A Small Place in Yorkshire

 New life. Day by day it gets stronger and flourishes more. Can we apply this to ourselves? Can we learn to evolve, become stronger and therewith flourish? Mother nature does, so why can't we?

 

  Julian had nearly readied himself for the morning all the while going over everything that he experienced in the night. What had happened that he wasn't aware of? What evil had become alive when he was asleep? He decided that he wouldn't say anything straight away. He had to think about it and get things straight in his own mind first before speaking to anyone. Upon leaving the bedroom Julian felt a presence in the room. He did not know who it was or what they wanted, but he did not feel that it was there to hurt him. He felt a glow of warmth surrounding him, keeping him safe. A mixture of feelings were streaming through him as he descended the stairs on his way to the dining room. He had to be his normal self in front of everyone. He didn't want anyone to suspect anything or think there was something not right; not at this point. He needed to get his emotions and feelings in check and be as normal as possible.  Each step down felt hard to take, something, or someone, mak...

  Julian was unsure about what he should do. Should he stay still and try and close his eyes? Should he just get up for the rest of the night, give himself light in the room and wait for daylight to arrive? For the first time in his life he felt fear; deep in his being, deep in his soul. The time he spent laying in the bed thinking about the nights happenings felt like a few moments, but as Julian turned his head towards the window he noticed that there was a faint sign to the day awakening. He could hear the birds starting to sing and chant and it was becoming lighter outdoors. How long had he laid there thinking of the night, of the sounds, of the being that beckoned him to come closer? A new day was dawning and Julian began to stir himself from the bed where he lay. He needed to ready himself for the day ahead. He had many questions, unsure of if he should ask them and very wary of the answers he may receive .......................

  What makes you happy? Time to focus on what things make you happy. Try and focus on these things throughout each day and do at least one thing that makes you happy each day. By doing this can we alter our feelings, thoughts and ease the anxiety that some of us feel? My things that make me happy (in no particular order): Books I have been an avid reader all my life. When I was young my mum used to do her weekly shopping in the market and there was a book stall in there. Every month I was allowed to pick out a book that I would like. I can remember always picking out an Enid Blyton book. There were hardback and a light blue colour. Since then I would read anything that I could get my hands on! When I am reading I am transported to that world, I forget about everything else. Not every book I have read I have enjoyed, but sometimes I think that is part of the beauty of reading; you have to pick out the bad apples to get to the juicy ones! Music My love of music again comes from my ch...

  Julian awoke sharply with a large intake of breath. Eyes wide in fear, heart racing.  The fire was still burning, shapes being created around the room. There was something missing from the room; sounds that couldn't be heard. Julian raised himself on both arms, perspiration covering his body, running down his face and hair wet. 'Take deep breathes' In his mind this is what he was telling himself to do; steady his heart, his breathing, his mind. Sounds, what sounds? Eyes searching around the room looking for anything or anyone. Nothing. No figures, no mist, no darkness. Julian then realised what was missing; the wind was no longer there, it had ceased. The night was quiet. All had retreated, for now .................

  I am a person who has good intentions with everything in life including exercise. I have great ideas in my head and believe that they can be put into practice. My problem being is that I can think them but, normally, cannot execute them. I find this happens a lot with the things I think of and when I do execute them, as such, they never turn out like the thought in my head. Bit like this Blog sometimes! If you have read any of my previous posts you will have noticed that I bought a Fitbit a while ago. I can since say I have become obsessed with it. I input everything into the app; water consumed, food, everything. It becomes my task throughout the day. I have seen good outcomes from using it and have lost over 1 1/2 stone. This is of course not just by using the Fitbit, but getting more exercise. I have a cross trainer, and have for many years, and did start using it more frequently, but as all best laid plans I have, it wavered and I didn't use it as much as I probably should ha...

  The sound of the wind was increasing in intensity; the shape being silhouetted against the net became larger and the colour of the mass was dark, darker than the night outdoors. Julian was becoming restless. In his dream state he was in a dark room with no windows, but strangely in the corner he could see a dark figure. Slowly the figure raised its arm and aimed at Julian. Julian started to panic to find a way out of the room, but could not find a door to exit.  Fear consumed him and he screamed but no sound came from him. He closed his eyes and screamed again but with no sound. He could feel the dark mass coming towards him. He wasn't going to open his eyes. The fear was too much, don't open your eyes.  It was upon him now, he could feel it above, in front and behind him. Julian's eyes slowly crept open, slowly ..............

 The fire was burning brightly in the bedroom, casting shadows around the room in all corners. The wind was still playing outside and could be heard above everything else; louder now that Julian was on his own with no other sounds apart from the crackling of the fire. Sleep was coming to Julian though. The days, and previous days trekking, had finally come to him and the tiredness was starting to overtake all other senses. Slowly Julian drifted off into a land of dreams. The curtains had not been fully closed in the room and behind them the net was the only thing that was covering the full window, reaching down to the floor. Through the window faint shadows of trees could be seen swaying, bending and dancing with the wind. The net at the window started to move as if the wind was coming indoors. Lightly and slowly at first, but increasing in intensity. As it landed back towards the window, a shape was beginning to form behind it; small and under the window up to the ledge. It began ...

 Julian looked around the room. There was a fire glowing making the room warm and comforting. The bed was straight in front of Julian and looked very inviting. There were candles lighting up the room, making shadows all around the room. Julian saw that there was a wardrobe to his right. He went up to it to hang his coat up. He then placed his bag on the bed. Pressing down on the bed he found it to be soft and ready for a sleepy wanderer. He opened his bag and found his night clothes. He changed into them and left his clothes by the wardrobe with his bag. He would need to have them laundered tomorrow. On the side table next to the bed was a bowl of water and a jug. Heading over to it he suddenly heard the noise of the wind outside. He had momentarily blacked out the noise, but now it was coming back with a vengeance. Julian washed his face and was pleasantly surprised to find the water still warm. A towel was situated on the side table and he reached out to it to dry himself. Just h...

  When both Julian and Harriett had their fill of cake, sandwiches and tea, Harriett rang the bell for Mary to come and collect the empty plates and cups. 'We will be retiring for the night now Mary so after you have cleared everything you may retire as well.'  'Thank you. I have made sure that the room is made up for Mr Swire's stay.' 'Thank you Mary, and thank you for the lovely food. It was appreciated by us both.' Mary made a slight smile and bowed her head. 'I would just like to thank you as well Mary. It was all most welcome.' Julian smiled at Mary and she again bowed her head and started to collect all the items on the table. Harriett looked over to Julian, 'Let me show you to your room.' She guided him with an outstretched arm through to the main hall and to the staircase as Julian firstly gathered his coat and bag. They both ascended the stairs and turned to their left into the upstairs hall. Passing a couple of doors, they arrived a...

 Julian slowly turned his gaze around the room, but could not see who was singing or where it was coming from. It seemed to permeate all his senses and come at him from every angle. Who was it!! Harriett looked at Julian with a confused gaze. 'Are you well? Is the tea sweet enough for you?' The sound of Harriett's voice seemed to bring Julian back to his senses. He shook his head, smiled and looked up at Harriett, 'I am sorry. I think the journey took more of a toll on me than I first realised. Let me tell you about the journey.' Julian proceeded to tell Harriett about his journey from start up to the present. He had spent many a day and night making his way to Harriett, all the while sleeping under the stars, being given the kindness of strangers, eating and drinking little but feeling content and all with the knowledge that he would soon be in the house he was now situated. During his retelling both Harriett and Julian had managed to eat some sandwiches, which to ...

  'Now come on. Let's get you a drink and then we can enjoy some of this delicious food that Mary has prepared.' Still chuckling to herself, Harriett rose from her seat and started to pour some tea for both herself and Julian. She poured into small china cups while adding milk and sugar. Julian would welcome sweetness, even though he did not normally have sugar in his tea. Mary made a small curtsy before leaving the room. She was still laughing lightly to herself while briefly shaking her head. Julian just thought how close they seemed with a passing joke between themselves. Even though he had known Harriett for a number of years, this was the first time he had met Mary and there seemed something vaguely familiar about her, but could not put his finger on what that was. Harriett handed Julian his tea. 'Let's drink this first before starting on the food.' She sat down opposite Julian again. The tea tasted so sweet and was truly a welcome beverage that Julian tho...

 Mary came walking into the room with a tray of refreshments. Cold as well as hot. 'I will just place this down and bring in some food.' Mary placed the tray down on the table situated between Harriett's and Julian's chairs, right in front of the fire. The cold drinks would not stay cold for long. Julian was still thinking of the owner of the singing. Maybe it was Mary singing as she made her way to the room. Yes, it must have been. Mary was making her way to the table with a tray full of sandwiches and cake. Julian thought he had never seen anything as nice and tempting. His stomach was agreeing with him. 'Thank you so much. You have a soft singing voice Mary. Very pleasant to hear after the unpleasantness of being outside.' Mary looked at Julian with confusion. 'I am sorry sir, but I wasn't singing.' She chuckled at the thought. 'I do not think you would be saying that my voice was pleasant if you heard it.' Harriett started to laugh at thi...

  Harriett settled down in the chair, looked at Julian and smiled. 'You should really take your coat off. You will warm up much better without it on'. Julian had not even realised he was still wearing it. He was so eager to get inside for comfort. He could not even remember carrying his bag into the house. You get so used to some items like that that they become an extension of your body. His bag was at the side of his chair where he must have placed it when first arriving. Julian started to take his coat off and his body reminded him of just how much work it had actually done recently. Muscles were starting to talk and not responding to what he was telling them. He managed to take his coat off; Harriett saw that he had struggled as watched him intently. 'Just lay your coat next to the fire, it will dry quicker'. Julian laid his coat next to his chair, 'I had forgotten how much I had walked; my body is now telling me.' He smiled and looked over to Harriett. ...

  The fire crackled loudly, but the wind outside could be heard over everything. It's screams sounded relentless and Julian was pleased that he was now sat indoors, in front a fire, resting and ready to welcome refreshments. From where he was sat he could hear the footsteps approaching him. He turned ready to find Harriett coming back into the room laden with refreshments and food, but no. No one entered the room and the footsteps had stopped at the back of his chair. Julian leaned over the back of the chair but could see no one. Nights like this will make you imagine everything and nothing. 'Mary will bring up some refreshments for us and I have asked her not to skimp on anything', Harriett exclaimed as she entered the room. Julian smiled up at her as she moved in front of him to join him in front of the fire in the chair opposite. 'Wonderful, it will be heartily received' Julian exclaimed smiling at Harriett. He was very much looking forward to the goods Mary woul...

  Harriett ushered Julian to a large armchair situated near to the fire; 'Come, sit down and rest. Warm yourself. I will organise a hot beverage for you; I am sure you would welcome that!' 'Thank you,' uttered Julian. His voice sounded a little hoarse and he tried to clear his throat with light sporadic coughs. He had not spoken to anyone for a while and his voice felt unfamiliar to him, a strange sound to his ears. Julian eased himself down onto the chair as Harriett left the room, presumably to organise drinks and maybe food; Julian was hoping for a bite to eat. Hunger was beginning to rise. Those who looked on felt the same hunger, whether it was for food or other nourishment.........................

  Stepping inside gave warmth and relief to Julian. Warmth he felt from the heat within the house and finally relief for being able to rest. Inside everything looked as it should be; familiar surroundings, comfort, everything in it's place and the right people to welcome him in. 'Well, come on through and sit in front of the fire. You made it on a night like tonight; I think that is an achievement in itself!' Harriett Milner was such a welcome sight for Julian. He didn't respond, but just smiled, following her through to the sitting room to be greeted by a large fire fiercely glowing in a room considered by many too extensive for a usual sitting room. His gaze went to Harriett; oh how he had missed her. Her delicate frame and features would fool anyone into thinking that she had no power, but Julian knew that her power came from within and was a force to not be taken lightly........................

  The knocks on the door seemed to echo around even though the sound of the wind was increasing. Julian waited for the door to be answered, but no one came. He knocked again and stepped back. He could see a light glowing in a lower floor room and just hoped that they could hear him through the increasing sound of the wind. The mist was getting thicker and started to envelope around him. It seemed as though arms were caressing him, keeping him  safe from the wind. The door was finally answered. Julian stepped back up to the door. He smiled as he saw a familiar face.  'Julian! Oh my, you better come in! How lovely to see you!' Julian stepped over the threshold to greet the tenant of the house. Tired legs and feet were finally going to be able to rest. Those watching smiled as he entered................. 

  Anyone looking from the outside the house on this night would welcome the comfort and warmth of what the building could potentially offer. Mist is starting to encroach now and those looking for shelter had limited time to find it as the wind had decided to become stronger in it's force and intensity to match the strength of the mist. Boots came across the grass destroying the little footprints that had become before them, not even noticing them, intent on going forward. Tired legs belonged to them and were ready to rest and become still for a time.  Knocking on the door, Julian Swire, was hoping for a pleasant, restful welcome. He was unaware of those looking on and their idea of a welcome..........