On the Ninth Day of Christmas ~ Insight

Late at night my mind would come alive with voices and stories and friends as dear to me as any in the real world. I gave myself up to it, longing for transformation.

~ Josephine “Jo” March 

Of all the greatest gifts I have been receiving from these 12 days of Christmas, this one held within it, a hidden treasure… connected to me. 

 Years before, when Shayla was a little girl and we spent time visiting Victoria, we took her to Craigdarroch Castle. As we toured the designated National Historic site, I watched my daughter peer into each room, in awe of the intricate wonders it held.

Incredible details on fireplace

A Writer's Dream Desk

Spectacular design Carafe holder

One of numerous stained glass window

Postcard of Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria

Later in her teenage years, she watched the period film, “Little Women,” based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. The author delved into her own life and from her own relations created the March family, which consisted of a mother and four young daughters, living in New England during the time of Civil War. Their father is fighting in the war and with little money; they are left to exist in plays created by one of the sibling’s vivid imagination. Josephine "Jo" March portrays one of the daughter’s, who aspires to become a flourishing author.

The tapestry of connections was soon to unfold when in the evening I attended a showing of the movie “Little Women” at Craigdarroch Castle. As I sauntered along the corridors and elaborate woodwork, on display were rooms filled with the Christmas spirit. A framed picture on the wall captured my attention and upon a closer look, I was gazing upon a representation of a heart shaped design. The twisted curls and kinked weaves revealed that they were actually a variety of hair strands. I marvelled at the creation of such a personal memento. Back then, it was common to save a lock of hair from a loved one.  These pieces appeared to have come from several family members, honouring those now long gone.

In the film, there is a tender scene where the March family needs money and Josephine goes into town and has her ravishing long tresses, cut off and sold. She comes back and hands over the money, but appears disgusted with her new look. 

I was then reminded of a video that I am sure all women can relate too…

Angela Saini- "Something Like I'm Beautiful"   http://youtu.be/w3lmsQXsIwA

 

As I continue on throughout the Castle, photographing a period in time where beauty was of high importance, I take snapshots of the intricate dresses women use to wear. The unruly design of the corset has me thankful for the vast array of clothing we are now afforded. 

While in the dining room- I met a lovely woman named Ginny,-who shares similarities with me. Due to our personal conversation, I will simply mention how refreshing it was to meet another courageous soul, willing to impart on new beginnings. 

Dining areas

Gathering on the fourth floor, we amass a group of people who have come to see the Castle and Little Woman. 

Although, I knew of the writing aspect of the main character in the film, I was about to find out more correlation to myself. 

We were told how parts of the movie were filmed at Craigdarroch Castle. It was an extraordinary feeling to watch the story unfold and realize you’re in the same location that Susan Sarandon, Christian Bale and Winona Ryder had portrayed their characters. 

There came a part where I recognized the area…the woods where Josephine runs through on several occasions. Later, I discover it to be the North Shore of Vancouver, BC, a place I am familiar in once sharing with a former love of mine.  The irony, is all of the complex passionate stories that are intertwined, I could relate too. 

One thing while watching the movie I was not expecting was a tragedy that mirrored real life far too much. Thankfully, I was comforted by the notion it was both dark and I was sitting at the far back…so no one could see the tears welling up. 

There is a scene where a man named Friedrich who loves Josephine’s passion for words risks everything- by telling her to write from her own life experiences. Towards the end, Friedrich proclaims his adoration for both Josephine and her first novel. 

He says: “Reading your book was like opening a window into your heart.”

Afterwards, I made my way into the Gift shop located on the main floor. My usual quest is to gather a few postcards for scrapbooking, yet something was waiting for me to find it. Located on a shelf, I stood in wonder of a treasure I have been seeking ever since the inception of my novel. Over the years, I have collected pictures of Sitka spruce trees, trinkets, coasters, jewellery with a Sitka on it. Even when a local spruce tree was ‘shedding’ bark, needles and seed cones, I lovingly gathered them into a coconut bowl, for insight. Despite me always wanting a tree ornament, I never could find anything that came close to what I envisioned. That was until I spotted a silver, sparkling decoration that had me elated. I took it to the till and explained to the pleasant young lady named Adriana about its significance in my life and connection to “Under the Sitka Tree.” What delighted me more, was her enthusiasm and how genuinely happy she was for me to be able to purchase it. I gave her a card linked to my website and hurried home. I knew it would have its rightful place on the top branch of my Christmas tree.

Upon taking a closer look at it out of the box; I beamed at what the actual design is. There are birds all over it, which is associated with my book. Within each bird is a heart and relates to my two main characters, Christian and Skylar. Parts of the tree look like small ichthus or known as Jesus fish, which represents the structure of faith within the pages of “Under the Sitka Tree.” Finally, the importance of the colour silver draws a parallel to my business card for the novel, as it is a layer of metallic silver under a coating of red. 

 What tugs at my emotions the most is that I know within my heart as Shayla’s mother, this ornament is from my sweet angel. This, along with all of the other ‘nine gifts’ I have received so far from my heavenly spirit, are contributions to that enchanting holiday we were to have spent together here in Victoria. 

 

The last of the 12 Days of Christmas will see the next few blogs appear back-to-back. Due to the sudden development of my surgery occurring, I have had to write for nearly 7 hours daily to finish what I started.

With every adventure I embark on, I have made astonishing discoveries and met incredibly kind-hearted people, I now call friends.

What has been imparted to me is something rooted in my own beliefs…that during this phenomenal journey along the way, I  may have had my own itinerary, yet God has been revealing his.

By T.L. Alton