MIDNIGHT AT THE REMEMBRANCE PARK

MIDNIGHT AT THE REMEMBRANCE PARK

A new experience for Ben and Alice. – It’s about how they went through the Dead Time that works in the Remembrance Park.

Dead time is a mysterious hour that occurs every night around midnight in the Remembrance Park. During this time, the park is shrouded in darkness and the laws of nature are suspended.

Dead time lasts for one hour.  It starts half an hour before midnight and ends half an hour after midnight.

The half hour before midnight is for doing good.  The half hour after midnight is for doing evil.

Anything is possible during dead time, both good and evil. As you recall Alice and Ben met first in a funeral home.  One thing lead to the other. That was then.

Now Ben and Alice, a married couple, became regular visitors to Remembrance Park. They already know the permanent residents.

Tonight they came to the park to use Dead Time for good. They are here to help the spirits of the dead who are trapped in the park. These spirits are restless and angry, and they often cause trouble for the living.

Ben and Alice walked through the Remembrance Park. Their footsteps echoed the still night air. The park was empty of living people save for the two of them and the trapped souls.

They walked the grounds and felt the presence of souls suspended over.

“It’s getting close to midnight,” Ben said. “We should hurry.”

Alice nodded. She was nervous, but knew what they had to do.

They reached the center of the park. There a large fountain stands erected. The fountain was dry, and the basin was filled with dead leaves.

“This is it,” Ben said. “This is where we do it.”

Alice took a deep breath. “I’m ready,” she said.

Ben kneeled down and opened the fountain valve. Water splurged up and around. The fountain basin started to fill up.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small glass vial. He opened the vial and poured the contents into the fountain. The liquid sizzled and vapors smoked as it hit the water.

“What is that?” Alice asked.

“It’s a potion,” Ben said. “It will open the portal.”

Alice watched as the water in the fountain began to churn. A swirling vortex formed in the center of the basin.

“It’s working,” Ben said.

The vortex grew larger and larger, until it was almost as wide as the fountain. A dark mist began to seep out of the vortex, filling the air with a foul odor.

“This is it,” Ben said. “This is the moment of truth.”

Alice took a step back. She was scared, but she knew she had to do this.

“I’m with you,” she said.

Ben took her hand and they stepped through the portal.

They entered now into another world.

The world around them changed. The trees were dead, the grass was dry brown, and the air was thick with the smell of decay. They were in a place of death.

“This is the Dead Time,” Ben said. “This is where the dead come to rest.”

Alice looked around in fear. She had never seen anything like this before.

“What are we supposed to do here?” she asked.

“We’re here to help,” Ben said. “We’re here to help the souls of the dead to find their way to the peaceful afterlife.”

Alice nodded. She knew what they had to do.

Alice had feeling a while back of a certain power residing in her.  Stemming from supernatural gifts, a konesans that affords priestesses the ability to perceive peoples’ feelings and heal them.  She felt she understand them, diagnose and treat human sufferings, all which are ascribed to the living, to the dead, or the spirit world.

Ben and Alice were hoping to help these spirits find peace and move on to the afterlife. The first half of dead time is for doing good. During this time, Ben and Alice can help the spirits of the dead by performing acts of kindness and compassion. They offered prayers and blessings to help the spirits find peace.

The second half of dead time is for doing evil.

During this time, Ben and Alice must be careful not to fall victim to the park’s dark forces. There are many dangers lurking in the park at night, and it is easy to get lost or injured. Ben and Alice must stay focused and vigilant if they want to survive dead time.

Half hour before midnight, they began their work. They walked through the park, offering prayers and blessings to the spirits of the dead. They perform acts of kindness, like helping to clean up the park and offering food and water to the homeless. The homeless find shelter at night in the park. Some are known to sleep over monuments in Remembrance  Park.

As Alice and Ben were determined to use dead time for good, they knew that the park is a dangerous place. They overcame fear. They grew confident.  They help the spirits of the dead and make the park a safer place for everyone.

Ben and Alice worked tirelessly through the night. They were exhausted, but they are filled with hope. They know that they are making a difference, and they are determined to continue their work until every spirit in the park has found peace.

When the sun began to rise, Ben and Alice finished their work. They were tired, but they are also satisfied. They know that they have made a difference in the world, and they are grateful for the opportunity to have helped the spirits of the dead.

They helped lost souls find their loved ones, and they helped the dying pass on peacefully.

They walked back through the portal, and the world around them changed again. The trees were green, the grass was lush, and the air was fresh. They were back in the Remembrance Park.

Ben and Alice left the park, in full knowledge and feeling that they will return again soon. They have found a new purpose in life, and they are determined to continue their work until every spirit in the park has found peace.

d

Two weeks later, at night Ben and Alice returned back, walking through the Remembrance Park. Their footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night. They were both on a mission. They knew that they must be careful.

Dead time is a strange and dangerous time. It is a time when the laws of nature are suspended, and anything was possible. For one hour, from half an hour before midnight to half an hour after, the world is a place of chaos and anarchy.

Ben and Alice went to another remembrance park to do good.  Knowing that this was the only time when they can make a difference. They had a plan, and they were determined to see it through.

Tonight the skies were hidden by clouds. No moonlight, No star to be observed.

In the darkness each was carrying a small lantern, watching their steps over crackling gravel.

They reached the center of the park.  Ben stopped. He looked around. The center was bare of trees with two silent benches at the side.

“This is it,” he said. “This is where we’ll make our stand.”

Alice nodded. “I’m ready,” she said.

Ben took a deep breath and stepped forward. He raised his hands. A bright light shone from his palms. The light grew brighter and brighter, until it was blinding.

When the light faded Ben and Alice were gone.

They had been transported to another world of struggle and strife. A world where good and evil are ruthlessly at war.

They entered the other world to do good, and they were determined to succeed. Alice and Ben knew that it would be a difficult task, but they were confident that they could make a difference.

They walked through the strange and unfamiliar landscape, their eyes peeled for danger. They knew that the forces of evil were everywhere, and they must be on alert not to get caught.

Finally they reached their destination. – It was a small village that was under attack by the forces of evil. The villagers were being slaughtered by an unknown evil spirit, and there was no one to help them.

Ben and Alice knew that they had to act there and then. They drew their weapons of good will and charged into battle.

Dead Time is always a treacherous time, but it is also a time of opportunity.

Alice and Ben fought the evils spirits. Their battle was long and hard.

In the end, Ben and Alice were victorious. They had saved the village, and they had shown the forces of evil that good would always triumph over evil.

The couple looked at each other. They were exhausted, bruised, sweaty and dirty.  Yet they also felt a sense of accomplishment.

Alice and Ben have made a difference in the world, and knew that they would never forget the Dead Time way of life and character testing.

© 2023 Mandy Lender

www.mandylender.net  www.mandylender.com  www.attractome.com  www.lendercombinations.com  www.themasterattractor.com 

Tags: #RemembrancePark  #deadtime  #konesance  #midnightat #midnightattheremembrancepark  #BenandAlice

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GUERRILLA SERENDIPITY Vs. ENGINEERED SERENDIPITY

Here I show the fine line separating the mindsets and skillsets of Guerrilla Serendipity versus Engineered Serendipity.

Serendipity is a rally of independent events which have come together seemingly by chance to bring a surprisingly good or wonderful outcome. We should live in the mindset that serendipity is always with us, here and now. We can plan for serendipity and we can be prepared for serendipity when it comes our way.

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Engineered Serendipity is the intentional creation of opportunities for people to meet and interact in unplanned ways. The goal is to spark new ideas, launch collaborations, build coalitions and create innovations.

The idea of engineered serendipity is based on the observation that chance encounters are a powerful source of creativity and innovation. When people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives come together, they spark new ideas and solutions that would not have been possible otherwise.

There is evidence to support this claim. For example, a study by the Harvard Business School found that scientists who attended the same conference were more likely to learn from each other and collaborate effectively when they had common interests. However, the study also found that scientists who were from the same field were less likely to cite each other’s work. This suggests that there is a sweet spot for engineered serendipity, where people have enough in common to be able to connect and collaborate and create, but not as much in common that they become competitive.

There are numerous known ways to engineer serendipity. Some common methods include:

* Designing spaces that encourage random encounters. This involves creating open and inviting spaces with plenty of seating, or configuring furniture that encourages people to interact with each other.

* Organizing public events and social activities that bring people together from different backgrounds and disciplines. Such as conferences, workshops, social meet-ups, public rallies, or explicit brain storming sessions.

* Using technology to connect people who might not otherwise meet. This involve using social media, online forums, virtual meetings, or matchmaking services.

The key to engineered serendipity is to create opportunities for people to connect with each other in unexpected ways. Social diversity is a catalytic element. When people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives come together, they very often spark new ideas and create innovations.

Here are past examples of how engineered serendipity was used to achieve innovative and productive outcomes:

* Google’s “20% time” policy encourages employees to spend 20% of their work time on projects that are not directly related to their job duties. This policy has led to the development of new products and services, including Gmail, Google Maps, and AdSense.

Google engineers were encouraged to take “walkabouts” around the company’s campus. This gives them the chance to meet people they might not otherwise meet and to discuss new ideas.

* The XPrize is a competition that offers large rewards for creators solving difficult problems. The XPrize has helped to accelerate the development of new technologies, such as the SpaceShipOne suborbital spacecraft and the DARPA Grand Challenge autonomous vehicle race.

* The TED Conference is an annual pub;lic event that brings together speakers from diverse fields to share their ideas. TED Conferences have helped to spread new ideas and innovations around the world. This has led to many unexpected collaborations and innovations.

* The website “meetup.com” allow people to find and join groups based on their interests. This facilitates connection of people who might not otherwise have met and to spark new ideas.

Engineered serendipity was well described by the work of John Hagel et al. from Delloite Touche (2010) – how small moves, smartly made can set big things in motion.

Christian Bush in his book The Serendipity Mindset made an effort to turn engineered serendipity into an “exact science.”

Engineered serendipity is a powerful tool that is used to achieve productive outcomes. By creating opportunities for people to associate with each other in unexpected ways, we spark novel ideas, collaborations, coalitions and innovations.

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Guerrilla Serendipity is a term used to describe the unexpected and delightful encounters that happen when people at large go around at random and about in their open communities. The term “guerrilla” is used to accentuate the spontaneous, random, and no cost nature of these encounters.

The term “guerrilla” refers in this context the use of unconventional tactics to achieve a goal. In the framework of guerrilla serendipity, these tactics include the use of social media, crowdsourcing, and other forms of social communication to spread information and ideas.

Guerrilla serendipity refers also to the unexpected discovery of new knowledge or insights that challenge the status quo. These discoveries are unintended consequences of random daily life activities.

The point is that – where and when guerrilla is deployed there is no involvement of money.
Guerrilla=ABC.   Guerrilla is Anything But Cash.           

Guerrilla Serendipity has the potential to have an impact on the way we think about knowledge and acquisition of power. By challenging the traditional social gatekeepers, guerrilla serendipity helps to create a more open and democratic society.

“Guerrilla Serendipity” term was coined by Claudio Paolucci to describe the use of new technologies that spread alternative and non-institutionally “certified” interpretations of reality. It is a form of “semiological guerrilla warfare” that challenges the traditional relationship between knowledge and power.

Here are examples of practical benefits of guerrilla serendipity:

* The use of social media to spread information about protests and demonstrations.

* The use of crowdsourcing, (OPM) to fund and produce independent media enterprises. Examples are Medium and Substack as digital

* Building free social networks to share information and ideas.

* The use of free or almost free community resources such as computer labs, public libraries, volunteers, NGOs, public schools, disposed recyclable materials, public bulletin boards, civic clubs (low cost membership), Internet cafes, our cellphones, participative talk shows on TV and radio, writing letters to editors, book reviews, free advertising on public service radio and TV.

Guerrilla serendipity may have its risks. It can be used to spread misinformation and disinformation. It can also be used to target individuals or groups with harassment or abuse.

However, the potential benefits of guerrilla serendipity outweigh the risks. By challenging the traditional relationship between knowledge and power, guerrilla serendipity helps to create a more open and democratic society.

Guerrilla serendipity is productive in the social life as well as in the liberal arts:

* Using free social media to connect with people who have different interests and perspectives. This can help us discover new information and ideas that you would not have otherwise found.

* Following hashtags for keywords (#), address (@) and acronyms on social media to stay up-to-date on trending topics. This tool helps finding new and interesting content that you might not have otherwise seen.

* Using free online tools such as chat-generative AI to produce random recommendations, helps finding new services, new music, movies, books, and other content that we enjoy.

* Experimenting with various ways of using digital technologies in the liberal arts.

  • A musician who uses social media to connect with fans and other musicians, and who then collaborates with them on new contents.
  • A writer who uses online tools to generate random prompts, and then writes  stories based on those prompts.
  • A photographer who experiments with different ways of using their camera, and who then produce unexpected, unusual, and beautiful photos.

All of the examples above help curious people to find new and unexpected ways to interact with the world around us. 

Guerrilla serendipity is a powerful mind set and skills set for learning, for evoking feelings that in turn trigger creativity, and stimulate personal growth. By intentionally seizing opportunities of serendipity, we open ourselves to new experiences and possibilities.

Before I conclude here is a real life example of Guerrilla Serendipity.  Steve Bowen, an ex-marine and advertising executive is credited with this common sense life skill:

“There’s got to be a golden pony somewhere in all this horse shit.”

The Take Away: Guerrilla Serendipity is creative, playful and low to no cost manifold resources. It helps finding new friends, useful instructive information, uncommon life experiences, recommendations, and connections that we would not have had otherwise.

If you are looking for new ways to learn and grow – assume the serendipity mindset and experiment with the guerrilla serendipity.

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Mandy Lender publishes on Medium and on Substack.

www.mandylender.net  www.mandylender.com  www.themasterattractor.com  www.attractome.com  www.visionofhabakukk.com 

Mandy Lender’s books are sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, eBay.

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Michael Crichton Curated Musings

Michael Crichton was an author and filmmaker known for his science fiction, techno-thriller, and medical fiction novels.  He attended Harvard University, where he studied anthropology, zoology and medicine.  He was a gifted writer who combined scientific accuracy with suspenseful storytelling. Crichton’s intellectual powers left a scholarly legacy for intelligent people. Below are some of his curated musings articulated originally by others.

What really interests me is whether God has any choice in the creation of the world.

 ~ Albert Einstein

Deep in the chaotic regime, slight changes in structure almost always cause vast changes in behavior. Complex controllable behavior seems precluded.

 ~ Stuart Kaufman

Sequelae are inherently unpredictable.

 ~ Ian Malcolm (Crichton)

The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it also seems pointless.

  ~ Steve Weinberg

The word “cause” is an altar to an unknown god.

 ~ William James

What is not possible is not to choose.

 ~ Jean Paul Sartre

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FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS VITAL FOR DEMOCRACY

When freedom of speech is suppressed – democracy dies.

Truth floats to the surface like oil over water.

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ANDEAN  MEDICINE – a traditional medical healing system

ANDEAN  MEDICINE

Andean medicine is a traditional medical healing system that is practiced in the Andes Mountains of South America.

It is based on the belief that the body is a microcosm of the universe, and that health is achieved when there is a balance between the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person.

Andean medicine is a complex and sophisticated system of healing that has been practiced for centuries. It is a valuable resource for the people of the Andes, and it is increasingly being recognized in the wider world.  Andean medicine is still widely practiced in the Andes Mountains today. It is increasingly popular in other parts of the world, as people are seeking out alternative forms of medicine. (1)

Andean medicine uses a variety of techniques to promote health and well-being. These include:

* Medicinal plants: Andean healers use a wide variety of plants for their medicinal properties. Some of the most common plants used in Andean medicine include coca leaves, muña, anduña de gato.

Coca leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments, including altitude sickness, fatigue, and pain. Muña is a mint-like herb that is used to treat respiratory infections and digestive problems. Uña de gato is a vine that is used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and cancer.  (2)

* Shamanic rituals: Andean healers use shamanic rituals to heal the body and mind. These rituals often involve the use of sacred plants, such as ayahuasca and San Pedro.

* Diet and lifestyle: Andean medicine emphasizes the importance of diet and lifestyle in maintaining health. Andean healers often recommend eating a traditional diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and grains. They also recommend getting regular exercise and spending time in nature.

Some of the benefits of Andean Medicine include:

* It is a holistic approach to health that takes into account the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person.

* It uses natural remedies that are often safe and effective.

* It is rooted in the cultural traditions of the Andes, which can be a source of strength and inspiration for patients.

It is based on the belief that health is a balance of the body, mind, and spirit, and that illness is caused by an imbalance of these forces.

In addition to herbal remedies, Andean medicine also uses massage, acupuncture, and spiritual healing. Massage is used to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and improve health. Spiritual healing is a process of using prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices to help people heal from illness.

Healers in the Andes are called curanderos or chamanes. They are trained in the use of medicinal plants and spiritual practices, and they are often called upon to treat a variety of ailments, including physical illness, emotional problems, and spiritual imbalances.

It has been used by Andean people for centuries. It is a valuable resource for traditional healers and those who are interested in alternative forms of medicine.  This system of healing that has been passed down from generation to generation.

In Summary here are some of the key concepts of Andean medicine:

* The body is interconnected with the natural world.

* Health can be restored by balancing the forces of nature.

* Herbal remedies, massage, and spiritual practices can be used to heal.

* Curanderos are trained in the use of medicinal plants and spiritual practices.

* Andean Medicine is a valuable resource for the people of the Andes.

There are a number of resources available online and in libraries.  Andean healers who offer traditional healing services can be found in many parts of the world. (3).

Notes:

  1. Health in the Andean world is defined as a state of balance resulting from interaction and reciprocity between the individual and social group, nature and the gods. Reciprocity is expressed through rituals, commonly “ch’allaku” or a payment of offerings to the divinities.

https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.18060681

2. In contrast to much of the Western World, people of the Andes and the Amazon look first to Pachamama (Mother Earth) to resolve physical ailments. Today, Peruvians combine the ancient tradition of using healing plant medicine with contemporary medicine to cure headaches, ameliorate altitude sickness, and even spur spiritual growth.

3. In Ecuador you can visit the Jambi Huasi clinic in Otavalo, a town located 70 miles north of Ecuador’s capital Quito. The clinic has developed a highly effective approach to meeting the health needs of the indigenous people in the area. Jambi huasi means “house of health” in Quechua, the region’s predominant language.  The clinic provides a blend of both modern and traditional medicine. Among the traditional practitioners are a doctor (yachac), a midwife (mamahua) and a chiropractor (jacudor). Western medical services include internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, minor surgery and dentistry. Each service also includes culturally appropriate counseling and health promotion activities.

https://www.meer.com/en/69907-health-in-the-andes

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INTEGRATIVE ATTACHMENT FAMILY THERAPY:

A Clinical Guide by Dafna Lender

Dafna Lender, LCSW, is releasing a new text for Theraplay practitioners.


Integrative Attachment Family Therapy:

A Clinical Guide to Heal and Strengthen the Parent-Child Relationship

through Play, Co-regulation, and Safe Connection

Integrative attachment family therapy (IAFT), developed by family therapy expert Dafna Lender, is a multidimensional framework that heals and strengthens attachment issues in the parent-child relationship. Grounded within the principles of Theraplay, dyadic developmental psychotherapy, and polyvagal theory, this powerful framework addresses a variety of problematic and difficult behaviors in children (e.g., frequent arguments and tantrums, disobedience, and indifference) as well as reactive behaviors in parents (e.g., yelling, pleading, threatening, and giving up or giving in).

How does the Theraplay method work?
Rather than attempting to “fix” the child―fixing their anger issues or defiance, for instance―IAFT treats the underlying cause of family strife: a misalignment in the parent-child relationship where the child does not feel deeply understood or accepted. By focusing on the physiologic sense of safety and connection between the parent and child, IAFT helps clinicians uncover the reasons for this misalignment so they can guide families toward the source of the issue rather than focusing on superficial behaviors. With its innovative, yet accessible, play-based activities and interventions, IAFT transforms families into happy and well-functioning environments where children thrive and parents feel satisfied in their role.

Dafna Lender, LCSW is a worldwide sought after teacher in the field Theraplay method practitioner.  Her seminars and classes are booked 6-8 months in advance in North and Latin Americas, Europe, and Israel where she is a guest lecturer at Tel Aviv Community College.

www.dafnalender.com

© All rights reserved. Dafna Lender, LCSW

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LETTER TO MY FELLOW TIME TRAVELER

Life is a precious gift – given in a limited edition.

I agree with you that the beauty of life lies in the details of both the grandest and finest moments. These are the moments that make life worth living, and they are often the ones that we take for granted. Remember to savor these moments and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

We are each a limited edition of our time.

We are each unique and that we will never be replaced.

It is important to remember this and to live our lives to the fullest. Waste no time on things that do not matter, and focus on the things that make us happy.

I am glad to hear that you have learned not to take time for granted. Knowing that the clock is ticking is a powerful motivator. It helps us to focus on what is important and make the most of our time.

Here are illuminations for a life that is full of beauty and meaning:

Savor the small things. Take the time to appreciate the beauty in the world around you, even the smallest things. The way the sun shines through the leaves, the smell of fresh-baked bread, the sound of a child’s laughter.

Invest time with loved ones.  Our relationships are one of the most important things in our lives. Make time for the people you love and who love you.

Do things that make you happy.  Waste not your time on things that don’t bring you joy. Find activities that make you feel alive and fulfilled.

Give back to others.  Helping others is a great way to find meaning in life. Find a cause that you are passionate about and get involved.

The beauty of life lies in the details of the grandest and finest moments.

Remember that the clock is ticking it is a powerful motivator. Time is a limited resource.  Take it not for granted. It helps you to focus on what is important and to make the most of our time. It can also help us to appreciate the little things in life.

www.mandylender.net  www.mandylender.com  www.thevisionofhabakkuk.com  www.themasterattractor.com 

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BLOGS – LIST OF BLOGS

Blogs listed by frequency of blogging.

https://www.mandylender.net/blog

https://themasterattractor.com/

https://medium.com/@mandy_42813

https://mandylender.substack.com/

https://visionofhabakkuk.com/blog/

https://attractome.com/

https://www.lendercombinations.com/

http://www.mandylender.com/blogs.html

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AGATHA BEHIND THE MAUSOLEUM

An Alice and Ben cemetery story.

Alice and Ben were enjoying their wedding anniversary while lounging under the trees behind the mausoleum in their favorite memorial park.  This is their old time preferred retreat.  They were enjoying each other’s company in the peace and silence of the park.

Suddenly, Agatha Christie came over out of the nowhere.  She carried two books of murder mysteries that she wrote. Agatha waved hello.

“Hello,” she said. “I hope you don’t mind me interrupting, but I saw you sitting here and I thought I would introduce myself. I’m Agatha Christie.”

Alice and Ben were stunned. They had never met Agatha before, and they couldn’t believe that she was just standing there, talking to them.

“It’s an honor to meet you,” Alice said. “We’re big fans of your work.”

“Thank you,” Agatha said. “It’s always nice to meet people who enjoy my books.”

“What are you doing here?” asked Alice.

“I’m just taking a walk,” said Agatha. “I saw you sitting here and I thought I would walk over and say Hi.”

She sat down next to them, and they all started talking. Agatha told them about her life as a writer, and Alice and Ben told her about their wedding story and how they first met at the funeral home.

“It’s nice to meet you,” said Ben. “We’re celebrating our wedding anniversary.”

“Congratulations,” said Agatha. “That’s wonderful.”

“Thank you,” said Alice. “We’ve been married for two years.”

 “I’m sure you have a lot of stories to tell.” said Agatha.

“We do,” said Ben. “But we’ll save them for another time.”

Alice and Ben made room for Agatha on the bench. Agatha sat down and handed them the books.

“Yes, thank you,” said Agatha. “I thought you’ll like these,” she said. “They’re my latest murder mysteries.”

“Thank you,” said Alice. “We sure like your page turners.”

“I hope you enjoy them,” said Agatha.

“We sure do,” said Ben.

They chatted for a while longer, and then Agatha said, “My chief dislikes are crowds, loud noises, gramophones and cinemas. I dislike the taste of alcohol and do not like smoking.

I do like sun, sea, flowers, travelling, strange foods, sports, concerts, theatres, pianos, and doing embroidery.”

Then Alice asked, “But what really brought you here?”

Agatha was silent for a long moment.
Then she said as an afterthought, “You know that right here, Cain murdered Abel, don’t you?”

Alice and Ben were stunned in silence. It never crossed their mind.

They chatted for some more, and by the end of the conversation, they felt like they had known each other for years. Agatha was a kind and gracious woman, and Alice and Ben were grateful for the opportunity to meet her. It was like a wedding anniversary gift for them.

“It was nice meeting you,” she said. “And congratulations again on your anniversary.”

Agatha smiled, waved goodbye, and faded away.

Vanished.

 Just like that.

Alice and Ben watched her gone, and then turned to each other.

“Can you believe what just happened?” said Alice.

“I know,” said Ben. “It’s something out of our common fantasy.”

“I’m so glad we met her,” Alice repeated.

They sat in silence for a while, savoring the moment. Then they picked up the books that Agatha had given them and started to read.

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 A SWING BY Mt. McKINLEY

 THE BIG DENALI

I woke up early on a clear June day in Anchorage, Alaska, excited for my upcoming tour flight with a bush pilot. I had always wanted to see Mount McKinley, and this was my chance to get up close and personal with the tallest mountain in North America.

I arrived at Lake Hood near Anchorage airport, eager for my tour flight around the glaciers and granite walls of Mount McKinley.

I met the bush pilot, a grizzled man with a thick mustache and a twinkle in his eye. He introduced himself and showed me to his plane, a small floatplane that was moored to the edge of a pier at the lake.

Lake Hood is near Anchorage airport is home to a fleet of floatplanes. We loaded up into a small Cessna, and my pilot gave me a quick safety briefing.

But not before taking my weight… The pilot started the engine. The plane sputtered to life and we taxied out onto the lake. He gave me thumbs up and we took off into the air.

We flew over the sprawling Anchorage. Left behind the Chugach  mountains and headed north over Talkeetna and out towards the wilderness of the Alaska Range. The landscape below us was stunning. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, shallow rivers and some forests.

Seated next to the pilot the pilot he spotted and pointed to me wildlife roaming freely down in the wild – bears, bison and deer.  I had the best view with windows to the front and to the side and shot the best pictures I knew how.

I was struck by the awesomeness of the landscape. Mostly barren land. The snow-capped mountains, some forests, and sparkling lakes were a feast for the eyes.

We flew for over an hour at relatively low altitude. Eventually we reached our destination: Mount McKinley. The mountain was more impressive than I had imagined. It is so big that it seemed to fill the entire sky.

We winged around the mountain. I was amazed by the sheer size and beauty of the white glaciers and the black granite walls. It was hard to believe that I was actually flying above one of the most remote and inaccessible places on Earth.

Confronting a granite wall

The pilot flew us around the mountain. Then he flew between ice covered granite peaks. I had a too close of a look at the glaciers below and the granite side walls. The walls are steep. I was afraid. I was scared we would crash into them.

I was scared. I prayed wishing to get out of this wild and bizarre mountain trap. I wanted out of that suspended reality.

Glacier below in between granite walls

After a while, we landed on a small lake in the shadow of Mount McKinley. We got out of the plane and took a short walk around. The air was crisp and clean, and the only sound was the wind rustling through the trees.

We then took a break to relieve ourselves. There are no bathrooms, so we had to step over the wing of the plane. It was a bit of a challenge, but it was worth it to be able to experience the beauty of this remote wilderness.

Taking a leak over the wing.

After our break, we got back in the plane and flew back to Anchorage. The flight back was just as beautiful as the flight out. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have had this opportunity to see Mount McKinley from the air.

The entire trip took about five hours, It is an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend a tour flight with a bush pilot to anyone who is visiting Alaska. It is an amazing way to see the beauty of this state and to get up close and personal with Mount McKinley.

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Tags: #Alaska #MountMcKinley #glacier #granite #Talkeetna #Anchorage #ChugachMountains #AlaskaRange #BushPilot #Denali #LakeHood

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