitaries has been changed to take place inside the Visitor’s Center. We decide to head back to command central without passing through the routine volunteer review. We are torn because we know what this represents. We compare what the conditions would have been for those men of the blue and gray in September of 1862. It may not have been in the rain and sleet, but nonetheless, they wouldn’t have given up. They would have dredged on to fight for what they believed in. But we believed we did the best we could given the circumstances of the weather.
We return to command central to defrost for the final time. We again share our stories of the weather breaking our will to keep the candles lit and weren’t sure how many actually remained aflame. A final decision was made to drive through the battlefield when we were finished with dinner and visiting. I suppose it was an inner drive to keep the tradition going of what we do every year and the magic of seeing the battlefield all aglow.
When the evening is over, I return home after a long, cold, wet, and exhilarating day. I hang up my coat knowing I won’t have it on again until the next first Saturday in December. I place my boots, scarf, and gloves on the radiator to dry and plop myself into bed. My cheeks are still a bit cold and chapped, along with my lips. My toes and fingers are still thawing out as I smile into the dark knowing yet again, for another year, I’ve done my best to give representation of the sacrifice of those men back in ’62. It’s such a small and simple thing to do for that one day out of the year.
January 5, 2013
Triggers
I was thinking of triggers today, no I’m not talking about Roy Roger’s horse or what you pull on a gun or rifle. I’m talking about triggers that come and go throughout your life that spark a memory, such as a song, or a smell of a certain food, or a scent of perfume or cologne. I watched a movie today and for some reason or another it triggered me back to my childhood remembering things from days gone by.
I remember on a warm spring night leaving my bedroom window open hearing the crickets and smelling fresh cut grass from the afternoon mowing. Or the startling wake up call to the 2 a.m. sounds of the milkman delivering milk through the neighborhood. Hearing his starts and stops at each house and the rattle of the glass bottles being placed in the insulated metal milk box on our porch.
I drifted to the summer days when I couldn’t wait to have my breakfast and hurriedly do my chores so I could go outside and play at the playground up the hill from my house. I would swing, hang on the monkey bars, and get dizzy on the merry go round for hours. Then it was a quick lunch and back outside to collect empty soda bottles with my friends in a wagon so we could make the trip to the local market to buy penny candy. We would laugh all the way home and sit under somebody’s tree and eat the candy until we thought we would bust.
I especially loved the nights of organizing the entire neighborhood into a game of kick the can. My house was usually home base and the places to hide were spectacular. I even remember stealing a kiss from one of my crushes up in a tree. I was quite the tom boy growing up and the carefree life I had as a kid was perfect.
As I look back, I truly believe those days in my neighborhood presented so many opportunities of friendship, growing and learning, and just plain fun of being a kid. I’m thankful for it. So, if you have a trigger, I hope it makes you smile just as mine did, because I wouldn’t change a single thing.
What are your triggers from your past that make you smile?
December 17, 2012
December 14, 2012
Inspiration Comes in Many Forms
So I’ve been away from my writing since October due to vertigo issues, but I am on the mend and finally got back into my groove. During this time, I received a negative response for my second book, Secret of the Big Easy. I learned it was a personal attack and it broke my spirit and confidence. It was so disheartening. I worked very hard at not allowing it to keep me from my goals and dreams.
I cannot deny I found myself wondering if I was on the right path. Needless to say, I had a bit of a pity party and later told myself to get over it. I decided to cast my cares out into the Universe and asked for a sign to let me know if I was on the right path; whether I should continue writing, or was I wasting my time.
Low and behold, Wednesday evening we heard a knock on our door. My husband answered it and came into the parlor and said, “There’s someone here who wants to purchase your book.” I thought he was kidding until I saw a woman enter the parlor behind him. She introduced herself and said she first saw the book for sale at Nutter’s (local ice cream shop) and when she went to purchase the book, it wasn’t there. She asked where it was being sold and they told her I lived right down the street. She then proceeded to knock on another door, our neighbors, and was directed to me. She hadn’t realized I had two books and decided to purchase both of them for her sister for Christmas. I even gave her a discount.
After signing the books and saying goodbye, I closed the door and looked up and smiled. I knew it was my sign. Sometimes I need a two-by-four, but I got it. My angels led this woman to me, out of the blue, and she went to two other places until she found me. Who would have thought…?
So, when you’re going through ups and downs, whether it be for health, family, finances, or career path. Don’t give up on your dreams and goals. And if you reach a point of complete frustration, then cast your cares out to the Universe. You never know what form of inspiration will come back to you. Have a great day…and for you writers out there…keep on writing.
October 31, 2012
The Dark Sacrifice
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The brilliant moon created a glow through the trees upon the marble altar. He stood at the end of the altar between her thighs and held the dagger in his hands raising it up toward the sky catching the reflection of the moon onto her breast. Carefully he whispered his praise and sacrifice for Beelzebub and set the dagger down between her parted thighs as the golden inverted pentagram swung from the chain around his neck.
He raised the chalice in the same fashion and whispered the identical prayer of sacrifice and placed it next to the dagger. The illuminator stood to his left holding a candle over the bible. The attendant stood next to the illuminator holding a small gong while the thurifer was at his right holding a boat of incense.
The congregation of dark robed and hooded figures stood in their ritual circle as the candle flames danced and swayed in the warm breeze. The gong was struck three times as the deacon and sub-deacon bowed their heads in unison with him.
He raised his hands and chanted aloud, “Before the mighty and ineffable Prince of Darkness and in the presence of the dread demons of the pit, and this assembled company, I acknowledge and confess my past error. Renouncing all past allegiances, I proclaim that Satan-Lucifer rules the earth, and I ratify and renew my promise to recognize and honor Him in all things. I call upon you, my Brother, to bear witness and to do likewise.”
He removed the black veil from the paten and black wafer and raised it to his chest and gave thanks. He took the thurible and proceeded to incense the altar and the gifts. He incensed the chalice and wafer with three counterclockwise strokes, and made a profound bow. Then he raised the thurible three times to the inverted cross and bowed. Assisted by the deacon and sub-deacon, he incensed the top of the altar and the sides of the platform. The gong was struck three more times.
He raised his hands again and said, “Therefore, O mighty and terrible Lord of Darkness, we entreat You that You receive and accept this sacrifice, which we offer to You on behalf of this assembled company, upon whom You have set Your mark.”
He placed the wafer between her breasts and continued, “In the name of unholy fellowship we praise thee.”
She began to feel herself slowly become aware of her surroundings as she heard a low clanging of a gong. The incense burned her nostrils and her chest felt wet and cold. She sluggishly opened her eyes and saw the glittering stars blink against the dark sky. Suddenly she heard the loud unison chant and the moon became eclipsed by two hands holding a dagger. When she looked at the nude man wearing a rams head she screamed and felt a sharp pain pierce her chest. Blackness set in as the stars began to slowly snuff out one by one.
October 26, 2012
Guaranteed Publishing Contract Spell
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You will need:
½ cup of Haggis Scented Oil; a sheet of parchment paper with your name written on it in green ink; a small dish (capable of holding liquids); a pink candle
What to do:
Light the pink candle, and place the parchment paper in the dish. Little by little, pour the oil on the paper while saying thrice:
Paper contract come alive and grow
Pour down on me both high and low
Snuff out the candle, and leave the dish undisturbed, in place, for three consecutive nights. During those three nights, re-light the candle and recite the chant.
October 21, 2012
A Ghost Investigation of Mutual Respect
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I finally got the opportunity to tag along on a ghost investigation and the experience didn’t disappoint. Antietam Paranormal Society (APS), co-founded by husband and wife team Rebecca and Jeremy Boyer, is a group of individuals of, well…let’s just say great folks. Being a writer of paranormal mysteries involving psychics, spirit guides, and yes ghost investigating, it only seemed fitting I experience everything to get the full depth of creativity in my writing.
When I arrived at the Masonic Temple I was greeted warmly by APS members who welcomed me as I registered and signed a liability waiver. I entered a great room with antique grandfather clocks, ornate wood trim, and tall majestic windows. We were introduced to everyone and then had the distinct pleasure of meeting the Worshipful Master, Ben, and hear the history of Friendship Lodge, 84.
Ben took us from room to room and shared stories of past members who visit the Lodge from the other side. He also explained what it means to be a member of a group of such honor and integrity. He enlightened us with the activity that has occurred in the temple, such as a lady in white (who has been seen by some APS members), Al Davis, a past member of the Knights Templar and Chaplain, and a woman and child who frequent certain spaces. Al is believed to be the protector of the building and quite frankly will not tolerate any shenanigans taking place within the lodge, especially from women. But that’s okay, because it was clear to see that everyone easily gave Al the respect he was due. It was also apparent of the respect between APS members and associates of the Masonic Temple.
After taking the tour, learning the history and claims of spirit activity, we all arrived back in the great room and broke out into two investigating groups headed by the co-founders. We were also given the ghost investigating rules of etiquette for fellow investigators, as well as the building itself.
Then the lights were extinguished, flashlights were motioned on at a downward angle, and the two teams left to their ghost hunt destinations. I was with Team Jeremy and we headed upstairs to the Blue Lodge first. After getting acclimated and learning from Jeremy the tools of the trade he carried, we sat back and began our investigation.
Jeremy placed three LED flashlights in the middle of the room on the altar and ever so slightly maneuvered them in a position to allow the spirits to communicate by turning them on and off. And turn on and off they did. Questions were asked and answered through the flashlights and spirit box, and we learned that an Eddie was with us. Activity was a bit slow but it was still exciting to witness firsthand a ghost trying as hard as it could through the energy in the room to let us know that he/she was there.
Next stop was the purple room, one flight up, and where the Eastern Star meets. We were told the activity was heightened in this room, and again we witnessed communication through the flashlights and spirit box. After the first hour and a half the two groups took a snack and bathroom break on the main floor and organized a switch from upstairs to downstairs.
Team Jeremy was now headed to the “smallatorium” in the basement and Team Rebecca headed upstairs. Jeremy gave us the tour of the entire basement and again team members shared their personal experiences in these active areas.
After arriving in the small dressing room on the top floor, we all sat down and again began our investigation. With flashlights and spirit box on the ready we asked our questions and tried to get a response. With only receiving a small amount of communication through the flashlights, Jeremy, Ryan and Chris tried a different approach and began to provoke the spirits. It was to no avail so we decided to leave and head to another room. But as we walked through the room with lockers, our attention was called to a handprint left in the dust on the floor. Nobody had noticed it before and the size was quite large. Jeremy immediately radioed the other team and asked if anyone had been sitting in that particular area. The reply was no. Another odd factor about the handprint was that it was positioned in such a way that you either had to be on your knees facing the wall or oddly placed sitting down. Nobody could explain it so we chalked it up as a personal experience.
After three and half hours of investigating, I decided it was time to head home. I signed out on the log, said my goodbyes and good luck, and was kindly escorted by Jeremy and Christian to my car.
On my drive home I was left with a resolution to my wonderment of what it would be like to do a ghost investigation. It exceeded my expectations for many different reasons. First, the investigation as a whole was organized and ran like a well-oiled machine. The team was cordial, informative, knowledgeable, enjoyable, and downright funny at times. It was obvious this group jelled together like butter on toast.
Second, before I got this opportunity I wasn’t aware of the time and effort that went on behind the scenes to get an investigation together. There is research, client contact, paperwork, and let’s not forget the amount of time it takes to set up the equipment and to make sure everything is in working order. It’s not as it seems when you watch the TV ghost investigations. There is countless documentation that takes place before, during, and after an investigation. Let alone the countless hours to do the analysis.
So I raise my glass to APS to a job well done at the Masonic Temple. I thank you for the invitation to be a part of your group for a few hours and I hope you have many newfound investigations, as well as your regular hunts. It opened my eyes and will help me write particular scenes in my stories.
To those of you who missed out on this opportunity, be sure to stay in touch and watch for the next occasion APS has for a community ghost hunt. I can promise you, you’ll leave satisfied. And for those skeptics out there, that’s okay, we won’t hold that against you. But I’m here to tell you from personal experience, that I can definitively say I was communicating with a spirit last evening. Not sure if it was Al or Eddie, but whoever it was from the other side, I thank you for your time on our side.
October 4, 2012
Finding My Writing Mojo
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After attending the Baltimore Book festival on Sunday, I felt a bit depleted of my selling results. I always try to go into each opportunity for selling with a positive mind and believing that I always learn something from it, no matter how many books I sell. And I did have that very idea in mind when I set up my display. Unfortunately after sitting for five and a half hours, I only sold two books.
I did meet some nice folks and enjoyed meeting and chatting with the authors around me, but it still didn’t relieve the frustration I had of the money and time spent to rent a spot in the author’s tent. So, it’s taking me a little while to get back into the groove.
Working full time and trying to stay up with all of the marketing through my author platform takes me away from my writing. Which is what all we writers want to be doing, right? I’m about a quarter of the way into the third book of my series and for the life of me I can’t get my writing “mojo” back. I’ll go through certain days of the week where I’ll get rejuvenated and I’ll write a few pages, and then I find myself drifting away from it…which drives me crazy because I love my story and the characters.
So I thought I’d do a little blogging and see if I can’t get my frustrations out on the page and maybe, just maybe it’ll work me into a natural flow pulling me back into my story. I find there have been many different ways of getting me over that hurdle; sometimes it’s reading one of my favorite authors or just blabbing away like this on my blog. I know its perseverance and sometimes if I just press on, it’ll help. But I’m a bit of a panster and I really need to “feel” it…if that makes any sense.
What do you writer’s do to motivate yourselves back into writing? We all have moments where life interrupts, right? Maybe share your thoughts to help others out of their slumps.
Thanks again for listening, and remember, keep on writing!
September 20, 2012
More Promotion for Authors at Ask David
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First Book in the Paranormal Mystery Series Sullivan’s Secret Dr. Marie Bartek and the SIPS team
September 13, 2012
Authors…Free Promotion for your Book at Ask David!!
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Here’s a great site for promotion of your book/s, and more. Take the time to fill in the form, it’s worth it..and so easy! Here’s the link: http://askdavid.com/free-book-promotion
