The Witch Inn is a famous spooky location situated on the outskirts of a small town. It is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a witch who was burned at the stake during the infamous witch trials that took place centuries ago. The inn, with its eerie atmosphere and dark history, has become a popular destination for those seeking a thrill or a taste of the supernatural. Legend has it that the witch, known as Agatha, was wrongly accused of practicing black magic and causing harm to the townspeople. The townsfolk, driven by fear and superstition, held a trial and condemned her to death. Agatha's last words were said to be a curse on the town and all its inhabitants.
Agatha's last words were said to be a curse on the town and all its inhabitants. Since then, strange occurrences have been reported at the inn. Guests have claimed to see the ghostly figure of a woman wandering the hallways and hear disembodied voices whispering in their ears.
Our first president left us lessons on civility and humility
When George Washington was 6 years old, he received a hatchet as a gift and immediately tested it on his father’s cherry tree. His father saw the damaged tree and asked his son if he had done the deed. The boy confessed with his most famous maxim: “I cannot tell a lie.”
The story itself is a lie, invented by Washington’s 1800 biographer, Mason Locke Weems.
Nevertheless, Washington at age 14 copied in a notebook French maxims from the 16 th century accepted as virtuous during his time. They became known as “110 Rules of Civility.”
To be sure, some of those maxims are hopelessly outdated, such as:
- Spit not in the fire, nor stoop low before it, neither put your hands into the flames to warm them, nor set your feet upon the fire especially if there be meat before it.
But consider these worthy practices:
- Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present.
- Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.
- Read no letters, books, or papers in company but when there is a necessity for the doing of it you must ask to leave.
- Reproach none for the infirmities of nature.
- Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy.
- When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased; but always show pity to the suffering offender.
- Do not laugh too loud or too much at any public spectacle.
- Use no reproachful language against anyone, neither curse nor revile.
- Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.
- Let your conversation be without malice or envy.
- Think before you speak.
- Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach those that speak in private.
- Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.
Can you name any current politician or public servant in the White House, Congress or Supreme Court who respects all in their presence; is considerate of others, no matter their station in life; stows away cell phones in public; shows compassion to enemies and offenders; refuses to spread rumors; acts without malice or envy; and keeps their promises?
Those should be qualifications for anyone seeking public office.
Washington may have been civil but also was fallible and, on occasion, immoral. Do you recall the myth about his wooden teeth? After the cherry tree, this is the second most popular misconception about the first president. He did suffer from bad teeth through most of his adult life. But none of those dentures were made of wood; they were fashioned from animal teeth, carved ivory and human teeth from enslaved people.
At the time of his death, Washington owned 123 slaves. Shortly before his death, he freed them and supported others in perpetuity who were too ill to find work.
Washington’s contributions to democracy are many, from his victory over the English at Yorktown in the Revolutionary War to his promises to the American people in his two terms as commander in chief.
Washington set an example for presidents to follow that they should leave office gracefully upon the completion of their terms, a tradition that continued until Donald. J. Trump and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
To understand Washington’s essence, consider his second inaugural address, the shortest in history, at 135 words:
“Fellow Citizens: I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of united America.
“Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my administration of the Government, I have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony.”
He promised to serve with dignity. If he violated his oath, he would duly suffer shame and punishment.
His most important tenet in the “Rules of Civility” is the final one, 110: “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”
Washington’s values — trust, respect, courtesy, dignity and honor — all fall under the moral umbrella of humility.
Philosophers define humility as an aspect of the conscience — that still, small voice guiding our actions — based on an inner knowledge of our own goodness and, more importantly, limitations. “Immodest people have, among other things, an inflated sense of themselves, their accomplishments, and their place in the world.”
That would define most politicians and their bombast in advance of the 2022 midterms. The public deserves better.
Those should be qualifications for anyone seeking public office.
Some have even reported being physically touched or pushed by an unseen force. The interior of the inn reflects its dark history, with dimly lit rooms adorned with antique furniture and creepy artifacts. The walls are adorned with portraits of long-dead patrons, adding to the chilling ambiance. The staff, well aware of the inn's haunted reputation, often share tales of their own paranormal experiences with visitors. Despite its reputation, The Witch Inn continues to attract guests who are drawn to the allure of the supernatural. Many come hoping to catch a glimpse of the ghostly apparitions or to experience the thrill of staying in a haunted location. The inn also hosts ghost tours and paranormal investigations, further fueling its popularity among ghost hunters and enthusiasts. Whether one believes in the paranormal or not, The Witch Inn remains a fascinating location steeped in history and mystery. Its dark past and haunted reputation continue to intrigue and captivate those with a taste for the supernatural..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Wonders: The Witch Inn's Supernatural Side"
1. Kate - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed by "The Witch Inn". The plot was confusing and convoluted, making it hard to follow and understand what was going on. The characters lacked depth and development, and I couldn't relate to any of them. The pacing was also off, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster and unsatisfying read.
2. Mark - ★★☆☆☆
"The Witch Inn" had so much potential, but it fell short for me. The writing style felt forced and overdone, trying too hard to be mysterious and atmospheric. The dialogue was unnatural and awkward, making it difficult to believe in the interactions between characters. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and contrived, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. While there were some interesting aspects to the story, it ultimately didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "The Witch Inn" based on the blurb, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. The story lacked depth and the world-building was weak, leaving me with more questions than answers. The main character was unlikable and her motivations were unclear. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by sudden bursts of action. Overall, I found "The Witch Inn" to be a mediocre and forgettable read.
4. Ben - ★☆☆☆☆
I have to be honest, "The Witch Inn" was a struggle to get through. The writing style was overly descriptive and flowery, bogging down the story and making it hard to stay engaged. The plot felt predictable and cliché, lacking any originality or surprises. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. Overall, I found "The Witch Inn" to be a tedious and unenjoyable read.