A Little Touch of the Blue Moon Magic

Gabriella was puttering around the lobby this morning, making sure the greenery and flowers were perfect, and everything was ready.

She was usually a delightful person as she hummed along to the soft music from the radio.

The Germains came down the stairs, Denise looked like her usual put-together perfect person, and Benjamin was a dark cloud. Jody hoped she would not be on the receiving end. 

Gabby turned and smiled at them. She wasn’t blind at all. Gabby often ignored a person’s more childish and spiteful moods. “Good morning, you two, and what do you have planned for today?” 

“Oh, we’re going snowboarding again, and Jody, you were so right. Yesterday we had time to do both. However, Benjamin here is a little mad that he can’t seem to upload his photos from yesterday for all his internet followers.” 

“Yes, well, it’s a well-known complication here. We advertise as a getaway from all modern technology because of it. The issue seems more complicated than just boosting a signal. Have you thought you might try holding off and then uploading your photos when you go home? Leave your followers in suspense while you enjoy your getaway and gather the truly best shots for them. Really give them a story in photos?” 

Benjamin blinked in confusion. “What do you mean? I’m not sure I understand what you are trying to say.” 

“It’s simple. See this brochure for the Blue Moon Bed and Breakfast. We took over one hundred photos of our Inn. We only put the five most meaningful photos into it. They have more meaning for the story we wanted to convey.

In this case, the impression we want to give potential guests. I’m saying go enjoy yourself, take pictures and then when you get home instead of overloading your followers with random shots. Create a story of your getaway and give them the highlights and the best of your time here. You’ll look back on your curated photos. They will have even more meaning for you.”

“You’re saying fewer photos to upload, but get them to tell a story. It’s a change, but it might improve my follower base.” 

“You’d be working less so that you can experience more.

You

perhaps even take more shots too.” Denise was getting the idea. Gabby was trying to get Benjamin more involved in his getaway for Denise’s sake. 

“Oh, and speaking of a great photo opportunity tonight, there is a bonfire festival in the town’s square. It’s our version of a festival of light. You both should go. There’s ice skating by torchlight, and the coffee shop has a hot chocolate booth. Many local artisans come out to hawk their wares too. It’s a perfect time to pick up a few souvenirs.

I think the firehouse is coming out to run some games.” 

“Really, that sounds like it would be a real experience.” Benjamin was intrigued again. “When does it start?” 

“I believe it begins around one or two this afternoon. Oh, yes, here’s one of the flyers they left for our guests. I really believe you’ll both have fun there. It’s always a blast.  Our building is at the far end of the festival, so we’ll open the Dining Room’s outside doors and welcome everyone in to eat and drink in the dining room and the garden.” 

“Oh, how lovely.” 

“Yes, we’ve been setting up the outdoor heater and our torches out in the garden, along with tables and chairs.  I’ll be operating a booth in the garden to take orders and such in person.” 

“Ben, I think it’s a really great plan. We can act like regular tourists. Taking lots of pictures and enjoying it all without worrying about metrics and all that.” 

“I’ll admit it has merit. Fine, we’ll go to this festival and see how it works for us.  So, we can still eat dinner here tonight and enjoy it in the wintery garden.” 

“And the heaters make it warm and cozy the whole time.  Imagine how envious your followers will be that you got such a unique experience.  Oh, and don’t forget to see the ice sculpture garden.  That would be gold for photos.” 

That’s when Benjamin’s eyes all but rolled back in his head in absolute excitement now. Denise herself was now interested in the festival. “Don’t forget to take your skates. It’s not your typical ice rink this time of year.  It’s all very romantic on this night.” 

“Thank you so much. I think we just filled our day with so much fun.”  Denise grabbed Benjamin’s wrist and pulled him towards the Dining Room with a happy wave and a big smile.  As they disappeared into the Dining Room, Denise linked arms with her husband. She started to whisper something in his ear, and then his face broke into an even wider smile.  

------------------------------ 

Later that day, Jody watched many of the guests come and go. Each one Gabby stopped and talked to.  Giving them help in finding things to do and generally making their lives a little brighter.  

It wasn’t until Eric Devlin made an appearance and Gabby put herself subtly in his way.  Jody knew that Gabby loved a good mystery but had too much class to interrogate a person.  No, she would make friends with him, gain his trust and then help him through whatever he was avoiding.  That was just part of the magic here.  Jody figured without Gabby’s gentle persuasion, and prodding, the magic here wouldn’t work.

“I found this in my room.  Was it left in the right room?”  Eric held up a dark red hat and scarf set with a slight frown on his face. 

“Of course, it was Mister Devlin.  It’s the season of giving, and I think you’ll find they will come in very handy today. It’s getting chilly out there. You don’t want to be cold during the festival tonight.”  

Greta chose this time to come down from her room and announced, “With so many guests outside, it will be a perfect time to take a few readings and photos.  This place is full of quiet nooks and hidden gems.” 

“Did you find the Library upstairs last night? In the Library, there are photos chronicling the Inn’s history. Also, a book on the history of the town and Inn is there too. I believe I left it on the side table under the photo display.” 

“No, I must have missed it. Was it the door that was locked at the end of the hall?” 

“Oh, I’m sorry, the door shouldn’t have been locked.  How odd this morning it wasn’t locked?  Well, that happens sometimes.” 

Eric’s interest peeked at hearing about a library.  Why don’t we both go up there and see what we can find? Private libraries like this often have more records hidden away in them? We can spend some time poking around in them and see what stories can be found. Ghost stories aren’t the only eerie and entertaining stories. 

Gabby stepped in with a broad smile on her face. “I am sure you will find all the answers you need up there.  I know this Inn has a long and colourful past.  Take your time but don’t miss out on the festival of lights. It’s a long-standing tradition, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you could find a story or to that might explain some of the town’s ghostly encounters.” 

“The town is haunted too?” 

“The town’s over a hundred years old. Many of the buildings in the square are the original ones from when the town was founded.  I’m sure that some of the store owners would be happy to talk about their experiences. But understand one thing about this town.  We see our ghosts not as intruders but as townsfolk, and they deserve the respect they got in life.” 

“What an intriguing concept. So, you don’t believe that anyone would want to remove the otherworldly guests then?” 

“Not at all.  Many of the business owners are descendants of these spirits. But be careful. This town also has a deep history of fae influence too.” 

“What would you call fae influence?” 

“Legend has it that a human population did not just found this town, but a group of fae came over from Europe and settled with families they had bonded to.  Many were home-based fae who guard and care for homes and families. However, they weren’t the first fae here.  The native population has stories of a war between the spirits that have always lived here and the spirits the white man brought with them.”

“Oh my.  I think I’m going to have to visit the town hall for records, the Library and visit with an elder or two. I am going to be so busy.  Mister Devlin, I may have to ask you for that help you’ve been offering. This has just exploded.  I’m going to have to contact the others and give them a heads up. We might be able to get a few episodes from this region.”

Eric’s face lit up, and he pushed his glasses back up his nose.  I would be happy to help you out with all this.  I happen to have a little research experience and am sure I can come in handy to you.