When you think of Magic, what comes to mind? For me, David Copperfield, magician not the
novel, is the first thought that comes to my mind. When I was eleven, my parents took me to see
David Copperfield. It must have cost
them a small fortune, but they took all three kids even though they were living
paycheck to paycheck. It was one of the
highlights of my childhood. Yet, I’m not
talking about that type of magic. I’m
talking about the magic of creativity, the magic of the universe, the magic of
miracles that happen right in front of us, but we’re too busy to see and most
of all, I’m talking about the magic of connection.
As some of you know, I’m researching the 16th century hoping to find a unique story that will become a historical fiction one day. When I began this journey almost a year ago, I prayed to the universe to assist me. So far, the universe has led me down the most interesting and magical paths that are proving to be very fruitful. Especially, the mystery of connection between a stranger and myself outside of London, England on a rainy day, three months ago. Ms. Brenda, a complete stranger, eighty-six years old, literally opened the door to my research. It was my second day in London; I took the train about an hour to St. George’s Church in Gravesend.
I wanted to visit the gravesite of Pocahontas. She is going to be one of the main characters in my novel. I arrived in Gravesend around noon, not knowing what direction to even walk. I had a young lady assist me with finding the location of the church. I’ll never forget walking through an outdoor market where crowds of people were shopping, when I first saw the steeple of St. George’s Church.
As I turned the corner, an historic sign talked about Queen
Elizabeth and a young Indian girl known as Pocahontas. It was amazing to walk down the path and come
upon the statue that resembled the same statue I’ve seen so many times on the
grounds of James Fort, officially known as Jamestowne, Virginia. I walked toward the statue, it was her, it
was Pocahontas.
Due to a fire in 1727, it’s unknown where Pocahontas was buried on the grounds of St. George. I walked around the church hoping to find a door that was unlocked. Having no luck, I noticed a small stone under one of the windows, so I resorted to peaking in one of the windows for a better view. I could see it, another exhibit inside the church lobby. I was so excited. I leaned in closer in an effort to read the display. Yet, my reading was interrupted by an elderly voice.
“May I help you?" I turned to see this sweet older lady that reminded me so much of my Great-Aunt Ruthie that had passed away many years ago.
“Oh, hi.” I said, with a voice of a teenager caught doing something wrong.
“Can I help you?” The sweet older lady asked again.
“Well, I’m from America.” I said, stumbling off the stone that had lifted me up for a better view into the church.
“I can tell.” She stated with a small smirk with her English accent.
“I’m doing some research on the 16th century. I’m trying to get all the information on Pocahontas and the details around her death. I know she was buried on the grounds of St. George’s Church.” I was trying to sound like an adult and that I knew what I was talking about.
“Would you like to see the display inside the church?”
“Oh, yes, but I’ve tried, the doors are locked.”
She smiles, reaches into her pocket, “Lucky for you, I have
a key.”
I’m not sure how Ms. Brenda happened upon that church at the exact time I needed her. It’s a mystery. It’s a magical mystery. The connection between two strangers at a rare point in time, have ended up becoming pen pals. Ms. Brenda continues to assist my research by sending articles and anything she feels might support my efforts. It is a magical friendship.
It’s unconditional kindness that has come to mean so much
throughout my research for this silly little novel. I guess it is true what
they say, “It really is about the journey, not the destination.”
Ms. Brenda, I hope this research turns into something that makes you proud.
This leads me to another magical connection between my mentor and me. She, too, is a stranger. She doesn’t even know that in a huge way, she encouraged me to start writing again and to BEGIN the first steps toward creativity. I’m talking about Elizabeth Gilbert. She has inspired me to get into the creative arena and kick little ass.
On September 22nd, Liz Gilbert’s new book, BIG MAGIC, is available for purchase. It addresses creative living beyond fear. I’m really excited about this book. In addition, I think Liz Gilbert is fucking amazing. Yes, I’ll keep you posted; I do plan to hang with this lady one day and sing karaoke, perhaps in Italy.
Here are a few links to check out my mentor, Liz Gilbert’s, works and words:
So, it is all about a magical connection. It’s about kindness toward a stranger. It’s the magical path of positive energy. This journey, so far, has been full of magical experiences that will forever be imprinted on my soul.
As you journey throughout your day, open your eyes to the magical human experience that is waiting for all of us to discover.
No comments:
Post a Comment