I have met some wonderful characters working at LoungeD; the most rewarding aspect of working in a bar. A couple of nights ago, two of our regular customers returned, after a few months away in sunnier climes and we got chatting, as we usually do. For some unknown reason, the subject turned to the supernatural. I am quite a spiritual person myself, an agnostic in name and by nature; a believer in a higher being, although unsure what or who that is; I am also a convert where ghosts, spirits and an afterlife is concerned. In truth I never used to be, but changed my mind, after experiencing unexplainable experiences later in life.
In the early 1990s, whilst living in Southampton, I saw what one could only describe as an apparition, a vision that didn't fit in with my surroundings. I lived in a rather odd shaped flat, in St Mary's; a heavily built up inner city area, close to the centre. St Mary's had a large immigrant community; an area also preferred by students, because it was cheaper than elsewhere in the City. The flat was triangular in shape, reaching its point in the lounge, sporting a large arched window at its apex, overlooking the road in front. It was my first flat, with my then new partner; small, rather dated but perfect for a new young couple. We decorated it, as best we could; money was tight but that didn't matter; why would it, we were enjoying our first home together. I have many happy memories from that time, others more morose and one I can not explain, eerie, chilling and thought provoking!
It was 1993, we had just finished painting the bedroom; it was a deep plum colour, not purple or red, somewhere inbetween. We had just picked up a new bed, from a generous benefactor; I can remember collecting it, but for the life of me, can't recall who from. Looking back, it was probably the best bed I had ever had, really comfortable, a large king size, enough room for ten; It fitted in our new bedroom perfectly. Just to the right, on my side of the mattress, was a large window; the sun shone through everyday, warming the room; always a bonus, since the building had no heating and was often cold. You could see the air from your mouth as you spoke, cascading forth, like puffing away on a packet of those Marlboro 100s, I used to smoke; 80 a day and that is a conservative guess!
I was laying down, spread eagle, looking up at the ceiling; it was a Sunday morning and my partner had just left for work, he was an organist in the local church. As I lay there contemplating the day ahead, from the corner of my right eye, I saw a figure appear through the wall, walking past the bottom of my bed looking straight ahead, disappearing across the other side of the room; through the wall without a second look. I had no idea what had just happened, but knew deep inside, I had seen something other worldly. A startling but comforting experience at the same time, that I shall never forget. It was a few months later that I met someone who also used to live in the same flat, just by chance, as if it was meant to be, who also described the same experience as me; in fact in her words, whenever she dreamed, she dreamed of that house, as I still do today. There was a presence there, not terrible or evil, just calming and serene!
A couple I met in the summer, just after LoungeD opened, have returned to their holiday home in Gran Alacant. I will call them Mike and Ruth; I never use peoples real names, unless I am naming and shaming. A blog is a wonderful thing, but can still get me in trouble, by mentioning things I shouldn't. Mike told me about his experience, taking his dog for a walk in the forest at Temple Newsam, near Leeds. His dog had ran off, as a Lady appeared, dressed in blue by his side. She turned to Mike asking him if he could tell her where the 'large house' was. Mike turned away briefly to point her in the right direction, a few seconds later he looked back, this time the unknown lady had vanished, she was gone, disappeared from view, nowhere to be seen.
Mike told Ruth what happened, when he returned home; she immediately knew what had occurred, Mike had come across the 'Blue Lady,' who is said to haunt the grounds at Temple Newsam. Neither of them know for sure if what Mike saw was a ghost or a real person, just as I can not explain what I observed walking at the bottom of my bed, it is something we will never know, but that really isn't the point. A wise lady once told me, that if our minds remain receptive and open, we would observe those who had walked these streets before us; a record of past lives, lived in the shadow of our own.
As a person I remain deeply spiritual; I am a Palmist, have a pack of tarot cards, practice runes and have had experiences that I can't explain. I rarely talk about these things, since some people remain understandably skeptical, at times hostile to any talk of ghosts and spirits. My beliefs are personal, consequently I have no need to express how I feel publicly. Occasionally you will come across people like Mike and Ruth, who not only allow you to talk without prejudice, but also have their own stories to tell. Life is a journey, one where you will meet many different people. My faith tells me everything is meant to be; we are born, with our lives already mapped out, it's up to us how we reach the end of our story, a story that also includes meeting people, just like Mike and Ruth, who I just happened to cross paths with, whist travelling the road I am currently on; my road, my journey, my story, my life! We all have a tale to tell, some more explosive than others. Listen to the narrative, give your earnest attention and don't judge until you understand the words spoken. The only people to explain the inexplicable are those who experience it themselves!
