Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Victorian Halloween Party

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Starting point is 00:00:36 Save up to $1,000 on two or more major appliances. Shop now in store or online at bestbuy.ca. Exclusions apply. In case you didn't know, our company Slumber Studios also has a sleep app called Slumber. With well over a thousand episodes, it has every type of sleep-inducing content you could possibly want. From stories, meditations, audio books and history, to soundscapes and music. New episodes are added each week, and you can even search by narrator and listen exclusively to episodes narrated by me, or by any of my wonderful fellow storytellers.

Starting point is 00:01:21 Sombra has other unique features too, like the ability to add and adjust background sounds to create your own perfect mix. So I highly recommend you give Slumber a try. It's available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. And as a Get Sleepy listener, you can unlock all of the content in the app free for one month. Just go to slumber.fm slash get sleepy to get instant access to all of the content in slumber free for one month. That's, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas, thank you so much for having us by your side as you wind down for sleep. Across the centuries, the activities of any given Halloween have evolved, always representing the fashion of the day. One particularly interesting time in the

Starting point is 00:02:37 history of All Hallows' Eve was the late 19th century, when American revelers sought to make the holiday more about fortune telling and young love than it was about ghosts and ghouls. For a few decades, Halloween really belonged to well-behaved young people, whose parties and games offered them a chance to mix with potential partners and have a little fun predicting their futures. Tonight we'll accompany a Victorian-era teen named Clara as she attends her very first Halloween party. There won't be any actual scares, but there will be plenty of fun, enjoying games and a little courting along the way. It was written by Alicia Steffen and will be read by Heather.

Starting point is 00:03:50 Heather. Before we begin I invite you to make any adjustments you need to be as comfortable as possible. You might like to plump your pillow, to pull the covers a little closer to your chin, or you might be perfectly cozy just where you are. Once you're ready, allow the sensation of sleepiness to ease in and expel any lingering tension. We live in a culture that tends to encourage busyness and a fast-paced lifestyle. Just look at the way we use technology now as an example. Everything is designed to be quicker and more effortless. Be it contacting people, paying for goods, or searching for places to eat. It's a wonderful thing in so many ways and has without doubt made life simpler on a number of levels. But I think it's important that we don't overlook the preciousness of direct human interaction, of spontaneity that we derive from our own instincts, and of appreciating the reward of our efforts

Starting point is 00:05:28 and our personal journey to get to where we are as people today. So in this moment as you settle down for rest, take some time to think back through your day, and see if you can pick out a few of those moments that went by without much attention or acknowledgement. Despite that they might have happened on autopilot for you, they all made up the journey or the story of your day. So be appreciative, even for the tiny fleeting things, like the sight of trees swaying in a soft breeze, the sound of conversation between colleagues or friends, the smell of a favorite drink, each nuanced taste of whatever you enjoyed for dinner, and the comforting touch of your pillow against your head at the end of your day.

Starting point is 00:06:54 Be proud that you've navigated today's journey however it might have looked for you. And now let it gently fade from your attention as you breathe in deeply and then release the air along with the tension and the thoughts of your day. Now that you're feeling present and relaxed, let's turn to our story. Imagine that you hear the clopping of horse hooves outside your window on a crisp and sunny autumn day. This is where our story begins. It had been the perfect kind of October. Fall was always Clara's favorite season, but the autumn had been particularly enchanting this year. The leaves had flamed with color, framing her quiet neighborhood with branches covered in bold scarlet, warm orange, and soft yellow

Starting point is 00:08:50 tones. Untroubled by the wind and rain that sometimes plagued the season, the trees had remained clothed in glory until the last moment. Only recently had most of them let go, and succumbed to the inevitable end of their show. At first singly, then in whirling storms, their leaves had drifted to the ground from high above, creating a carpet that burned bright for a moment, then faded to brown. But the loss of foliage came with a benefit. With each passing day, the bare tree limbs outside her bedroom window

Starting point is 00:09:52 were letting more of the sun through. The late October skies had remained clear and impossibly blue. remained clear and impossibly blue, with sunny days that turned to delightfully crisp nights. This evening would mark the delicious turning point from October into November, and Clara would be celebrating Halloween. Clara opened the window and breathed in the chilly air with a happy shudder. Instantly, her senses were flooded with the essence of the season. The earthy smell of leaves mixed with a scent of wood smoke.

Starting point is 00:10:50 Meanwhile, she could tell that their wonderful cook Florence was making something delicious in the kitchen. The entire house smelled like cookies and brown sugar. Leaning out of her windowsill, she heard a man's voice call her name. Peering down into the street, she saw Mr. Thurgood cycling by on his bicycle. She waved energetically at him, and he tipped his hat comically, his handlebars wobbling as his front wheel swerved a bit. Clara clapped her hands over her mouth and gasped, but he easily regained control and was quickly gone, whistling a tuneless melody for all the neighborhood to hear.

Starting point is 00:12:02 She followed the path of an enormous maple leaf as it dropped from the branch outside her window and spun to the ground. It landed near the neighbor's enormous tabby cat, which was sitting placidly beneath, washing its ears. The cat sniffed the leaf delicately, then stood up and ambled away into a nearby garden, vanishing from view. Clara was getting a little cold now, so she leaned back to close her window. As she did, she saw the ice truck drive up and pull around the side of the house. She knew that the driver, Frank, would certainly be delivering a fresh block for the ice chest in her kitchen.

Starting point is 00:13:14 He was a little later than usual, but that was probably because there were extra festivities going on around town, and there was probably a big demand for ice. Turning from the window, Clara savored the prospects for her own fun evening. She'd been waiting for years for this time to come, when she was finally old enough to take part in a Halloween party at a friend's house. Each Halloween, boys and girls who were of court teenage might hope to receive a coveted invitation. The very best ones might arrive in the form of a lit jack-o-lantern, or a beautifully wrapped box on the front step. These would be accompanied by a handwritten card with a clever verse upon it.

Starting point is 00:14:32 Clara had watched with envy year after year as older girls opened their doors to such treats. Finally, it had been her turn this year. The summons to her friend Betsy's affair had been on a card cut into the shape of a pumpkin. It had said, If you wish to know your fate, attend us at the hour of eight. We'll ask the spirits of the night if your future shall be bright. Printed at the bottom had been Betsy's address

Starting point is 00:15:24 and the words, Please dress in costume. The card was resting on a little table next to Clara's bed. She had read it several times a day ever since. But tonight was finally the evening of the party. Her anticipation was at its peak. She turned and gazed at her costume, which was hanging on the outside of her wardrobe door. Mother had told her that the costume had to be appropriate, which, of course, meant it was from classical literature or representative of high ideals or something like that.

Starting point is 00:16:30 They agreed that she would go as Bo Peep, the shepherdess from the nursery rhyme. One could hardly choose a more wholesome character, they agreed, and it gave her an opportunity to look pretty at the same time. Mother and their cheerful housemaid Mary had spent hours making her a frothy, flouncy white dress that, truth be told, was too fancy for a humble shepherdess. But that was not the point, was it? The costume was completed with a large staff that had a silk ribbon around it. She had no doubt that everyone at the party would recognize her character immediately. Beyond the mysterious invitation, Betsy's parents had communicated with hers,

Starting point is 00:17:41 and she had been invited to spend the night at her friend's house after the party, along with the other girls. They would be accommodated in the family's guest rooms and treated to a lovely breakfast in the morning, allowing their parents or other household servants to fetch them later. This plan had made the party even more of an event, because it meant that the girls would have more time to spend together after the boys went home. Clara had never spent the night anywhere other than a relative's house. So the sleepover was the best part

Starting point is 00:18:42 of the entire plan in her mind. Turning back to the window, Clara could see her father engaged in a task outside. She laughed to herself when she realized he was reattaching the front gate once again. Every year, local tricksters came by the evening before Halloween, and managed to take their gates off the hinges. It drove Father absolutely mad with annoyance. A few days ago, he had spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to wire the gate to the posts in an effort to conquer the Mischief at last.

Starting point is 00:19:48 However, the family had awakened that morning to see he had, of course, been unsuccessful. The gate had once again been quietly removed under the cover of darkness on mischief night. She doubted he would ever manage to outsmart them. As the day wore on, Clara sought to amuse herself with books and other pastimes. Anything that made the evening come more quickly was welcome. She was almost too excited to touch her light supper, which Mother insisted she eat before going to the party. While treats would be passed around,

Starting point is 00:20:54 she mustn't eat too many sugary things, she was told. Clara nodded obediently, but secretly rolled her eyes. She was certainly looking forward to whatever delights Betsy's parents had planned for the event that evening. At the appointed hour, she was finally delivered to the front doorstep of her friend's home, feeling very elegant in her bow-peep costume and carrying both her staff and small overnight bag. As she set down her bag and rang the bell, Her friend Anna arrived next to her. Anna was wearing a long

Starting point is 00:21:50 white robe and she had a wreath of greenery on her head. She too had a bag for their overnight stay. In the other hand, she carried a golden shield. Clara was fairly certain it was the same shield Anna's little brother had used for a night costume recently in a school play. night costume recently in a school play. Clara tilted her head questioningly at her friend, as they were both greeted and ushered into the hallway. Anna rolled her eyes and said that she was supposed to be the goddess Athena. and said that she was supposed to be the goddess Athena. She further clarified that she had asked for Aphrodite, but her father had feared it would be too risque for a girl her age to go to a party as the goddess of love.

Starting point is 00:23:02 as the goddess of love. Clara nodded sympathetically and put on a rueful and supportive face. She was secretly glad she had opted for a costume with a prettier dress, as Anna's white robe was a bit dull. Then as they handed their bags to the maid, she laughed at the idea of either Bo Peep or Athena carrying a bag containing a nightdress and a toothbrush. But Anna didn't let her sensible mythology costume dampen her spirits. She took Clara by the arm and followed another servant through the back of the house, where a small bonfire burned in the middle of the large lawn.

Starting point is 00:24:08 Other figures stood around in small groups, shady silhouettes against the glow of the fire. Clara had a shawl with her costume and she was glad of it, as they stepped out into the brisk night air and joined the other young people at the fireside. A maid passed by, offering sparkling drinks on a tray. The girls felt very fancy, each taking one and savoring a tart sip. Meanwhile, Clara looked around at the mixed company of boys and girls, each in their own costume. She spotted a wizard, and someone dressed in the colors of the French flag. One girl from school was decked out in a dramatic black gown that had bats tacked all over it,

Starting point is 00:25:28 and she wore a bat fascinator on her head. Clara was rather jealous as she admired the boldness of this dark costume. Mother would never have allowed her to wear that, she thought. Betsy appeared at their side, clearly excited. She was dressed as a fairy, with a gown that floated around her and a pair of gauzy wings on her back. Her hair was a mass of tiny ringlets. Come and bob for apples, she urged them, and then dragged them each by the arm toward a cluster of partygoers who were standing around a nearby tub of water. Clara was secretly reticent.

Starting point is 00:26:39 She didn't want to get her lovely hairstyle or her pretty dress wet from apple bobbing, but then she saw how some of the other girls were managing to avoid that problem. They stood around the barrel, dropping forks that were attached to strings. The hope was to actually spear an apple and pull it up without getting wet. So far, the ploy had not been successful. and successful. Laughter ensued as one of the boys, dressed as a Tudor noble, or perhaps meaning to be King Henry VIII, cast off his velvet cap and plunged his head into the water.

Starting point is 00:27:42 his head into the water. The girl stepped daintily away as splashes came over the side. After a moment, the boy pulled his head out triumphant. He had an apple in his mouth. Clara and Anna giggled and stepped away, not wanting to become involved in any further exploits that involved getting soaked so early in the party. Drawn to the fire, they found some friends from school who were talking in the halo of its warmth. More delicacies were being passed around. Clara returned her empty glass Clara returned her empty glass and was handed a cone of roasted nuts.

Starting point is 00:28:59 The smell was heavenly, and she happily cupped her hands around polite gossip, as they imagined adults might. Clara was barely able to pay attention at that moment to a girl from her class who was rambling on about one of her new dresses. Instead, her attention wandered to a cluster of boys who were having an animated conversation nearby. Straining to listen, she gathered that they had been out making mischief last night. Some mention was made of letting a farmer's livestock out of the pen and soaping the windows of a teacher's house. Clara was a bit scandalized as she knew she'd never have the courage to commit such an act of defiance. But she was thrilled by her proximity to the boys' lawlessness. It made Halloween feel all that more exciting.

Starting point is 00:30:29 All the guests were getting a little chilled, even with the roaring fire. Therefore, they eagerly responded when Betsy's parents came outside and invited everyone to come into the parlor for some further refreshments. The company filed inside, filling the high ceilings of the house with animated chatter. The bonfire and the gaiety outside had broken the ice, and excitement had replaced any initial awkwardness among the young people present. Having already established what her costume was, Clara felt it necessary to set her wooden staff aside in the corner. She didn't want it impeding any games or conversation, and of course, it was easiest to eat and drink with their hands free.

Starting point is 00:31:53 A smiling housemaid stood at the entryway to the parlor, collecting any shawls the girls might have been wearing, they would be indoors for the rest of the night. The first order of business was for the guests to enjoy a few more refreshments. Clara examined the trays of savory bites that had been laid out on a table. They were all so pretty, she wanted to taste every single one. It wasn't often that she was treated to such a lovely feast. to such a lovely feast. Betsy's parents had been walking around, distributing large cards to every boy and girl present. Her mother explained that these were conversation cards. conversation cards.

Starting point is 00:33:07 The girls would be given a place to sit, such as under the clock in the dining room or in the hall by the coat rack. Meanwhile, the boys would circulate according to the engagement on all the cards. according to the engagement on all the cards, having a conversation with each girl as their schedule dictated. Of course, adult chaperones would be present in each area to assist with the proceedings. Clara eagerly viewed the contents of her cart. She was to be ensconced in the armchair by the fireplace in the parlor. She would have five-minute conversations with five different boys from the party. Of course, she knew them all. There was John, who was a bit older, but rather ungainly.

Starting point is 00:34:19 Then George, whom she'd had in her class her whole life. He was a merry trickster, that one. Charles was next. He was a very studious boy who didn't usually talk much. Then came Henry, a raucous boy who was always playing the class clown at school. The next name set her heart aflutter just a little. It was Robert, who had moved to town only recently. All the girls thought him awfully handsome. The girls scattered to their locations, and the boys stood around comparing cards

Starting point is 00:35:16 and speaking in low voices. Then, when the clock chimed the hour, Then, when the clock chimed the hour, Betsy's mother told the pairs to find each other and begin conversing. Clara was nervous at first. John sat a bit awkwardly across from her and asked her polite questions about her siblings and her studies, she tried to remember her mother's advice, turning the conversation to him and proffering similar queries in return. He warmed to this and spoke eagerly. Clara breathed a sigh of relief. He was nice, but she was ready for the next conversation partner when Betsy proceeded this way through the minutes, listening with admiration

Starting point is 00:36:31 to George's mischief night tales from the night before, then asking Charles what books he was reading these days. Henry became strangely shy and red-faced in her presence, which surprised her. He was usually so confident. He didn't help much with their discussion, and she was a bit relieved when their time was up, and the little bell chimed again.

Starting point is 00:37:08 But it was Clara's turn to get a bit red in the cheeks when Robert finally appeared. He was dressed like George Washington, but had long ago taken the comical powdered wig from his head, so he merely looked like a colonial. He made a show of offering the wig to Clara, which caused them both to laugh. Clara thought to ask him about where he had lived before, and he spoke warmly of his prior school. He admitted that it had been hard being new in town, but said that the boys in the neighborhood

Starting point is 00:38:00 had welcomed him. Then, a little shyly, he added that he was grateful to have been invited to the party. Clara found herself blushing and dropping her gaze to her lap. The fire felt very hot on her cheeks. Fortunately, the two were released from their embarrassment by the ringing of the final bell. Conversation time was over. The partygoers flocked back to the parlor, the girls whispering and giggling amongst themselves, and the boys acting jovial and unruffled. When they arrived, a tray was waiting for them with slices of cake, as well as a steaming pot of tea. The boys were going to be going home soon, but first they would each take a piece of cake that might tell their future.

Starting point is 00:39:23 their future. Clara knew about these special cakes. The cook had baked it so that some pieces would contain a coin, some pieces would contain a thimble, and others would contain a ring. Such divination cakes were often the game of ladies, but Betsy's parents had adapted it to mixed company. In short, those who found a coin in their slice would be assured of good luck. Those with the ring could expect to marry. The unlucky recipients of the thimble would have to decide if they believed in such superstitions, because it meant spinsterhood, or in the case of a boy, bachelorhood.

Starting point is 00:40:30 The guests eagerly began poking through their cakes with their forks. After all, one had to make sure not to eat the charm that told their fortune. sure not to eat the charm that told their fortune. Anna and the mischievous George both landed coins, eliciting cheers of congratulations from the others. Betsy pulled a face of mock disappointment that her cake contained nothing at all, as did a few other guests, who slowly made their way through their entire slice without luck. Clara was initially displeased to find the thimble in her cake. How could it be?

Starting point is 00:41:28 Why would her first Halloween party be so unlucky? Anna hugged her and made jokes about superstition, and Clara tried not to feel distressed. But her disappointment turned to delight when Robert stepped in to save the day. He had found the ring in his cake. Making a great show of kneeling in front of her, he offered to give her his ring, banishing her ill fate.

Starting point is 00:42:12 Blushing with delight at this chivalrous display, Clara bobbed a curtsy and graciously accepted the trinket. The party guests cheered their approval and the boys clapped Robert on the back, admiring his quick thinking. As the empty plates were cleared away, Betsy urged the guests to gather around the fireplace, where extra chairs had been positioned. They would conclude the party with a selected excerpt from the legend of Sleepy Hollow, read by the hostess herself.

Starting point is 00:43:02 read by the hostess herself. A chorus of approval went up from the group, as Betsy was well known for doing top-notch recitations. Clara closed her eyes briefly and relished the warmth of the fire on her cheeks as Betsy began. It was the very witching time of night that Ichabod, heavy-hearted and crestfallen, pursued his travels homeward along the sides of the lofty hills which rise above Tarrytown and which he had traversed so cheerily in the afternoon. The lights in the parlor were very low, and a feeling of expectation and bated breath held sway. The only sound, other than that of Betsy's resonant voice, was the crackle of the fire. Clara lost herself in the tale, and in the rise and fall of Betsy's words. The story moved toward its most suspenseful moment.

Starting point is 00:44:36 Betsy said, As Ichabod approached this fearful tree. He began to whistle. He thought his whistle was answered. It was but a blast, sweeping sharply through the dry branches. Lightning the mood, one of the boys issued a low whistle. It was George, of course. The guests laughed and chided him. Clara smiled with happiness and snuck a quick glance at Robert. To her dismay, he was looking right at her. Both of them grinned and ducked their heads. And that is how Clara stayed, staring at her lap in great concentration until Betsy reached the dramatic conclusion of her excerpt, saying of Ichabod Crane and his fate.

Starting point is 00:45:46 In one part of the road leading to the church was found the saddle trampled in the dirt. The tracks of horses' hooves deeply dented in the road, and evidently at furious speed were traced to the bridge, beyond which on the bank of a broad part of the brook, where the water ran deep and black, was found the hat of the unfortunate Ichabod, and close beside it, a shattered pumpkin. Betsy closed the book with a thud and stood motionless, a shadow before the hearth. Everyone sat completely still, not wanting to be the first to break the spell. And then Anna began clapping wildly, and the entire party joined in. Betsy smiled confidently, taking a deep curtsy.

Starting point is 00:47:07 It was a fitting conclusion to the proceedings. The boys departed shortly thereafter, politely shaking hands with Betsy's father and vanishing into the cold gust of the night outside. A maid started clearing away the remaining signs of the party while Betsy's mother showed the girls to the rooms they would be staying in. to the rooms they would be staying in. Slowly ascending the richly carpeted staircase, Clara was conscious of the clock tolling from another part of the house. Suddenly, where there had been so much noise and merriment, there was a silence that felt quite profound. It was as if Halloween night was dropping a velvet blanket of quiet over them.

Starting point is 00:48:21 Betsy was sharing a bedroom with Anna. Betsy was sharing a bedroom with Anna. Their bags were already there and someone had laid out their night dresses. They politely thanked Betsy's mother who invited them to get ready for bed and then join the other girls in Betsy's room. They nodded obediently and then collapsed on the mattress of the opulent canopy bed as soon as she closed the door. When all the girls had gathered, each in long white nightgown, they found a little tray of delicate biscuits and another pot of steaming tea on a table in Betsy's room waiting for

Starting point is 00:49:21 them. Betsy had produced a sheaf of recent ladies' magazines, which she said contained some thrilling Halloween stories. The girls nibbled on their nighttime treats, the lamp low, and listened eagerly as Betsy read one of the tales. It was about a lady who became lost in search of a mysterious spirit, and was rescued by her one true love. and was rescued by her one true love. After the story, the girls paged through the magazines, discussing the latest fashions

Starting point is 00:50:21 and sharing little snippets of society news with each other. It felt very glamorous to follow the adventures of the fine ladies of the big cities and aspire to their level of sophistication. When the magazines had all been read, Betsy told them about a way they could find out their romantic fate. As they leaned in, she explained that they must stand in a dark room, in front of a mirror, and slowly peel an apple. When they were finished, she promised they would see their future husband in the reflection behind them. Anna asked what it would mean if no man appeared at all.

Starting point is 00:51:32 Betsy shrugged and said she supposed it would be spinsterhood. A chorus of protests rose up from the assembled girls, and some of them promised to try it at home the next day and report back. Clara blushed as she secretly wondered whether she might see the dashing young Robert if she tried the trick. She wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer just now. But all good things must come to an end, as they say. Betsy's mother finally appeared and told the girls it was time to retire to their beds. Giving each other hugs and kisses all around, the party split into pairs and returned to their richly appointed guest rooms.

Starting point is 00:52:55 Anna and Clara briefly stuck their heads between the velvet window draperies in their room, trying to see into the darkness outside. The clouds covered the moon that night, and any spirits who might have passed by their window went unseen by the two girls. By the time the clock told midnight on Halloween, Clara and Anna were tucked up tied in the big canopy bed at Betsy's grand and elegant house. As Clara drifted down into the soft embrace of sleep, she saw images of the night pass in her mind's eye. Glowing jack-o-lanterns, costumes festooned with elegant black bats, and a thimble in her cake that changed into a ring.

Starting point is 00:54:10 And then, filled with delicious Halloween dreams, as the wind whistled through the trees, and the moon broke through the clouds. She slept. You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You I'm going to go ahead and start the video. You You You You.. you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Victorian Halloween Party

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