Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Mystical Roommates

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Bing images
I believe in magic.  No, I'm not making that up and I'm not kidding.  I really do believe in magic.  No one can convince me it doesn't exist.  I see it constantly and as a child was always a bit confused as to the why of no one else noticing these same unique moments.  Fortunately, I was born into a family with an amazing, witty, warm hearted Mom who also saw the occasional magical moment.  Humor lives in the overall personality of my large, prolific, Irish Clan of a family, as does an active imagination and a decidedly healthy Story Teller gene.  We all have it, some more than others.  Perhaps that Story Teller gene is responsible for some of us recognizing magic here and there.  For whatever reason, I received an especially strong application of that genetic tendency.

I joke often with friends about House Elf activity.  I'm sure you've either heard of it, or you've experienced it.  You know....your car keys mysteriously disappear and are eventually discovered in some absolutely bizarre, unexpected location that you swear up and down you were not responsible for.  Socks disappear in the dryer on a regular basis.  Pretty, shiny things like rings, watches, earrings and cell phones, or important things like wallets also unexpectedly disappear for weeks at a time, only to surface, out of the blue right slap in the middle of the living room carpet that you just finished vacuuming earlier the same day.  No way on Earth could the jewelry items have escaped the relentless suction and rotating rollers of the vacuum. 

How, then, do they suddenly materialize in the very middle of the freshly cleaned carpet?  If this sounds like first hand experience to you, you have a good eye...it is my firsthand experience and yes, that has happened to me, jewelry, vaccuum and all, quite recently. What causes this?  I have an answer for you.  It's Elf Activity.  Again, no, I'm not kidding.  You don't see any exclamation point on the "not kidding" part because I'm serious!  Okay, that last did require an exclamation point, just for a little extra emphasis, but I'm still not kidding.

This has happened to me throughout my life, the mysterious disappearing items, quite often of the shiny, sparkly variety and then the equally mysterious reappearance of those items in unlikely locations.  I suspect it is the Wee Folk.  Do I feel this to be true because I'm of predominantly Irish descent?  It might be a factor.  There is also Native American Indian heritage, Cherokee, in my family tree.  Those are two very strong, mystical races who believe(d) in the natural cycles of Mother Earth, respect(ed) the Four Elements of Earth, Fire, Water and Air, and also believe(d) in the presence of magical beings.  The Irish call them the Wee Folk.  "The Cherokee call them Nunne hi (forgive me for not being able to place the proper diacritic pronunciation marks on that word - blogspot word processing tools do not accommodate that at this time), or the 'immortals', and believed they lived near running water sources"...springs, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. (The Folklore of Faeries, Gary R. Varner, AuthorsDen)

I live in East Tennessee, which is graced with endless fresh, fast running water sources.  Much of the geological makeup of this area is sandstone and limestone, which not only provide a purification process for water as it trickles through the sediment and layers of the aquifers, but also harbor quartz rock crystal.  Quartz crystal, my friends, is a conductor of energy.  It is scientifically proven to have a measurable electrical signal of very precise frequency (Wikipedia), which is why it is commonly used to regulate clocks and wristwatches. 

Can you tell I've given this topic a lot of thought?  Why did the Native Americans believe that the Nunne hi inhabited the land surrounding fast running, fresh water sources?  Why did the subsequent Irish immigrants who came and settled this area also believe that the Wee Folk were in evidence here?  Could it be possible that back then, when there were no machines to mask sounds or deaden our natural senses, that Native Man and other races who respected the Old Ways might have been more in tune with the cycles of Nature than we are able to achieve today?  Could it be that the surrounding geological makeup of certain regions provide(d) a frequency that, perhaps, thinned the doorway between dimensions and allowed those with certain sensitivity to "see" these beings?  In olden days, this ability was called having "The Sight" in the Smoky Mountains and in the Old Country - in this case, Ireland.

These are just my own ruminations on the topic.  I can't prove any of it, but I do see some connecting points in my theory and in many of the ones I have researched over the years.  I know that I have regularly experienced those odd moments of personal items disappearing and reappearing that convince me there is more afoot than my modern age eyes and senses can quite grasp.  So, in my own unique way, I choose to be open to the possibility that the Wee Folk exist.  When something disappears in my home, I've learned to be patient, maybe have a lighthearted conversation or two with the Invisible Ones who may be using that item for a bit, and eventually it will reappear in one of those random, unlikely locations.  The occurrences are so extremely odd that it tickles my sense of humor to no end. 

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Bing images
When I lived in a different apartment about 6 years ago, I had a platinum ring that I wore daily.  One afternoon I took it off, as I did nightly, and placed it in the little crystal bowl that held the few pieces of jewelry I wear daily.  That crystal bowl was in my bedroom, on an antique buffet that doubled as a chest of drawers. The next morning that particular platinum ring was missing.  I looked high and low, scoured the area around the chest where the crystal bowl sat, retraced my steps, searched the clothes I had worn the prior day, even searched my car and the walkway leading to my front door.  The ring was nowhere to be found.    

I acceded to my invisible roommates and stopped searching for the ring, letting them know they were welcome to wear it, admire it, play with it, do whatever they liked and that I looked forward to having it returned when they were finished with it.  You may be reading this and thinking that I am a bit more than eccentric.  If so, that's okay.  You probably have some habits that I would find curious and that you'd probably not be so bold as to write about in public forum; that's what makes us all unique and beautiful.

Getting back to my story about this platinum ring, when I began packing to move from that particular apartment, one afternoon I moved a bar stool from a corner where it had been placed and not moved since the day I moved into that unit.  I had never sat in that bar stool, had never placed anything there, nor had anyone else.  It occupied an awkward spot in the dining room that made it impossible to sit comfortably, so that bar stool just filled that corner, untouched and unmoved.  That day I pulled it out and sneezed from the resulting cloud of dust (okay, I said it sat there, untouched & unmoved...I'm not that vigilant about dusting unused furniture).  I lifted the stool to carry it to another spot and saw a sparkle on the cushion. 

You guessed it....right slap in the center of the bar stool seat cushion was my long lost platinum ring.  Remember, please, that I said that barstool was placed in that awkward spot the day I moved into that apartment and then wasn't shifted a single inch until 2 years later when I was preparing to move - there was no logical explanation for how that ring could have found its way to that spot on its own.  I know I didn't place it there.  In fact, the day I moved into that apartment, I had yet to purchase that platinum ring so it couldn't have been misplaced there during the moving in process. 

This little scenario has played itself out over and over throughout my lifetime with various shiny, sparkly items.  I can only surmise that the Wee Folk who now have drifted into our personal living space become bored within the confines of an apartment environment and seek to entertain themselves with something pretty.  I have rarely "lost" something of this nature permanently.  Indeed, I find that as long as I acknowledge the item is merely being borrowed and graciously encourage the enjoyment of the borrowing, the item generally reappears fairly soon.  The entertaining, often delightful part of the process is the humor that is employed in the reappearance of these items.  They're crafty, the Wee Folk, with how they return things, choosing the most intriguing, exasperating and unexpected moments and locations to drop the item back into my dimension. 

Because I see this as a strong possibility and because I firmly believe in the existence and truth of other mystical beings and magical occurrences, I find that I exude a lightness of Spirit that is attractive to others.  Perhaps they recognize the simple joy that springs from embracing concepts that we most often abandon with childhood years.  Possibly they appreciate that I am willfully, unabashedly and without shame, declaring that magic does exist.  It is certainly a bold statement to make and many will read this and shake their heads in dismay that I, a serious writer, would choose to embrace such concepts, not to mention write about them in public forum. 

I have to throw my two cents in here and tell you that yes, I am a serious writer, but that serious respect for my craft does not prohibit me from expressing, in writing, the beauty that I see in the possibility of magic still existing.  In fact, I feel it demands that I write certain truths, be they delightful, mystical and magical, or more prosaic, occasionally uncomfortable topics such as grief management, or droll ones such as the refusal to follow accepted rules of writing.  My writing style changes with my moods and today, I felt like giving voice to my mystical, spiritual, Story Teller side.

In the forgotten mists of time, we were a different people.  We moved with the seasons, respected the land, embraced the cycles of Nature and, I believe, had much clearer vision to see the realms and dimensions that we are now, sadly, nearly blind and numb to.  A few of us, however, retain some small divining spark that allows us to still sense tiny indications of magic.  Some of us notice what others claim as common forgetfulness and/or being careless with possessions to actually be the proof that mystical beings and magic are still afoot. 

This topic was prompted by a recent conversation with a girlfriend in social media format that gave me "fizzies" (happy, warm, bubbly inside-ness) in abundance, as we went on a virtual visit of the Emerald City and took a detour to an enchanted dragon cave.  It was a delightful bit of whimsy designed to lift this friend's spirits as she approaches a small hurdle along her Life Path, but it also was a conscious, intentional nod from my inner Spirit to hers, recognizing that yes, magic does exist, still, in both of us.  In that moment, merely having that lovely conversation carried the spark of magic strongly enough to make us both smile, not just that evening, but in my case, well into the following day.  This topic was also prompted by another friend, this time male, who is forever being visited and teased by his particular troop of House Elves - they like his keys, his cell phone, and most recently, his wallet.  This friend recognizes the enchanted part of my Spirit and allows me to speak freely of magic and mystical possibilities.  The two occurrences, with both friends, spaced so closely together in time, nudged me just enough to sit down and tap out these words.

Photo courtesy of
Bing images
Magic, these days, is an elusive element.  It slips teasingly just beyond our fingertips, most often eluding our grasp, wafting lazily beyond reach to lure us forward, to continue searching...to continue dreaming...to continue BELIEVING.  I do not feel the beliefs I espouse here in this blog article are in direct contradiction of my faith in God/Universe/Spirit.  I believe that magic and mystical beings are an intrinsic part of the makeup of this beautiful Earth that houses us all, and that all of these things that are seen and not seen with human eyes are all Divinely created.  Magic, and mystical things, therefore, although elusive, are all around us, waiting for us to consciously, willfully, joyfully, simply believe.  That is when they sparkle most brightly, you know, and when they just might pay you a visit and borrow something pretty.  If you welcome that magic and that touch of the mystical with a smile and an open heart, you just might find yourself engaging in sometimes comical, occasionally exasperating, often delightful treasure hunts.  The purpose of having mystical roommates these days, I believe, is simply another friendly reminder to us that, just maybe...magic is afoot. 

Simply believe...and be joyous!

29 comments:

  1. A fellow believer, though I can't say that I have had the experiences you have had - perhaps I'm too blind - I do thanks the trees for their sacrifice so we can have heat for the winter. My latest writing exercise (which I have sadly not been able to work on) is about a 20th centruy teenager who, due to unfortunate circumstances, crosses over into the D&D world of druid magic etc. I use D&D to give me parameters but I love the story and out it has grown. Even though I haven't worked on it for months, it still hovers in the back of my brain, patiently waiting for me to get back to that world of magic, where house elves or pixies, and driads, though not seen by many, inhabit his world.

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  2. Thanks for visiting, reading and leaving a comment, Anna! I bet you do have those experiences - if you start to pay attention more, they'll begin to crop up. And you'll begin to get tickled by the moments, I promise you!

    I, too, have begun manuscripts and then put them on the back burner, so I know how you feel about that. I have a futuristic romance that I write on for a bit, then tuck away until I have a good stretch of time to devote to it again. That genre of fiction is so much fun to write!

    ~ Dawn

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  3. I think those elves of yours paid a visit to my home today (well technically yesterday since it's 1:30 AM, making it Wednesday). My mom woke up & couldn't find her glasses. She swore to me she put it on the dresser next to the bed & we spent half the day looking for them. I even checked behind the dresser & behind the bed frame...nothing. Then a few hours later she asked me to check again, so once again I looked everywhere & lo' & behold it decided to appear behind the bed frame. I had checked back there 3 different times & it wasn't there...rather strange experience but at least we found her glasses lol.

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  4. Oh I love even more sweet Dawn, we do have so much in common. First off I am Irish & Cherokee as well...with a little German added in but I've always considered myself Irish. All 4 of my Great Grandparents on my Mom's side were born in Ireland & my Dad's Great, Great Grandmother was 100% Cherokee...fun.

    Anyway I not only believe in magic I believe in miracles. Miracles & Magic happen everyday around us, we just don't take the time to see it anymore.

    Hugs to you & thanks for sharing.

    Bill

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  5. "Simply Believe"

    Dawn, you don't have to tell me twice. :) And I don't think that you need to ask what I believe either. LoL

    Magic is a beautiful part of life and in my opinion we simply cannot believe when there is so much magic around us everyday. To most, it's a matter of opening ourselves to it.

    I have been a believer in magic since I was very young, looking for and being open to. Although I am not Irish, I have studied and read stories of the Wee Folk and Fairies of both Ireland and Scotland.

    Magic is beauty.

    I wonder Dawn, if that is partly where your bright and beautiful sparkle comes from! (A wonderful question to ponder as a travel the yellow brick road today) :)

    Very Nearly
    (Queenie Scott-Hopper)

    I never quite saw fairy folk
    A-dancing in the glade,
    Where, just beyond the hollow oak,
    Their broad green rings are laid;
    But, while behind that oak I hid,
    One day I very nearly did!

    :)

    What a great post Dawn. All my love to you!

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  6. My mother-in-law gave us a diamond from her original engagement ring. She's divorced so she felt it would be a nice thing to pass on to us. The single diamond disappeared and reappeared three times..and on the third time...it never reappeared. Sometimes the crafty elves take, keep & covet! We've had a few other strange disappearing and find it where you'd never expect it. The difference is, I don't always put the blame on the elves....Haha,,,,there are other forces at work as well =]

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  7. Thanks magical Dawn, on behalf of my 'wee peeps'. They appreciate the good press. I have Alzie - she reminds me that I am not old and senile, I've just gotten WAY too busy so she hides something or trips me so I have to stop and not ask 'what was I looking for' but 'what wasn't I looking for.' When I'm centered again, the object returns. Another is Hoppie (after my grandmother). I'm not ticklish, but at the most serious and very stodgy business meetings, Hoppie will pop in and find a way into my steel toe boots and grab my toes. You just have to laugh and ignore the serious looks. But, the all time prankster is 'Little One.' Little One likes paper, books and pens - my admitted idols in life. She is so brash that she takes them even when they were right next to me and nothing has moved. She hides treasured thoughts and scribbles I've written in my pant's pockets (which were examined and found empty), only to be discovered when most needed. They are my delight and when people comment on the blue sparkle in my eyes, I smile - one of them is peeping out!

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  8. Oh my word, what an amazing response to this post! I admit that, prior to posting, I wondered how it would be received. Some people believe, are open to certain concepts and embrace the energy; others are condemning, rigid and judgmental. I'm delighted that the comments here have been of the former variety!

    Anahid, your Mom's glasses have shiny parts w/ the lenses being reflective. I am not surprised they were "borrowed" for a wee amount of time & it tickles me that they reappeared in a spot you had already thoroughly searched. Typical of their crafty ways!

    Bill, yet another thing in common between us! I wonder occasionally, do we see and recognize magic because we descend from the Irish & Cherokee people? Or were we born into families of that heritage because we brought magic with us? Not that the answer matters - we are who we are and I like the both of us! Thank you for visiting today & enjoying my work.

    Bernadine, what a wonderful little poem! I had never read it, so thank you for sharing with me here. Perhaps this is where some of my sparkle originates; I also think it comes from being raised by such a wonderful Mom who always believed in me and never asked or told me to stifle or bury my feelings & beliefs. She allowed me to be completely myself & taught me to laugh, embrace life fully and to always look for magical moments.

    S.k., I'm laughing at your comment, because yes, occasionally they do covet and keep. You never know though, sometimes I have items return years down the road. And if other forces are at work with that particular situation, perhaps the friendly Wee Ones are still at work to retrieve it for you. That diamond may resurface in the most unusual way at some point!

    Beth, I loved your Wee Folk and I love even more that you have given them names! I'd say they appreciate you all the more for that reason. And I agree w/ you on the sparkle in your eyes being a hint to the world. Perhaps this is how we, as those who do believe, recognize one another? I believe it to be true.

    Finally, each of you, to my eyes, sparkle with that unique light that tells me, as always, that yes, magic is real. Thank you, my friends, for such perfectly wonderful comments!

    ~ Dawn

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  9. I am the house elf of my house...constantly hiding things from myself and now my mom too! Ok, seriously, I'll be watching for these critters but only from the corner of my eye. Dawn you are amazing, and your gift of writing is amazing. Thank you for sharing this with all of us, in world where everyone tries to quantify everthing-magic, faith, and belief is dying-it is wonderful to know someone like you who breathes the mystery of life in all things. <3 U

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  10. Lisa, you leave me speechless with your beautiful comments on a regular basis. It is humbling to see myself through your eyes, and also uplifting in such a solid, encouraging way - you let me know with your comments that, yes, I am right where I need to be, and I am accomplishing my dreams. Thank you for sharing them with me and for coming with me on the occasional mystical, magical journey. :)

    ~ Dawn

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  11. That is pretty hard for anyone to argue away your ring being found in that chair....wow!

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  12. Isha, those two simple words say it all, don't they?! I had to laugh & nod my head. Thank you for stopping by for a visit & sharing my sparkly world!

    VKT, yep, I agree w/ you about that ring. When I spotted it in that seat cushion, then realized what had happened, it actually gave me chills. I couldn't come up with any other reasonable explanation for the way it happened either, other than magic being afoot! Thank you, as well, for visiting my page - I love to see new faces and meet new friends!

    ~ Dawn

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  13. hi, everyone!
    i see i am a little late with reading that. i am stunned. i have always believed in elves, gnomes, fairies and all the underworld. the 'house elf' as you, Dawnie, call him has been messing up with me all my life. like two days ago i was at the table and i needed my big orange scissors. they are pretty easy to notice. but i couldn't find them anywhere. so i had to give up and sit back down at my table just to see them in the middle of it, lying there - and there's no way i put them there.
    when i was little my mom never believed my stories but i swear i had my legs touched and heard some strange talks behind my ears and had my toys replaced. oh, Dawnie, i never know what is the next thing you will surprise me with. but i know you'll continue to do so) thanks!)) haha
    P.S. wow , you are brave to share!

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  14. Nata, my love, I'm happy you took a moment to visit and read this post! I am not surprised, once again, that we share these common experiences. And you know, my Wee Folk like scissors too - I have no idea why. Perhaps the shiny metal and colorful handles? I am forever "misplacing" scissors, only to find them as you did, right slap dead center of where I last looked and where they were NOT, seconds earlier!

    I never know what my next topic will be in blogging either, so it's an equal surprise to me, each time when inspiration hits. That's part of the joy of writing for me; that, and knowing that my friends come along with me on the journey.

    Much love to you, sweet!

    ~ Dawnie

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  15. Today, I had to think of the the "Wee people" as I searched high and low for a pair of swimming trunks I needed. Do you think they go swimming in my bathtub when I'm not looking?

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  16. LOL...Marty, you never know what the Wee Folk might get up to when your back is turned. I have this mental image very similar to the movie, Toy Story, where the toys come to life when all the kids are asleep - perhaps the Wee Folk wake up and play when we're asleep or just not paying attention? It's an interesting concept to ponder. I just had to laugh at the thought of them doing the back stroke in your bath tub!

    Thanks for the visit, the comment and as always, the laughter, my friend!

    ~ Dawn

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  17. You know, I believe that you can see magic only if you believe in it, and since most people don't believe, they don't see. Simple as that. Their mind is not open to things their brain can not perceive.

    Hope it makes sense :)

    Have a great day, Dawn!


    The Colors Magazine

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  18. Lena, it makes perfect sense to me. I think that so many of us walk around in a state of mental fog for various reasons - life is hectic, family & work responsibilities constantly tug at us all. I was fortunate to be born into a family who all Still see the magical sparks that dance around us, so I guess in that regard, I never lost the ability that we all have as children. Once we leave childhood behind, I think it becomes a conscious choice w/ each individual as to whether they choose to hold onto belief, and thus, are still able to "see" magical moments. I'm delighted that so many people who have read this post have also retained this lovely gift!

    Thanks so much for your comment, Lena.

    ~ Dawn

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  19. I am glad you had the courage to write this. I wish I had the courage to write about things I've experienced in my life without a sarcastic tone. It's just that sometimes, because of the details, if I don't play it off like I am just kidding, people will think I am nuts. I say I don't care what people think or believe about me, but there is a part of me that does care, and so I don't say what I think because of what inevitably happens when I do share what I experienced.
    I liked this post. It made me feel less alone

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  20. Tom, thank you for the comment! I will be very honest and say that I wondered if I'd catch some negative reaction from this post, and I was prepared for that to happen. I debated for a while, then decided to go ahead and give voice not only to the concepts, but also to who I am on a very basic, intrinsic level. If that means that some might think I'm a trifle loopy (or nuts!), so be it. As of today's date, I haven't experienced any negative comments. Indeed, people have been very gracious & this post also seems to have opened up conversation about a phenomenon that many of us experience and harbor secret belief in.

    I'm glad you liked the post, Tom, and that it made you feel less alone as you mentioned. I do believe there are many of us, like-minded Souls, who believe in possibilities that have been relegated to childhood fantasy or fairytale thinking. You are definitely not alone! Thank you for visiting, reading & leaving a comment. If you continue to visit, you'll find that I am giving voice to other, similar topics.

    ~ Dawn

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  21. I don't know about Wee Folk, but I do believe in magic, serendipity, synchronicity, etc. I do have Wee Cats who often misplace small personal articles of mine. I'm convinced that our pets are much smarter than most people give them credit for, and that my babies are having a grand old time watching me search for high and low for my things. Only after I shower them with kittie treats and belly rubs do my items mysteriously reappear. Coincidence? I think not! 4 clever cats against one hapless human is just not fair. Then there is my car, fondly referred to as "The Bermuda Triangle on Wheels." Things go in, then are never seen again. Perhaps the Wee Folks are partial to making their home in my Mazda...

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  22. Peter, I see we share similar suspicions on those warps in the space-time continuum! I do not doubt your thoughts on the premise that cats are humans in fur suits. They're just a bit too precise and thoughtful in the way they manipulate us. I think the Wee Folk find the most interesting places to call home, so I find the fact that your Mazda seems to intrigue them to be endlessly amusing! I do not have pets to blame these disappearances of valuable items on, so for me, I am convinced it is House Elf activity. You just appear to be doubly blessed with crafty critters AND Wee Folk! :)

    ~ Dawn

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  23. I do believe! I do believe... hmmm now that I said that it reminds me of .. oh my goodness what was the name of the little girl in Peter Pan? When they wanted her to fly she had to believe and she said that.. I do believe... Opps sorry got lost in fairy tale land, I enjoyed your post..

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  24. You sounds like an Indian mythical believer to me.I see many people around me in line with your beliefs,my mom believed the way you believe. Liked it.
    Thanks

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  25. Debbie, I believe as well, particularly after a lifetime of these types of experiences. I reposted this one because a friend has what we're calling "car elf activity" on a road trip! :) I'm glad you enjoyed this post & I appreciate you visiting Healing Morning. I also visit fairytale land quite often. ;-)

    Namaste',

    Dawn

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  26. Royal, I think that all mythical concepts have a common, unifying thread or theme running across cultures. We just have different names and words to describe the magic, and that's beautiful in its own way. Thank you for taking time to visit, read and comment!

    Namaste',

    Dawn

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  27. Dawn, thank you for that. Many of us have had things disappear, some things come back and some do not and there are many ways of explaining it. Now if that little gremlin would just return my wallet from 2003 I would be happy.

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  28. Scott, thanks for visiting one of my archived posts! You know, every so often, I run across an item that has been "lost" for a long stretch of years, so I wouldn't give up hope on that wallet of yours. Gremlins, Nunne hi, house elves...who is to say who and what they are, exactly? I hope you enjoyed this little side trip into my mystical side. :)

    Namaste',

    Dawn

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