November 01, 2010
Some weeks ago I discovered a spook light here at the CowChows. I was driving home late one night and saw a shimmering blue light through the trees. I investigated but rather than find the source of the light I received the scare of my life. I wound up on the back porch sweating, panting and shaking. Since then, I suppose I have become obsessed with solving the mystery.
Practically every night I take a late-night walk out to the edge of the woods to see if it's back. During the days I have meticulously cleared a path from the edge of the woods to the clearing where I saw the spook light so that I can get there quickly and silently. I've strung tin cans on lengths of cord and placed them strategically around the clearing. I've prepared and stashed torches near the clearing because my flashlight was mysteriously rendered useless before. I had begun to think that seeing the CowChows spook light was a one time occurrence, until tonight.
I was only a few steps off the porch when I knew tonight was different. There was a palpable energy in the air that raised goose bumps on my skin. I buttoned up my denim jacket and pulled my cap down tight. As I neared the edge of the woods a faint scent of ozone mixed with those of decaying leaves and cedar. Not until I entered the woods was I able to see the dim blue light shimmering through the skeletal trees. I paused at the head of the cleared path and watched for movement, but saw only the dancing light. The woods were completely silent; not even a leaf dared fall. My heart pounded and my very being begged me to turn back, but I willed my feet forward on the path. I had to know.
The light grew brighter until I found myself standing only a few steps from the clearing's edge. The orb was there as before, suspended a few feet off the ground, pulsing and glimmering as if almost ablaze. I inched closer until there was nothing between me and the clearing but the invisible line that defined it. I could feel a vibration penetrating through the soles of my work boots that seemed to reach to the metal buttons of my jeans and jacket. I waited for something, anything to happen. The last time I crossed into the clearing the light had winked out and was gone. I didn't want that to happen again, but I got the sense that it was waiting on me. Finally, I took a deep breath and stepped into the clearing.
The light remained. It seemed even to pulse brighter. With each step it grew more brilliant, but I was somehow able to look directly into it. It was mesmerizing. There was no heat, and yet I could feel warmth coming from it. I was mere inches from it when the light suddenly pulsed and then shrank to the size of a pin point; then, an instant later it stretched to the ground and up into the sky as far as I could see. I jumped back and almost fell. I was about to turn and run when the light beam began to open.
It stretched horizontally until it was as wide as a doorway. I tried to peer into it but could see only the light. I sensed it waiting. Finally, I had to know and I stepped into the light.
I awoke some time later, lying in the middle of the clearing. The ground was damp and cold. I saw lights flickering around me and I realized someone was calling my name. I sat up to see several flashlight beams waving through the trees and understood that Lady BG had the neighbors out looking for me. I struggled to my feet and called out to them. Their beams found me in the darkness. I heard them crashing through the brush in my direction, calling out, "He's over here!"
Then they stopped and fell silent; their several light beams fixed on me. I looked down and to my horror I saw what they saw. I was wearing a tutu and ballet slippers and a peacock fan headdress, and nothing else. I don't know why.
Don't dream it, be it.
Fraternally yours,
Tim Couch
Now, on with the news........................
Tuesday, November 2, 2010: Don't forget to vote.
Friday and Saturday, November 5 and 6, 2010: The Fall York Rite Festival will be held at the Masonic York Rite Temple located at 1930 West Catalpa Street in Springfield, MO. Registration and refreshments to begin at 5:00 PM Friday. The Festival will continue on Saturday morning with breakfast at 7:00 AM. All York Rite Masons are encouraged to attend.
Saturday, November 6, 2010: Solomon Lodge No. 271 A.F.& A.M. is sponsoring a Sport Shooting charity event to benefit the McGregor and Bowerman Elementary Schools in Springfield, MO. All proceeds will go to the schools.
There will be a raffle for a new Benelli Shotgun as well as a $50 Gift Card from Bass Pro Shops.
The event will be held at the Ozark Shooters Sports Complex, 759 US Highway 65, Walnut Shade, MO 65771. Registration will begin at 9:00 AM; Shooting will start at 10:00 AM, and lunch will be served at Noon. For more information contact Jay Gibbs at (417) 350-2700.
There's lots of degree work going on in Missouri. See the links below to keep up with the latest or to submit information for your upcoming meeting.
For help locating a lodge building visit the Missouri Masonic Lodge Map page on Masonsmart.com
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