Podcasts about mirror pond

Brian Yaeger is a Source contributor, beer author (including "Oregon Breweries"), beer fest producer and beer-tasting instructor at COCC. Because he's working on doughnut authorship, you'll find he occasionally reviews the local doughnut scene. Yes, he absolutely floats all summer long with a beer in one hand and a doughnut in the other. This week, Yaeger penned a cover story about the long and storied history of Mirror Pond Pale Ale -- one of Deschutes Brewery's oldest beers and one of its best sellers. We talk about the hop, developed by Oregon State University, that helped put Oregon (and Mirror Pond Pale Ale) on the map, what brewers had to say about the beer's flavor evolution over time and more.

In today's episode we read the chapter 19 – The Beach – in which Farfalla has a strange encounter with a young boy reminiscent of a scene in  Book 2 – Wingspan.This week's podcast partner is Cozyland: http://www.cozylandpod.comThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 19 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode Farfalla settled into her role both as the Skye Lark Belle and as an extended member of the Carnifex household.In today's episode we read the chapter 19 – The Beach – in which Farfalla has a strange encounter with a young boy reminiscent of a scene in  Book 2 – Wingspan.Today's podcast partner is Cozyland. Hosted by my dear friend Amy and me, Cozyland takes peek at those movies that make us feel warm inside. The ones that often have predictable plots and character traits that repeat from one film to the next. From Hallmark Holiday movies to films about food, fashion, and travel, to the cozy mysteries we like to dive into both in book and TV format... cozyland has all your comfort needs covered. Check the show notes for a link to the Cozyland podcast.  Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.August 12th, 1799I had the dream again last night. The water dream. I don't understand, it has already played out in real life, why would it keep coming to me in my sleep? I woke up staring at the wall above my bed, wishing I still had Isadora's dream catcher. At least this time I didn't sleepwalk.The dream was slightly different in that I knew it was the Skylark Bell in my hands. I clutched it, wishing to be someplace else, while humming the song from the Oak Tree. I think somehow it was a combination of the Skylark Bell and that song that brought me here, back in time. Perhaps I could somehow return home to Elisabeth if I could get my hands on the bell. Agnes Sutherland took it from me the day of the Lark Festival and squirreled it away. I've half a mind to march back into her house and take it back, but despite their modest means the Sutherlands are well-liked and carry some weight in this town. I must be cautious about how I retrieve the bell, so as not to make waves.I am bringing Frannie and Felix to the beach today. Nurse Betsey has the day off to tend to her ill mother on the other side of the island, and I offered to care for the children. At first Isabella waved her hand at me dismissively. “You don't need to do that!” she had said. But the children begged and pleaded, and I insisted, so she relented. I asked the cook to pack us a picnic, and I've collected blankets for us to sit on, and some small baskets to collect rocks and seashells. I think today is going to be a beautiful day…~~~~~~Farfalla and the children skip through the tall grass of the field behind Carnifex house hand in hand. The horses in the pasture to their right are galloping around, tossing their manes in the air, thoroughly enjoying the spring sunshine and cool sea breeze.“Miss Skye, did you like to go to the beach when you were our age?” asks Felix in his customary formal tone. Farfalla smiles a a pang of nostalgia grabs her. “No,” she replies, “where I lived there was no beach. But there was a pond, Mirror Pond it was called, and I liked to spend time there watching the frogs and turtles.”“I'm not very fond of frogs,” says Frannie, scrunching up her face. Farfalla laughs, sticks out her fingers and pretends to chase the girl, “what don't you like about frogs? They won't hurt you; they just want to tickle you to pieces!” she shouts, sending Frannie racing toward the beach in a fit of giggles.They arrive at the beach and Farfalla spreads out the blankets in a sandy area. She hands each of the children an empty bucket and smiles as they race toward the water. Felix immediately starts selecting the best skipping stones, while Frannie digs through the wet sand in search of seashells. Farfalla walks to the shore and lets the waves gently wash over her feet as they sink comfortably into the sand. She closes her eyes and breathes deeply, letting the salty sea air flow through her lungs. Just a few paces away she can hear Felix and Frannie chatting about the treasures they've already found; “Look at this stone, Frannie, it's perfectly round and smooth. I bet I can get it to skip 7 times!” “Felix, look at this shell, it's the biggest one I've ever seen, and so shiny on the inside!” Farfalla smiles, if she can't be with Elisabeth, this is the next best thing. She takes one more deep breath and opens her eyes. “Hullo,” says a small voice. She looks down and sees a young boy, his soft brown curls blowing in the wind. He is looking up at her with unusually large, bright blue eyes.“Hi there!” she says, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.“I know you,” he says.Farfalla furrows her brow. She's never met this boy in her life. “I think you're mistaking me for someone else,” she says gently, smiling at him.“No, it was you. At the edge of the woods. You said hello to me. You knew my name,” he speaks with such confidence Farfalla is at a loss for words. She takes a moment to gather her thoughts.“Well, you see, it couldn't have been me, because I don't know your name,” she says, certain now he will admit his mistake.“You told me that you heard my father say it, at the cliff,” he insists. Now Farfalla is entirely confused. What cliff? “Who is your father?” she asks, trying to sort the pieces of the puzzle.“My father is the mayor,” he answers in a tone that makes it obvious he thinks she should already know.“Miss Skye! Miss Skye!” she hears Frannie and Felix shout excitedly.“That's not your name,” says the boy. Farfalla's heart skips a beat. “What do you think my name is?” she asks, afraid of what his answer will be.“Dealan-dè,” he replies.“Miss Skye, look what we found!” shout Frannie and Felix in unison. Farfalla turns to look at them, only a few paces away. When she turns back to the boy he is gone. She glances over her shoulder and sees him walking up the hill, away from the beach. What a strange child, she thinks.“What did you find?” she asks as the children finally catch up to her. Felix holds up his bucket “Take a peek!” he says, a hint of mischief in his voice. Farfalla cautiously peeks over the rim and sees a sparkling white egg sitting on a bed of sand. “Hmmm…” she muses, “and you found this on the beach?” Both children nod.  “And there was no nest nearby?” Both children shake their heads no. “And you definitely did not take it from our picnic basket?” she asks, a smile teasing the corner of her mouth. At this, Felix and Frannie burst into laughter. “Come on,” says Farfalla, laughing along with them, “I think it's time for lunch.”They sit on the blankets and eat while watching the tide slowly roll in. By the time they finish the water is tickling the edge of the blanket. “I suppose it's time to head home,” says Farfalla regretfully.“Oh Miss Skye, please, can't we keep playing outside? It's such a beautiful day, and we're having such fun!” begs Frannie.“Frannie, Mama said we shouldn't take up too much of Miss Skye's time!” reprimands Felix in a hushed voice.Farfalla takes them both by the hand. “Now, now, there'll be no arguing on my watch. You are certainly not taking up too much of my time. Why don't we bring the basket up to the house, and then we can go say hello to the horses?” The children whoop joyfully and race to the house, their arms loaded with the blankets, buckets, and picnic basket. Farfalla watches them, her heart full for the first time in a long time. It is a beautiful day.They meet up at the gate to the paddock and the horses plod over to say hello. “I'm surprised you don't have some kind of stable hand to care for the horses,” says Farfalla. She has seen the maid occasionally groom and saddle a horse when Donald Carnifex travels for business. The children give one another a strange look. “What is it?” asks Farfalla, noticing.“There used to be Charlie,” begins Frannie.“Frannie, shush! Mama said we don't talk about Charlie!” hisses Felix.“What happened to Charlie?” asks Farfalla, both confused and concerned.“He went into the woods,” replies Frannie, earning herself an elbow to the ribs courtesy of Felix.“What's wrong with the woods?” asks Farfalla.“We're not allowed to go into the woods,” answers Felix, with a tone that says the conversation is closed.“Why not?” asks Farfalla, tiring of the tedious fashion in which the bits of information are being pulled from the children.“Because of the vanishings,” says Frannie, earning herself a glare this time.“Vanishings?!” Farfalla exclaims. Why hasn't she heard about this yet?“People who go into the woods don't come out. Papa says it's druid magic. He says the druid lady who lives in the woods makes people disappear,”“Well now you've done it, Frannie! Mama said we weren't to worry Miss Skye with these things! Nurse Betsey will be so angr-“ Felix stops himself then.  “Felix why would Nurse Betsey be angry with you?” asks Farfalla. Felix gives a shrug and looks down at the ground, kicking the dirt with his feet. “Does she get angry with you often?” she tries. The boy nods, and Frannie follows suit. Farfalla crouches down to their eye level and lifts their faces up with her hands. “Next time she gets angry with you, will you please let me know?” she asks. The children nod silently. “Great. Now then, how about you show me all those shells and rocks you collected at the beach?” she says, grabbing the children by the hand and walking back toward the house.The children chatter on about their discoveries as if they'd never mentioned the vanishings or the woods, but in Farfalla's mind she can't help but replay the conversation. Her mind shifts to the boy on the beach. “I know you,” he had said. “I've seen you before, at the edge of the woods…”Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 20 – The Music Box – in which a day of celebration turns rather dark.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. Leaving a rating or a review on your preferred podcast platform is incredibly helpful in helping the podcast gain visibility so others can find and enjoy the story of The Skylark Bell, it's a quick, easy, and free way to support my work. If you'd like to support me further, you can also subscribe to Patreon, where you'll get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of my music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! And be sure to follow me on social media for updates, I love to connect with listeners... Just check the show notes for all necessary links. Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode we read the chapter 10 – A Wedding After All, in which James and Farfalla marry, but things don't go quite as planned...This week's podcast partner is The Grim Cities: https://anchor.fm/thegrimcitiesThis episode features the song The Wedding Dress originally composed by Cannelle for Fantôme Friday #11 in Season 1. This version has been remixed and remastered by Pink Flamingo Music Productions: youtube.com/channel/UCqt6NSbXlXVl3Ofp8jeV4IQThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 11 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode, James Carnifex came back into Farfalla's life and the two fell in love.In today's episode we read the chapter 10 – A Wedding After All, in which James and Farfalla marry, but things don't go quite as planned...Today's podcast partner is The Grim Cities. I discovered this podcast by accident, and I'm so glad I did! The Grim Cities covers paranormal stories from the Twin Cities area and beyond, often covering stories even I, who has lived in the Twin Cities for years, hadn't heard of. Even if you're not familiar with the area, the podcast is absolutely worthwhile with great research and entertaining delivery. Just check the show notes for a link.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.March 22nd, 1929Today is my wedding day. I never thought I would write those words. After Marius disappeared, the thought of falling in love again or being in a relationship seemed so foreign to me. Impossible. I had accepted the reality of living out my life on my own, quietly, shunned by everyone in town. But life is funny sometimes, it weaves joy and sadness in and out like the creek that flows into Pine River. The day James Carnifex came back into town was the happiest day I'd had in a long time. The following day we went for a picnic by the fountain in Brighthaven. I made us some sandwiches and James bought some pastries from Tourtereaux's Bakery downstairs before we left. We talked and laughed, and I felt freer and happier than I had in years. We saw one another the following day, too. Then he had to travel for business, but upon his return he came to me. We've spent nearly every waking moment together ever since. I relish the company. I had unknowingly swallowed my loneliness down so deeply I had all but forgotten about it, but the moment he left on that trip it came roaring back up from the depths of my being and I realized I don't want to be lonely. I don't want to be alone.I spend as much time with James as possible, and it's lovely, but I've surprised myself in that the thing that has brought me the greatest joy, the greatest pleasure, is the look of shock (and, dare I say, horror?) on the faces of every single person in Pocket who turned on me when the silence fell on Meadow Lane. Every person who blamed me, pushed me to the fringes of their community, treated me as a lesser person, as something to be shunned and feared and loathed. Every person who crossed the street when they saw me coming their way, or who pretended I wasn't there when waiting in line at the store or the post office. I am finding great pleasure in shocking them, perhaps even angering them. Those who don't think I deserve happiness. I have gone out about town with James again and again, relishing their wide eyed, open mouthed disbelief that someone would be kind to me, perhaps even love me. So, naturally, when James asked me to marry him, I said yes.~~~~~~“I will,” says Farfalla, her voice echoing in the vast, mostly empty room. She looks up at James and smiles.“Then, it is my honour to pronounce you husband and wife,” says the officiant, sealing their fates together with a clasp of his hands. With a swish of his robes, he fades to the back of the room, leaving James and Farfalla officially married. They turn to face the hall where Mr. and Mrs. Shearwater, Paloma, Isadora Finch, Isadora's husband Eric and their daughter Sarah are sitting, immediately causing everyone to hop to their feet and clap with joy. James takes Farfalla's hand and leads her down the aisle to the door, her sleek white lace dress trailing to the floor. It had been Mrs. Shearwater's wedding dress originally, and Paloma helped alter it to give it a more modern fit. Farfalla's hair is covered with a long veil, the top of which is attached to a simple tiara that Isadora gifted her when she found out about Farfalla's engagement. In her hands Farfalla holds a bouquet of dried hydrangeas, having been unable to come by any live flowers so early in the year.The group walks out onto the stone steps of the hall facing the Brighthaven Town Square. “Everyone, line up, Eric will take a photo!” says Isadora with excitement. James, Farfalla and Farfalla's family line up on the stone steps as Isadora's husband sets up his camera.  “Isadora, you must be in the photo as well!” shouts Farfalla, gesturing for Isadora to join them on the steps. Isadora grabs Sarah and sets the toddler on her hip as she joins the group. A fortuitous break in the clouds sends delicate rays of sunshine down on the happy couple just as Eric takes their photograph. Farfalla smiles. Everything is going to be just fine.“Is everyone ready to go?” asks James. The group nods in unison. Their joyful chatter carries over the town square as they walk to their cars.“Great! We'll meet you at the diner!” shouts Farfalla over her shoulder as she gets into the car. James closes the door gently behind her then runs around the front of the car to the driver's seat. They take a moment to catch their breath.“Can you believe it?” he asks.“It feels surreal, doesn't it?” says Farfalla, feeling a childlike giddiness rising in her. She and James had been friends for many years prior to the Carnifex family leaving Pocket, but she never imagined for a moment that she would one day be his wife. Then again, she never imagined that her first love, her true love, would suddenly disappear, and that she would be forced to move away from Meadow Lane, and that the people of Pocket, the town she had lived in her entire life, would turn against her.“Is everything alright, Falla?” asks James, noting the crease in her brow.Farfalla shakes her head, ridding herself of the negative thoughts. She reminds herself that today is her wedding day, and she refuses to let anything ruin it. “Yes, everything is great,” she says, taking a hold of his hand. James smiles at her, gives her hand a gentle squeeze, then starts the car and pulls away from the curb. They turn onto the main road and head back towards Pocket. James parks the car on Main Street, just outside Bunting's General Store, across from The Early Bird diner.“And now, Mrs. Carnifex, we celebrate!” he says playfully as he grabs Farfalla's hand and helps her out of the car. Farfalla stands up and grins at James before planting a kiss on his cheek, then they scurry across the street to meet the Shearwaters and Isadora in front of the early bird.“Eric has gone home with Sarah so we can enjoy our lunch,” says Isadora. “Shall we?” she asks, gesturing toward the door.Farfalla takes the lead and walks up the short walkway to the restaurant entrance. Just as she is reaching for the door handle Mrs. Kestrel turns the key in the lock. Farfalla stands on the opposite side of the door, a look of confusion on her face. She knocks gently and says, “Mrs. Kestrel, we're here for lunch to celebrate my wedding.”Mrs. Kestrel's eyes narrow and her sharp voice cuts through the glass, “We're closing due to unforeseen circumstances,” she says. With that, she turns the “open” sign to “closed” and walks away.Farfalla stands in front of the door, shellshocked. At that precise moment, a thick cloud blows in, covering the sun and sending heavy rain drops pouring from the sky. Farfalla looks up, grateful for the rain that will camouflage her tears. She laughs then, a harsh, bitter sound that sends shivers down Isadora's spine. “Come on, Farfalla, let's leave,” says Mr. Shearwater, grabbing her by the elbow. James stands on Farfalla's other side, ready to catch her should she stumble.“We'll have lunch tomorrow, I'll prepare your favourite dishes and we'll bring them over to your new house,” says Mrs. Shearwater in the most comforting tone she can muster.“Chin up, Falla,” says Paloma, giving her sister a hug, “this was just back luck, it'll be all blue skies from here on out!”Farfalla imagines what a mess she must look like. The bottom of her dress is quickly getting covered in mud, just like when she was a child wading into Mirror Pond. Her veil is soaked and clinging to the sides of her face, and she can feel eye makeup running down her cheeks in black streaks. The people of Pocket have accused her of being a witch for years, and today she looks the part. Farfalla lets out another bitter laugh, then turns to look at the people standing around her. The only five people in the world who treat her with kindness, love, respect. The only people who speak to her, touch her, love her. She notes how their clothes are getting soaked and their wet hair is sticking to their faces as they stay out in the rain trying to comfort her. She should be feeling love for them, gratitude. But the only emotion running through her body at this very moment is rage.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 11 – Elisabeth, in which we meet James and Farfalla's daughter, Magpie's Great-Grandmother, Elisabeth.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links. Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode we read the chapter 7 – Marius' Disappearance, where we relive the terrible events of the winter of 1925, this time from Farfalla's perspective.This week's podcast partner is Generally Spooky: linktr.ee/generallyspookyThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 7 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode, Marius gifted The Skylark Bell to Farfalla.In today's episode we read the chapter 7 – Marius' Disappearance, where we relive the terrible events of the winter of 1925, this time from Farfalla's perspective.Today's podcast partner is Generally Spooky, also a member of The Boopod Network! If you're interested in learning about the often spooky and haunting history of Scotland, you won't want to miss this one! Hosts Eilidh and Kieran sprinkle just the right amount of humour in each episode. Just check the show notes for a link to the Generally Spooky podcast. Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.February 13th, 1925Winter has come. It has been the most brutal, devastating winter anyone can recall. The snow simply won't stop falling, and it has been bitterly cold. Over the holidays Marius asked Papa for my hand in marriage and Papa graciously accepted. We announced our engagement to everyone just after they'd opened their holiday gifts. Mama was so happy she set aside her usual decorum and let out a loud whoop! Paloma clapped and cheered, and Papa held us both in a warm embrace for a very long time. Marius has been living with us since the Carnifex family moved away last month. James told Gordon Starling his parents are thinking of moving to Europe, but they may return once winter is over. I was surprised at the news; James didn't even say goodbye to me. Still, I am so happy to have Marius living with us and our engagement no longer a secret. Despite the cold I feel warm and loved and full of hope for the future!Not everyone has been so fortunate though. There was a fire at the Tanager's farm, and Earl Tanager was killed. I can't imagine how devastated his wife Phoebe must be, and their children Charlie and Marie. They were trying to keep warm with candles, having run out of firewood for the fireplace. Many families have run out of firewood. Papa cut down the trees in the apple orchard and distributed wood to as many people as he could, but that was weeks ago, and now we've almost used all of it. I cried and cried as he and the Starling boys hacked at the trees, there will be no fragrant blossoms this spring. Mama has promised to pull seeds from the few apples we still have in the root cellar, but it will take years for them to grow into the blooming, bountiful orchard we once had.This morning when I came downstairs Papa was standing at the front window staring at the Oak Tree. I knew what he was thinking before he even said anything, and right away I cried “Papa, no!”. I can't bear the thought of the Oak Tree being felled. My Oak Tree. I have heard its song, felt its heartbeat. It is a living breathing thing and I feel like if it were to die, I would die too. Marius ran into the room when he heard me shout, and Papa explained that we were out of firewood, and he was thinking of cutting down the Oak Tree. I wept and wept and begged Papa not to do it, so Marius offered to go out to look for firewood. I didn't know what would happen then. I didn't know Marius would never come home…~~~~~~Farfalla stares out at the Oak Tree from her bedroom window, relieved that it is still standing, and grateful to Marius for offering to find another source of firewood so her father wouldn't cut it down. She places a record on the victrola and winds it. Music fills the room, and she begins dancing to keep warm. She gets lost in the sound as it wraps around her like a warm blanket, and subconsciously starts humming along, eyes closed, swaying from side to side. Finally, the victrola winds down and the music stops, but Farfalla doesn't seem to notice and keeps dancing. Her humming turns to the song of the Oak Tree, the one she heard that day when the tree seemed to be singing her name, “Fallalala Lalalalala”. Outside her bedroom window the wind picks up and the Skylark Bell begins to ring.In the mirror of Farfalla's vanity a mist slowly appears, and a woman's face gradually fades into view. The woman's piercing blue eyes are filled with worry, and her mouth moving as if she is trying to shout a warning of some kind, but no sound comes out. Farfalla, still dancing and singing with her eyes closed, is blissfully ignorant of the woman in the mirror. Finally, Farfalla stops moving as the last notes of her song fade from the room. She opens her eyes and see it is beginning to get dark out. Where is Marius? Farfalla furrows her brow and hurries downstairs as the woman in her vanity mirror fades away.“Mama, has anyone heard from Marius?” she asks, walking into the kitchen.Mrs. Shearwater grabs a wooden spoon from a drawer to stir the stew. “Not yet, but I'm sure he'll be home any moment now. Why don't you sit at the table, I'll bring you some food,” she says, shooing Farfalla from the kitchen.Farfalla sits at the table, pushing the stew around her plate with her fork, unable to eat because her stomach is too tight with worry. She remains perfectly still in her chair for what seems like an eternity, silently staring off into space. Darkness fell on Meadow Lane hours ago, and still Marius has not returned. Farfalla may be still on the outside, but on the inside her heart is pounding and her stomach is clenched with worry. Worry and guilt. He wouldn't have gone out if it weren't for her. Her thoughts keep swirling in an incessant spiral that gets darker and darker by the minute. Mr. and Mrs. Shearwater and Paloma are sitting in the living room with layers of blankets over their shoulders, the small fire in the fireplace barely providing any warmth.A loud, insistent knock at the door startles all of them. Farfalla turns to look toward the door, hoping with every fiber of her body that it is Marius on the other side. Mr. Shearwater walks to the door and cracks it open so as not to let the cold air in. He nods his head, closes the door, grabs his coat and boots and walks out.Farfalla's heart sinks. If it had been Marius at the door, he would have come in. Where has Papa gone? Who is at the door? “Don't worry, Falla,” says Paloma, walking over to her and laying a blanket over her shoulders, “Papa will find Marius, and everything will be fine, you'll see.” Paloma's comforting words do nothing to ease Farfalla's anxiety, she can feel deep in the core of her being that something is deeply wrong. At long last Mr. Shearwater comes back inside, a grim look on his face. He slowly takes off his coat and boots before walking over to the dining room table and taking a seat next to Farfalla. He takes her hands in his and heaves a sigh before speaking. “That was Gordon Starling, he was with a man I've never met before. They came to tell me they found Cormorant by the side of the road,” he begins. Farfalla feels tears stinging at her eyes already. They found Cormorant. That means they found only Cormorant. She hears a ringing in her ears that drowns out her father's words as he tries to reassure her that they will go out looking for Marius as soon as morning comes and bring him home. “The man says he thought he saw him out by Mirror Pond, we'll start our search there…” his voice trails off.Farfalla can feel a crack spread across the expanse of her heart. She gets up from the table and wanders to the front window. She can't see the Oak Tree in the darkness outside, but she knows it is there. How could she have been so childish? So foolish?! Suddenly, Isadora Finch's warning echoes in Farfalla's mind. She had said something about the tree, then the words “Beware the dark horse in the snow”. Somehow, Isadora knew, and somehow, deep inside her, Farfalla also knows. Marius is never coming home.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 8 – The Silence – in which we learn how the silence at Meadow Lane was sparked, and what lead to the house being abandoned.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on spotify or a review on apple podcast, they help give the skylark bell visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. If you'd like to connect, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, mastodon, or on the contact form on my official website, the skylark bell .com. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon where you get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of the music, and more! Just check the show notes for all necessary links.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week's podcast partner is The Activity Continues: https://www.podpage.com/the-activity-continues/The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 4 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode, Farfalla celebrated her 16th birthday and was gifted a Dreamcatcher by her friend Isadora.In today's episode we read the chapter 4 – The Aviary Finishing School for Girls of Distinction, in which Farfalla must return to boarding school and face her nemesis.Today's podcast partner is The Activity Continues, which started out as a recap of the television show The Dead Files, but has expanded into other areas of the wild and wonderful unexplained phenomena. You may recognize their name as they are also members of the Boopod Network and have participated in collaborations which The Skylark Bell was part of in the past. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to their podcast.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.September 3rd, 1922I don't want to go. I've been dreading the end of summer, not because I don't love autumn, but because it means I have to leave Meadow Lane to go back to boarding school. Mama insists we get a proper education so Paloma and I can become “ladies”. I don't want to be a lady; I want to be a mystical being like The Skye Lark Belle! I want to sing with the birds and run with the deer and play with the foxes. I don't want to be in a building learning how to sit properly and how to sew and how to write letters… I know Mama and Papa had long discussions about this in the beginning, Papa thought I could stay at the farm and help him out with chores, but in the end Mama won.There is no Mirror Pond at boarding school, no apple orchard, no Oak Tree, no fields to run in. Only a large stone building with a wrought iron fence all the way around it. Inside, the building is filled with fancy wood trim and stained glass and the floors are always pristine since no one here ever plays in the mud or gets dirty. Sometimes we go on “excursions” which means we walk to the museum or the library. I'd rather walk to the creek and find some frogs to catch. Paloma is excited, she loves boarding school because it's on the outskirts of the city. She sits in the window and watches the streetcars go by. “Someday I will ride on one of those to get to work!” she says almost every day with that goofy dreamy look in her eyes. I wish I enjoyed this as much as she does, time wouldn't go by so slowly.The only time Papa stepped in was when they headmistress suggested I cut my hair into a short bob like some of the other girls, she said it would make me look more “presentable”. Papa said I was perfectly presentable as is. He then bought me a fancy comb and told me to do my best to tame my hair while I'm at school and that I could let it run wild again when I came home in the spring.Spring seems so far away now. Time cannot go by fast enough…~~~~~~“Falla, did you pack your shoes? I don't see them in here!” says Mrs. Shearwater, digging through Farfalla's travel case.“I have them right here, Mama,” says Farfalla, her voice indicating she is not happy to be packing. Mrs. Shearwater ignores her tone and grabs the shoes from her hand. She expertly slips them into the case and places the dresses and slips back in their place before closing the case and latching it.“I'm all packed up!” comes Paloma's chipper voice from the doorway. “Falla, isn't this exciting! I can't wait to see the library, I heard they added a whole new wing!” Farfalla forces a smile, she doesn't want to put a damper on her sister's joy, even if she doesn't share her excitement.“Okay the horses are ready to go!” Papa's voice floats up the stairs. The girls make their way outside with their travel cases, Mrs. Shearwater following closely behind with a picnic basket. “I've packed you some lunch for the road, be careful not to spill on your dresses!” she says, handing Farfalla the basket once she has settled into the horse cart. “I love you! Be good girls now and I'll see you at holiday time!” she says, waving as they start heading down the lane.Farfalla takes one last longing look at the Oak Tree, its branches have already lost most of their leaves, and it looks like it is waving goodbye at her. Her heart feels heavy as they turn down the road toward the train station.“Chin up Falla, you'll be back home in no time, and that tree's not going anywhere,” says her father with a wink. She leans her head on his shoulder. They ride in silence most of the way, stopping for lunch at the halfway mark to enjoy the sandwiches and fresh fruit Mrs. Shearwater packed for them. Finally, Farfalla and Paloma board the train. Farfalla feels tears pricking her eyes as the train pulls away from the station, its piercing whistle like a sword plunging into her stomach. They arrive at their destination and walk a few short blocks to the school. Farfalla's heart sinks even deeper when she sees the sign at the end of the long, gated driveway: The Aviary, Finishing School for Girls of Distinction. “I'd distinctly like to be finished with this school,” she mutters under her breath. “Well, well, well… if it isn't the rural folk,” says a high-pitched nasal voice behind her. Paloma spins on her heel, her fiery eyes filled with anger. “Well, I see you haven't gotten any nicer over the summer, Sadie Rhodes,” she seethes.“Now, now little one, don't be so sensitive, she didn't mean anything by it,” says another girl, her perfect blonde hair pinned into a fancy twist at the back of her head.“Hello Priscilla,” says Farfalla, too sad to put up a fight. Priscilla Ponceroy and Sadie Rhodes are her nemeses. They've been going out of their way to make her time at The Aviary even more miserable than it already is. Her first year there they locked her in a bathroom, getting her in trouble for being tardy. Then there was the time the hid her shoes, so she had to spend the entire day in her stockings, earning her a meeting with the headmistress about “how to be responsible for one's belongings”. Try as she may she has never been able to get the girls off her back.“Come on, Falla, let's go,” says Paloma, confidently grabbing her travel case and marching through the gate to the main entrance.On the first day of school the students settle into their rooms and unpack, then go to a general assembly where Headmistress Tangella-Newsome gives the same speech about her expectations and how each of them will have arrived a girl and will leave a lady. Then they go to the hall for dinner before retiring for the evening. Farfalla feels relief wash over her as she steps back into her room. Priscilla sat behind her at assembly and kept kicking her chair, trying to get her to react so she would get in trouble. Farfalla was able to ignore it for the most part, but it made her stomach tighten with anger. Then at dinner Sadie put a worm in Farfalla's soup, causing her to shout which earned her a glare from the cafeteria attendant and a sharp “Ladies don't shout!” from the headmistress. Now Farfalla stretches on her bed and closes her eyes, picturing the Oak Tree and the fox cubs at Meadow Lane. She looks up at the dreamcatcher that Isadora made for her hanging from the headboard of her bed, she hasn't had the water dream since it was given to her, so she brought it with her to school, just in case. Farfalla's eyes get heavy, and she lets herself drift into a peaceful sleep. She has no idea how much time has gone by when her eyes open suddenly, as if something has caused her to wake. She feels her heart pound, but she doesn't know why. The room is completely dark save for the bit of moonlight shining through the window. There it is again, a soft footstep in the hallway outside her room. Farfalla creeps out of bed and places her ear on the door. Nothing. She carefully turns the knob and eases the door open. She peeks her head out and sees a woman stepping out of Priscilla's room. The woman turns to look at her, smiles, and puts a finger to her lips. Shhh. Before Farfalla can process what is happening the woman vanishes into thin air. Farfalla steps back into her room and quickly closes the door. Her heart feels like it is going to beat right out of her chest. How did the woman just… vanish?! “I must be dreaming,” says Farfalla out loud, her voice sounding strange in the silent room. She walks back to her bed on shaky legs and gets under the covers. She pulls the blanket up to her chin to try and dispel the chill that is going through her. Finally, she falls asleep again. The next morning Farfalla is woken by a scream. She can hear commotion in the hallway and the headmistress' voice shouting “Who is responsible for this?!” Farfalla eases her door open and steps out into the hallway. A hand flies to her mouth when she sees Priscilla, her hair has been shorn within an inch of her head, and she is standing in the middle of the hall, weeping. Suddenly Lillian Merle comes running down the hall waving her arms in the air. “Headmistress! Headmistress! It was Sadie! Sadie Rhodes! I found the scissors a big pile of hair on the floor of her room!” At this Sadie's eyes grow wide, “I didn't do anything! It wasn't me!”.“Miss Ponceroy, go to your room and do your best to make yourself presentable. Miss Rhodes, follow me,” says the Headmistress sternly, tapping her walking stick on the ground. Farfalla lets herself back into her room and closes the door behind her. She sits on the edge of her bed replaying the events of last night in her mind. There's something familiar about the woman she saw last night, but Farfalla's mind is foggy from lack of sleep, and she can't figure out it. She pours some water from the pitcher by her bed onto her hands and taps her cheeks to help wake herself up. Farfalla lets her thoughts swirl as she paces back and forth on the hardwood floor on the small room. Finally, the school bell rings, indicating it's time for her to head downstairs. She stops and looks in the mirror to make sure she is “presentable” and lets out a gasp as realization hits her. The woman, the one who seems to have taken revenge on the girls who have been so unkind to her, who smiled at her before disappearing into thin air, the woman's face looks familiar because it is practically identical to her own!Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 5 – Marius, in which Farfalla and Marius finally meet.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode we read the chapter 1 – The Fabric of Nature, in which we are introduced to Farfalla's vibrant childhood at meadow lane.The Haunted UK podcast: https://linktr.ee/hauntedukpodcastThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellMelissa on Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  Skyedive is the third and final book in the Skylark Trilogy, and in it we will be revisiting the story from the perspective of Farfalla, and gaining insight on her life, and her motivations.In today's episode we read the chapter 1 – The Fabric of Nature, in which we are introduced to Farfalla's vibrant childhood at meadow lane.Today's podcast partner is fellow Boopod Network member The Haunted UK podcast – you may recognize the name from collaborations we have done in the past.  The Haunted UK is now in its 3rd season of exploring a variety of fascinating, and sometimes terrifying topics. Be sure to check the shownotes for a link.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.June 24th, 1919Papa's name is Nathaniel Shearwater. He's a large, loud man, and I think sometimes people are a little bit afraid of him, but once they take a moment to get to know him, they realize he's kind and fair. He loves Mama and Paloma and Me more than anything in the world. Papa is a hard worker; he's gone before we wake up most days and comes home just as Mama is serving dinner. I'm sure he's tired when he comes home, but he always takes the time to ask about our day and tell us a funny story. My favourite thing about Papa is his big, strong hands. His skin is rough from years of handling construction materials, but when he holds my little hand in his I feel safe and loved, like nothing bad could ever happen.Mama's name is Evelyn Anne Shearwater. Such a pretty name, isn't it? Papa says Mama is a sensible and practical woman. Even her straight, dark brown hair is sensible. Not at all like my wild wavy bright red locks, those are about as sensible and practical as I am! Mama grew up near the city, she doesn't love nature and animals like I do, I think she just doesn't understand. She loves to cook and entertain, throw parties, and have guests over for dinner. She likes to make everything perfect, cooking elaborate meals and lighting the candles just so, placing the pillows on the couch in exactly the right spot. I think that may be why she likes to volunteer at the library, too, because everything is so organized. Mama and I are very different, but I love her dearly.Then there's my sister, Paloma. She is two years younger than I am. Paloma is a dreamer; she wants to be an artist and move to the big city. She's not so interested in the beautiful world outside, the leaves, the animals, the clouds… she's more interested in the world inside her head, or inside whatever book she's reading. We don't play together all that much, but we do love sitting by the fire while Mama reads us stories, or hopping on Papa's lap when he comes home from work and telling him all about our day.Then, of course, there's me, Farfalla. Farfalla means butterfly. Did you know that already? Papa says I was aptly named since I flutter about outside all day. Mama says I muddy up my skirts too much. Paloma just rolls her eyes at me then sticks her nose back in her book. It's fascinating how butterflies transform from caterpillars. People transform too. It's hard to understand what happens inside the cocoon for the caterpillar to change so completely, just like it's hard to understand sometimes how someone can go from a happy, innocent child to… something else. Perhaps by the end, you will understand.Summer is my favourite season. Every morning I wake up before sunrise so I can listen to the birds. The Redwing Blackbirds are my favourite, they have such beautiful voices. Papa says I have a beautiful voice too, he says it's “hypnotic”. I'm not sure what he means by that but I think it's a compliment. He laughed when I told him it was the Redwing Blackbirds that taught me how to sing. I don't tell him things like that anymore. I don't tell anyone. Not people, anyway. Now I only tell my secrets to the birds, they don't laugh.Today I'm going to sit under the lilac bush and finish making my crown. The first time I tried to make one it fell apart, but now I have it figured out. I found some old bare vines that were climbing up the oak tree in the front yard, and when I tugged to get them loose a few twigs broke off the tree. I've been twisting the vines together and working the twigs into the spaces between them. It's a work of art! Now I'm going to add some of the wildflowers I collected before breakfast. Daisies, buttercups, violets, I even managed to get a wild rose without pricking my finger! Maybe I'll add some more, they smell so beautiful.Mama has been reading me a book called The Skye Lark Belle. She always stops reading about two thirds of the way through. She says things get too sad after that part. But in the beginning, it's happy and beautiful. The Belle wears a crown made of vines and twigs. Hers is silver, but I don't know how to turn mine silver. They say The Belle has a beautiful voice, too, and that she is friends with the birds and animals, just like me! I wish I was The Skye Lark Belle. Mama read the book to Paloma and I last winter as well, we sat by the fire downstairs and listened to her long after the sky went dark, begging for one more chapter each time she would stop to tell us it was time for bed. Paloma didn't want Mama to read it again, she didn't like that Mama wouldn't finish the whole story. So, Paloma just goes up to her room to read her own books and Mama and I sit in the rocking chairs while she reads the first part to me over and over.Sometimes I skip over to Mirror Pond and pretend I am The Belle, walking out of the ocean. It's such a romantic idea, isn't it? That a beautiful woman with magical powers would walk out of the ocean one day and everyone in the village would fall in love with her? Well, at least they loved her for a little while…Today the sky is the most dazzling shade of blue, with puffy white clouds here and there. I think Papa would say Mirror Pond is aptly named as well, since the blue sky and puffy white clouds are perfectly reflected on its surface. Sometimes I sit out on the large rock in the middle of the pond and stay perfectly still. For some reason I feel like a prince will appear on his big, brave horse and take me away to a magical land. So far it hasn't happened, but today I'm wearing a crown, so I feel like my chances may have improved slightly.“Falla, it's time for lunch!” Somehow Mama's voice can echo to the ends of the earth if she needs it to. No prince again today. One day he will appear, I can feel it in my bones. But for now, I should probably go home and get some lunch before Mama gets upset. She'll already be cross that the bottom of my skirts got wet in the pond. Maybe I'll walk through the apple orchard on my way home and see how the fruit is coming along. Then I can hide my crown inside the old shed so Paloma doesn't get a hold of it. “Falla! Lunch!” I'd better go. ~~~~~~The girl races across the quarry, her long red hair trailing behind her like a flag. She skips through the fence poles into the field behind her house and races to the apple orchard. There, she slows down to a walk, closes her eyes, and inhales the sweet perfume. The blossoms dropped weeks ago, but her memory of them is vivid, and if she closes her eyes it's like travelling back in time to spring. “Falla! Lunch! Now!” her mother's voice carries on the wind, startling her out of her reverie.  The girl groans and picks up the pace until she reaches the back door of her house. She lets herself in and is immediately greeted by her mother's exasperated face. “Farfalla Isabella Shearwater! Look at those skirts! I told you not to wade into the pond!”“But Mama, it's the only way to get onto the rock! And the rock is the only place to sit where I can watch the turtles and frogs and birds. When I'm on the rock it's like I'm invisible, they act like I'm not even there. It's magical!”Mrs. Shearwater rolls her eyes but a smile curls the corner of her mouth. She turns away from her daughter lest she notice. “Alright my little magician, why don't you vanish up to your room and go change out of those dirty wet clothes, then hurry down, you'll be lucky if your lunch is even lukewarm at this point!”The girl races up the stairs and down the hallway to her bedroom. She opens up her wardrobe and hastily slips into a new dress before heading back down to the dining room.        “Hi Falla! I already ate all my lunch, but I'll still sit with you,” says her younger sister.“Thanks, Paloma,” says the girl, lowering herself into her chair. She smiles at her sister and digs into the plate full of freshly roasted corn on the cob.“Oh Farfalla, you eat like a wild child!” says her mother, walking into the room, “I think you've been spending too much time outside with the animals!”Farfalla looks up at her mother, pieces corn stuck to her face. She sheepishly takes her napkin and wipes her mouth. “Sorry Mama, I'm just very hungry.”Her mother's face softens as she leans in and kisses the top of her daughter's head. “Perhaps next time you'll come home on time for lunch so you're not so hungry,” she says with a wink.Farfalla sheepishly finishes her food and brings her plate to the sink. She and Paloma do the washing up and she heads back outside. The fox cubs come out of their den to play in the afternoon, and she doesn't want to miss it. She runs to the front yard and climbs up the big oak tree, the perfect perch from which to watch the foxes frolic and play. Farfalla leans her head against the trunk of the tree. It has been a steadfast friend her whole life, always standing guard. A protector. Sometimes, if she sits very still, and stays very silent, she swears she can hear a haunting tune emanating from it, like it is singing her name.“Fallalala Lalalalalaaaa…”Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 2 – The Nightmare, in which we learn more about Farfalla's strange and frightening reoccurring dream.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review they both greatly appreciated. You can also gain access to ad-free episodes of the Skylark Bell by supporting my work on Patreon – you'll also get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, and more! Just check the show notes for all necessary links.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode we read Chapter 33 – Sparking Silence - in which Lucas tries desperately to find a way to put his and Magpie's timelines back in placeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Horror Roulette: http://www.horrorroulette.comFULL TRANSCRIPTThings with Wings Productions presents: Episode 33 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In our previous episode, Magpie came to the devastating realisation that she is the woman she knew as Farfalla in her youth, and that she will live out her days in Pocket.In today's episode we read Chapter 33 – Sparking Silence - in which Lucas tries desperately to find a way to put his and Magpie's timelines back in placeBe sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called Horror Roulette.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.It is 1925. Lucas is now older than Magpie was when they last parted ways in the forest. Life has been hard; he has spent the last 30 years building houses in Pocket and neighbouring Brighthaven. The job requires a lot of physical labour, and Lucas' body is showing signs of wear. But today he has a spring in his step. It is winter. A brutal winter. He remembers his experience with it the first time. He was much younger then, and stronger, but not as wise… not as desperate.This time Lucas has a plan. A plan that has been three decades in the making. Thirty years ago, he came to Meadow Lane in the dark of night, the field in front of the partially built structure of the house illuminated by the full moon. He had pulled the small acorn from the Forest near Carnifex house out of his satchel, and held it in the palm of his hand, pouring his deepest wish, his deepest desire into it, before carefully planting it into the ground. Three decades of changing seasons, of sun and rain and wind, of birds and squirrels, all witnesses to the oak tree rising out of the ground, getting bigger and stronger with every passing year.Now, it is 1925, it is winter, and Lucas is going home. He knows exactly what to do. He will find his younger self at Mirror Pond, bring him to the oak tree, and together they will travel back to Pòcaid. He remembers the events from the first time he lived them, remembers the old man in the snow. The old man hadn't been with him when he woke up at Carnifex house, but perhaps he had travelled to a different timeline. He can only hope that he will finally find Magpie. This is his only chance; it has to work.Lucas has spent the last three days living in the barn at the Starling farm, having enlisted Gordon Starling's help by telling him he is an old friend of the Marius, and of the Carnifex family from next door. Gordon has been a gracious host, providing blankets, a lantern, and food.Well rested and revitalized, Lucas is ready for the work ahead. He squints against the blowing snow and pulls his scarf further up around his face, leaving only a narrow space for his eyes. He knows the approximate location of Mirror Pond despite the mounds of snow drifting across the quarry. If his memory serves him right, his younger self should be arriving at any moment. He waits by the side of the road for what feels like an eternity when, at long last, he sees Cormorant, his shining black coat a stark contrast to the blinding white of the snow. Lucas starts to make his way toward them and sees the familiar scene unfold. The scarf blowing onto Cormorant's face, the huge animal rearing up in fear, and his younger self falling to the ground. Lucas shuffles through the deep snow as quickly as he can and leans over his younger self. “You're going to take me with you!” he says, not realizing the depth of the desperation he has been feeling until now. “Take me with you!” he says again. His younger self loses consciousness, his body going limp in Lucas' grasp. Lucas digs deep and finds superhuman strength to lift Young Lucas onto his shoulders, then carries him toward the oak tree. It feels like an eternity, but they finally make it across the quarry to the tree. Lucas puts his younger self down and leans him against the tree trunk. He peers into the man's face, his own face… the eeriness of the situation sends a shiver down his spine. Young Lucas is still unconscious. Worried, Lucas decides to go ask Gordon Starling for help, perhaps a thermos of hot tea or soup to help warm him up. He hesitates, not wanting to step away. He can't miss this opportunity, but he also can't leave Young Lucas unconscious in the cold, he must do something. Pressing his lips together, Lucas hurries across the road to the Starling farm. Gordon springs into action almost immediately, he and Marius are very close and have a great relationship. Lucas shifts his weight from one foot to the other with impatience while Gordon gathers the items he has requested. This is his one chance at going home, he can't bear the thought of what will happen if he misses it. At long last Gordon returns to the door with a thermos full of hot soup and some blankets. Lucas thanks him profusely and runs back across the road toward Meadow Lane.His pace slows as he approaches the tree. Young Lucas is no longer sitting on the ground leaning against its trunk. “No, no, please, no!” says Lucas, feeling tears well up in his eyes. He circles the tree, hoping perhaps Young Lucas simply crawled to the other side, but in his heart, he knows the truth. His younger self is already gone. Lucas drops to his knees into the snow, his gaze traveling up through the bare branches of the oak tree to the grey, overcast sky above before lowering to the ground. He stays in the snow for some time, devastated, but eventually the cold starts seeping through his clothes, and he realizes he needs to find shelter. Lucas stands up and takes a moment to gather his thoughts. Suddenly, he realizes that the sound of the wind has died completely. So completely in fact that it doesn't seem possible. Lucas stomps his feet in the snow, but he hears nothing. Concerned that something is wrong, he breaks off a twig from a branch of the oak tree, holds one end of it in each hand and lifts it up to his ear before snapping it, but the world around him remains completely silent. Lucas' heart starts pounding. The silence. This is the silence at Meadow Lane. It started here. Now. Lucas hurriedly walks through the snow back toward the main road. A few paces away from the oak tree he is hit by a wave of sound. Wind, crunching footsteps, his heavy breathing. It is in that moment that Lucas realizes that crossing his own timeline is what sparked the silence at Meadow Lane. It started beneath the oak tree and spread to the entire property. All this time, everyone in town blamed Farfalla, blamed her curse. All this time… and it was him. He was responsible for it. Lucas is horrified by the realization. He stumbles back to the Starling's barn and lays beneath layers of blankets, shivering, partly from the cold, and partly from shame, guilt, and fear.The Starlings continue to care for him over the next few days, and the weather gradually improves. Finally, it is clear enough for Lucas to leave the Starling farm.“Thank you for your kindness,” he says to Gordon.Gordon smiles, “My pleasure! Any friend of Marius' is a friend of mine,” he says.“Marius was very fortunate to have a friend like you,” replies Lucas.“He is fortunate. Don't write him off just yet! Marius is the toughest, smartest man I know, I'll be lucky to grow up to be half the man he is someday!” says Gordon, his voice filled with confidence. He turns to Cormorant, cozy in his stall. “Right, old friend? We're just going to take care of each other until Marius comes back.”Lucas feels a sting in his heart. The moment is bittersweet, he knows Marius is never coming back, but he feels relief knowing Cormorant will live out his days in Gordon's care.“I wish you all the best, Gordon. You're going to do great things, I'm sure of it,” he says finally, shaking the boy's hand.“Thanks! I hope to see you again someday!” replies Gordon. Lucas nods without saying anything. He leans in toward Cormorant and whispers, “goodbye, old friend,” then turns and heads out of the barn. He walks to the bottom of the driveway and turns to look back at the house, Grandma Gemma's house, his house. He stares at it for along moment, committing every detail to memory. Then he takes a few more steps and stops to look at Meadow Lane. “Farfalla is in there,” he thinks, his heart aching. “And Magpie, where is she?” He wonders, his heart sinking even deeper into his chest. He stands for a long moment despite the bitter cold, remembering his childhood with Grandma Gemma, his time spent exploring with Magpie, his time riding on Cormorant's back with Farfalla. All this time, only to end up in the wrong time. “Goodbye,” he whispers, as he finally turns and walks away from Meadow Lane, for the very last time.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan   Chapter 34 – The Letter - in which Magpie receives a mysterious letter requesting she visit a nearby care home.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Horror Roulette. Em and Nick are fantastic hosts who discuss paranormal events and true crime. If you enjoy the supernatural atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you'll want to check them out.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, and this is The Skylark Bell Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

In today's episode we read Chapter 29 – Next Steps - in which Magpie and Lucas try to find a way out of the tangled strings of time and space.Brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicMerch: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Haunted UK: https://www.instagram.com/hauntedukpodcast/FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 29 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In our previous episode, Lucas returned to Carnifex House, but had jumped 25 years ahead and found Magpie to be nearly twice his age.In today's episode we read Chapter 29 – Next Steps - in which Magpie and Lucas try to find a way out of the tangled strings of time and space.Be sure to listen through to the end of this episode for a preview of a paranormal podcast I quite enjoy called Haunted UK.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.Magpie hears Lucas walking around upstairs and pours a ladle full of batter onto the hot griddle. She focuses on the sizzling sound as the pancake starts to bubble, then expertly flips it over.“It smells amazing in here! What are you making?” asks Lucas, walking into the kitchen.“A Grandma Gemma classic,” says Magpie, setting a plate of blackberry chocolate chip pancakes on the table and motioning for him to take a seat. Lucas sits down, taking in the sweet fragrance which instantly brings back memories of his Grandmother. Magpie puts some pancakes on a plate for herself and joins him at the table. They make small talk for a few minutes, then let a long silence hang between them before Magpie finally starts the conversation they had decided to put off until this morning.“Tell me what happened when you disappeared,” she says simply.Lucas takes a deep breath before launching into the story. He begins with the small shop behind the Bakery where he found an exact replica of the Skylark Bell. Then he explains how he and Cormorant encountered the red deer on the road and followed it into the woods. He tells her about walking through the arch over the path and hearing the woman's voice, then how he and Cormorant suddenly found themselves at Meadow Lane. “We went across the road to your old farmhouse where I collapsed. When I came to, I was being cared for by none other than Charlotte and Edward Carnifex!”At this Magpie's eyes grow wide. “What were they like?!” she asks, enthralled.“They are the most amazing, kind-hearted people,” he replies. “I even got to meet Cerise!” he adds, a twinkle in his eye. At this Magpie's mouth breaks into a grin. “How amazing is that?!” she says, sitting back in her chair.Lucas goes on to explain how he connected with the Shearwater family and eventually met Farfalla. He tries to be mindful of Magpie's feelings in navigating the story of how he and Farfalla fell in love and eventually got engaged. “Then the winter of 1925 came around, and it was terrible Magpie, far worse than anything we read in those books at the library. It was absolutely devastating…” he lets the sentence trail off. Magpie doesn't pry, she can clearly see the pain and trauma on his face. “On the last day I went out to look for firewood, but the blizzard blew in and I got lost. I was trying to make my way back to Meadow Lane and I saw you, Magpie, sitting on a rock at Mirror Pond! That's when Cormorant got spooked and I fell off. Then this older man came out of nowhere and was trying to help me. I lost consciousness, and when I came to, I was leaning against the big oak tree in front of Meadow Lane. I could hear the Skylark Bell ringing and Farfalla singing from the upstairs bedroom. The singing got louder and louder, and next thing I know I'm waking up in our living room here thinking the entire thing was a dream,” he ends, slapping his hands against his thighs.Magpie takes a moment to assimilate all this information.“What about you, what has your life been like all these years?” he asks after giving her a little time to soak everything in.Magpie bites her lip and looks up at him. For Lucas it has only been a few years since they were together last, for her it has been decades.“When you disappeared, I enlisted Manon and Alfred to help me look for you. They got everyone in town to help. They checked the fields, the beach, the buildings in town, the roads… there was no trace of you anywhere. Finally, Manon told me the stories, the ones people in town refer to as The Vanishings.” She launches into the story of Julien's childhood friend, then tells him about the little girl and her brother. She tells him about the druids and Dealan-dè, and how the people of Pòcaid refuse to set foot in the forest.“Over time, I got accustomed to living here. I couldn't imagine moving back to Pocket without you. I never stopped wishing that you would come home,” she says, grabbing both his hands in hers before continuing. “About a year after you disappeared Julien Sarcelle moved back to Pòcaid to take over for his parents. He and I worked closely together, and we eventually developed feelings for each other. After a few years we were married, right here in the back yard. He cared for and farmed the land, I wrote a few books, they were deemed fiction but there was probably more truth to them than I would care to admit,” she says, smiling. “Then one night, after nearly 20 years of marriage, I got a phone call from a police station on the mainland.” She continues, the smiling fading from her face, “Julien had gone to visit his parents and was on his way home his car went off the road. The presumption is that he fell asleep.” Tears well up in Magpie's eyes.“Magpie, I'm so sorry,” says Lucas, his heart breaking for her.“Manon and Alfred never really recovered. Alfred took ill shortly thereafter and eventually passed away, then Manon passed just a few years ago.” She says, leaning back in her chair. They sit in silence before Magpie resumes, squeezing his hand for emphasis, “I have had a good life, Lucas, with many years of happiness. I want the same for you. I want you to find love, and live a full, beautiful life.”Lucas frowns at her, shaking his head. “No, no, Magpie, I love you! You and I, we were just getting started! That night that I disappeared, remember we were going to have a nice dinner out on the patio? I was going to propose to you that night. I had the feather ring with me, I was going to give it to you…” he lets the thought trail off.Magpie smiles a sad smile, “That isn't possible anymore, that time has passed. Not for you, but for me,” she says. They sit, speechless, for a long time, pondering the cruel reality of the situation.Suddenly, Lucas has a thought. “Bear with me,” he says, holding both his hands up in a gesture of surrender, “what if I never went for a ride with Cormorant that day?”Magpie looks at him, confused. “What do you mean?” she asks.“Well, now we know a little more about what's involved with the mechanics of time traveling, right?” he begins, “what if you and I find that arch in the woods, and one of us goes back and stops me from going for that ride somehow? It could change everything! What have we got to lose?”Magpie ponders for a moment. Everyone she has ever been close to is gone; Gemma, Manon, Alfred, even her mother, who is living out her days at the care home in Brighthaven, her memory having begun to fail nearly a decade ago. It was a rapid decline, and it has been years since she last recognized Magpie. Magpie still goes to visit once a year, but she has already processed the loss of the mother she once knew. Lucas' idea is a crazy one, but what if it works? What if they could go back and live the life they had always dreamed of? What if she could go back and see everyone's smiling faces again? Hold them? Tell them she loves them? Magpie sits perfectly still, letting the thoughts swirl around in her mind before looking back up at Lucas. “Okay,” she says.“Okay? Yeah?!” he asks, not daring to believe he has heard her correctly.  Magpie nods. Lucas jumps to his feet and shouts, “Let's go!”“Wait,” she says, grabbing his shoulders to slow him down, “we need to do a little planning first, in case this doesn't go as planned. I will be the one to travel. I have lived a good portion of my life already; you are still young and have decades ahead of you. I will make arrangements so you can stay on at Carnifex House for as long as need be if this doesn't work.”“It's going to work,” he says, “It has to.”It takes a few weeks for Magpie to tie up loose ends. She makes arrangements for Lucas to carry on at Carnifex House and speaks to the lovely couple who run the Brighthaven care home to ensure that her mother will be well cared for in the coming years. At long last, the big day arrives, and she and Lucas set off toward the forest. It is like old times, they are both wearing their rubber boots, walking across the fields, though Magpie walks more slowly than she did when they were younger. She clutches the satchel in which she's packed some extra clothes, a few snacks, and her sketchbook. They finally reach the edge of the forest and Magpie has a moment of hesitation, the fear of the unknown starting to take over her mind. She looks at Lucas, his black curls blowing in the wind. What if this doesn't work? What if they never see each other again, after all this time apart? She is about to voice her concern when a sound beyond the tree line catches their attention.“Look!” says Lucas, pointing into the forest. Magpie takes a few steps into the forest and sees a large red deer standing behind an oak tree. It lifts its head up and stares at them for a moment before disappearing into the shadows beyond. “Let's do this,” says Lucas, taking her hand. It feels like they've been wandering for hours when Magpie finally picks up a faint tinkling sound on the breeze. “Do you hear that?” she asks Lucas. He nods and holds a finger up to his lips, leaning to try and figure out which direction the sound is coming from. “This way,” he whispers, pulling Magpie toward the right. They follow an overgrown, winding path for several more minutes and finally come to a partial clearing within the forest.Magpie gasps in wonder when she sees the arch, soaring over the path like a rainbow, “like a gateway,” she thinks. She runs her eyes over the branches, Oak by the look of it, and vines that make up the arch. She notes the trinkets dangling from the ropes and ribbons tied to the top of it. They are gently clashing against each other, creating a quiet but cacophonous symphony. “How does it work?” she asks timidly, turning toward Lucas.“I'm not entirely sure,” replies Lucas. “I just sort of walked through it. As I went under, I started hearing the singing.”Magpie turns to him and takes his face in her hands, looking deeply into his eyes. “Whatever happens next, always remember that I love you with all my heart,” she says, a single tear drifting down her cheek.Lucas nods, “I love you too,” he says, “and I'll see you very soon.” They embrace for a long moment before Magpie steps back and starts walking toward the arch, her head held high. She looks back toward Lucas one last time, then takes a final step so she is standing directly under the hanging trinkets. She braces herself, unsure what to expect, but nothing happens. Magpie starts to feel a little silly for being so apprehensive. A sudden gust of wind activates the collection of bells, cutlery, and chimes hanging above her head. Somehow their volume seems to have increased tenfold. A melody starts forming in Magpie's head, and she finds herself humming along. “Fallalala Lalalalala…” she sings. Magpie feels herself getting a little dizzy and closes her eyes. The singing echoes around her, it's sound lifting through the empty space between the trees up to the sky. She feels a strange sensation, like she is floating outside her body, following the sound up to the sky…Lucas watches from a few paces back, his eyes fixed on Magpie as she takes a final step under the arch. He sees the trinkets start swinging back and forth and Magpie's hair blown by an invisible wind that he can't feel. He watches as Magpie's body starts moving, like she is swaying to music, perhaps even singing, but he doesn't hear anything. Suddenly he feels an intense pressure building, like a terrible storm is rolling in. Lucas puts his hands up to his throbbing head and squeezes his eyes shut. An interminable moment later everything goes back to normal, and he can once again hear the birds in the surrounding trees. Lucas takes his hands away from his face and opens his eyes. The path beneath the arch is empty. Magpie is gone.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 30, Crash, where Magpie finds herself involved in a situation she had a vision of years prior.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Haunted UK that covers a variety of Unexplained and Paranormal Events. If you enjoy the supernatural atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you'll want to check them out. Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

In today's episode we read Wingspan Chapter 27, Mirror Pond - in which Lucas experiences the terrible winter of 1925 and Marius Corbeau's mysterious fate, first hand.Brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicMerch: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Spilling The Crime: https://linktr.ee/spillingthecrimeFULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 27 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In our previous episode, Magpie and Julien get engaged during a holiday celebration with the Sarcelles at Carnifex House.In today's episode we read Chapter 27 – Mirror Pond - in which Lucas experiences the terrible winter of 1925 first hand.Be sure to listen through to the end of this episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called Spilling the Crime. Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.The terrible winter of 1925 has arrived. Shortly after the New Year's celebrations, weeks of frigid temperatures and relentless snow falls started taking their toll. Lucas remembers reading about it in Charlotte's letters and in the books and newspapers at the library, but never in his wildest dreams did he think he'd be living it. He is there when Charlotte and Edward pack up their house. He helps Edward and James carry their belongings to the attic. It takes the strength of all three of them to haul the silver-framed mirror that had once been the centerpiece of the dining room up two flights of stairs. He is there when Cerise disappears, leaving Charlotte devastated. He watches as she tearfully tucks the photo of James and Cerise into the lid of the trunk, the photo that he had once held in his hand, the photo that his younger self would find 90 years from now. Once everything is safely tucked away, he helps them wall off the staircase and build the closet in what would eventually become Magpie's room. He helps them pack their cart and watches with a heavy heart as they disappear down the road, travelling toward a future that is uncertain for them, but for which he already knows the outcome.Lucas hears about a man's tragic passing in a fire at a nearby farm, and his heart aches. He remembers reading about the incident while he and Magpie were doing research at the library, he remembers sitting in the man's abandoned barn with Magpie, the ruins of the farmhouse just a few yards away. But back then he didn't know the man, he had no connection to him. Things are different now. The man's name was Earl. He was a lovely, very hard-working man who was proud of his family. He was a wonderful father to his children, teaching them, entertaining them, caring for them. He and Lucas had worked side by side rebuilding the bunting's shed after the wind blew it down. History records events, it records people's accomplishments, but it doesn't record who people are, who they were, not in the most meaningful way. Articles about the tragedy didn't say “He carried his daughter up on his shoulders so she could reach to brightest, shiniest apple in the tree,” Lucas thinks sadly.With the Carnifex family gone, the Shearwaters have invited Lucas to stay with them at Meadow Lane. He and Farfalla announced their engagement over the holidays, to everyone's delight. It was the happiest Lucas had been in a long time, until the cold and snow removed all joy from the town of Pocket. The apple trees in the orchard were chopped down for firewood as the residents of Pocket became more and more desperate to stay warm. One of the last trees standing is the large oak that stands in front of Meadow Lane. Farfalla had desperately begged her father to preserve it, arguing that birds and animals were nesting in it and she couldn't bear the thought of chopping it down. Finally, Lucas had offered to go out to find more wood and Mr. Shearwater had relented.Lucas has spent the last few days riding through the fields with Cormorant, searching for any kind of tree the Shearwaters can use for firewood. They have been using what little reserves they have left sparingly, but the pile of wood is dwindling, with no sign of the bitter cold letting up. His first few excursions had been somewhat successful, he'd found some saplings that would tide them over for a few days. Today he has traveled farther than any other outing, but a blizzard blows in as he is making his way home, drastically reducing visibility. Lucas squints his eyes against the howling wind and nudges Cormorant in the general direction of Meadow Lane. They slowly plough through mounds of snow, the wind never relinquishing its hold on the air. Lucas can feel thoughts of Marius' untimely end creeping into his mind but pushes them away, he needs to focus on getting home to Farfalla. Suddenly, Lucas sees a flash of colour up ahead. He squints, leaning forward in the saddle to get a better look. He sees a girl sitting on a large rock. “Magpie?!” he says, his words carried away on the wind. Lucas reaches up to try and pull his scarf from his face so he can see better, but a gust of wind blows it out of his hand and onto Cormorant's face. The huge animal rears up in fear, throwing Lucas off its back. Lucas lands with a thud, the frozen ground instantly knocking the wind out of him. He can hear the sound of Cormorant galloping away, and takes a moment to catch his breath and think about what to do next. He thinks about the stories he and Magpie heard about Marius, how he disappeared in a snowstorm by Mirror Pond. If he is at Mirror Pond, then he isn't all that far away from Meadow Lane! If he can get up, he just might make it. Lucas turns onto his stomach and lifts himself up on all fours then waits a moment to make sure his arms and legs are unhurt. Suddenly, his hands slip out from under him, brushing away the snow on the surface of the pond and sending Lucas' face crashing against the ice. Out of nowhere he hears a man's voice. Lucas strains to make out the words. He senses movement nearby and rolls over onto his back to get a better view. An older man is leaning over him, a pleading look on his face. “Take me with you!” he says, “Please, you have to take me with you.” Lucas sees his bright white snowy surroundings fade to black as he loses consciousness. The man springs into action, groaning as he picks Lucas up off the ground and carries him as best he can toward the house at Meadow Lane. He finally reaches the front yard and leans Lucas up against the trunk of the oak tree on the front lawn. “I'm going to get help, I'll be right back,” says the man to a still unconscious Lucas, before racing toward the Starling farm across the road. A few moments later Lucas can feel himself slowly coming around. He keeps his eyes closed and wraps his arms around himself to fend off the bitter cold. On the wind he can hear the tinkling of a bell, he recognizes the sound of the Skylark Bell. “I must be near Meadow Lane!” he thinks, his eyes popping open. The world before him is washed in white. He can feel the trunk of the oak tree behind him and realizes the house is only a few yards behind. He props himself up against the tree and turns around. In the upstairs window of the house, he can see Farfalla dancing in front of her vanity mirror, her mouth moving like she is singing. He strains to hear, a very faint tune carrying on the wind, a tune that sounds vaguely familiar. Something about it sends a chill down Lucas' spine, a chill far worse than the burning cold of the blizzard. Lucas closes his eyes, and the singing gradually gets louder. He has no doubt about where he has heard it before. That surreal voice singing that mystical tune. He first heard it in the forest near Carnifex house, an ocean and a century away. Lucas feels dizzy and disoriented, and the sensation of his body and mind separating, floating away on the sound waves.The old man makes his way back to the oak tree. “I don't understand,” he says in shock, realizing that Lucas is gone. “He was right here!”The old man looks devastated as his shoulders slump in resignation. He knows Marius never made it back to Meadow Lane, he read about it years ago.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 28, All That Could Have Been, where Lucas once again finds himself transported, this time back to Carnifex House, but his feeling of relief is short lived.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they're both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work through a donation via my podcast provider or by subscribing to my Patreon page. There you will get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, writing, and I have some fun snail mail gifts for Patreon subscribers coming in the near future!! Check the show notes for links.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Spilling the Crime. Listen to this true crime podcast with hilarious and lively hosts. If you enjoy a good laugh with your dose of the unexplained and mysterious be sure to listen to Spilling the Crime.Once again, thank you for listening. I am Melissa Oliveri, creator and host of  The Skylark Bell podcast.      Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

In today's episode we read Chapter 26 – Happy Holidays - in which Magpie celebrates the season with the Sarcelles and is in for a heartwarming surprise, but not before an unsettling experience threatens to put a damper on the festivities!Brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicMerch: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Paranormal Exposed: https://rss.com/podcasts/paranormalexposedFULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 26 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In our previous episode, Lucas proposed to Farfalla in the apple orchard behind Meadow Lane.In today's episode we read Chapter 26 – Happy Holidays - in which Magpie celebrates the season with the Sarcelles and is in for a heartwarming surpriseBe sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called Paranormal Exposed.Also of note, you can now find The Skylark Bell custom merchandise! Everything from clothing, to mugs, notebooks, postcards, stickers, magnets and more! Just visit my website, melissaoliveri.com/store  - The link is also available in the shownotes for this episode. Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.“Brrr, it's freezing out there!” says Julien, pulling off his boots by the front door.“Well, it's nice and warm in here,” counters Magie, smiling at him from one of the chairs by the fireplace. Julien walks to the fireplace and stretches his hands out in front of the flames. “Have you spoken to your mom today?” he asks.“Yes, we wished each other happy holidays. She's planning on celebrating at Meadow Lane, her current guests are repeat customers and they've become quite good friends,” she answers. In the months since Magpie's return to Scotland she has struggled with leaving her mother behind in Pocket, but recently has come to terms with the fact that her mother has built a life there, and is happy.“My mom and dad are very excited to be celebrating with us,” says Julien, turning toward Magpie. “I'm so excited, I can hardly handle it,” he adds, a boyish grin on his face.“Once you thaw out, we can decorate the tree,” she says, looking at the bare tree that Alfred had surprised them with the day before, “then I'll get started on the cookies,” she says, his contagious childlike excitement infecting her.“Oh, I'm all warmed up,” he says, clapping his hands, “let's do it!”They head up to the attic to the decorations stored there, then manoeuvre the stairs awkwardly, their arms loaded with boxes. “I'm excited to see what's in here!” says Magpie. Some of the boxes look quite old and appear to contain things that may have belonged to the original Carnifex family. Magpie opens the first box and finds loads of vintage glass ornaments in all different shapes and colours carefully stored in their original packaging. “Fantastique!” says Julien, “I love that mid-century modern style!”“Why don't you put these on the tree, and I'll open the next box,” says Magpie. The next two boxes contain more glass ornaments, followed by a box with some small wooden ornaments painted in bright colours. Together they go through boxes of lights and garland, which they string along the beams on the ceiling and across the fireplace mantle.“The house looks great!” says Manon, walking in the front door and stomping the snow off her feet.“We found some pretty amazing decorations up in the attic!” says Magpie.“Wait, you forgot a box,” says Julien , slipping a smaller box out from under the couch. Magpie sits on the couch with the box on her lap. She carefully lifts the flaps and gasps when she sees the contents. Inside are several handmade ornaments, they appear to be decades, maybe even a hundred years old. Magpie pulls one out and holds it up. It is a small hand-sewn doll wearing a beige dress and brown boots, hair made of long dark yarn springing from its head. Magpie feels a pang of sadness as she realizes the doll looks very similar to the little girl who went missing in the woods. She pulls out several other dolls, presumably the rest of the family: a woman, a man, a small boy, and a dog. “I think these belonged to the Carnifex family, a very long time ago,” says Magpie, handing the ornaments to Julien who hangs them on the tree. Magpie is about to put the box away when she spots one last ornament in the bottom, partially hidden by the crumpled paper that serves as a buffer to protect the ornaments from being damaged. Magpie gingerly reaches in and pulls the ornament out. Her hand starts shaking as she holds it up. The ornament is different than the others, it has been whittled out of wood, and is hand-painted. It is a siren, her tail curling behind her, her long red hair streaming over her shoulders, face upturned with her mouth open, a silver crown of twigs and branches on her head. Where her eyes should be are two holes, like someone gouged the wood in anger. Magpie shudders and places the ornament back in the box. She looks up and she and Manon lock eyes, Manon is clearly in agreement with Magpie's decision to put the ornament back where it came from.Magpie gets up from her chair. “Who wants to help me bake some cookies?” she asks, knowing full well Manon is an avid baker. They laugh and make their way toward the kitchen.“I'm going to walk down to the cottage and help my dad finish preparing dinner, see you in a bit!” says Julien, planting a kiss on Magpie's cheek as he walks out the door.“He loves you very much,” says Manon warmly, after Julien has left.“I love him too,” whispers Magpie. It has taken her a long time to give in to her feelings for Julien. For so long, she felt guilt about moving on, about giving up hope that Lucas would return, but a few months ago when she saw Julien's face as he opened the door to welcome her back from her trip to Pocket, she felt a warm glow inside, and realized that over the years she had fallen in love with him. Magpie and Manon spend the next few hours baking a variety of cookies, some from Manon's traditional French recipes, and some from the book of Carnifex Family Recipes that Magpie had found stashed at the back of a cupboard when she first moved in. They plan on packing up the extra cookies and handing them out to their neighbours and people in the village as gifts. “Voila!” says Manon, pulling the last sheet of cookies out of the oven. As if on cue, the back door opens, letting in a rush of cold air as Alfred and Julien step into the kitchen.“Great timing!” says Magpie, grabbing a large pot from Alfred's hands so he can take off his jacket and boots. “Oh Alfred, this smells divine!” she says, peeking under the lid.“It's my grandmother's secret recipe, I will never share it, don't even try!” he says in jest, “although if you were to offer one of those cookies, I may reconsider,” he adds with a wink.Julien sets the table, adding a bright red tablecloth and tapered candles as a centerpiece. Magpie and Manon take their seats at the table as Alfred brings out plates of wonderfully fragrant food. They eat and drink merrily, enjoying the warmth and comfort of spending the holidays as a family. Alfred and Manon take the empty plates to the kitchen and start washing up as Magpie and Julien make their way to the living room. Julien adds a log to the fire and puts a holiday album on the record player. “Is It time to exchange gifts?” asks Manon, walking back into the room.“Yes!” says Julien, the boyish twinkle back in his eye. Alfred brings two dining chairs and sets them up so the four of them are sitting in a semi-circle around the fireplace. “I would like to go first,” says Magpie, grabbing two brightly wrapped packages from beneath the tree. She hands one to Manon and one to Alfred, and watches their faces as they unpack the beautiful tartan scarves she chose for them at the gift shop in town. In return they hand Magpie a package. She unwraps it carefully, savouring the moment.“You know you can just rip it off!” says Julien, unable to contain his enthusiasm. Magpie laughs and continues to gently unfold the paper from the box. Inside she finds a beautiful hand-carved figurine of a deer, its head held high, its coat painted a deep auburn shade. “Alfred, did you make this?!” she asks, enamoured with the craftsmanship. Alfred nods humbly. Magpie gets up and gives them both a warm hug before placing the figurine on the mantel. Next, Manon hands a box to Julien, who rips off the paper voraciously. Within seconds he is holding up a collection of classic French cookbooks, his smile stretching from ear to ear. “You expect me to cook for you every day now, I suppose!” he kids, getting up to embrace his parents. Magpie takes the last box from under the tree and hands it to Julien. “This is for you, from me,” she says, shyly. It took her a long time to find the perfect give for him, and she hopes she chose well. Julien unwraps the gift with surprising grace. He gently opens the box and lifts off the protective layer of tissue paper inside. He takes a moment to drink in the contents of the box before looking up and giving Magpie a meaningful look. “What is it?” asks Manon, her curiosity getting the better of her.“It's us,” replies Julien, holding up a custom painting of Carnifex House, the four of them standing in a row by the front door. Magpie smiles, happy and relieved that Julien seems genuinely touched by her gift.“This has been an absolutely perfect day,” says Magpie as she crouches down to collect the bits of wrapping paper from the floor.“Wait, there's still one gift left to open,” says Julien, holding his hand out to help her up. Magpie looks up at him, a confused look on her face. “I have a gift for you as well,” he says, walking over to the tree. He reaches in and pulls a small box out from between the branches. Magpie's heart starts beating at the sight of it. Julien pulls the small blue ribbon from the box, then kneels before Magpie as he pries it open. Inside is a beautiful, simple gold ring with a blue stone set in the center of it. “Magpie, will you marry me?” he asks, looking up at her expectantly.Magpie's heart feels like it's going to pop right out of her chest. Thoughts and feelings swirl through her mind. She thinks back to Farfalla and Marius in the apple orchard, is this how she felt? She thinks of her father and mother, who loved each other but were never able to make it work. Finally, she thinks of Lucas. “Where are you?” the thought echoes in her mind. She lets the echo fade away before holding her hand out to Julien to help him up. Standing face to face she looks deeply in his eyes. “Lucas is my past. Julien is my future” she tells herself. “Yes, I would be honoured to be your wife,” she says. Julien lets out a sigh of relief as Manon and Alfred jump to their feet with joy. Julien pulls the ring out of the box and places it on Magpie's finger, then grabs her by the waist and spins her around. “And now, we celebrate!” says Alfred, popping the top off a bottle of champagne as Manon turns up the volume on the record player. They dance and sing into the wee hours of the night. Finally, Manon and Alfred head back to the cottage and Magpie and Julien go up to bed. Long after Julien has fallen asleep, Magpie lays in bed looking out the small window at the moon outside, running the events of the last few years through her mind. She focuses on the foreign feeling of the ring on her finger, and finally feels her eyes getting heavy. “Goodbye, Lucas,” she says softly, then rolls over to face Julien as she gives in to sleep.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 27, Mirror Pond, where Lucas experiences the terrible winter of 1925 first hand.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Paranormal Exposed. Listen to the skeptic host's take on paranormal stories. If you enjoy the the more ghostly side of The Skylark Bell you'll want to check out paranormal exposedThank you, again, for listening. I'm Melissa Oliveri, and this is The Skylark Bell podcast.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

In today's episode we read Chapter 22 – Goodbye Gemma - in which Magpie flies back to Pocket to visit her mother and attend a memorial for someone very special, and begins to come to an unbelievable conclusion regarding Lucas' disappearance.Brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Instagram: @the.mop.podMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is The Nightcap: https://linktr.ee/thenightcappodcast FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 22 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In our previous episode, Magpie and Julien Sarcelle spent some time together, and Lucas met Farfalla Shearwater at last.In today's episode we read Chapter 22 – Goodbye Gemma - in which Magpie flies back to Pocket to visit her mother and attend a memorial for someone very special.Be sure to stay tuned at the end of the episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called The Nightcap.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.Magpie sits up in bed and looks around at the walls of her old room, it feels like she's traveled back in time. The room strangely feels both foreign and familiar. This is Magpie's first time back in Pocket since she and Lucas set off for Carnifex House 3 years ago. It is a bittersweet return. Lucas' Grandmother, Gemma, has passed away, and Magpie has flown in to pay her respects. The smell of pancakes rouses Magpie from her bed. She throws on a bathrobe and slippers and heads downstairs to the kitchen. “Good morning, sweet bird!” says Mrs. Phaeton.“Hi mom, this smells amazing! What are you making?” asks Magpie, suppressing a yawn as she takes a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen island.“I made blackberry chocolate chip pancakes, Gemma's specialty,” says her mom, a nostalgic and sad smile on her face. Magpie presses her lips together, feeling the lump in her throat.“It's so sad she died never knowing what happened to Lucas. I feel so guilty,” says Magpie, her voice cracking with emotion.“Oh honey, I agree it's incredibly tragic, but it's not your fault. You've done everything you can, and she never stopped being grateful that Lucas had you in his life. She always held hope that he would someday return, and I do too,” says her mom, coming around the counter to give her a warm, comforting hug.They eat their breakfast, catching up on local gossip, then Magpie heads back upstairs to get ready for the service. She digs her shoes out of her suitcase, then opens the door to her closet to grab her dress. She sees the opening at the back of the closet that leads to the attic, and the memory of her and Lucas climbing up those stairs seizes her heart like a clenched fist. Tears instantly spring up in her eyes, but she blinks them back decisively. This trip is going to be difficult, there will be many hard moments to come, she will have to work hard to keep it together.“Ready to go?” asks her mom gently as Magpie is coming down the stairs. Magpie nods and they head out to the car. The memorial service is being held on the front lawn of the library in downtown Pocket. As they pull up, Magpie realizes that every resident of Pocket seems to be in attendance, as well as some people she doesn't recognize who have probably come from the neighbouring town of Brighthaven, where Gemma volunteered at a nursing home for several years. They sit and listen as person after person steps up to share their memories of Gemma. Magpie ponders stepping up as well, but she just doesn't feel like she can do it without breaking down, so she sits quietly and listens to everyone else's stories. As the service is coming to an end, Mr. Swift claps his hands and uses his booming voice to inform the crowd that refreshments are available inside the school for those who want to keep sharing their memories of Gemma. “Would you like to go?” asks Mrs. Phaeton. “I suppose I should. I don't know what to expect though. Do you think people blame me, for Lucas' disappearance?” she asks, a small tremor in her voice.“Oh love, of course not! All this time I've only ever heard people sympathize. When I run into people in town, they always ask how you are doing, and ask me to pass along their best wishes. You have nothing to be afraid of,” replies Mrs. Phaeton in a soothing tone.With that they make their way to the school cafeteria, where an unending spread of homemade baked goods and sandwiches covers several of the long tables. Everyone in town has come together to honour Grandma Gemma's memory, and Magpie feels a warmth in her heart. She stops to chat with Mr. Bunting from the General Store, then Mr. and Mrs. Tuffeto stop by to shake her hand and ask about life in Scotland. Across the room Magpie spots the old waitress from the diner, who musters up the friendliest nod she can. Magpie is tremendously relieved by the kindness being shown to her by everyone in town.“With all the socializing, I didn't get a chance to eat! What do you say we grab some lunch at The Early Bird?” asks Mrs. Phaeton.“Perfect,” replies Magpie, turning her face to the sun as she and her mom start walking down the main road toward the restaurant. Magpie soaks in the sights and, more importantly, the sounds of Pocket. She recalls that fateful day when the silence started spreading from Meadow Lane toward the town. The day she entered the house on Meadow Lane to find and ring the Skylark Bell. She lets her mind drift for a while, lost in a swirl of memories. Magpie is startled out of her reverie by the sound of the bell above the door as she and her mom walk into the diner. They sit in the booth at the way back of the dining room, the same one Farfalla was sitting in the last time Magpie saw her.“First, blackberry chocolate chip pancakes, now blackberry waffles and sweet orange tea!” giggles Magpie, “That's what I call indulging!” She and her mom enjoy a genuine laugh. It feels good to be together again. Mrs. Phaeton visited Magpie in the weeks following Lucas' disappearance, but the past year and half has been a whirlwind as she worked at converting the house at Meadow Lane into an artist's retreat and gallery.“What became of Farfalla's house?” asks Magpie, suddenly remembering the small house around the corner from Tuffeto's Bakery.“Oh, the loveliest young family moved in, the Jacanas. They have two little girls and one boy, just the sweetest kids you'll ever meet,” answers her mom, “they have taken over making blackberry jam and selling it at the market, and Mr. Jacana also builds birdhouses and other wooden decorations, he's very talented!” They finish their food and Mrs. Phaeton settles up with the waitress before they start walking back to the old farmhouse.“Tomorrow I'll show you around Meadow Lane, you won't believe how different it looks after all the renovations! I've got an author and a musician staying there right now, it's a lot of fun sitting and chatting with them in the evenings when I bring dinner over,” says Mrs. Phaeton. “But for now, I think it's time to go to Gemma's house. In her will she stated you could choose any belongings you like, then the house will be sold, and the proceeds sent to the nursing home in Brighthaven.”Magpie gets a solemn look on her face. Her mom had explained the arrangement to her over the phone before she left Carnifex House, but she had pushed any thoughts of going through Gemma's house… Lucas' house… to the back of her mind. Now she and her mother find themselves at the bottom of the driveway next to the mailbox with the name Starling printed on it. Magpie stretches out her hand and runs her fingers over the letters. This is the exact spot where she first met Lucas all those years ago. She bites her lip, fighting the lump rising in her throat and the tears threatening to spill over her eyelids. Her mom, sensing the sadness emanating from her, grabs her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze before guiding her up to the front door and into the house.They take their time going from room to room, starting with the second-floor bedrooms. Magpie collects a few things from Lucas' old room; his high school diploma, the rubber boots he always wore on their excursions. She notices a small stuffed bear sitting on the bed. “You look like you're waiting for Lucas to return,” she says, picking it up gently, “aren't we all…” she sighs, holding the bear tightly to her chest before putting it into her bag of keepsakes. In Gemma's room she chooses a beautiful pastel silk scarf that she remembers Gemma wearing at their high school graduation. On the main floor she walks through the living room, not feeling a particular attachment to anything, but a book on the bookshelf catches her eye. She places her finger at the top of the spine and pulls it out. It is a brown, leather-bound book, admittedly very old, with “The Skye Lark Bell” written on it in gold letters. Magpie gasps, remembering an old dream she had of a woman at Meadow Lane reading this book to her children. She pushes the book back onto the shelf, not wanted to bring something home with her that causes such chills down her spine.“Almost done?” asks Mrs. Phaeton, walking in from the dining room.“Just about, I just wanted to walk through the kitchen, maybe hang on to that pancake griddle,” says Magpie with a wink.“Sounds good, I'll wait for you outside. Take your time,” says her mom, giving her a kiss on the cheek before walking out the front door.Magpie walks into the kitchen, running her hand along the counter where Lucas had slid a plate of pancakes toward her the very first time she came to his house. It takes her a few tries, but she finally finds the cupboard that houses the pancake griddle and carefully slips it out.“Alright, that's it I guess,” she says out loud, her words echoing around the empty room.Magpie is just about to leave when she remembers the collection of old photographs on the kitchen wall, where a photo of Marius Corbeau once stopped her in her tracks. It was just after she'd had a vision of Marius falling off his horse at Mirror Pond during a snowstorm. Magpie looks at the photo now, leaning in more closely and taking her time. The horse, the man … If Lucas was just a few years older than the last time she saw him, his hair a little longer, if he was about the age he would be now… A shudder runs through Magpie as something dawns on her: Marius doesn't just look like Lucas, they could practically be the same person.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 23, The Birthday Bell, where Lucas visits the Shearwaters at Meadow Lane to celebrate Farfalla's birthday.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called The Nightcap. Listen to tales of the unusual, and unexplained. If you enjoy the strange atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you'll want to check them out.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of this - The Skylark Bell Podcast.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

We are built beer tough! Deb is back with Flex and Greg to complete the Dream Team. They're talking about some classic pale ales, smuggling alcohol across state lines, beer prices, and some old-school beers that have survived.Greg and Deb kick off summer by drinking Mirror Pond pale ale from Deschutes Brewery. Their bullpen beer is Tramping % Trailing from Casa Agria in Oxnard, CA.The team has an important question for all the listeners about our theme song. Greg runs down the top 15 pale ales of 2022; is your favorite on the list? Andrew writes in about his experience getting sick at Disney World; it must be a trend. Chew Your Beer calls in and leaves a voicemail about beer festivals, pozole, and Flex messing up.Illinois doesn't want you to bring booze into their state. In these times of inflation and rising costs, one brewery vows to keep prices low. We break down the best old-school beers that are still around today. And a Florida mother gets wayyyy too drunk and forgets her kid at the T Rex Café. Deb: www.instagram.com/onehopmess Flexy: www.instagram.com/flex_me_a_beer Craft Beer Republic: www.CraftBeerRepublic.com www.instagram.com/CraftBeerRepublic www.facebook.com/CraftBeerRepublicPod www.twitter.com/CraftBeerRepub (805) 538-2337 Use promo code UNFILTERED on Tavour.

In today's episode we read Chapter 20 – Moonlight - in which Magpie and Lucas live parallel lives across time and spaceBrought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Instagram: @the.mop.podMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Shittin' Bricks: https://shittin-bricks.captivate.fm/FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 20 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In our previous episode, Lucas came to the realisation that he had somehow travelled back to 1920s Pocket, and was living with Charlotte and Edward Carnifex and their son James.In today's episode we read Chapter 20 – Moonlight - in which Magpie and Lucas live parallel lives across time and spaceNow, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.A year has gone by. An entire year alone in Scotland without Lucas. They hadn't found any sign of anyone, let alone a large horse, entering the forest in the days following Lucas' disappearance. The first few months, Magpie spent a tremendous amount of time and energy trying to put the pieces together, trying to figure out what happened and where Lucas had gone. It just didn't seem possible to her that he would just… vanish! But after endless weeks with not even the smallest clue as to his or Cormorant's whereabouts, Magpie was confronted with the sad reality that he probably wasn't coming back. Though deep inside a part of her still held out hope, she pushed herself to move on. Her mother came to stay with her for a while, but she needed to get back to Pocket to take care of their house and continue her work. For Magpie, some days are easier than others, today is one of the others. It seems everywhere she turns something reminds her of Lucas and their time in Pocket. She hears the meow of a barn cat and thinks of Scarlet, she makes blackberry pancakes with chocolate chips from his Grandma Gemma's recipe. Now, she sits by the small window at the top of the stairs looking out at the sky, watching the moon rise against the fading blue sky… Suddenly she hears a knock at the door downstairs…~~~~~~Thousands of miles and several decades away, Lucas is sitting in his bedroom window at the farmhouse, the bedroom that would eventually become Magpie's room, looking up at the very same moon and thinking of Magpie, remembering all the times they would walk home by moonlight from their adventures exploring the area, having forgotten, once again, to keep an eye on the clock. He wonders what she has been up to the past year, what conclusion she came to regarding his disappearance. He's quite certain the truth has not occurred to her, no one would believe that he time travelled nearly 100 years and a whole continent in one step… with a horse no less!Lucas has spent the year working alongside Edward Carnifex, learning carpentry. He's surprised by how much he enjoys it and how naturally it comes to him. He has now taken to repairing furniture and coming up with his own creations to sell at the farmer's market. He has taken on all sorts of projects from signs for local shops, to whittling animals as party favours. He has grown quite comfortable with his existence as Marius Corbeau in 1923. Things were more challenging and awkward at first, he knew most of the buildings in the small town, but none of the people, and they grew suspicious of him, a stranger, knowing so much about their town. But over the past several months he has been able to win them over, and word of his carpentry talents has spread, ensuring he is perpetually busy with work.One of the special orders he recently received came from none other than Mr. Nathaniel Shearwater.  He asked Lucas to build a decorative box for his daughter Farfalla's birthday. Explaining that she loves birds, he asked Lucas to engrave the box with a feather. Lucas spent weeks building the box, and it is a stunning work of art, complete with a lock and feather-shaped key that he found at Bunting's General Store. Mr. Shearwater picked up the box earlier in the day and was so impressed he invited Lucas over for dinner tonight. Lucas is somewhat apprehensive… the last time he saw Farfalla she was over 100 years old! He hasn't met her yet in this time, until yesterday she and her sister Paloma had been away at boarding school. Lucas is deep in thought when a knock on the bedroom door startles him out of his reverie…~~~~~~The door creaks loudly as Magpie opens it, “Oh hi Julien, come on in!” she says, smiling warmly. Julien Sarcelle has returned from Paris to take over the caretaking at Carnifex House. Manon and Alfred have agreed to stay on for a few weeks to get him settled into his new role, then they will retire to the south of France. Magpie and Julien have been spending a lot of time together recently as he learns the ropes, and Magpie has invited him for a late dinner.  “I'm a little intimidated,” she begins “I've heard Paris has some amazing food… hopefully you won't be disappointed!” she says to him.Julien laughs “I'm sure whatever you make will be wonderful,” he says warmly, taking off his cardigan and draping it over the back of a rocking chair. Though summer has just begun, there is still a chill in the Scottish sea air.“Okay well, I have put together some North American delicacies for you… are you ready?” she asks, a twinkle in her eye. Julien nods at her with anticipation. “Tonight, we are having…. Drumroll please….” At this Julien starts tapping his hands against his legs in a rapid drumroll. “… Mac and Cheese, Corn Dogs, some Cherry Cola to drink and to top it all off, homemade Apple Pie! Oh, but to keep you at ease, there will be ‘French' Fries,” she says, laughing. Julien is silent, staring at her. “What are these things? Are these foods? I cannot eat a dog!” He says, a horrified look on his face. Magpie starts blushing, “Oh no, they're not made with dogs, in fact these are veggie dogs there isn't any kind of meat in them at all, it…” Julien's raucous laughter cuts her off mid-sentence. He was just fooling with her! She gives him a push and smiles as she heads to the kitchen to grab their plates.~~~~~~Back in Pocket, Lucas turns to see Charlotte standing in the doorway. “You asked me to let you know when it was time to go,” she says, smiling at him.“Thank you,” he replies, swallowing the lump in his throat so she won't know how nervous he is. He heads downstairs, puts on his riding boots, and says goodbye to Charlotte and Edward before heading out the door. Lucas has been so busy today he neglected to take Cormorant out for a ride, so he has decided to take the long way over to the Shearwaters and give the horse a chance to stretch its legs. ““Hey Marius!” he hears upon entering the barn. It's Gordon Starling, nearly as tall as Lucas now. They've spent some time together over the past year. Lucas sees a lot of himself in Gordon, or perhaps it is the other way around… regardless, they both have a deep love of adventure and exploration. Gordon was a tremendous asset in helping Lucas navigate his new surroundings. Though he knew the town, there were still some stark differences, and Gordon was only too happy to bring Lucas up to speed. “I heard you were taking Cormorant out tonight; I've got him all saddled up for you!” he says. Considering Gordon is Lucas' Great-Great-Grandfather, Lucas thinks it's funny that Gordon looks up to him, almost like a big brother.“Thank you so much, Gordon! I appreciate it!” he says, walking over to Cormorant's stall. “Hello old friend,” he whispers to the horse. He feels a special bond with the animal, it is the only connection he has to his old reality. He leads Cormorant outside and hops into the saddle. Horseback riding has become second nature to him since living in this time where cars are a commodity mostly reserved for the wealthy.  Lucas and Cormorant race through the fields behind the Starling and Carnifex farms, then cross the street to the rock quarry and Mirror Pond before heading toward the apple orchard behind Meadow Lane.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 21, Moving Forward Looking Back, where Magpie and Lucas come to terms with their respective situations.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Shittin' Bricks. Kate and Dominic are fantastic hosts who take a deep look at things that bring people fear. If you enjoy the supernatural atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you'll want to check them out.Again, thank you so much for listening. I'm Melissa Oliveri and this is The Skylark Bell podcast.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

In today's episode we read Chapter 19 – One Step Forward, One Century Back - in which Lucas comes to terms with the fact that he has travelled back nearly a century to early 1920s Pocket.Brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Instagram: @the.mop.podMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicHorror Roulette Podcast: http://www.horrorroulette.comFULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 19 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In our previous episode, Manon Sarcelle recounted the mysterious disappearances of several people in a conversation with Magpie.In today's episode we read Chapter 19 – One Step Forward, One Century Back - in which Lucas comes to terms with the fact that he has travelled back nearly a century to early 1920s Pocket.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.Lucas has no notion of how long he's been sleeping. The past several hours, or days, are a haze… a kaleidoscope of blankets, muffled speaking around him, sipping soup from a mug, the crackling of a fire nearby. Finally, today he feels a little more clearheaded, and he sits up in bed to get his bearings. He is in a small, simple room that feels vaguely familiar. He notes a wooden dresser and wardrobe, with matching nightstand by the bed, a small wooden chair in the corner, and a handmade rug on the floor. On the nightstand he sees an antique oil lamp and a carafe with water, a half empty water glass next to it. A gentle knock on the door startles him, and the door slowly creaks open to let a smiling woman with gentle brown eyes into the room.“Good afternoon, Marius. How wonderful to see you sitting up, you must be feeling a bit better!” she says happily. “Is there anything I can get you? Perhaps some stew? Or maybe a cold washcloth for your face?” she asks.Lucas feels disoriented. He looks out the window and sees a familiar scene outside; Mirror Pond in the quarry, and Meadow Lane to its left, a blooming apple orchard behind it and people working in the fields on either side. “Wh-where am I?” he asks.“Oh dear, please forgive me, of course you must feel a little disoriented. You are just on the outskirts of a small town called Pocket. My name is Charlotte, Charlotte Carnifex. My husband Edward and I live here with our son James,” she says. Just then, Lucas hears the sound of a small bell and feels a sudden pressure on his feet at the end of the bed. He turns to look at sees a small cream-coloured cat with a brown face, paws, and tail. The cat gives him a knowing look with its striking blue eyes. “Scarlet!” he whispers under his breath.“Oh! This is Cerise, my cat! She doesn't like to feel left out, follows me absolutely everywhere!” laughs Charlotte.Slowly, the veil is lifted from Lucas' mind. The impossibility of the situation sending him reeling… He has time travelled. He is in Pocket. It must be sometime in the 1920s. Charlotte and Edward Carnifex are the owners of what would eventually become Magpie's house. Scarlet the cat, whose… ghost, for lack of a better word, would eventually visit Magpie in the future, is here now, alive and well, living under her original name of Cerise. How any of this is possible is far beyond his comprehension and trying to sort it out is far too overwhelming. Lucas decides to keep things simple. They think he is Marius Corbeau, so be it. He will assume the name until he can find a way home, a way back to Magpie.“You know, some stew and a cold washcloth sounds great,” says Lucas, smiling at Charlotte.She nods and turns toward the door. As she is about to step out, she mentions “Oh, you're probably wondering about your horse, we brought him to the stables next door, he is safe and well cared for. What an incredible animal he is, I've never seen anything like it! Where is he from?”“Cormorant… He came with me… from Europe…” stammers Lucas, realizing that the stories he heard about Marius and his horse are actually playing out as written. He starts to think of how those stories end, but pushes those thoughts to the back of his mind. He would be back home with Magpie in his own time long before any of that took place. Later that day Lucas feels well enough to get out of bed and explore his surroundings a little. Around the corner from his room, he sees the stairway to the attic in its original form, before Edward walled it off when they left the house in the terrible winter of 1925. He realizes that Magpie's closet hasn't been built yet, that it will probably be created at the same time as the attic stairway is hidden. Lucas heads up the staircase to the attic, flashbacks of he and Magpie just a couple of years ago… or 90 years into the future depending on how you look at it… bouncing around in his mind. The attic is relatively bare, though the cradle with James' name engraved on the side is up there, along with a rocking horse and dress form. He walks to the small round window that looks out the front of the house and sees Meadow Lane in the distance. Lucas is lost in thought when a sound behind him catches his attention, the bell on the cat collar.  Cerise walks up to him and rubs up against his legs.  “Hello old friend,” he says to the cat “Long time no see.” He bends down to scratch its ears and the cat purrs loudly. “Alright, why don't we head downstairs,” he says. The cat looks up at him with its large blue eyes, like it knows everything about everything; the past, the future… He wishes it could tell him how to get back home.“Ah, hello son! Back up and at ‘em, eh?” Edward Carnifex is sitting at the dining room table as Lucas is coming down the stairs.“Yes, feeling much better sir, thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality,” replies Lucas.“Make no mention of it, here in Pocket we help each other out!” he replies. “Charlotte told me you've come all the way from Europe, you and your beast of a horse!”“Yes, that's right,” replies Lucas. Technically, it's not a lie… he just hasn't mentioned that along with the distance he also travelled back nearly 100 years and has no idea how it happened.“Are you just passing through or will you be staying in town for a while? If you're needing work, I'm a carpenter and have been looking for an apprentice, I reckon you'd do a fine job,” he says, smiling warmly.“To be honest with you, I haven't quite decided what I'm going to do just yet, but for the time that I'm here I'd be honoured to learn from you and work by your side,” he says. Just then a boy, perhaps 14 years old, saunters into the room, his blond hair rebelliously pushing off his head in different directions.“Marius! I'd like you to meet our son, James! I've asked him to be my apprentice, but he has other notions… likes working with numbers and papers and the like this one, he'll make a fine businessman or accountant someday I reckon!” he says, playfully ruffling the boy's hair.“It's nice to meet you, James,” stammers Lucas, in awe that he is shaking hands with the boy who would grow up to be Magpie's Great-Great-Grandfather. The whole situation is surreal!“Nice to meet you as well, sir!” says the boy, smiling pleasantly, his handshake firm.“I've been meaning to check on my horse,” says Lucas “might you show me where to find him?” he asks.“Sure thing!” says James, motioning toward the back of the house. Lucas steps around the large dining room table, the same one that will still be in the room nearly 100 years later when Magpie and her mom move into the house. They walk through to the kitchen where Charlotte is busy baking pies and cleaning pots and pans. She smiles at them as they walk through. Lucas notes with amazement that the antique stove is also the same one he saw at Magpie's house. He shudders at the impossibility of it all and follows James out the back door.“We don't have stables at our house, but we keep our horses next door at the Starling's farm, so we brought your horse there too. He's something else ain't he?!” says James as they step between the fence rails separating the Carnifex's house from the one next door. At the sound of his last name, Starling, Lucas freezes in his tracks.“What did you say?” he asks.“I said he's somethin' else ain't he? Your horse I mean! Never seen anything like it!” repeats James.“No, I mean after that, did you say the Starling farm?” asks Lucas.“Oh yeah, they live next door. Nice folks. Always there to help if you need it. I'm sure you'll meet them sometime. The youngest boy, Gordon, he's always out and about exploring. We go to school together, but he misses a lot of days, goes out poking ‘round the fields and woods like he's discovered a new continent or sumthin',” says James, laughing.Gordon. Gordon Starling. Lucas remembers the name from his Grandma Gemma's ancient family photo album. She'd point out the different people in the photos, remembering most of their names, even the ones she hadn't met. She used to refer to him as Grandpa Gordon, which means he is Lucas' Great-Great-Grandfather!“You comin'?” shouts James, now several paces ahead of Lucas. Reeling, Lucas nods, and follows him into the field behind the house he was living in with his grandmother only a few months before.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 20, Moonlight, where Magpie and Lucas live parallel lives across time and space. The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, this gives the show more visibility so others can find and enjoy it as well. You can also support my work through a donation via your podcast provider or by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes and so much more! Check the show notes for links.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Horror Roulette. Em and Nick are fantastic hosts who discuss paranormal events and true crime. If you enjoy the supernatural atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you'll want to check them out.Thank you.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

Today we go into boxing and rewatch Chavez vs Whitaker while having a pale ale from Deschutes called Mirror Pond.

In today's episode we read Chapter 9 – The Lark Festival - in which Magpie and Lucas explore the Lark festival of Skye, where Magpie is reminded of the mysterious Ouroboros.Brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Instagram: @the.mop.podMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle - http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicFULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 9 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In our previous episode, Magpie and Lucas met Manon Sarcelle, who, with her husband, is the caretaker of Carnifex House. They are shocked to discover a horse in the pasture who appears identical to Marius Corbeau's horse, Cormorant, even down to its name. In today's episode we read Chapter 9 – The Lark Festival - in which Magpie and Lucas explore the Lark festival of SkyeNow, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.Magpie and Lucas have been settling into Carnifex House over the past few weeks, rearranging furniture and giving the kitchen a fresh coat of paint. They've learned how to grow vegetables and care for Cormorant thanks to Manon and Alfred's guidance. They have also made a few trips into Pòcaid for supplies, noting that the villagers seem to grow less suspicious of them with each visit.Lucas has been working with Cormorant almost daily while Magpie has been focused on learning about the vegetable garden, but today Lucas and Magpie are going on their first horseback ride together. They are in the paddock with Manon, who is reviewing basic riding etiquette and giving them directions to various riding paths nearby. Since Cormorant is the only horse at Carnifex House, Alfred has gone to the neighbouring farm to borrow a horse for Magpie to ride. Magpie is watching and listening to Manon's instructions, her feet on the bottom rail of the fence and her head and arms draped over the top rail.Finally, Alfred comes trotting up the path on the back of a dark bay mare. He pulls up to the paddock and hops off. “This is Rose,” he says, his deep brown eyes twinkling, “she is a very gentle lady, I think you will get along very well,” he adds, handing the reins to Magpie. Magpie looks into the mare's large brown eyes and runs her hand along the soft fur on its neck. “Hi Rose, I'm Magpie,” she whispers softly. The horse's ears flicker back and forth, and she snickers softly in reply. “I think we're going to be fast friends,” she says to Alfred with a wink.“Okay, I think you are both ready to go!” says Manon excitedly. Alfred gives Magpie a leg up and she lands in the saddle somewhat awkwardly, but Rose doesn't even flinch. Magpie looks on as Lucas puts one foot in the stirrup and hops gently on the other foot before hoisting himself up and landing gracefully on top of Cormorant's back. Magpie's breath catches in her throat as she experiences a flashback of her vision of Marius Corbeau falling off his horse at Mirror Pond back in Pocket… his horse that looked just like this horse… his horse which was also named Cormorant… She recalls how Marius' black curls blew in the wind, much like Lucas' black curls are doing now. “Here goes nothing!” says Lucas, grinning from ear to ear, “Let's go!” With that, Alfred opens the paddock gate for Lucas and Cormorant to walk through. “Today is the first day of the Lark Festival, you should go check it out!” says Manon, “it is located in the gardens behind Goldcrest Manor, I think you would enjoy it!”“That sounds like a great idea, thank you!” says Lucas. He smiles at Magpie as he takes the lead, and she follows him, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling in her stomach brought up by the similarities between Lucas and the Marius from her vision.They walk down the long lane away from Carnifex House, then turn onto the main road and break into a trot as they head toward Goldcrest Manor. A few minutes later the smell of mini doughnuts wafts through the air, and they can hear the organ music from a carousel.“We must be getting close!” says Magpie, pulling up next to Lucas.“I suddenly just got really hungry!” says Lucas, making them both giggle, and causing the horses' ears to flicker back and forth.They finally reach Goldcrest Gardens, rendered unrecognizable by a myriad of multicoloured tents featuring carnival games and various food and drink options. The centerpiece of the carnival appears to be a large, antique carousel surrounded by a whirling collection of unicorns, griffins, and other mystical creatures, each permanently frozen in a different position. Lucas laughs and points to a wooden sign nailed to a post “You don't see that every day!” he says.Magpie looks over his shoulder and laughs out loud. The sign reads “Horse Parking Lot, This Way!” with an arrow pointing toward the back of the gardens. “Let's do it!” she says, as they lead Cormorant and Rose down the path.The horses safely tucked away, Magpie and Lucas start ambling through the festival. They are immediately surrounded by the sound of carnival barkers shouting “Step right up! Try your luck!”, and the music from the carousel waving in and out as the speaker spins around in circles. The smell from all the different food vendors makes their mouths water. “What shall we eat first?!” ask Lucas. Though Magpie has learned Lucas isn't much one for parties, he definitely enjoys party food!“Cotton candy, candied apples, cranachan” shouts a man at a nearby booth, causing them to turn his direction.“Pasties! Popcorn! Lemonade!” shouts another across the way, causing Magpie to pivot and bump into Lucas. They laugh and take a step back.“I'll get the cotton candy,” says Lucas“And I'll get the lemonade,” says Magpie “Meet you back here in 5,” they say in unison before going different directions.Magpie walks to the booth and orders two large cups of lemonade. She turns and sees that Lucas is still waiting in line at the other booth, so she decides to take a small detour past the carousel before going back to their meeting spot. Taking a large sip out of her cup, she walks up to the fence surrounding the carousel. The joyful music fades away as the carousel comes to a stop. Magpie takes a closer look at the creatures lining its perimeter. She sees a two-person chair shaped like a swan, a father and son seated next to one another, smiling. Next in line is a pair of unicorns with flowers woven into their manes and tails, a boy and girl on their backs giggling as they pretend to race. Behind them, a griffin rears up on its hind legs, its mouth hanging open to show a pink tongue and pointy teeth. The music picks up again and the carousel slowly starts turning. Magpie watches as new creatures come into view, admiring the artistry of each and every one. “What happened to ‘meet you back here in 5'?” comes Lucas' voice from behind her. Magpie spins around, coming directly face to face with him. She lays an apologetic hand on his shoulder. “Oh my gosh Lucas, I'm so sorry, I saw you were waiting in line, so I thought I'd come check out the carousel and totally lost track of time. Isn't it beautiful?!” she exclaims. “Yes, it's very beautiful” he answers softly, never taking his eyes off her face. Magpie smiles at him, her cheeks flushed. She holds out one of the lemonade cups “I believe this is yours Mr. Starling!” she says.“And I believe this is yours, Mrs. Starling!” he says, holding out a large puff of blue cotton candy. “Uh… I mean, Miss Phaeton…” he says, turning a shade of pink she's never seen on him before.“Thanks,” she says, hesitating only a moment before coyly adding, “and, for the record, I kind of like the sound of Mrs. Starling.”Lucas turns toward the carousel, smiling. They stand side by side, silent, watching as the mystical creatures, frozen in time, spin round and round.“No beginning, and no end…” The thought echoes through Magpie's mind, pushing all feelings of warmth and comfort from her body, and replacing them with a chill that runs all the way down her spine.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 10, Night Magic, where Magpie, Lucas, Manon and Alfred enjoy dinner on the patio, a perfect evening with the exception of Magpie's unsettling vision.Before I go, I'd like to thank Phaeton Starling Publishing for this fantastically eerie story, as well as Cannelle for composing eerie, mood-setting music for this podcast. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they're both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work through a donation via your podcast provider or by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, writing, recipes, and more! Checks the show notes for links.Thank you.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

In today's episode we read Chapter 5 – The Clawfoot Gallery – where mysterious occurrences continue as we join Magpie and Lucas for the grand opening of Mrs. Phaeton's art gallery exhibitBrought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Instagram: @the.mop.podMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle - http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicFULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 5 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In our previous episode, Magpie had a strange, and rather frightening encounter with a mysterious woman who seemed to provide her with a bit of a warning.In today's episode we read Chapter 5 – The Clawfoot Gallery – where mysterious occurrences continue as we join Magpie and Lucas for the grand opening of Mrs. Phaeton's art gallery exhibit.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.Magpie and her mom are applying the finishing touches to their makeup in the brightly lit mirror of their hotel room. Magpie rarely wears makeup, and is usually clad in jeans, a sweater, and sneakers, so it takes her some time to get ready for the fancy gallery event. Her mom looks stunning in a simple burgundy halter dress and black satin heels. “Mom, you look amazing!” she says. Mrs. Phaeton smiles warmly at her and takes a deep breath, “I could say the same about you!” she says. “I still can't believe you found that dress for such a great price, and that it fits perfectly!” She blots her lipstick onto a tissue and checks her face in the mirror one last time before turning to Magpie. “Alright, are you ready?” she asks.Magpie nods and walks cautiously toward the door in her high heeled shoes. She pulls the door open and finds Lucas standing there with his hand up like he is about to knock. “Oh, hi Lucas! Wow, you look great!” she says, noting his black dress pants, black dress shirt, and gray tie to match his eyes. Lucas stands in the doorway, transfixed. “Hello, earth to Lucas!” giggles Magpie, waving a hand in front of his face.“You look beautiful,” he manages to choke out, looking at Magpie wide-eyed. Magpie blushes slightly and thanks him, then grabs his arm as they walk down the hallway toward the elevators. The Clawfoot Gallery is located on the corner of a busy intersection. The black taxicab that Magpie, Lucas, and Mrs. Phaeton are riding in pulls over to let them out. Lucas and Magpie wait on the sidewalk while Mrs. Phaeton settles up and thanks the driver. “This is it!” she says, turning to them, visibly nervous.“You're going to be great, mom. This is what you've been working for your whole life. You deserve all the praise and recognition,” says Magpie. Mrs. Phaeton smiles at her as they walk into the gallery. Inside, the gallery has an industrial feel, with concrete walls and an unfinished ceiling that shows all the duct work, pipes, and support beams throughout the space, which is entirely covered in a coat of matte black paint. The dark background is perfect for showcasing Mrs. Phaeton's brightly coloured landscapes. “Ah! The guest of honour!” says a tall, slim man in a vintage suit. He has a French accent and gesticulates widely as he speaks. “Welcome! Welcome!” he adds jovially, “I am Monsieur Ernest, owner of the gallery. I hope the hotel is to your liking, oui?” he asks.“Everything is absolutely wonderful, thank you so much Monsieur Ernest,” says Mrs. Phaeton. “This is my daughter, Magpie, and her friend Lucas,” she says, waving a hand toward them.“Enchanté!” says Monsieur Ernest with a slight bow. “I must go tend to our guests, but please make yourself at home. We have some canapés, petits fours, champagne… please, please, whatever you desire!” He says before dramatically walking away to charm the other people in the room.“This is amazing mom!” says Magpie as the three of them circle the room looking at Mrs. Phaeton's art. They make their way to the food and drink table and help themselves to some of the delicate little cakes. “I have to go prepare for my speech,” says Mrs. Phaeton, wiping the sticky icing off her fingers with a napkin “You two enjoy the party and I'll see you in a little while!”Lucas and Magpie stand in a corner of the room, observing. There is quite a crowd already, the event is a huge success. Magpie's gaze is travelling across the vast space when she sees a woman at the other end of the room, partially hidden from view behind one of the pillars, her eyes fixated on Lucas. It is the same woman from her vision on the cobblestone street earlier in the day. “Lucas, look over there!” she whispers, squeezing Lucas' arm and nodding in the woman's general direction. Lucas turns to look, but the woman is gone.“What? I don't see anything.” He says, confused.“I… I thought… Never mind. I was wrong,” says Magpie. But deep down, she knows what she saw, the woman was staring at Lucas like she knew him. Magpie shudders. “Why don't we walk around and have a look at the paintings, maybe each pick out our favourite!” she says, shaking off the sense of unease that is threatening to take hold. Lucas nods and they start making their way around the room.“I think my favourite is this one” says Lucas. They are stopped in front of a painting that was clearly inspired by Mirror Pond. A large grey rock sits in the center of a blue circle, strange plant-like streaks growing out of it, mimicking the cattails that grow out of the little pond in Pocket.“That is a great one” she says, nodding. “I think my favourite is the one that has a house like the one on Meadow Lane… help me find it,” she says, as they keep strolling through the gallery.They find the painting Magpie is referring to at the very back of the room. It features a small two-storey house in the center of a large field. The entire painting is done in shades of orange, like a blazing sunset has taken over. Magpie and Lucas stand before it, admiring the artistry. Suddenly Magpie leans forward, looking more closely at the house. “I never noticed this before, there's someone in the window!” she says, surprised. She's looked at these paintings countless times while her mother was creating them over the past two years, and never noticed this detail. Just then, loud feedback from a microphone causes everyone in the room to jump. “My apologies, ladies and gentlemen!” Monsieur Ernest's voice cuts in through the speaker. “Thank you so much for being here! It is my great honour to present to you our guest artist, all the way from “across the pond” as you say – Mrs. Daniella Phaeton!” the crowd claps as Mrs. Phaeton steps onto the stage and begins her speech. Magpie turns back to the painting, scanning the windows of the painted house looking for the woman, but there's nothing there. “I feel like I'm losing my mind,” she whispers to herself.“What's that?” asks Lucas, turning toward her. “I think the jetlag is catching up with me, do you mind if we head out after my mom's speech?” she asks.“Of course!” he answers, his warm smile instantly making her feel better. Magpie glows with pride as she watches her mother on the stage talking about how the town of Pocket inspired the paintings that are hanging around the room tonight. She recalls the events of the past two years and feels grateful that the frightening episode of Meadow Lane and the Skylark Bell is over. Slowly, a shiver starts making its way down Magpie's spine, and she shudders as she recalls the words of the woman in her vision, the whisper that echoed off the walls of the row houses lining the cobblestone street: “It has ended, yet it has not even begun…”Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 6, Skylarks over Scotland, where a stunning vision while travelling to Scotland throws Magpie for a loop.Before I go, I'd like to thank Phaeton Starling Publishing for this fantastically eerie story, as well as Cannelle for composing eerie, mood-setting music for this podcast. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they're both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work through a donation via your podcast provider or by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, writing, recipes, and more! Checks the show notes for links.Thank youSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

In today's episode, Magpie finally learns more about the history of Meadow Lane, Farfalla, Marius, and the terrible winter of 1925 - straight from Farfalla herself!Music: Nightbridge by Cannelle (www.cannellemusic.com)Find The Skylark Bell online: www.theyskylarkbell.comInstagram: @theskylarkbellTwitter: @melissaoliveriPatreon: www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriTRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions, with the support of Whimsical Productions and Collected Sounds presents: Episode 20 of The Skylark Bell.  I am your host Melissa Oliveri.  In our last episode, Magpie had a very unsettling encounter with Lucas' Grandmother, and realized the silence appears to be spreading from Meadow Lane.In today's episode we continue our adventure with Chapter 20 – Where Magpie finally learns the truth about what sparked the silence at Meadow Lane.So get cozy… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started!Farfalla sits silently in the same booth she sits in every morning, but it's now well past lunchtime.  Her usual order of blackberry waffles and sweet orange tea lays before her, but today something is different.  She sits, looking out the window, her untouched food cooling on the table.  No one has bothered to come around and take the plate away. Around her there is a tremendous amount of activity; the people of Pocket have convened at the diner.  Mr. Bunting is talking loudly and pacing across the dirty restaurant floor while Mr. Tuffetto and his wife sit silently looking out the window.  The rude waitress is leaning in the kitchen doorway looking pale, and the cook is sitting on one of the red counter stools, fidgeting with a pen.  The librarian, the postmaster, even people from the surrounding farms, fill every chair and booth in the restaurant.Magpie enters the diner, wondering what all the commotion is about.  She can hear bits of hushed conversation “The silence… all of us… started when she got here…” and notices several of the peole in the diner glaring at her.  She glances toward the back of the room, and her gaze lands on Farfalla.  Farfalla gestures for Magpie to come sit in her booth.  Magpie looks around, but no one else seems to have noticed the old woman.  She does her best to ignore the chill at the back of her neck and slowly makes her way to the back of the diner. Magpie slips into booth across from Farfalla, who stares silently at Magpie for what feels like an interminable amount of time before, to Magpie's tremendous surprise, she opens her mouth to speak.  “I am happy you have returned to Pocket,” she says calmly.  Her voice doesn't sound anything like Magpie would have imagined; not at all old and shaky, as one would expect from a woman who hasn't spoken in decades, but rather soft, whispery and almost childlike.  Magpie looks self-consciously around the restaurant to see if anyone else has heard or noticed that Farfalla is speaking, but no one seems to even see them there.  Magpie clears her throat nervously.  “I'm sorry, you must be mistaking me for someone else, I'm new here,” she replies. “Ah, so you are… this time” Farfalla says, pressing her lips together, “There is much I need to tell you.”  She takes a deep breath before launching into the incredible story of what happened to the town and its people nearly a century ago.  Farfalla's grandparents settled near Pocket before the town even existed.  With a small orchard, winding creek and rolling fields all around, Meadow Lane was the nicest parcel of land in the area.  Farfalla's family built a small but comfortable house at the top of the long, sloping hill.  It was warm and inviting, and with windows on each side it let in the bright orange, yellow, pink and purple light of each sunrise and sunset.  For years her family enjoyed the sights and sounds of birds, wildlife, sunshine, stars, wind, children, music... As a child, Farfalla spent all her time outdoors, learning the language of the skylarks and singing to them in the forest.  It was said that Farfalla had the most beautiful voice anyone had ever heard, and that she could even hypnotize animals with it. The Skylarks would reply and together they would share their most closely held secrets.  She ran like the wind through the tall grass, her lungs filling with the fragrant scent of wild roses and apple blossoms.  Most days, Farfalla would stop at Mirror Pond to take in the reflection of the sky, the clouds, the birds overhead, the wind in her wild red hair and her bright blue eyes.  When that first drop of rain would hit the pond those images would all swirl together, making her feel like she was intricately woven into the fabric of nature around her. The summer Farfalla turned 18 was the summer she met Marius Corbeau.  The stories said that Marius had come from Europe a few years prior and had simply appeard in Pocket one day on the back of his striking horse. Farfalla first laid eyes on him while perched on a tree branch in the blossoming orchard.  The sound of hooves on the dirt path made her look down from the tree and there she saw him:  Dark, wavy hair, cool gray eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief but somehow still soft enough to put her at ease, sitting tall in the saddle on a large, black horse with a white mane and tail. She'd never seen anything like either of them before.  She climbed down from the tree as he hopped to the ground.  Their eyes met and a cluster of butterflies took flight in her stomach.  They made brief introductions and walked through the orchard, talking and laughing like old friends within minutes.  Marius came to visit her every day.  They would sit together on Cormorant's back and gallop through the vast fields and forests, her fiery red hair flowing in the wind. They would picnic by the river, pick apples from the orchard, and watch the sunset from the bridge, their love blossoming as the weeks went by.That autumn, Farfalla's family hosted a celebration at the farm with nearly every resident of Pocket in attendance.  The people sang, danced, ate and celebrated well into the night. At the peak of the party, Marius asked Farfalla to come outside with him for a breath of fresh air.  Once there, he handed her a lantern and lead her to the apple orchard behind the house. It was there, by the light of the moon, in the place where they first laid eyes on one another, that he asked her to be his wife.  Farfalla was only too eager to accept, she thought her heart was going to burst with joy.  Because Marius hadn't yet asked Mr. Shearwater for Farfalla's hand in marriage, they kept their engagement a secret and agreed to wed the following spring.  Life on Meadow Lane could not have been more perfect… until winter came.When Christmas came, Marius gifted Farfalla a bell. He explained that the bell had come from Scotland and that it was very old, and said to harbour some mystical powers. The bell was etched with Scottish Gaelic words, which neither of them could read, and flying birds spiraling around.  Marius had spent weeks working on the beautifully carved wooden skylark that the bell was attached to.  Farfalla cherished that bell more than anything.  It hung in her window where the breeze would make it chime as she and the skylarks sang along.It was a long, harsh winter.  The wind was relentless and the cold only seemed to get deeper and deeper as the weeks went by.  There was a tragic fire at the farm by the creek which took a life, sending the entire population of Pocket reeling.  People were starting to panic, they were running out of food, running out of firewood, and there were reports of some families nearly freezing to death. The residents of Pocket held an emergency town hall meeting. They were getting desperate, everyone was running out of wood to heat their homes and the farm on Meadow Lane was the only one in the area with any mature trees left.  The villagers decided the orchard needed to be cut down for firewood or none of them would survive the winter. This broke Farfalla's heart.  She had such fond memories of dancing among the apple blossoms every spring, and picking crisp, sweet apples every fall, and of course it was among those very trees that she had first laid eyes on Marius…One stormy night, as the snow was acumulating higher than anyone had ever seen, Farfalla heard a loud knock at the door. So as not to let in the cold, Mr. Shearwater spoke with the person outside for a brief moment through a crack in the door.  Glancing back at Farfalla, he grabbed his coat and boots before letting himself out and closing the door behind him. Farfalla waited for what felt like an eternity before her father came in, stomping the snow off his boots. He slowly took off his coat and took a seat at the dining room table where she was nervously waiting.  It was there, in a soft, quiet voice, that he delivered the devastating news:  Marius had gone missing. Night after night she sat by the door, waiting for Marius to come to her, hoping she would at least get word from one of the townspeople that he had been found and brought home safely, but no one ever came.Tree by tree the orchard behind the house vanished, the wood from its trees burned in the fireplaces of the surrounding homes. Soon thereafter, the animals moved away, and the birds were silenced.  Eventually, the wind disappeared, the crops died and the house started falling apart; and then the people left too.  Farfalla was devastated.  By the time her family left Meadow Lane they weren't even speaking to one another, and all sound was gone from the land.  She hid the skylark bell in the house and shut the door behind her, never to return…Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week as we pursue our adventure and read Chapter 21 of Meadow Lane and the Skylark Bell, where Magpie will learn what must be done to save the town of Pocket and its residents.Before I go, I'd like to thank Phaeton Starling Publishing for this fantastically eerie story, and Cannelle Elanion for composing equally fantastic and eerie music for this podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

This bonus chapter was written and added to the first book after books 2 and 3 were completed. It introduces some new characters which will tie in to the story as we work through the next 2 books.In this bonus chapter Magpie and Lucas gather around the fire with the Bunting brothers and Sydney Finch to tell unsettling stories. Make yourself a s'more, join us by the crackling fire, and enjoy!Music: Nightbridge by Cannelle (www.cannellemusic.com)Find The Skylark Bell online: www.theyskylarkbell.comInstagram: @theskylarkbellTwitter: @melissaoliveriPatreon: www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriTRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions with the support of Whimsical Productions and Collected Sounds presents: A bonus episode of The Skylark Bell.  I am your host Melissa Oliveri.  In today's episode we read a bonus Chapter called Disappearances - where Magpie, Lucas, the Bunting brothers, and Sydney Finch sit by the fire and tell tales of the house at Meadow Lane.So get settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.“I could've sworn it was right here!” says Lucas, his finger flipping through the books on the bookshelf. He and Magpie have returned to the library to look for the mysterious book about The Skye Lark Belle. “I'll go ask the librarian, maybe she can help,” says Magpie, walking over to the front desk. She returns a few minutes later, a look of confusion on her face.“What did she say?” asks Lucas.“She said she's never heard of it, but she checked the system and the card files just in case, but there is no book with that title, or any variation of that title, in this library,” replies Magpie.“But, we both saw it, right here on the shelf!” says Lucas.“That wasn't the first time I saw it, either…” says Magpie, surprising herself at the confession.“What do you mean?” asks Lucas, turning toward her, surprised.“I saw it in a dream, a few weeks ago,” says Magpie, staring at the ground, afraid of Lucas' reaction,.“That's amazing! What was the dream about?” asks Lucas, genuinely interested, and not a hint of disbelief in his voice. Magpie proceeds to tell him about the terrifying dream, leaving nothing out. They sit in silence for a while once she is finished.“Hey! I thought I saw you two walking in here!” booms a voice nearby, making both Lucas and Magpie jump. Bo Bunting saunters over, completely oblivious to the stern look from the librarian his loud call has earned him.“Bo!” whispers Lucas, hoping to lead by example, “Magpie and I were just doing a bit of research for…”“…for my mom, she's doing a series of paintings based on Pocket and we thought we'd look into some of its history,” Magpie cuts in. Lucas gives her a wink, and she feels a warmth wash through her.“Billy and Sydney Finch are at Mirror Pond, they're playing some kind of nerdy nature bingo game or something, I was just about to go join them, would you like to come?” asks Bo.Magpie and Lucas look at each other, there's nothing left for them here in the library, they might as well get out and have some fun. The trio exit the library and walk down the gravel road toward Mirror Pond. As they pass by Meadow Lane, Bo, who has been chatting the entire time, becomes unusually quiet.“I wonder how old that tree is,” says Magpie tentatively, nodding toward the huge oak tree in the front field of Meadow Lane.“My guess is its probably as old as my family's store!” says Bo, though he doesn't actually turn to look toward the tree. He opens his mouth as if he's going to say somehting more, hesitates for a moment, then closes it again.“Over here!” comes a voice a little further ahead. Magpie looks toward the pond and sees Sydney Finch waving her arm at her, the row of colourful bracelets still on her arm. Magpie looks down at her wrist, the turquoise bracelet Sydney gave her still wrapped around it.The sun is just starting to set in the sky as they take a seat on an old log near the pond. “We brought everything we need to make some s'mores!” says Billy, holding up a bag of marshmallows and a pack of graham crackers. He and Bo get to work starting a campfire while Lucas and Sydney unpack the ingredients. Magpie wanders toward some nearby bushes to find sticks for them to roast the marshmallows on. In the distance she can see Meadow Lane. She stops to stare at the house for a moment. Perhaps it's just a trick of the light with the setting sun, but she could've sworn she saw a woman in the upstairs window staring out at her. Magpie shudders and hurries up to finish her task before returning to the circle. By now the campfire is crackling, spreading its warm orange glow around. Magpie hands out the sticks while Lucas circles around with the bag of marshmallows.“Okay,” says Billy, “now it's time for spooky stories! Who's going to go first?” he asks, looking around the circle.“I have one, it was told to me by my Tota,” says Sydney, and she proceeds to tell the story about a shape-shifting deer woman who lives deep in the forest who lures unsuspecting people into her enchanted realm and they are never seen or heard from again. Magpie feels a chill go down her spine, for some reason the story has affected her far more than it should, she feels a strange sense of foreboding. “Speaking of people never being seen or heard from again, what do you guys know about Marius Corbeau?” asks Lucas.  Magpie is surprised, Lucas has always seemed so reluctant to discuss Meadow Lane or anything related to it with anyone besides Magpie.Bo bites his lip. “My Grandpa used to tell us stories, but he was pretty old and probably pretty confused, because they didn't make a lot of sense. What I do know is that the story about Marius disappearing is true, and that his horse really was found. In fact, Cormorant lived out the rest of his days on your family farm, Lucas.” At this Lucas' eyes grow wide. “I never knew!” he says.Billy pipes up, “Some say Marius never really existed at all, that he was a ghost the whole time! He just appeared one day the disappeared just a suddenly. Whatever the case, they say Farfalla was devastated. They say she cursed the house and that's why the silence…” Billy catches himself talking about the one thing Magpie has learned no one in town ever talks about. The silence at Meadow Lane.“I think it's unfair to blame Farfalla, no one knows what really happened,” says Sydney in her calm, comforting tone. “I would love to know more about the Skylark Bell though, some say it was a gift to Farfalla, and that it was very old. They say it had the most beautiful, perfect sound. But it disappeared when her family left Meadow Lane, and no one knows what happened to it. Some say it's a mystical object that would end the silence,” says Sydney.Magpie can feel the familiar tingle at the back of her neck that tells her she needs to be paying attention. The mystical Skylark Bell that rings to break the silence, and the book titled The Skye Lark Belle – Skye with an E, Belle with an E, surely there is some connection to the two, after all, they were both in her dream. Magpie is so lost in her thoughts she doesn't realize everyone has gotten up and started packing. “Magpie you ready to go?” she hears Bo's voice cut through her thoughts and looks up. She sees Lucas standing close to Sydney and feels the same tightness in her stomach she felt the first time she saw them together.“Oh, yes,” she answers, hoping Bo didn't notice the look on her face a moment ago.  “I'll help you up,” says Lucas, quickly walking over. He holds his hands out and lifts Magpie to her feet. They stand and stare at one another for a moment and Magpie feels the tightness ease up. “Sydney, I can drive you home,” says Billy, “Bo, do you want to ride with us?” Bo nods and the group makes their way back to the road. Billy, Bo and Sydney hop in Billy's pickup truck, he revs the engine and loud rock music bursts out the windows. Magpie and Lucas laugh as the truck roars down the road leaving a trail of gravel dust behind it.“Not only do the Bunting brothers know how to make an entrance, they also know how to make an exit!” laughs Lucas, making Magpie giggle. Lucas walks Magpie across the road to the bottom of her driveway. “I hope those spooky stories around the campfire don't give you nightmares,” he says as they are about to part ways. Magpie gets the impression Lucas isn't quite ready to go home yet, but she isn't sure.“I think I'll be fine, I'll probably just dream of marshmallows and chocolate,” she says, winking at him. Lucas smiles, and lingers for amoment before finally wishing her goodnight and heading home. Thank you so much for listening.Before I go, I'd like to thank Phaeton Starling Publishing for this fantastically eerie story, and Cannelle Elanion for composing equally fantastic and eerie music for this podcast. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review. Either one, or both, are greatly appreciated. Thank you.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

In today's episode we continue our adventure with Chapter 13 – Where Magpie and Farfalla finally come face to face!Music: Nightbridge by Cannelle (www.cannellemusic.com)Find The Skylark Bell online: www.theyskylarkbell.comInstagram: @theskylarkbellTwitter: @melissaoliveriPatreon: www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriTRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 13 of The Skylark Bell.  I am your host Melissa Oliveri.  In our last episode, Magpie came across a photograph of Marius Corbeau, the man from her vision at Mirror Pond, and learned of his tragic disappearance in a snowstorm. In today's episode we continue our adventure with Chapter 13 – Where Magpie and Farfalla come face to face.It's time to settle in… grab a blanket and a warm drink… let's get started!Magpie stays home for a few days, watching old movies with her mom and reading adventure books up in her room.  It feels good to just be... normal!... and not worry about all the strange things going on in Pocket.  Magpie slept in this morning and is lounging on the couch in her pajamas when her mom peeks her head around the corner of the room.“Magpie, I'm heading into town to ship this canvas to a client, why don't you come with me?” she asks.“Sure!  Where's this one headed?” asks Magpie.  She's always curious about the different places her mother's artwork ends up.“It's going to a gallery overseas!  I'm hoping if they like it they'll request an entire collection!  It's a really great opportunity,” she answers, unable to hide the excitement in her voice.They talk about art and travel while slowly strolling through town. Next to the post office, some children play in a small park. Magpie stops to drink in the joyful sounds of the swings squeaking loudly as they sway back and forth, the children giggling on the see-saw and laughing wildly as they whiz down the slide.  She is finally feeling calm, everything around her looks and feels normal, and it's been days since she's had a vision.A small bell above the post office door signals to the clerk that they have entered. “What can I help ya with?”  Asks the tall gentleman behind the counter, his large mustache bouncing up and down with each word.  Magpie's mother explains the shipment details to him as Magpie wanders around the tiny space. The floors are crooked, and creak loudly, making her a little self-conscious with every step. On the back wall there are old photographs of Pocket, some with handwritten insciptions detailing the location and year.   She immediately spots a photo of the Pocket General Store, it was taken the year the store opened, and features the Bunting family proudly standing on the large wooden porch.  There are several photos of the high school through the years, some with students sprawled on the front lawn, others showing them neatly lined up on the front steps.  Magpie looks closely to see if she can spot Charlotte Carnifex, or perhaps the mysterious Marius, in one of the photos, but no such luck.  Scanning the wall, she finds a photo of the Redwing Inn; sure enough there are several horses hitched on the posts outside.  It feels strange to think that the people from her visions were living in this time.“Ready to go?” asks her mom, tucking her wallet back in her bag.  Magpie nods and they head outside. The park is empty now, the children likely having been called in for lunch.  Magpie and her mother keep walking down the main street, smiling at passers-by, but most of them don't even make eye contact.“That's Mrs. Tuffeto!” says Mrs. Phaeton in a hushed voice, nodding toward a woman on the sidewalk ahead.  Her tone tells Magpie her mother's got a plan.  “Mrs. Tuffetto!  I must tell you, those cupcakes you make are wondeful!” says Mrs. Phaeton cheerfully as they get closer.  The woman stops in her tracks, like a deer in the headlights, unsure what to do.  Magpie immediately pipes up, “Not only are they delicious, they're beautiful, like edible artwork!”  Mrs. Tuffetto glances around to see if anyone is listening and takes a step closer to them. “Thank you, that is very kind” she says, her voice barely above a whisper, like she doesn't want anyone to know she's speaking to them.  Before they can continue the conversation, she scurries off in the opposite direction. “Progress!” says Magpie's mother, cheerfully.  They giggle softly and continue on their way.As they near the diner, Mrs. Phaeton suggests they grab a late breakfast.  They saunter up the flagstone walkway and Magpie reaches for the door, but before she can grasp the handle, the door swings open and an old woman steps out into the bright light of day, her untamed white hair surrounding her face like a snow flurry, it had to be Farfalla.  Magpie has an instant flashback, Farfalla looks just like the old woman in her dream! She feels the shiver at the back of her neck extend all the way down her spine to her feet.  Farfalla stops in the restaurant doorway and lays her piercing blue eyes on Magpie's face.  For an instant, Magpie senses a change in her expression, but before she can figure out what it is, the old woman has turned and is headed down the street. “Go ahead honey, you're letting all the flies in!” her mother nudges her from behind, oblivious to the eerie feeling in the air between Magpie and Farfalla.Magpie shakes her head and walks over to an empty table near the window. She distractedly orders the first thing on the menu, smiling and nodding at the waitress, and politely listening to her mother's stories, but in her mind, she can't stop thinking about Farfalla.  What had flashed across her face in that moment?  Fear?  Confusion?  …Recognition?“…and I'd like to get the fireplace cleaned out so we can use it this winter,” her mother continues, “Magpie, you barely ate your breakfast!” she remarks as Magpie places her napkin on her plate.“I guess I wasn't as hungry as I thought,” she says, pushing her chair back to stand, “I do like the idea of the fireplace though,” she adds, forcing a smile.As she and her mom are walking home she struggles to keep up her end of the conversation, her mind is spinning with images of Farfalla's face.  They finally walk through the front door of their house and Magpie is thrilled to hear a soft meow as she is unlacing her running shoes. “Scarlet!” she says as the small cat trots down the stairs toward her.  She picks up the cat and carries it up the stairs, cradling it in her arms and nuzzling its soft fur. “I'm heading up to my room for a bit, mom!” she calls as she nears the landing. “Sounds good, honey.  Thanks for walking into town with me!” says Mrs. Phaeton.Magpie gently places Scarlet on the bed and fishes her notebook out from under the mattress.  Between her recent visions, the dream she had a few nights ago, and the run-in with Farfalla this morning, she feels it's time to see if any of her notes can help fill in some pieces of the puzzle.Scarlet sits on the bed facing Magpie, a strange look of expectation in her eyes…Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week as we pursue our adventure and read Chapter 14 of Meadow Lane and the Skylark Bell, where we get a closeup view of Magpie's notebook in which she sketches the things she sees in her mysterious visions.Before I go, I'd like to thank Phaeton Starling Publishing for this fantastically eerie story, and Cannelle Elanion for composing equally fantastic and eerie music for this podcast.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

Welcome Back! In today's episode Magpie and Lucas finally get together to explore the secret attic Magpie discovered a few days prior. What secrets are hidden in the previously sealed-off room? Listen on to find out!Music: Nightbridge by Cannelle (www.cannellemusic.com)Find The Skylark Bell online: www.theyskylarkbell.comInstagram: @theskylarkbellTwitter: @melissaoliveriPatreon: www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriTRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions, with the support of Whimsical Productions and Collected Sounds presents: Episode 8 of The Skylark Bell.  I am your host Melissa Oliveri.  In our last episode, Magpie's alone time at Mirror Pond turned into a disturbing vision where a mysterious man and his unusual horse seemed to be trapped in a snowstorm.In today's episode we continue our adventure with Chapter 8 – The Attic, where Magpie and Lucas finally get together to explore the secret attic Magpie discovered a few days prior.So get comfortable… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… are you read? Let's get started...“I'm home!” calls Magpie, walking in the door and hanging her backpack on the coat rack, leaving her sketchbook with the drawing of the mysterious man and his horse inside. The house remains completely silent.  Magpie, puzzled, walks to the kitchen. There is a note from her mother on the counter:Magpie,Ran out of supplies, driving to the city to get refills, they don't have what I need at Pocket General Store.  Back by dinner time.Love you!MomA knock at the door makes her jump slightly. She walks through the dining room to the front door. “It's just me!” says a familiar voice.“Hi Lucas!  I thought you were coming over this afternoon!” she exclaims, swinging the door open and waving him in.Lucas looks at her like she's from outer space.  “Magpie, it's 2pm,” he says.“Oh… I must've lost track of time while I was sitting by mirror pond” she says, embarrassed.  Her visions have never made her lose track of time like this before; she finds it unnerving. “Who's this?” he asks, noticing the cat sitting on the dining room table.“This is Scarlet! She appeared at the back door one rainy day and I didn't have the heart to leave her outside.  She's very friendly,” answers Magpie, happy to change the subject. “That's odd, I've never seen her in the area before.  I'm sure I'd remember, she's so unique looking.  I wonder where she came from?” he says.“I don't know, but she was very thin.  I don't think she'd eaten for a while,” explains Magpie. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, Lucas excitedly asks, “So, the reason you invited me over today - you said something about a hidden room?  An attic?”“Yeah!  I couldn't believe it!” she says before launching into an explanation of how she accidentally discovered the trap door.  “It was so dark, I didn't really stay in the attic very long.  I figured since you know so much about the town's history maybe you could help me dig around up there!” she adds, skipping the part about the vision she had of the festivities at Meadow Lane.“Wow, I can't wait to check it out!” he says eagerly.  They make their way upstairs, to the back of the closet, through the trap door and up the creaky steps to the attic. Scarlet follows closely, never leaving Magpie out of her sight.In the daylight, Magpie can see there are actually two round windows, one at each end of the vast, cluttered space.  She and Lucas make their separate ways to opposite ends of the room and clean off the windows to let in more light.  As their eyes adjust to the light, they are amazed by the quantity of belongings left behind by previous owners.“Look at this mirror, it's got to weigh two hundred pounds, how did they even get it up here?!” wonders Lucas, staring at a huge antique mirror framed in ornate silver.Magpie carefully pulls up the corner of a sheet so as not to lift too much dust.  Underneath she sees an antique dresser with handles of coral coloured shell.  She tugs at one of the drawers and, with a little convicing, it slides open.  Inside she sees an antique hairbrush and a silver plaited handheld mirror, the initials ‘C. C.' ornately engraved on the back.  “I wonder who all these things belonged to,” she says, holding up the personalized mirror for Lucas to see.“I don't know, I can't believe anyone would leave all their furniture up here!”  he says, turning the mirror over in his hand before placing it gently back in the drawer.Magpie walks over to a small wooden cradle and gives it a gentle nudge with her finger, causing it to swing softly from side to side.  She bends to look at an etching on the side of it and runs her finger over the letters carved into the wood: J-A-M-E-S.  The cradle stops swinging, restored to its decades-long state of immobility as if the interruption caused by Magpie's touch had never happened.  Magpie turns and takes a few steps further into the immense room, the sound of her shoes echoing on the old floorboards. “Look at all these trunks!  I wonder what's inside those!” she says excitedly, pointing to stacks of wooden trunks strewn about the attic.“There's only one way to find out,” says Lucas, a sparkle in his eye.  They make their way to the largest trunk in the center of the attic and are about to open it when Scarlet lets out a loud meow. Startled, they turn to see her sitting on a smaller, dark blue trunk in the far corner of the room.“You want us to open this one first?” kids Magpie. “Let's indulge her,” says Lucas, walking across the dusty floor toward the trunk, “Maybe she knows something we don't,” he adds with a wink.Magpie pulls her sleeve over her hand and frees the top of the trunk from a thick, clingy layer of dust.  On its cover, the same initials ‘C. C.' are carved and filled in with gold paint.  A large, rusty lock looped through the lid of the trunk hangs open.  “Well that's a stroke of luck!” says Lucas, sliding the lock off the trunk.  “One, two, three!” he says as, together, they gently lift the lid.  The hinges squeak loudly and a thick cloud of dust lifts in the air, surrounding them.  They sit still, waiting for it to settle before peering into the trunk…Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week as we continue our adventure by reading Chapter 9 of Meadow Lane and the Skylark Bell, where Magpie and Lucas make a bone-chilling discovery inside the old trunk in the secret attic.Before I go, I'd like to thank Phaeton Starling Publishing for this fantastically eerie story, and Cannelle Elanion for composing equally fantastic and eerie music for this podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

On the last Friday of each month, we pause our reading of Meadow Lane and the Skylark Bell, and instead cover a real-life supernatural, or at the very least, unusual and unexplained, experience.In today's episode we recount the story of The Lady in the Window in which our narrator has a psychic vision in what is about to be their new home...Be sure to stay tuned at the end of the episode to hear an original song by Cannelle about this experience.Music: Nightbridge and The Blue Dress by Cannelle (www.cannellemusic.com)Find The Skylark Bell online: www.theyskylarkbell.comInstagram: @theskylarkbellTwitter: @melissaoliveriPatreon: www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriTRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions, with the support of Whimsical Productions and Collected Sounds presents: The Skylark Bell, Fantome Friday.  I am your host Melissa Oliveri.  On the last Friday of each month, we will pause our reading of Meadow Lane and the Skylark Bell, and instead cover a real-life supernatural, or at the very least, unusal and unexplained, experience.In today's episode we will recount the story of The Lady in the Window. Be sure to stay tuned at the end of the episode for an original song by Cannelle inspired by this story.So get settled in, grab a blanket, a warm drink, and let's get started…This happened many years ago, in the same house where I sit now, writing this story, the gentle ticking of the clock in the background. I had only recently moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota from Montreal, Canada after a whirwind love story in which my husband and I reconnected after many years appart, fell in love, and got married all within a matter of a few months.  Ready to start our lives together, my husband and I had decided to sell his condo in a different neighbourhood, and put an offer on a century-old house in a quiet neighbourhood that I, still being relatively new to the city, didn't know much about. But with the tree-lined streets, well-manicured gardens, and small shops and restaurants nearby, it seemed like a the kind of neighbourhood that would be perfect for us at this point in our lives. The little house sat on up on hill, it's long, steep driveway leading back to a spacious (at least by city standards) yard with a huge maple tree.  The house had been built in late 1800's, it had quirky closets, wide wood trim around the doors and windows and along the rather crooked floors. I loved every part of it, but my favourite thing of all was the old manual doorbell that worked by twisting a knob that would then unwind and make a sharp high-pitched ringing noise.The person we were buying the house from was an old high school friend of my husband's whose family was moving out of state for work. They had remodeled certain parts of the house, but kept the original feel throughout. Because they had already moved to their new home, there was no one living in the house while we were in a holding pattern waiting for our closing date to arrive.  With the owners' permission, we went to the property with our real estate agent to measure windows for blinds and curtains so they would be ready by our move-in date.On a bright, sunny, very early spring day we met our realtor at the house.  It was exciting to be there knowing it would become our home very soon. We marveled at the size of the yard, still covered in ice and snow from the long Minnesota winter.  Inside, the cozy house felt warm and inviting.  My husband stayed in the living room with our realtor while I went about the first floor as the sun, unobstructed by tree leaves so early in the year, shon joyfully through the many windows.Finished with the first floor, I decided to head upstairs.  The steps creaked under my feet as I went up. I took a right and worked my way counter-clockwise through the second floor, first measuring the bathroom windows, then the smaller bedroom - which we were planning on turning into an office until, someday, we hoped to turn it into a nursery (spoiler alert, we ended up doing both those things!).  Last of all, I walked into the main bedroom.  The doorway into the room was directly across from the windows, looking out the front of the house toward the street.  It was a lovely view, being slightly up on a hill.  Out of nowhere, I had a sudden urge to place my hand on the window, palm flat against the cold glass.  As soon as I did that,  an image of a woman came into my head.  She had her hair up in a bun and was wearing a period dress with a high neck and skirt down to the floor, like the photos I had seen of my great-grandmother in the early 1900's. The woman was standing with her hand on the window looking out at a lake, and I felt a deep sense of sadness and regret wash over me.I shook my head and stepped back, taking my hand off the glass, instantly breaking the connection, and thought about what had just happened.  This vision made no sense to me because, though there is a lake somewhat nearby, it is blocks away, and certainly cannot be seen from our house. Though I had experienced other unexplained images like this before, I decided to write this episode off as an overactive imagination. I quickly measured the remaining windows, gathered my things, and headed back downstairs, never mentioning what happened to anyone else.About a week later, we got a call from the homeowner who was in town for a few days. She mentioned we had gotten some mail at our soon-to-be new address and asked if we wanted to swing by to pick it up.  The next day we drove over and stood on the front steps chatting with her.  During our conversation, she casually mentioned that decades ago the lake had a peninsula that jutted out, stretching several blocks to the south.  Our house, up on the hill, would have had a lovely view of that part of the lake, directly across the street, especially from the second floor bedroom window… The homeowner went on to explain that that part of the lake was filled in in the early 1900's, and a whole neighbourhood of houses was built on the land… To the great regret, I am sure, of the lady in the window.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week as we resume our adventures in Meadow Lane and the Skylark Bell. In our previous episode, chapter 7 Magpie had a vision of a man and his unusual horse lost in a snow storm while she was spending some alone time at Mirror Pond. In our next episode we read chapter 8 – The Attic, where Magpie and Lucas finally explore the secret attic at Magpie's house.  Don't forget to subscribe, you don't want miss a thing! And now, an original song by Cannelle inspired by this story, here is The Blue Dress.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

In today's episode we continue our adventure with Chapter 7 – Mystery at Mirror Pond, where some alone time in nature with her sketchbook proves to be anything but relaxing for Magpie!Music: Nightbridge by Cannelle (www.cannellemusic.com)Find The Skylark Bell online: www.theyskylarkbell.comInstagram: @theskylarkbellTwitter: @melissaoliveriPatreon: www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriTRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions, with the support of Whimsical Productions and Collected Sounds presents: Episode 7 of The Skylark Bell.  I am your host Melissa Oliveri.  In our last episode, Magpie accidentally discovered a secret attic that had been sealed up decades before.In today's episode we continue our adventure with Chapter 7 – Mystery at Mirror Pond, where some alone time in nature with her sketchbook proves to be anything but relaxing for Magpie!So get comfortable… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get startedMagpie drinks down the last of her orange juice, pushes her sleeves up and gets started on the dishes. Outside the kitchen window she can see the old rail fence and, in the field beyond it, the Starlings' farm.  Lucas is spending the morning with his grandmother in the neighbouring town, so Magpie has made her own plans.  She stacks the last of the clean plates in the cupboard with a thud and hurries to the hall closet.“I'm heading to the pond!” she shouts to her mom, struggling to pull on her boots as Scarlet rubs up against her legs, purring loudly with affection.Mirror Pond sits across from the old farmhouse in the middle of what was once a rock quarry that had long ago been filled in with gravel.  One of Magpie's favourite discoveries since moving to Pocket is sitting with her journal on the large rock in the middle of the pond and drawing sketches or writing stories as the water gently ripples around her, it helps her clear her mind.“Boy, you don't stop for a second!” laughs her mom, walking in from the sunroom and wiping paint off a long, thin paintbrush.  Magpie's mom is an artist; she paints bright, unusually coloured landscapes.  She's not famous by any means, but does well enough that the two of them can live comfortably.  She has finally set up her studio in the sunroom and is working on a commissioned piece for the gallery she used to work at in the city.  “I found some great vegetables at the market to grill for dinner, is it a date?” she asks, picking up the cat for a snuggle. Magpie nods. Her mom is a great cook and Magpie loves when they have dinner ‘dates'.  They decorate the picnic table, light a few candles, and stay out well into the night chatting and telling stories.  “Can't wait!” she says, tucking her notebook, sketchbook and pencils into her backpack, “See you later!”Magpie gently closes the front door behind her, skips down their long driveway and waits for a pickup truck to drive by before crossing the road. She gingerly hops over an old, dilapidated fence and steps through some overgrown grass to get to the edge of the quarry. From there, she scurries excitedly down the stony path to the pond, and muddles across a few feet of water before settling down on the rock with a satisfying thud. She takes a moment to soak in the sound of the water settling after the disruption she caused wading through it to the rock nearby, a small turtle slowly makes its way onto a fallen log and turns its face up to the sun.  It's a perfect day for sketching, the still water reflects the feathery white clouds strewn across the sky while the sunlight filters through the leaves and flowers, giving them a surreal glow.Magpie pulls a shiny red apple out of her pocket and takes a large bite before grabbing her pencil.  She chews slowly, deep in thought, as she starts drawing outlines of the scene before her:  The stones in the quarry, faraway hills, tall grass in the field, the mound of raspberry bushes where the foxes like to burrow, the shadows cast by the sparse trees and bushes and, barely visible in the distance, the roof of the house on Meadow Lane.  For a moment she thinks of what she saw in her vision the night before, when Meadow Lane was all lit up with a roaring fire in the fireplace, music, and people dancing… but she pushes the thought to the back of her mind.  Magpie concentrates on her sketch, relishing the sound of the pencil moving across the paper, bringing the blank page to life.Lost in her drawing, Magpie barely notices as her mind is slowly overcome by the image of a man on a large black horse, its long white mane and tail flowing toward the ground. The man, dressed in layers of thick dark clothes, is expertly guiding the striking, unusual-looking animal through mounds of snow as the wind whips up a swirl of snowflakes around them.  Dark curls make their way rebelliously out from under the man's cap as his eyes squint against the winter storm, like he is looking for something, or trying to find his way. The sky and everything around him is a flurry of white, it's impossible to tell where he is, or which direction he is going. His exhausted, worried face looks vaguely familiar to Magpie, but she can't quite put her finger on it.  Both horse and man are bracing themselves against a tremendous gust of wind when the man's scarf unravels and blows onto the horse's face.  Terrified, the massive animal rears several times and the man is thrown from its back. Magpie winces as the man's body crashes to the ground.  The horse gallops off and the man is left laying in the snow, immobile, as the wind swirls around him.A large frog hopping into the pond startles Magpie out of her vision.  The ripples in the water distort the reflection of the sky as the warm summer breeze blows the cattails on the pond.  “Here we go again,” she whispers to herself, hastily flipping to a blank page in her notebook. She starts sketching; snow drifts, large black hooves, a flowing mane and tail, leather boots worn by a mysterious man, his dark, curly hair blowing in the wind…  She has no idea how long she has been sitting there, feverishly drawing, before she holds up the completed sketch; it is surprisingly accurate.  She shudders, recalling how the man's body hit the ground when he was thrown off his gigantic horse. She takes one last look at her sketch before packing up her things and heading home, the cold winter snowstorm from her vision giving her goosebumps despite the warm summer sun.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for our second Fantome Friday – where we will hear the unsettling true story of The Lady in the Window!  – Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a thing! Before I go, I'd like to thank Phaeton Starling Publishing for this fantastically eerie story, and Cannelle Elanion for composing equally fantastic and eerie music for this podcast.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

Magpie accidentally discovers a previously hidden part of the old farmhouse she and her mother recently moved into, and experiences yet another vision related to Meadow Lane.Music: Nightbridge by Cannelle (www.cannellemusic.com)Find The Skylark Bell online: www.theyskylarkbell.comInstagram: @theskylarkbellTwitter: @melissaoliveriPatreon: www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriTRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions, with the support of whimsical productions and collected sounds presents: Episode 6 of The Skylark Bell.  I am your host Melissa Oliveri.  In our last episode, Lucas finally told Magpie the impossible truth about Meadow Lane, that it is cursed with a complete silence that spreads to anyone who sets foot on the property, and Magpie had just come home after a strange vision that inexplicably caused her to lose track of time.In today's episode we pick up where we left off with Chapter 6 – An accidental discovery, where Magpie accidentally discovers a previously hidden part of her new house, and experiences yet another vision related to Meadow Lane.You know the drill, Get settled… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… here we goMagpie stands staring at the phone for a moment, still perplexed about losing track of time during her vision of the couple in the horse cart. She walks back through the house to the living room where she finds Scarlet curled up on the sofa.“Come on, Scarlet, let's head upstairs,” Magpie says to the cat.  They have bonded over the past week and it follows her everywhere around the house, but refuses to set foot outside.  It hops up the staircase with amazing agility and races in front of her to her bedroom door.  “I'm going to hang in the hideout and write in my notebook, want to tag along?” she asks as she opens the bedroom door, Lucas' flashlight still in her hand. Magpie has nicknamed her long awkward bedroom closet The Hideout.  She hasn't yet used it for some quiet time, but tonight feels like a good night.  She grabs a blanket and Lucas' flashlight before creeping in, crawling to the back of the long closet and sitting down with her notebook.   Scarlet follows her with soft, velvety footsteps and curls up in her lap.  The back of the closet is peaceful and dark, and Magpie relishes the lack of distractions as she starts sketching and writing notes about her vision, describing everything in as much detail as possible:  the couple, their cart, their belongings... something at the back of her mind tingles, like she's missing something, so she pauses for a moment, but it just won't come to her.Time seems to be at a standstill, and she has no idea how long she's been sitting in the darkness, but her back feels a little stiff from being bent over her notebook.  Leaning back against the wall of the closet, she closes her eyes to take a break.  Suddenly, she feels the wall behind her shift slightly, like the weight of her body is pushing it in. Intrigued, she scoots Scarlet off her lap and turns around to shine her flashlight at the wall.  To her amazement, she sees a crack in the plaster and what looks like empty space behind it.  It's a secret door!  It has been plastered over and was completely hidden until she accidentally pushed it and broke the seal.  She nudges it gently to see if it continues to move, and sure enough it swings inwards.She grabs her flashlight and shines it into the opening.  The trap door leads to a short corridor at the end of which she sees a dusty, narrow stairway going up.  Filled with both nervousness and excitement, Magpie crawls through and carefully walks toward the stairs.  She puts a tentative foot on the first step.  It creaks a little but feels solid.  She slowly makes her way to the top of the stairway, keeping a tight grip on the banister. From the top of the stairs her gaze sweeps across a massive attic; it looks like it has been untouched for decades! Through the small circle of light provided by her flashlight, Magpie can see piles of old trunks, a rocking horse, a dress form and various pieces of furniture covered in dusty sheets.  Cobwebs criss-cross one another atop the rafters and among piles of old furniture.  She feels around for a light switch, hoping there is electrical lighting up here, but no luck.  Is it possible no one has been in this attic since the house was fitted with electricity?  To her left she can see moonlight shining faintly through a small round window.  She carefully makes her way through the tangle of old belongings and wipes some of the dust and grime off the glass so she can see out.  The window faces the front of her house; she can make out her front lawn, the old quarry across the street, the line of trees between her property and Lucas' driveway, and, in the distance, the bottom of Meadow Lane where it meets the road.  She squints in the darkness, trying to see the house, but it is too dark.  She's about to turn and head back downstairs to tell her mother what she's discovered when something catches her eye. For a moment, she sees a brief flicker in the distance, almost like someone walked by a window while holding a candle.  She squeezes her eyes shut, trying to ‘reset' her vision, and lets out a gasp when she opens them again.  Outside the small attic window, in the dark field across the road, she sees Meadow Lane, every window filled with light, silhouettes dancing in front of a large, roaring fireplace in the living room.  She can faintly hear the sound of music, like an old record playing on a victrola. Outside, on the side of the house, she sees lanterns hanging from carriages and horse carts, the horses patiently waiting for their drivers to return from the celebration.  Another quick gleam of light makes her glance toward the back of the house.  Squinting, she can make out two lanterns bouncing back and forth, getting further from the house, like they are being held by two people who are walking toward the forest.  Shocked, she stands perfectly still, staring out the small window at the impossible scene before her eyes.  Suddenly, Meadow Lane is washed in darkness once again, and Magpie realises she has just experienced another vision.  Behind her, a faint meow brings her back to reality.  “Come on, Scarlet, I think I'm ready for bed now,” she says quietly as she heads back down to her room. She curls up in a ball on her bed, Scarlet snuggled at her feet, and pulls the blanket up to her chin.  Even though it is summer, Magpie feels a chill right through to her bones.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week as we continue our adventure by reading Chapter 7 of Meadow Lane and the Skylark Bell, where some nice quiet time by Mirror Pond ends with yet more mystery!  – Don't forget to subscribe, you don't want to miss a thing! Before I go, I'd like to thank Phaeton Starling Publishing for this fantastically eerie story, and Cannelle Elanion for composing equally fantastic and eerie music for this podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations

The mysterious ghost town of Mirror Pond has intrigued a man, so much so, he has decided to go investigate. Child disappearances and some outlandish conspiracy theories only serve to urge him on even more. The twin town of Cedar Wood holds residents that don't particularly like people poking around in their business. What will the man find? What secrets does this ghost town hold? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week the boys sit down with one of their closest friends Norm Kobylka and discuss: Mirror Pond, Oct 2013, Black Butt, Bend OG, Digi 003, Bday, Modern Warfare, Bowling, Nicki Minaj, Foot shootings, Tales from the U, Baseball, 5 OT's, Basketball, Brian Kobylka, 3 1/2 years, HB life, Garden city, St. Anger, Coheed, KROQ, delivering pizza's, Jazz, 7 Guitars, Jump in the tank, Napalm death, Sublime, and much much more

Welcome to the second biggest podcast in the Pacific northwest behind only the Sasquatch Hunters. This week we get into Jason Kuepfer's business, Second Mile Marketplace and Food Hub. When Jason explored starting is own food truck business and couldn't find a commercial kitchen for rent that fit his needs, he decided to start one. In addition to the commercial kitchen, he is also a partner of a nonprofit food hub that connecting farmers and other food producers with consumers.  It is awesome to hear how Jason is contributing to the vibrant food scene here in Southwest Washington as well as advocating for more sustainable food systems.   Prost!   In this episode: Entrepreneurship is driven by the personal need to do something more than just sitting in an office and the marketplace need for innovation or filling a gap.    By using the kitchen himself in an ongoing pursuit of his own food service ambition, Jason know his "product' intimately which allows him to connect authentically with his customers and prospects about the benefits of his space and how to continuously improve it.   Offering complimentary services to your main offering, such as creating a meeting space, can give your business additional revenue streams. Create a strong business plan so you know exactly what you need and what you want during a negotiation; And don't be afraid to ask for what you need, you'll be surprised how often you'll get it.     Guest Beer: Deschutes Brewery - Bend, OR Mirror Pond Pale Ale, 5% ABV, 40 IBU "This refreshingly uncomplicated ale has inspired the simple moments that become extraordinary when shared. Crisp and clean with subtle hints of caramel, Mirror Pond is a delicious everyday ale whose straightforward single-hop character and smooth maltiness combine to deliver a timeless pale ale."   Angie's Mystery Beer: Deschutes Brewing - Bend, OR Fresh Haze IPA, 6.5% ABV, 45 IBU "Fresh Haze IPA is hazy with a chance of obsession. The flavor explodes in your mouth with notes of orange citrus sweetness and a soft malt body. Carrying both citrus and tropical fruit from Mandarina, Amarillo and Cashmere hops…OJ for days."   Episode Links: Second Mile Marketplace and Food Hub Email Jason at info@secondmilemarketplace.com Bundesliga Tazo Tea Nike Clark County Food System Council    

Is Bend getting all the tax dollars it's due from short-term rentals? Plus, the never-ending saga of dredging Mirror Pond in this week's podcast.

Cascade Cycling Classic, Mirror Pond and the fuss with Phylos Bioscience.

A weekly update on the headlines in the Source Weekly newspaper. In this week's update we touch on Mirror Pond and dredging project that is still up for debate; bike trail memoirs; also a grand opening prohibition party!

Welcome back to another installment of the Oregon Brewery Running Series Podcast. Inspiring Oregonians to Get Active, Have Fun, and Give Back. We host family-friendly, 5K fun runs that start and end at some of Oregon's best breweries. Today's show is a rerun of an interview I did back in April of 2017. You may not know this, but before we started the podcast, I was interviewing people live on Facebook, and then posting that video to our YouTube channel. It was a little clunky, and not super easy to listen to. And from a production and interviewer perspective, well, let's just say we've learned a lot. Anyway, I'm resharing my interview with the legendary brewery, John Harris. You may not know who that is, but you probably know his beer. John is a hero in the beer world, and after spending almost 30 years working for some of the most prolific breweries in Oregon, he decided to start his own brewery, one of our favorites, Ecliptic Brewing. A quick summary of his background, John began as a brewer at McMenamins', then moved to Deschutes in Bend, where he created the recipes for Mirror Pond, Black Butte Porter, and Obsidian Stout to name a few. In 1992, he was the brewmaster at Full Sail where he was in charge of creating the Brewmaster Reserve line of beers. After three decades of brewing for other people, he decided to take on the ambitious challenge of opening his own brewery and restaurant. Ecliptic Brewing began in October of 2013, just off Cook and Mississippi Ave in a booming area of North Portland. They have quickly become one of the hottest breweries, winning a lot of awards for their beer, including being named the fifth top brewery in the country for 2017. Talking to a Legend When I sat down to talk with John, I have to admit I was a little intimidated. Here's a guy who created some of the most iconic beers in Oregon, and influential in the success of multiple breweries. I rarely get starstruck, but I guess I sorta was, as you'll see, from my rambling question asking. We get to sample three of John's Ecliptic beers, and hear some of the backstory about what went into making them. John was nothing but kind, and incredibly gracious with a few of my oddball, newbie beer questions and attempts at humor. A big thank you to John Harris for taking time away from his crazy schedule to chat with me. When we talked, Ecliptic had just installed a canning machine, and it wasn't going well Not sure if you noticed John's comment, but I know it was causing him headaches, yet he still found time to chat. That's a solid guy. And thank you for listening to the Oregon Brewery Running Series Podcast! Part of the reason I'm sharing this again now is that we just found out Ecliptic is on board for one of our runs in 2018 and we're incredibly excited! If you want early access to that event, register here and get $5 off for a limited time.

In this episode, I’m in Portland, Oregon. Very excited to be visiting Ecliptic Brewing and speaking with Oregon craft beer legend John Harris. We talk about his history in the Oregon craft beer scene, working with McMenamins Hillsdale Brewpub, being the founding Brewmaster at Deschutes Brewery and his 20 years at Full Sail Brewing. We also talked about, of course, Ecliptic Brewing and his ongoing vision for the project. For more information about Ecliptic Brewing Website: http://eclipticbrewing.com Facebook & Untappd Follow the Cascadian Beer Podcast at: http://cascadian.beer This episode was made possible by supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast and want to support its creation, you can by pledging on our show page. Podcast Created and Hosted by: Aaron Johnson Recorded on location at Ecliptic Brewing - Portland, OR Editing & Mixing by: Aaron Johnson Theme music by: A:M (Aaron Johnson & Danny Moffat) Support the show.

Safe or Disgusting? Bend's Mirror Pond Plaza by Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon

Beer: Maui Coconut Porter Southern Tier Farmer's Tan Stone Quadrotriticale The Brewer's Art Ozzy Deschutes Mirror Pond Rankings: Jeff: 1. Quadrotriticale 2. Mirror Pond 3. Ozzy 4. Farmer's Tan 5. CoCoNut Porter Greg: 1. Mirror Pond 2. Quadrotriticale 3. Ozzy 4. Farmer's Tan 5. CoCoNut Porter Social: @craftbeerradio on Twitter CBR on Facebook CBR on Google+ Support CBR: Subscribe or Donate CBR Amazon Store CBR Midwest Homebrewing Supply Referral Link. Signup for Bluehost website hosting. Extras: Preshow Postshow

Beer: Maui Coconut Porter Southern Tier Farmer's Tan Stone Quadrotriticale The Brewer's Art Ozzy Deschutes Mirror Pond Rankings: Jeff: 1. Quadrotriticale 2. Mirror Pond 3. Ozzy 4. Farmer's Tan 5. CoCoNut Porter Greg: 1. Mirror Pond 2. Quadrotriticale 3. Ozzy 4. Farmer's Tan 5. CoCoNut Porter Social: @craftbeerradio on Twitter CBR on Facebook CBR on Google+ Support CBR: Subscribe or Donate CBR Amazon Store CBR Midwest Homebrewing Supply Referral Link. Signup for Bluehost website hosting. Extras: Preshow Postshow

Homebrewing beer. Now here is a real twist on Can You Brew It! The CYBI crew has challenged Justin (Brewcaster J) to brew one of his favorites, Mirror Pond Pale Ale by Deschutes Brewing. Tune in and hear brewer Jimmy Seifrits talk about this wonderful Pale Ale and find out if the worst brewer in the house can take his advice and re-create the beer. After all, if J can do it anyone can!