The Duchess's Desk

In the shadows deep where sorrow hides, A light emerges, soft and wide. Love is that spark, a gentle glow, A beacon bright when spirits low. When darkness falls, and hope is thin, Love guides us through, from deep within. A lantern raised against the night, Its tender warmth our only light. In tangled woods, where fear resides, Love's glow reveals the path it guides. Each step we take, though fraught with fear, The flame of love will keep us near. Through misty veil and endless shade, Where every hope seems soon to fade, Love shines its beam, unwavering, true, To light the way for me and you. In our darkest hours, fraught with dread, When heavy clouds loom overhead, Remember this: love’s steady gleam, Will lead us onward in our dream. For love is that light, forever bright, A flicker soft, yet fierce in flight. It shines when all the world seems dim, A quiet force that will not thin. Hold close the lantern, let it guide, Through nights so long, with love beside. For in the blackest...

No pain could be deeper than I feel right now. I see no point in living if he doesn't love me. There is no hope that he would do so, I have no dream's to pursue, no hopes for the future. When I look to myself I frown at what I see. For I know in my heart that his love can set me free. If I can't have him then please Goddess, let the world be done with me.

As I was leaning over the waist high stone fence to smell the jasmine that lounged nearby, a man in a deep purple robe came hurrying around the corner of the old weathered cottage waving his hands in the air showing as he spoke to himself. I hurriedly jumped over the gate and ran up to the door, hoping to get there before it slammed closed behind him. "Excuse me, excuse me Sir!" "Go away little girl, I have no time to deal with your games today, I'm expecting a very important visitor and don't need you hanging around. Now shoo, off with you!" he waved his hand in my general direction and set about looking for his spectacles, which conveniently resided on the top of his head. "Sir, please I was sent here to see you, I was told you were.." before I could finish my sentence, the man turned on me with a finger pointing in my face. "I'm expecting my new apprentice and no one else. Now unless your name is Del, you will leave at once." he tu...

Nestled in the heart of Angus, Scotland, Glamis Castle has stood proudly as the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. Its rich history, captivating architecture, and intriguing folklore make it a must-visit landmark. Known for inspiring William Shakespeare's  Macbeth , the castle’s ominous air has earned it a reputation for ghostly hauntings. Its ancient walls whisper tales of royal intrigue and tragedy, drawing visitors to its storied halls. Beyond its literary connection, Glamis has welcomed many famous figures throughout history. Mary, Queen of Scots, and James V were among its royal visitors. In more recent times, the castle served as the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her younger daughter, HRH Princess Margaret, was born here, and both Princess Margaret and her elder sister, HRH Princess Elizabeth, spent much of their early years in the grand castle. Yet, Glamis is not only a place of royal history. It is steeped in eerie l...

In moonlit halls, the ghosts convene, With whispers soft and eyes unseen. They glide on air, in spectral dance, A silent waltz of fateful chance. Their laughter weaves a mournful tune, A melody beneath the moon. In gowns of mist, they softly sway, A fleeting dream till break of day. Ethereal in their midnight trance, They hold the night in ghostly dance. In shadowed halls, their secrets keep, And with the dawn, they drift to sleep. An air of melancholy clings to their every step, as if joy and sorrow entwine in their spectral embrace. Their presence feels both tender and tragic, a reflection of beauty lost to time. Watching them, one feels the bittersweet ache of yearning for the untouchable, a haunting longing that lingers even as they fade. -Dark Duchess

Mary King's Close is a fascinating historic alleyway nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Scotland. This ancient street has been a silent witness to the city's transformation over the centuries, harboring secrets and stories that are now revealed through guided tours. *History* Dating back to the 16th century, Mary King's Close was originally a main street, bustling with merchants, traders, and artisans. However, as Edinburgh expanded, the street became a hidden alleyway, concealed beneath the city's sprawling architecture. *Name Origin* The close is named after Mary King, the daughter of a wealthy merchant who resided there in the 17th century. Her father's prosperity and influence earned the street its name, solidifying Mary King's Close as a significant landmark. *Historical Significance* Mary King's Close has played host to pivotal events that shaped Edinburgh's history: 1. *The Plague*: In 1645, the close was ravaged by the plague, clai...

Adrianna walked the cemetery, weaving through the headstones as her fingers trailed along their cold surfaces. Her eyes fixated on the darkness, where shadows danced and whispered warnings of an intruder. “We’ve searched countless cemeteries for the one,” Adrianna murmured. “But tonight, I sense change.” A soft sob broke the silence. Turning, Adrianna saw a young girl, no older than fourteen, her face bruised, her torn clothing evidence of a life steeped in suffering. The girl knelt before a large cross-shaped grave, lighting a candle. Adrianna approached. "There is darkness in your heart, child. Let me help you." Fear flickered across the girl’s face. “I can’t go home... I just can’t.” Adrianna placed a black crystal into the girl’s hand. “Take this. Go home, place it by your door, and sleep. Tonight, no one will disturb you.” As the girl fled, Adrianna whispered to the swirling shadows, “She is the one we’ve been searching for.” That night, the shadows danced as Adrianna vi...

In the heart of Gothic romance lies the timeless motif of the sleeping maiden—a figure steeped in mystery, beauty, and suspense. This archetype has captivated readers for centuries, embodying themes of love, fate, and the supernatural. Often portrayed as a woman trapped in eternal slumber, the sleeping maiden is as much a symbol of innocence and vulnerability as she is of power and enchantment.   The roots of the sleeping maiden trace back to folklore and myths, most famously represented in *Sleeping Beauty*. However, in Gothic romance, this motif takes on darker, more complex dimensions. The sleeping maiden might reside in a crumbling manor, hidden from the world by ivy-covered walls and shadowed corridors. Her slumber might be cursed by betrayal, or it may conceal an unspeakable truth about her past.   For the hero or heroine of the story, discovering the sleeping maiden is often a journey into the unknown. Is she a victim of cruel fate, or does her sleep hide a da...

There was a time when I needed your arms to hold me,  your shoulder to cry on and your home to shelter me from the monsters.  You were by far too busy and told me to go home and get over it. Now here it is, 3 am and here you are at my door, heartbroken and needy.  You need my arms to hug you tight, my shoulder to cry on and my  home to shelter you from the monsters. I’ll give you my arms and my shoulder.  I’ll let you in and my home will be your shelter.  I do all of this because that is what a real friend does,  even though you refused to do this for me.

The quiet town, nestled in the soft hills, was usually a place of comfort for me, but today it felt suffocating. The sound of my footsteps echoed in the empty street, their rhythm a reminder of my solitude. I carried the basket in my hand, its contents familiar but somehow insignificant in the weight of my thoughts. The small shop ahead, the heart of the town, stood like a beacon of normalcy, yet it felt miles away. The once comforting cobblestone paths seemed more like barriers now, keeping me trapped in a cycle of loneliness that was so thick, it was almost palpable. I had been here for what felt like an eternity, yet I never felt further from the life I imagined. The weight of the world pressed down on me in ways I couldn’t explain. I tried to reach out, to break free from the suffocating silence of my thoughts, but every attempt seemed futile. People passed by without a glance, each one wrapped in their own world, too preoccupied to see the struggle behind my eyes. And I wondered i...

Gothic romance is a captivating genre that has enchanted readers for centuries, blending elements of mystery, romance, and suspense. It is a unique narrative style that often explores dark, atmospheric settings, complex characters, and the supernatural, creating an experience that is both thrilling and deeply emotional.  This genre has evolved over time, but its core elements remain remarkably consistent, offering readers a sense of mystery and allure that is difficult to resist. At the heart of Gothic romance is the juxtaposition of love and danger. The romantic relationships in these stories often occur in settings where the danger is ever-present, whether in the form of haunted houses, crumbling estates, or ominous landscapes.  The protagonists are frequently drawn to mysterious or morally ambiguous figures, adding an element of suspense to the romance. The tension between love and danger creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, ea...

He stood on the balcony, gazing across the sprawling field. The distant figure of her danced gracefully around the small fire she had built, a ritual to celebrate the upcoming winter solstice. Her movements were a beautiful silhouette against the twilight sky, the flames casting flickering shadows that blended with the night. A gust of cool wind swept across the balcony, prompting him to pull his jacket tighter. When he looked back up, the fire had gone out, and she was walking slowly toward the house, her figure barely visible in the growing darkness. He hurried inside, quickly slipping into his pajamas before climbing into bed, the warmth of the blankets offering comfort against the autumn chill. Moments later, she entered the room quietly, her steps soft and measured. The coolness of her skin was a stark contrast to the warmth of the bed, a reminder of her time outside in the crisp night air. Without a word, she settled beside him, her presence familiar and comforting. He rolled ove...

In Romanian mythology, the Nosferatu is often associated with the strigoi, Nosferatu: The Dark Legends of Romania's Strigoisupernatural creatures that rise from the dead to haunt the living. Similar to the vampiric Nosferatu of popular culture, these creatures are part of ancient folklore, representing a dark force that feeds on life itself. Rooted in fear of the undead, the strigoi and Nosferatu have captivated imaginations for centuries. The myth surrounding these creatures paints a picture of the dangers of death, improper burial rites, and curses, with terrifying consequences. Origins of the Nosferatu in Romanian Folklore The Nosferatu and strigoi are thought to return to the world of the living for several reasons, usually tied to unnatural or improper deaths. Romanian folklore presents various causes for their resurrection: Violent or Unnatural Death : If someone died due to murder, accidents, or suicide, it was believed their soul might not find peace. These souls, troubled ...

Ghosts and a nice hot cup of tea!    There are two things I am currently obsessing about these days.  I am always open to having a cup of tea. My all time favorite brands are all British. The tea just seems to taste so much better.  Here's my favorites! Yorkshire Red Box Tea Tetley's British Blend Tea Harney & Sons Victorian London Fog Tea PG Tips Ty-phoo  Twinings English Tea Builder's Tea

I remember as a child, my mother reading fairy tales to me. They always had happy endings, no matter what happened. Snow White found her Prince, as did Cinderella and Aurora. My fairy tale turned out to be quite different... As I stood in front of the large building, I stared up at all the windows above me. The guy who contacted me about the modeling gig used this address, so here I was. I walked through the gold-trimmed doors and into the open marble and gold reception area. The desk was empty, and there wasn't anyone around at all—not a single employee in sight. Who the hell runs a business like this? I was about to leave and head home when there was a ding from one side of the large marble room where a row of elevators sat. A young man hurried toward me, adjusting his glasses and tie at the same time. I wasn’t about to inquire as to what he had been up to, but I will admit that a tiny part of me was curious. "I'm so sorry I'm late. Got caught up in something upstair...

1. You are not alone.  Everyone experiences brokenness at some point in their lives. 2. It's okay to not be okay.  Allow yourself to feel your emotions and grieve. 3. You are strong, capable, and resilient.  You have survived every difficult moment in your life so far. 4. Brokenness is not a sign of weakness,  but rather an opportunity for growth, healing, and transformation. 5. Remember that healing is a journey, not a destination.  Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this process. 6. You are loved, worthy, and deserving of love, care, and compassion –  not just from others, but also from yourself.

Alan Rickman, with his mesmerizing voice and commanding screen presence, remains one of the most celebrated actors of his generation. Born on February 21, 1946, in Acton, London, Rickman’s journey to stardom was a testament to perseverance, versatility, and unyielding passion for the craft of acting. Early Life and Beginnings Rickman’s artistic inclination was evident early on, with a talent for calligraphy and design leading him to study at the Chelsea College of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art. It wasn’t until his late twenties that he took a leap of faith into acting, enrolling at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). This marked the beginning of a remarkable career. Theater to Stardom Rickman’s theatrical debut in  Les Liaisons Dangereuses  as the manipulative Vicomte de Valmont earned him critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination. His ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters set him apart, solidifying his reputation as a force...

The idea that aliens could be living among us, disguised as ordinary humans, has long captured the imagination of those interested in extraterrestrial life. While the mainstream scientific community remains divided on the existence of such beings, countless individuals claim to have had encounters with them. These experiences often involve beings known as "The Grays," a species believed to have the ability to blend in with human society and even manipulate our emotions and perceptions. The Grays are often described as small, gray-skinned humanoid figures with large black eyes, and their presence in abduction stories has been widespread. One of the most famous accounts of alien abduction involves Betty and Barney Hill, a couple from New Hampshire who reported being abducted in 1961 by extraterrestrials, believed by some to be The Grays. Their story was one of the first widely publicized alien abduction cases and has since been examined and debated extensively. According to the...