The Miller Report 10172024

 Welcome, October friends of Mindmyst Tales!

The three white cats decide to "help" their human carve pumpkins. They end up sitting in the middle of the mess, covered in pumpkin guts, while the young black cat watches from a safe distance, judging their lack of finesse.
 The goats are not interested in the pumpkin theatrics but more focused on finding ways to trick me into giving them treats. 🎃👻

In the spirit of fun, here’s your spooky lotto numbers: 5, 11, 22, 34, 40, 8. Maybe this is the lucky trick that turns into a treat!

 

 
 • Across my desk

2nd Annual Spooky Southington Writing Contest
It's that time again!

October 1st thru October 31st, patrons of all ages are welcome to submit an original spooky story for our 2nd annual library wide writing contest.

Haunt on Eden is a walk-through haunted house located in Southington, CT ... located at Mount Southington ski area. 396 Mt Vernon Rd, Southington.

Phantom Fall Fest. Weekends Sep 21 - Oct 27. Join us early for family-friendly fun with trick-or-treating, tasty fall treats, and all your favorite rides at Lake Compounce.

How To Pay Off A Credit Card with -0- Cash Flow! I am not a Mathematician, but the concept is REAL
VANNtastic    Christy Vann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOAgU_x-njg

my review
Christy's YouTube post on paying off a credit card and building cash flow is both inspiring and informative. Her practical tips and personal insights provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to improve their financial health. It's refreshing to see someone share their journey and empower others to take control of their finances. Thank you, Christy, for motivating us to make positive changes and strive for financial freedom!
 

 • Game of the Week --- your chance to win a prize ...  Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix – A blend of roasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, pecans, and cinnamon-spiced almonds.

While you enjoy that, try your hand at some math.

Backyard Patio Proof
On their backyard patio, Emily sets up a football-watching party. The patio is rectangular, with a length of 12 feet and a width of 8 feet. She places a rectangular table in the middle of the patio with dimensions 6 feet by 3 feet. Prove that the remaining open area on the patio is greater than 50 square feet.

Hint: Calculate the area of the patio, subtract the area of the table, and then compare the result to 50 square feet.

 • Now, I present to you this week's amazing story!!  Enjoy.
 
The Abandoned Carnival
by Joe Miller

Deep in the heart of the woods, where the trees twisted like gnarled fingers and the underbrush whispered secrets, a group of friends stumbled upon an old carnival. Vines snaked around rusted rides, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay. The faded colors of the attractions peeked through the overgrowth, and as they stepped closer, the distant echoes of laughter seemed to beckon them forward.

“Look at that!” Sarah exclaimed, pointing to a Ferris wheel that loomed like a skeletal giant against the twilight sky. Its seats swayed gently, though there was no breeze to be felt. The friends exchanged nervous glances, but curiosity pulled them in. They wandered through the carnival grounds, their footsteps crunching on the remnants of popcorn and cotton candy that had long since turned to dust.
 

Night fell.  The atmosphere shifted. The laughter that had once seemed inviting now felt like a haunting echo, reverberating through the empty stalls and rides. Shadows danced behind cracked mirrors in the fun house, and the Ferris wheel began to turn, creaking ominously as if powered by some unseen force.

“Guys, this is getting creepy,” Mark said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Maybe we should head back.”

But before they could retrace their steps, a flickering light caught their attention. They turned to see a small tent, its entrance flapping in the wind. A sign above read “Madame Zora: Fortune Teller.” Intrigued and unnerved, they stepped inside.

The tent was dimly lit, filled with the scent of incense and the sound of a soft, eerie melody. In the center sat an old woman, her eyes glinting like polished stones. “Welcome, my dears,” she croaked, her voice a raspy whisper. “I sense you seek answers.”

Despite their apprehension, the friends gathered around her table. One by one, she shuffled her tarot cards, revealing images that sent shivers down their spines. Finally, she looked up, her gaze piercing through the dim light. “I have one final reading for you,” she said, her voice low. “Only one of you will leave this place alive.”

Panic surged through the group. “What do you mean?” Sarah asked, her voice trembling.

Madame Zora merely smiled, her expression unreadable. “The carnival has chosen. You must decide who will face the fate that awaits.”

Before they could react, the ground beneath them trembled. The entrance to the tent vanished, replaced by a wall of thick fog. The friends exchanged frantic glances, realizing they were trapped. “We need to get out of here!” Mark shouted, but as they turned to flee, the carnival’s exit had disappeared, leaving them in a labyrinth of shadows.

The fun house doors creaked open, an invitation that felt more like a threat. “We have to go in,” Sarah urged, her voice shaking. “Maybe there’s another way out.”

With no other choice, they stepped into the fun house, the air thick with tension. Mirrors lined the walls, reflecting distorted images of themselves. Laughter echoed around them, but it was no longer the innocent sound of children; it was mocking, sinister.

They navigated the maze.  Shadows flitted just out of sight. One by one, they began to feel the weight of dread settle upon them. “We can’t trust each other,” Mark said, his voice rising in panic. “What if one of us is meant to—”

Before he could finish, a scream pierced the air. They turned to see Sarah being pulled into a mirror, her terrified face disappearing behind the glass. The remaining friends rushed to help, but the mirror rippled like water, and she was gone.

“Run!” shouted Mark, but as they turned to escape, the fun house twisted around them. The walls shifted, and the exit they had seen moments before was now a solid wall.

“Madame Zora was right,” whispered Emily, her voice barely audible. “We’re not getting out.”

Desperation clawed at their throats as they stumbled through the maze, but one by one, they were picked off by the carnival’s dark magic. Each scream echoed through the night, swallowed by the shadows that danced behind the mirrors.

Finally, only Mark remained, trembling and alone. He found himself back at the entrance of the tent, where Madame Zora awaited him. “You were chosen,” she said softly, her eyes glinting with a knowing sadness. “But you can still escape.”

“Please,” he begged, tears streaming down his face. “I’ll do anything!”

“Then you must take their place,” she replied, her voice a haunting melody. “One life for another.”

As the carnival’s laughter swelled around him, Mark realized the truth: the abandoned carnival was never truly empty. It thrived on fear and despair, and it would always claim its due. With a heavy heart, he stepped forward, ready to embrace the darkness that awaited him.

And as the fun house doors creaked shut behind him, the carnival continued to turn, its rides creaking in the night, waiting for the next group of unsuspecting souls to wander into its grasp.

 • Now, I present to you a good October Scavenger Hunt in Southington.
 
Here’s a scavenger hunt that includes a mix of outdoor, indoor, and local attractions around Southington. You can adjust the clues or items based on the age group participating.


Outdoor Clues:

1. Find the Park: Locate the largest park in Southington. Take a picture of the playground.
2. Nature's Beauty: Find a flower that is blooming in the wild. Snap a photo of it.
3. Historic Landmark: Visit the Southington Town Hall. Find the statue in front and take a selfie with it.
4. Water Feature: Locate a pond or fountain in a public area. Take a picture of the water feature.
5. Local Wildlife: Spot a bird or animal in the wild. Describe it or take a photo.

 Indoor Clues:
6. Library Visit: Go to the Southington Public Library. Find a book with a blue cover and take a picture of it.
7. Art Appreciation: Visit a local art gallery or community center. Find a piece of art that you like and take a photo.
8. Culinary Delight: Visit a local café or bakery. Take a picture of your favorite pastry or drink.
9. Historical Insight: Go to the Southington Historical Society. Find an artifact and write down what it is.
10. Shopping Adventure: Visit a local store. Find an item that represents Southington and take a picture.

Around Southington:
11. Local Business: Find a family-owned business in Southington. Take a picture of the storefront.
12. Community Event: Check if there’s a local event happening today (like a farmer's market). Take a picture of something unique you find there.
13. Scenic View: Find a spot with a great view of the town. Take a panoramic photo.
14. Southington Sign: Locate the town sign that welcomes you to Southington. Take a picture with it.
15. Hidden Gem: Discover a lesser-known spot in Southington (like a small park or mural). Take a picture and share what makes it special.

Bonus Challenge:
- Southington Trivia: Find out one interesting fact about Southington and share it with the group.

Feel free to modify any of the clues or locations based on your preferences or the age group of the participants. Enjoy your scavenger hunt!

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"Step into a world where the supernatural and reality collide with 'Street Tales' by Joseph Miller.

This anthology features thirteen short stories that delve into themes of murder, abduction, and the paranormal. Each story is a journey into a dark and mysterious world, designed to keep you captivated and on edge. Perfect for horror enthusiasts and fans of the unknown, 'Street Tales' is a collection you won't want to miss. Get your copy today and uncover the mysteries within!"

"Street Tales" by Joseph Miller
Now available on Amazon Kindle and paperback.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D94X4F8Q

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Coming soon!!

More Than Just a Mystery – "After Dark" combines thrilling mystery with irresistible romance. Follow Detective Jack Dark and Emily Harper as they uncover hidden treasures, navigate peril, and discover the true meaning of love under the moonlight.


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Please take a swing by my author's page to see what's new.

https://warlockpublishing.com/joseph-miller-author/joseph-miller


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KelDel Creations

New Journey full of Crochet, crafts and anything artsy.  Earrings or key chains.
Magnet owls, magnet tomb stones, magnet Jack-o-lantern flower buckets. All so cute on the fridge, or in a locker.
You know you love a good chicken butt coaster for your coffee cup in the morning. And more.

I will be at the Litchfield Lions Club on Saturday 10/26. Come down and check out my booth. Can't wait to see you there.

 KelDel Creations
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090364412851

Well, that's all I have for you today.

Thanks for dropping by!

October is the season of sweaters, scarves, and watching goats head-butt pumpkins in what they believe to be their personal strongman competition. 🎃 The cats, of course, are supervising the whole thing from their perch, looking like they’re about to hand out medals.

If you’re craving some October magic, consider a weekend in Salem, Massachusetts. The spooky charm, haunted history, and witchy vibes are perfect for a little Halloween getaway—and don’t worry, there’s no shortage of cozy cafés to warm up after a day of ghost tours.



Until next Thursday,
Happy haunting,

Joe Miller