as suddenly as it had appeared, and became an ice-craft, and floated hither and thither. The demons were in great distress, being unable to get to either shore. And now the form of Manabozho rose to view. Manabozho understood the situation at once, and stretching out his mighty arm, larger than a pine tree, roared with a voice louder than thunder, “Sink, sink, and rise no more!”
And the raft sunk, and the demons perished, and the Indians came back and worshipped Manabozho. And this is why the waters of Lake Superior are so cold.
When I began to collect people’s accounts of supernatural and paranormal experiences, a fellow writer and editor noted, “John Robert receives the most fascinating mail in the country.” I immediately agreed with him. These days, as I continue to collect accounts of people’s experiences, including those of a psychical, spiritual, and mystical nature, I feel I receive “the most fascinating email in the country.”
Witness the present email from Sparrow (or White Sparrow) and some of the accompanying files. The inner narratives described herein took me by surprise. Indeed, from the first lines they surprised me, as I had (automatically) assumed that my correspondent was a male. Why? Who knows? These accounts are certain to raise a bevy of questions (and supply a handful of answers).
I cannot tell Sparrow much, but I can assure her that these accounts of her experiences are at least as astounding as any that I have published. She fears they are “relatively tame.” Well, in terms of seeing ghosts or being cursed by ghouls, they are, but as her experiences are those that enlarge the soul rather than assault the spirit, they are germane and genuine. At the same time, they evoke the wisdom and wonder of the spirit of the Native people.
Feathers Within
From: Sparrow
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 8:00 PM
To: [email protected] Subject: Purchased your book today!
Greetings John Robert Colombo!
Well, Sir, you may wish to grab yourself a coffee, tea, or something stronger to sip on! The reason being, my connection to you today is becoming as strange as some of the stories that I am in the process of currently reading!
Earlier this afternoon, I purchased a copy of More True Canadian Ghost Stories, John Robert Colombo. (I have only read a dozen or so pages and felt compelled to write you!)
I have many books on my shelf, but none of them include full collections of such stories!
Nothing I do is ever simple! Which makes this email to you now rather long and complex! For that, I apologize!
I was in a book store in Owen Sound, Ontario this afternoon. I was browsing for something new to sink my reading teeth into.
First, I immediately picked up a book entitled Emily Dickinson: Poems. A book or two away was yours! I don’t buy ghost story books. However, I am learning more and more to follow my instinctive hunches or callings, as I call them.
At the time, I could not make the connection between poetry and ghost stories! That is until I type in your web address! So, now I am even more convinced I was meant to contact you!
I’m not sure, Sir, where to begin!
My personal journey is quite a story all on its own. I am right in the middle of a very odd life situation. I am also currently trying to write about it behind the scenes, so to speak!
Let’s see!
I am a decade long member of the Canadian Country Music Association. A member of SOCAN [Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada].
A published songwriter and published poet! I also have a sixty page and growing website which I use as a way to vent some of my creative energy. I am NOT an editor, by any stretch of the imagination! When I am not working at one of the previously mentioned, I am working full time at a private resort!
I turn fifty next month! Two months ago, I JUST completed a long “legal” process with regards to my name!
I am now LEGALLY called White Sparrow!
It is two words ... but only ONE name!
I do not recognize my forename as “White.” Nor do I recognize my surname as “Sparrow”! My name is only SPLIT when government, or standard forms insist on requiring me to do so! This is most unfortunate, but such is life! (For the most part, I simply SHORTEN my full name to SPARROW for everyday use! My signature is White Sparrow! Phew!)
To get a tiny glimpse into my story behind the story, make yourself welcome at the following. www.whitesparrowwigwam.com. My bio is but a flicker of the journey that I am currently on!
My future plans include doing an e-book from my website, as well as perhaps having it put in regular book form. I haven’t decided. I sort of fall into things rather than preplan! One might say that I operate on Indian time! lol!
Basic recap of myself. I am White on the outside, Red on the inside! (Well of course, except for my unusually high cheek bones!) Which probably has something to do with my name, but that’s a whole other chapter in my one day book!
Aside from all of the above I have been known to do some out of the ordinary things! What I can clarify for you at this point is that, the older I get, the stronger this talent seems to be growing!
Unlike the many folks that I read about, who are so calm, cool and collected about such experiences ... I can assure you, it is NOT something that I have become comfortable with! Especially in some cases! One as recent as a few weeks ago!
Bottom Line — Mr. Colombo, I have had “several” experiences that seem to fall right in line with the stories that you gather and have published! Many have witnessed these encounters or experiences that I have had! They come to me ... both through Red eyes and White!
My Native encounter I am planning to use in my own book! However, I am at the bottom of the totem pole here. Therefore, it might be of wiser use to also pass it along to you as well, if you feel it might be something that you can use.
I realize that I have given little detail to you at this point about my experiences. Most of them I would have to create files for and email to you. They are only in my memory at this point in time, and, in the memory of those who have been involved! The length of them are as varied as the encounters!
Perhaps, Sir, you would prefer to scan some of the material on my website first! I say scan, because there is a lot of material for a busy person to delve too deeply into!
Should you be remotely interested, you can respond to me at this email address! (I use my email address on my site ... strictly for site related issues!)
In true appreciation of your time and your compiled stories! I will now go back to continue reading them.
Currently, I am wrestling with a good case of laryngitis! So, this is a perfect opportunity for me to get to know more about the stories that interest you!
Once again, thank you for listening!
Sparrow
Feathers
