The Apparition

  There are some wild tales that attach themselves to areas like the Bayou.  Some are true. The Bayou has long been the scene of a few unusual events such as plane crashes, gator attacks and "Bayou Critters".  The stories behind these are fodder for a different time. Others are purely fictional.  These are yarns that abound in the dark corners of the brain and come spilling out the mouth when there is a willing and gullible victim...err...visitor.  I have been known to stretch the truth, create illusions or otherwise embellish a story until it suits my needs.  Keep in mind, that these tales are purely for entertainment and the listener is always clued in before they leave the Bayou.  Storytelling is something that has run in the family for generations so I come by it naturally.  Sometimes, however, a good story is just plopped into my lap purely by accident.  What makes for a believable tale is an unaltered photograph. That is undeniable TRUTH right there!  Fabricating a good story about a picture is simply a matter of a few twists and turns of the imagination. 

  With Halloween not far from being upon us, my thoughts have turned toward decorations.  One of the illusions that has always fascinated me is called "Pepper's Ghost".  It is a technique named for John Henry Pepper.  By using reflective material, he would create "ghosts". This was used on stage and sideshows way back in the mid 1800s.  I have always longed to create my own illusions using the technique but have yet to try.  Until now.  Now, I have my own "Pepper's Ghost" but just not the one that goes with the name.

  A few months back, my son-in-law called with a "huge favor".  He asked if I would mind keeping a cat for a few hours.  He and my daughter had just adopted another "throwaway cat".  Robbie had taken the cat to the vet for its shots and then had to go to work.  Of course, the cat could not teach dance with him so I wound up babysitting the kitty.  Pepper is a sweet kitten so that was not a problem.  What was a problem was trying to get her to sit still long enough for me to photograph her. (I cannot resist a photo opportunity with any critter!) This kitten is rather active and was exploring the house as soon as Robbie left.  My trying to catch her image was difficult.  The photographs were all "ruined" because she was antsy.  Ruined for most folks.  Perfect for my imaginative tales.

  I figure that I can use my cat photos to my advantage.  The wiggling of the kitten made for the perfect "apparition" to be caught on camera!  Not many folks can claim to have photographed a ghost!  A tale of the ghostly cat has been rattling around in the brain for a few weeks now, so I am sure that some day soon, I shall not be able to hold the tongue and the tale will emerge in its full glory!