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Friday, October 21, 2011

Treasure Haunting



Today I’m packing my bags and heading back to my home town of Worcester Massachusetts for a week. I left there in 1989 with my husband and children, and although I’ve returned for the occasional visit; I miss it. This is where my history began and the people who I shared that history with still lives. My mind is bulging with all sorts of thoughts and expectations.

I’m working on my second novel and I’m hoping to do some research of sorts…go on a crawl through the old neighborhood and perhaps catch a glimpse of my younger self along the way. I’ll visit the places where my first this or that happened. I have this feeling that there is something waiting for me there, something spiritual, or perhaps an answer to a mystery…a revealing of sorts. I don’t know, but I’ll keep myself open.

It’s funny how going back to your home town has the power to transport you back to your childhood. Even though my mother and grandmother have long since transitioned to the other side I can still sense their presence there. It’s like an old movie reel flickering against that wrinkled sheet on the wall, stirring a pot of memories, releasing the aroma of all those yesterdays and carrying you away with them.

I’m thrilled to be returning in the autumn when the trees blush with radiance, setting fire to the landscape, and the air is crispy clean. This will certainly conjure some of my favorite memories of Halloween in the city. Back in the day when we toted a pillowcase and people handed out life-sized candy bars. We pillaged our three-decker community until our sacks were full and our legs were achy from climbing all those stairs.

So, I’ll probably be a bit busy for this next week, but I’ll be checking in with you. I’m leaving you with a poem, although I am definitely not a poet, but I’m doing this in honor of my friend Roy, author of Roy’s Garage Sale, who is sponsoring a Poe-a-tree-hop
and it just so happens that this month’s theme is “Home is where…” If you would like to participate jump in and be sure to leave your link at Roy’s site on his linky tool so that we can all enjoy your contribution.





Trick or Treating



Witches on brooms, haunting the sky
While spiky black cats stand in fright mode
Jack-o-lanterns aglow, there is mischief about
As the beggars push out for their pay loads

Sweaty masks hide, the fear in their eyes
As they tread through the darkness with giggles
Apparitions delight, in the juvenile fright
While their mothers hold onto their fingers

Bags weighed down, with chocolate and yums
Their reward for an evening of pleading
They have braved the dark night, swallowed their fright
And will never forget trick or treating






28 comments:

Rimly said...

It must be such a nostalgic feeling to be going back to a place you have lived before, steeped with memories of yesteryear.Loved your Trick or Treating

http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/10/journey-poe-tree-hop.html

Roy Durham said...

you are a poet for is to paint a picture with word is a poet and your do it well god bless

Munk said...

Big. Fun. Memories.

Karen Wojcik Berner said...

Have a great trip. I hope you find what you need.

Cathy said...

Wonderful piece. And while we may be forever changed by a 'place', we may forever change it. I've been thinking about this in terms of books, too, that a 'pretend' story can change me forever and be as real a memory as a 'real' story...

Leah Griffith said...

Thanks Rimly, it is very nostalgic. I'm going with my heart and eyes wide open...I don't want to miss a thing <3

Leah Griffith said...

Roy, That's because you inspired me. <3

Leah Griffith said...

Munk, I. Can't. Wait.

*grin

Leah Griffith said...

Thanks so much Karen. I believe I will.
XO
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Cathy, you're right. Certain works of fiction have definitely changed my views on things. I love it all!

Anonymous said...

Wow, it's been such a long time but again such a wonderful post. Unfortunately I've moved around far too much to have a home town of sorts so going back to places only stir up small memories for me.
Kris
http://viewingthroughalens.blogspot.com/

Jayne said...

Leah- I loved your poem! Going home, yes, so many memories stirred. It's so exciting to return to the old haunt and, perhaps, unearth some old secrets! Sounds like fun research. Enjoy your week! (Boy, I'm not far from Worcester...) ;)

Leah Griffith said...

Hi Kris, So happy to see your face! I'm enjoying my stay...doing the hometown crawl;)
XO
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Good Morning Jayne, being here feels right. My senses are awake and my heart is full. <3

Healing Morning said...

How fascinating that we both wrote of nostalgic moments recently! I am happy for you that you're getting the chance to go back home. You wrote that "there is something waiting for me there, something spiritual, or perhaps an answer to a mystery…a revealing of sorts." I do not doubt this for a moment. And the fact that you're very consciously aware of this tells me you'll recognize it that much more quickly, with clear eyes and a receptive heart. I hope when you find it, that you'll write and share with us, but even if you don't, I know you'll return from the trip with your Spirit all buffed, polished and sparkling from going back home. Love lives there for you, as well as in your current home. Soak it all in, beautiful girl. Much love to you.

- Dawn

Elliot MacLeod-Michael said...

That's one of the reasons I have trepidation about returning to my hometown of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I'm scared of confronting the ghost of my father.
+followed

Leah Griffith said...

Hi Elliot, I understand completely. I've encountered those ghosts and they can be pretty scary. I'll be posting about these very ghosts when I get back. I hope that you read it...it may surprise you.
Thanks for the post and the follow. See you soon.
Peace,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Dawn, I think I have already discovered the mystery. I won't speak of it yet...it's still too new and fragile.
Thank you so much for all of your love and support. I really am amazed at how much I can sense your sweet presence here. It's holding me up.
<3 Leah <3

Debbie Maxwell Allen said...

So jealous you'll see the east coast leaves! Enjoy them for me.

~Debbie

Healing Morning said...

Take your time, chickadee. When it feels right, I know you'll give it eloquent voice. You're welcome for the love and support and I'm so happy you can feel it. I spent time during my morning and evening meditations focusing healing and love for you and your family, and I'll continue to do that. Big, warm hugs, honey. Be well and enjoy your time home. *Lovies!*

- Dawn

Savira Gupta said...

Ah going back always brings back memories... Books, movies that I use to watch as a kid... well I still watch them now and again... You have a wonderful time and enjoy bathing in those moments...

Leah Griffith said...

Debbie, the colors are lovely! We just might get some snow tomorrow. This should be interesting;)

Leah Griffith said...

Dawn, thank you so much. Hugs coming your way and many blessings too!

Leah Griffith said...

Thank you Savira, it is so sweet. I've been wandering the old neighborhoods collecting shadows...happy shadows;)

Reiza said...

There's always something sweet about going home, no matter what one's past is. Enjoy, and have a blastin' Holloween!

Leah Griffith said...

Thanks Reiza! I'm really enjoying this visit in spite of all sadness mixed up with it.
Thanks for your visit.
Peace,
Leah

Melissa Tandoc said...

There are still a lot of unvisited places in your childhood that you might want to return to...

and I still want to read more...I'll give time the next days, hopefully :)...

I loved every post you wrote that I have read.
You express yourself very well :) ~ thank you for always sharing...

Leah Griffith said...

Good Morning Mellssa, number 130! I'm happy to wake up to your many comments which also gives me a peek into your sweet heart. You visited during a transitional period in my life where my words tend to be a bit moody and unpredictable.
I try to write true but sometimes I hide behind my words, they're a handy lot!
I'm glad you came Mellssa, thank you for visiting;)

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