Many of you expressed interest in Sarah Winchester's home in San Jose, which I was lucky enough to tour earlier this week. It has a fascinating history.
I first learned of it from my best friend growing up, Karen. She had gone there when she was about thirteen. I used to spend the night at her house and vice versa on the weekends. She whispered to me about this woman who had built staircases that led to nowhere, held seances, and was obsessed with the number thirteen. It all sounded very dramatic and spooky.
My own impression, though, was quite different. I was impressed with the Queen Anne style of the front of the house. My mother always loved that era and look. So do I. It's so royal and classic.
When I purchased my ticket at the counter of the gift shop, I suddenly felt an overwhelming presence. I was practically flattened. I couldn't even talk. I waited a moment, and it vanished. I felt like it was Sarah, and that she wanted me to see the house. I was trying to decide if I should take the second tour, as well, or just the first. I elected to wait for the Explore More tour and come back another day. It is only 38 miles from the home where I grew up, in San Mateo.
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| Sarah spoke four languages, and played the organ, as well as other instruments |
I found the rooms very quaint, petite, and detail oriented. I could relate to Sarah on many levels. She seemed grief stricken to me. I felt such sadness for her, upon learning that she lost her only baby daughter. Her husband also died very young; he was only 43. She lived alone for the rest of her life.
She was very spiritual, gifted, and artistic. The steps throughout the house she designed to be very shallow, to accommodate her crippling arthritis. I know very well the pain that it causes. She surrounded herself with beauty, which is what my mother did. She paid her workers double the going rate, provided lunch and dinner, and gave them a place to live, on the property. I felt a sense of love and admiration for her. Her spirit was so strong. I will never forget the experience of being bowled over by it. Some people (and spirits) have more energy than others. Hers, in my opinion, was remarkable and incredibly powerful.
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