Tonight, I am supposed to be working on essays for a final exam. Instead, I am listening to the likes of Chopin and Debussy as my mind is stuck in a sidelong glance to the past. One of the things I love the most about history is that it is full of secrets just waiting to be found.

When I wander through the “haunted house” (which I shall henceforth refer to as “HH”), I am always discovering something I didn’t notice before. It is a blissful thing, to be surrounded by so much beauty and the faint murmur of stories past. I feel very much at home when I am there, even if it is a bit “otherworldly.” I never thought I would have the opportunity to be immersed in another life while still living my own. I see the familiar faces upon the walls and always greet them. Being with them comforts me; I think it is the only time I don’t feel alone.

This week was extremely busy. I had a full week of school with a day in-the-mix at my other job. I worked at HH Friday, and we had nearly thirty visitors. It was a lot of fun rounding up the masses and herding them from one room to another, especially because I had three children in one group. They were all cute and barely sat still; that was entertainment in itself. Some people are not fond of children, but I love them. They always make me laugh. Alas, it was a bit hard to “yell” with my soft voice over their noise. That, of course, just made me laugh more. I truly need a megaphone.

In school, I am taking a class on Buddhism. We always talk about seeing everything in our lives and the world through the eyes of a child. I think that is part of what I love about children—everything is new and magical to them—at least, usually. I try to imagine what it was like for the children who lived in HH during the 1800’s. Did they play hide-and-seek? Did they slide down the banister? We don’t have any photos or recordings on social media, sadly. (As tempting as it has been for me to slide down the banister, so far, I have managed to restrain myself!)

One surprising thing is that adults seem as intrigued about the house having “ghosts” as children would be. Horror has its own way of being mysterious and magical, too. I know, at some point, this house is going to inspire me to write some great pieces of fiction. Until then, I will be working on essays and my blog.

I was lucky enough to see my favorite English teacher (of semesters past) twice last week. There are some people in this world who are such wonderful people; they encourage and inspire you to reach for greater heights and always leave you feeling better than before you met with them. I am fortunate to have several kindred spirits in my life, at present, and he is one of them. Some people make the world brighter.

Food also makes the world better. Luckily, I had some extra time to cook last week. When I get this busy, I cannot spend time in the kitchen; however, I cooked up some incredible chicken wings. I have been experimenting with different homemade marinades and means of cooking. The air-fryer is great but cooking the wings and drumettes in the oven for 45 minutes at 400 degrees on the top shelf, and flipping half-way through, has won the vote so far. I made some of my homemade spicy garlic coleslaw, oven roasted herbed potatoes, and cauliflower, too. Nobody talked over dinner because they were all stuffing their faces.

I would like to say that I will be cooking more and sharing photos and recipes, but I am taking four…yes, four classes this summer and still working two jobs. Please note that I am not at these jobs full-time because I have not yet figured out a way to bend time or clone myself. All of my classes are History courses. I am excited that I will be learning something new, but I will miss my kitchen.

My essays are calling and pulling me back to the reality of staying up all night to write some sort of masterpiece that will hopefully earn me an “A.” So, here is where I will leave you, until next time. Cheers.