Magical and Mystical Holiday Happenings

Magical and Mystical Holiday Happenings!
 
Sitting here in the wee hours of the morning , the soft glow of Christmas tree lights, warming the room, casting shadows in every direction, I glance upward noticing the ceiling; it looks as though I am sitting under a canopy of evergreen branches.  The whiteness of the ceiling suggesting snow, yet the soft pattering sounds on the rooftop tells a different story.  Early morning coolness along with this soft rain, will shroud the landscape in a blanket of fog so thick even my beloved preserve will be starkly quiet. The little creatures never know when a much large raptor might be lurking!
 
As my mind begins its usual antics of thoughts swirling, fighting for recognition, the shadows create a feeling of secure warmth and sense of comfort.  Turning on holiday music, just loud enough for me, after all it is just a tad past three and Papa Bear is fast asleep,  but my mind has decided he is the only person that is going to be allowed to sleep! Trying to put the thoughts and happenings of the day to rest and get into a two day off relaxation mode, I let my mind run free. One particular thought keeps swirling round as if riding a holiday carousel but not being able to grab the elusive brass ring, so the swirl continues.
 
In the minds of children and adults there are many magical places but the holiday season conjures images of a jolly old elf in his red suit, much smaller elves scurrying 'round, multitudes of toys, colorful, intricate and carefully piled high, awaiting delivery to a child.  A picture perfect image that has been created for years in the minds of many. Perhaps it is this vision of happiness, security and loving warmth that allows the imagination free reign.
 
 Last Christmas season I found a small green and blue shoe, know as a croc.  It's owner had dropped it beneath the massive holiday wreath adorning the walls of the great Wilderness Lodge, where magical dreams are born and enjoyed year round.  As its wee owner returned from their excursion into the land of fantasy, it somehow disappeared into the blackness of the night sky, leaving unanswered questions about the tiny owners magical journey.
 
Yesterday's drive to the "Magic Kingdom" was anything but magical.  That shroud of fog previously mentioned was blanketing every inch of the tropical landscape.  My four o'clock drive was as if I was being hurled through space , the blackness swallowing my every move.  An occasional faint beam, suggested stealth movement of others encompassed within this nasty phenomenon.  As I drove through the massive gates of the Wilderness Lodge, a soft glow beneath this moisture laden blanket returned warmth and excitement to my heart knowing I had arrived, safely!  As I creep along the tree laden drive, sparkling little jewels peered at me in all directions.  This region is alive with miniature white tailed deer, they quietly munch the green grasses at the edge of the Lodge drive.  Once parked the fog again engulfing me as I take the long walk to the entrance, I am being followed. Peering through the fog all I see are the eyes.  It's quite comforting, much like an escort service, they are insuring my walk through this dense eerie blanket, is not alone. As I approach the massive entry, they sense I am safe, retreating into the blanket of blackness.
 
Very much similar to the late night walk through this gorgeous lobby, the early morning trip, equally as pleasing.  Quietness engulfing the spirit, one can breathe in the haunting and majestic magic of this place, it's rocking chairs empty, beckoning early morning visitors to enjoy breakfast in front of the dancing flames in the massive stone fireplace. Holiday decorations awash in thousands of tiny lights, soon the inhabitants of this place will awaken, the hustle and bustle will begin, hungry Guests will fill my "fish camp" then disappear into the early morning fog,their magical journey just beginning.
 
Walking the quiet hallway to my office, keys in hand, just the quiet hum of cooling units lets me know everything is working, I can still hear the faint holiday music in my now clean, sparkling empty dining room.  I peer through the door, everything in order, a clean fresh smell tells me the night time cleaning "elves" are finished.  I look in the opposite direction, kitchen lights on, my early bird bakery people are creating magic as well.  Just a few feet from the office door, something lay on the floor, perfectly left awaiting my arrival.  Hmm, can't be but it is, two Mickey head adorned green and blue crocs, slightly larger than the tiny one found last year.  Looking in all directions, I see no one! As a small shiver passes through my being, I pick up the crocs, a bit worn, letting me know their owner has walked much, no longer being carried by his Dad.  Entering my office, still surprised by my early morning find, perhaps I should place them in the exact place as last year's little one.  Sneaking out the back way, I open the massive wooden door.   No one is here yet, I place the worn green and blue crocs beneath the majestic green wreaths that adorn this entry way.  Feeling quite silly, my thoughts tell me otherwise.  Their owner has been transported on a magical Christmas journey, his shoes await him.
 
An hour later,  welcoming Guests, I peer out to the walkway, hard to believe but my green and blue crocs once again have disappeared.  Perhaps retrieved upon returning from a magical mystical journey of fantasy at the most magical place on earth!