jamiejason

[jamiejason]

Getting out for a glass of wine with a friend is always nice. And it's Wednesday, so I wore some pink.

[jamiejason]

Thank you so, so much Sarah @sarahwellshunter Such a lovely tribute to our dear friend. And special thanks to @dryndelicate and a shout out to Emily @emilyhydes ❤️❤️

Mystery Castle - Mystery Chest Part 4

(A tribute to Samantha ❤️)

On arrival at the Castle, Sarah quickly made Jamie welcome and showed her to her suite.

"You must be tired after the journey Jamie, so please rest while I attend to your bags"

Sarah left Jamie with her thoughts and hurried down to her own quarters to change into something more appropriate for her position.

Back in uniform, Sarah headed back upstairs to retrieve the luggage from the coach that was now housed near the stables.

When she reached the great hall she paused for a moment.

There was not a chill or any negative feeling. Sarah just felt compelled to stop. She watched as the Sun burst through the windows, bathing the entire floorspace in light.

Was that a breeze she could feel ? On the back of her neck?

As suddenly as she had stopped, she regained her composure. There was a Lady to attend to, and even though her Mistress Lady @danni-gurrl was not in residence, it was no excuse to neglect her duties.

And the horses would need looking after too. "No time to dawdle" she said out loud. But who was she speaking too ?

Being an organised little thing, Sarah had already decided to revamp the schedule that would have taken place had both Sammy and Jamie spent time at the Mystery Castle.

The parachute drop into the heart of the Maze was no longer appropriate so she cancelled the light aircraft and packed away the 'chutes.

Instead, and possibly inspired by Jamie's recent visit to Stonehenge,Sarah had decided to set up a picnic area in the centre of the Maze, to which she would help Jamie get to the core and a celebration for Sammy could then take place.

They both put on white summer frocks, basic and fresh but perfect for the weather and the occassion.

Sarah reassured Jamie that getting to the centre of the puzzle would not be a problem.

As they ventured inside they spoke very little, perhaps the occasion had a bearing on that. What chat there was came in whispers.

The cool breeze penetrated the walls of the maze and the hems of the dresses floated in unison.

Then. They stopped.

What had they just seen? Or, WHO had they just seen? Before they could call out the figure dissapeared, not gradually but instantly.

They started to run deeper into the labyrinth, what were the chasing?

Their hearts beat faster and faster as they ventured long into the hedges. Sarah felt sure her heart was going to burst. Jamie never faltered and continued at a furious pace.When they thought they must surely catch up with this other figure they found themselves in a dead end. With no figure.

In their haste to track down the other person they had rushed down the wrong lane.

Sarah hugged Jamie and reassured her that things would be fine. "When we are upset our minds can play tricks", she said and recounting the strange feeling she had felt when in the main hall.

"Now, remember this maze is tied to the Mystery Castle and strange things do occur. Even in here, a collection of high banked hedges that spiral one way then the other. Taking a wrong turn is not the end of the adventure, just like real life in a way"

Sarah, who had regained her bearings and knew every twist and turn in her head, took Jamie by the hand and led her deeper into the maze, a few turns later she brought them into the centre, where a surprise awaited.

Jamie gasped ! Could it really be so? Her, and Sammy's friends stood waiting. They raised their glasses as Jamie entered.

She ran over to greet them, not sure if they would then dissapear like the figure she and Sarah had encountered earlier.

"Oh you have been here all along ! Which one of you was leading me a merry dance through the maze? How naughty!"

Her friend, Emily, shook her head " Not us Jamie, we just, well, we were all in different places actually, but then, well, we all just appeared right here. We dared not move because this maze looks complicated!"

They all giggled and that lifted the tension a bit.

Sarah stood to the side and pointed to the left hand side of the lawn.

"Time has played tricks with us all. Not in a bad way but in a good way, see "

She pointed at the corner.

They all let out a gasp as Sarah pointed to the portrait of Sammy.

"This exquisite portrait Ladies, is part of why you have all been brought here. This is your celebration of Sammy. A dear friend to you all and well loved by so many".

As the group approached, Sarah (always the dutiful maid) stepped back to allow them this private time.

She smiled and watched as the guests spoke in low voices, each recounting a tale of Sammy, then lots of hugs and a few tears.

The 'plus one' when Sammy was a Bridesmaid, hiking in the Olympic Peninsula and enjoying Dungeness crab!

Simple picnics shared in the sunshine, taking random photographs and giggling like teenagers.

The weekend spent in Vancouver B.C. and the fabulous restaurants that filled with their joy and laughter.

Sarah marvelled at how the friendship of this group had been nurtured by their love of Sammy. As she tidied away empty plates and bottles it was hard not to feel a little sad.

She remembered well the vacation Jamie and Sammy too in her homeland Scotland. Quite an achievement given the large amounts of whisky they all consumed!

Such were the emotions that all had totally forgotten how they were in their own timeline one minute and then brought to the centre of a maze.

Sarah refilled the glasses and stepped once again into the shadows. With plenty of food and wine in place it was time to let the friends enjoy this special time.

They would all return to wherever they had come from in due course. The Mystery Castle was also able to 'erase' any memory, returning people to the moment before they were transported. On this occasion Sarah had turned of that parameter. They needed to remember this time.

The Sun was starting to drop and day faded into the early evening.

The friends sat down and continued to reminisce. At first there was no laughter but, as tales of Sammy continued the laughter started to emerge.

The regular 'happy hours' spent in Bars, how Samantha loves the beach, and the time Jamie could show her some beautiful beaches in the PNW in particular Haystack Rock near Cannon Beach, OR.

Sarah busied herself with keeping things tidy, and making sure glasses were replenished.

The friends hugged each other and some tears did flow. Then they all got up and turned to the portrait of Sammy.

Glasses raised, they toasted Sammy with a smile and some sadness.

And then it was time. Time for the friends to return to their locations. Sarah waited. One by one they just faded from the scene. Until only Jamie and Emily stood before her.

Sarah smiled. She pointed behind Jamie and Emily. They turned to see a second portrait of Sammy. This too was a worthy memory of her beauty.

Jamie turned to Emily. They smiled and hugged. They looked at the portrait together, raised a glass and made one final heart-felt toast.

And then Emily too was gone.

Jamie was overwhelmed with emotion as she stood in the maze with only Sarah for company.

As they made their way out of the maze Sarah explained how her friends had been brought together to share the love of Sammy. They were now back where they should be but would remember everything of this event.

They reached the Castle and Sarah helped Jamie up to her room she revealed a special gift.

Installed in Jamie's room, another beautiful portrait of Sammy.

"This room will be always be yours each time you visit Jamie. It will always have this portrait of Sammy".

Jamie smiled.

"I know this was not the visit we had planned. But I also know it was right and proper to go ahead and make it a tribute to Sammy".

They hugged.

"I took the liberty to lay out some snacks, you may wish some private time alone, but I can set the table for you downstairs if you prefer?"

Jamie smiled and shook her head "You have already done more than enough Sarah, you must be exhausted? I will be fine here"

Sarah curtseyed ( it was an automatic response).

"I expect you will want to rest before setting off back home? I will leave you for now Jamie. The horses need to be prepared for the coach"

Jamie nodded and settled down.

Sarah smiled. " One thing I am sure of Jamie, Sammy will always be with us, she is part of all of us. I can feel her even now. Sleep well. I will wake you when the time comes".

Sarah left the room and made her way downstairs. It had been an eventful visit, not the usual joyous event that was the staple of the Mystery Castle. But not, she mused, an unhappy occasion either.

As she reached the foot of the staircase that same gust of wind she felt earlier on the back of her neck, now brushed her cheeks. She turned her head to the windows. A figure walked past in a slow delibrate manner. She was sure of that.

This time she would find out who it was, no alarms had been set off and no tradespeople were scheduled to deliver this weekend? Sarah quickened her step towards the door.

Then she stopped. Her hand on the door handle. "No, no", she said out loud.

"Sometimes it's better not to know"

(A big thank you @jamiejason and @dryndelicate for your collaborations on this special tribute to Samantha).

[jamiejason]

Happy hour with good friend Wendy (@wendyvolare). Thanks for getting me out of the house!

[jamiejason]

Thank you so much Sarah.

Mystery Castle - Mystery Chest Part 3

The train bringing @jamiejason to the Mystery Castle was due into the Station in the next 10 minutes.

Sarah sat atop the coach keeping the horses calm and hoping there would be no delays.

Of course Guests can be shuttled/teleported right inside the Castle, but on this occasion Sarah wanted to add to the dramatic, making the visit memorable.

She waited, unaware that the Jamie had already left the train and was at this very minute heading out to meet her.

When she emerged out of the main entrance and spotted Sarah, it made her smile.

They hugged and giggled as Sarah helped Jamie into the Coach.

"I thought you might appreciate such a regal mode of transport to the Castle - it's not just a normal coach and horses of course, the Mystery Castle is not called that without reason!"

Jamie settled in the carriage and Sarah climbed back up to the driving board.

With a shake of the reins they were off.

As Jamie settled inside, Sarah told her that all she had to do was relax. Coach travel could be a bumpy ride but the horses would make good speed to the Castle.

Jamie forced a smile as the coach rumbled on.

As the Castle approached on the horizon, Jamie explained that Sammy had set off with her on the trip but somewhere on the way she had suddenly dissapeared.

Sarah frowned and looked sad.

"It has never occured before Jamie, but the transportation module can of course hit a temporal anomaly - Sammy could be trapped in an energy barrier, or be in another timeline altogether. She could even be at the Castle"

Sarah shook the reins and tried to remain positive. It could be a Space-Time fracture, but it had never happened before. It was however devasting news and she knew Jamie would need comforting throughout her visit.

To be concluded in Part 4...

( As a tribute to @lonelygirlsammy-deactivated2025 Jamie and I have agreed to continue this Mystery Castle adventure as respect to our friend).

[jamiejason]

😢

[jamiejason]

A pint while wearing pink. What could be more perfect?

[jamiejason]

Cliffhanger: how will Sarah find her way out of the maze?

Mystery Castle - Mystery Chest Part 2

Sarah set about preparing the guest rooms, hoping to create an imagery that might appeal to both @lonelygirlsammy and @jamiejason

It took her some time to create these peaceful rooms but thought the effort would be so worthwhile.

For Sammy a reminder of her recent visit to Portugal, inspired the decor.

And, for Jamie it could only be a recreation of Baronial Scotland, her vacation recently taking her to Sarah's homeland...

Rooms sorted it was now the lengthy task of polishing the floor in the main entrance hall. A laborious task but Sarah knew the Castle must always be ready to receive guests.

Then, into the Kitchen to test the planned dishes for the visit of @jamiejason and @lonelygirlsammy

Sarah enjoyed this part of any visit as it was a chance to sample the recipes and also improve her skills.

Not too much sampling though - a maid must keep her figure after all.

The next task was perhaps the most exhausting! A check of the Mystery Castle Maze!

Sarah had already tidied up the entire system, removing dead foliage, dressing the hedgerows, and ensuring the paths were immaculate.

Fortunately, with the regular maintenance that Sarah carried out, getting to the centre was never a problem.

Getting back to the Entrance however....

Oh my goodness, thought Sarah. She hoped she would regain her bearings before the Guests arrived !

TBC ...

[jamiejason]

Looking forward to the next part . . .

Mystery Castle - Mystery Chest

Sarah stopped what she was doing as the Treasure Chest alarm sounded throughout the Castle.

Getting to her feet, she hurried off down to the Cellar.

Breathing a sigh of relief that the ballet boots from the last treasure chest were now hanging in her maid quarters( for future wearing of course), and knowing that running in 5" heels was not a problem, Sarah 'click-clacked' all the way down the stairwells before arriving at that magic place in the Cellar.

And she wondered what this latest arrival would contain? No matter how many times she had made this trip, it was always a surprise to make her little heart beat faster.

The first thing was a very elaborate maids uniform in a gorgeous shade of green, with brocade detailing.

Sarah smiled and glanced at her black laytex uniform. With the very high temperatures it was clear that this new uniform would be far more comfortable.

She struggled to get out of the black uniform, so much moisture she mused.

Changing into the new uniform she then bent down to open the main chest.

Inside? An ornate casket in the same design as her new uniform.

Sarah put it on the floor and then closed the treasure box, moving in to an alcove to keep things tidy.

After Dusting herself off, she took the casket upstairs to the kitchen.

She still had no idea what it meant, or what was inside?

When the casket was opened it contained invitation cards?

Sarah opened the first envelope and looked at the card inside.

She smiled.

This would be a wonderful visit she thought.

Carefully she put the invite on the table, before returning to her duties cleaning the Mistress's Bedroom.

TBC ...

[jamiejason]

Final Olympic Peninsula picture. The temperate Hoh rainforest is one of the largest in North America. Wonderful place to go for a hike with Samantha @lonelygirlsammy

[jamiejason]

Olympic Peninsula picture #6. The Dungeness spit is one of the largest natural sandbars in US (and where you get Dungeness crab!). Having fun with Samantha @lonelygirlsammy

[jamiejason]

Olympic peninsula picture #5. Lake Crescent is a beautiful alpine lake nestled in the Olympic Mountains. Watching the sun set between peaks is so nice. So glad to share with Samantha @lonelygirlsammy

[jamiejason]

Congratulations to you both. Art you can wear. And Samantha wears that gown oh so well.

Today Samantha @lonelygirlsammy and I are taking the inspiration with the Portuguese tiles one step further, by presenting very geometrically patterned gowns with a glossy texture. Now these are some outfits to be seen in!

[jamiejason]

Beautiful in blue ( and white)

It's back to work for Sammy @lonelygirlsammy this week. Our images still take their inspiration from her stay in Portugal, specifically the blue and white tiles found everywhere.

[jamiejason]

Olympic Peninsula picture #4. Cape Flattery is in the very NW corner of peninsula (and the lower 48). The views from the lookout are spectacular. With Samantha @lonelygirlsammy

[jamiejason]

Olympic Peninsula pic #3. Beaches are different from east coast. Rugged and beautiful. Ruby Beach one of my favorites. With Samantha @lonelygirlsammy

[jamiejason]

Lovely.

I've saved up this reprise of the pearls lingerie with Samantha @lonelygirlsammy for this Pink Wednesday, so that despite her absence on a family vacation, we're reminded of her beauty.

[jamiejason]

Olympic peninsula picture #2. Sol Duc hot springs. Great place to relax after hiking with Samantha @lonelygirlsammy