Will you walk into my parlor?

It was a brisk Autumn's eve and I wrapped my coat about me a bit tighter as I stepped among the crunching leaves.



The sun was about to set and I held my lantern higher, the better to see where I was going.




A shrill whistle and approaching steps had me standing still, peering into the dim.

It is but a horse! I exhale my relief and my breath puffs out a white misty cloud.

She stares at me intently - this night mare means to transport me somewhere...

The full moon begins to rise in the distance.



Bobbing to the steady rhythm of a horse's step is normally relaxing but the unfamiliar wood has my senses on alert.


I peek through the bare limbs and see that the moon has climbed higher and higher - how long have we been walking?


Ahead, roof gables stand in silhouette. My equine companion stops to let me off.

The walkway to the door is lined with strange glowing faces and shapes...


The door squeaks on long-rusted hinges and I move into the foyer. My footsteps echo and I call out...is no one here?

A room lit by firelight captures my attention - a study - filled with strange contraptions.


And eerie odds and ends litter the desktop.

The chair nearest the fire looks so inviting I think I'll sit and warm myself just a moment. I can almost hear a voice whispering, telling me to sleep, go to sleep...

The clock strikes midnight and I startle awake.


But I find myself in no cozy fireside chairs or strange rooms in mysterious houses. I have simply fallen asleep with my stack of books



And my old time radio

Such a trick my dreams have played on me!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thanks for joining me but what party is complete without a little swag?

Anyone who leaves a comment on this post (until midnight the 18th) is eligible to win these vintage organdy gloves - perfect for a vintage Halloween costume! They are light as a feather and I'll be happy to ship them anywhere.