Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Tricks and Treats on a Moonlit Night (Rainy Day Bakery #11)

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Starting point is 00:01:40 Welcome to get sleepy, where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. As always, I'm your host, Thomas. Thanks so much for being here. I hope you're feeling as excited as I am to finally be returning to one of the coziest, most familiar places we know here on Get Sleepy. Lily's Rainy Day Bakery It's Halloween this time and Lily is preparing something special to hand out to trick or treaters who stop by the bakery at night. I know this really is one of our most loved series here on the show. And I want to thank Shady Grove Oliver for yet another beautiful rendition of the rainy day bakery.

Starting point is 00:02:42 Before we head over to join Lily, let's take some time to prepare for sleep. Make sure you're resting comfortably, be it in your warm and cozy bed, or perhaps you're listening during the daytime, relaxing into a plush sofa or armchair, You're very welcome to close your eyes so that you can picture everything in your imagination that bit more easily and just join me for a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. Breathing in to the count of five, one, two, three, four, five, and out for five, four, three, two, one. Inhale again, two, four, five. And release, four, three, two, two, one. Take another deep breath, letting it come and go at whatever pace feels right for you. And see if you can just maintain that for a little longer.

Starting point is 00:04:19 until your body feels ready to return to a natural rhythm of breathing. One that requires no conscious effort. Joining Lily in the bakery today is a new face. Someone to help out while she works behind the scenes. She'll have to get used to sharing the space, a conundrum we've all likely faced at one time or another. it's good to have some routines to fall back on, especially when they bring a sense of peace and comfort to our lives. But it's also good to allow a spark of something new and exciting

Starting point is 00:05:11 to enter our lives every once in a while, to mix things up and help us see a different way of approaching things. Like Lily, we can take comfort. in solitude at the right moments. But having company and learning to ask for help is also important for our minds and hearts. And this is what we'll see tonight. So, let's make our way to Lily's home, as a thunderstorm blankets the town in cloud and rain. This is where our story begins. Steady rain patters against Lily's bedroom window, and a deep rumble of thunder sounds in the distance.

Starting point is 00:06:40 Just as she begins to open her eyes, a flash of lightning illuminates the now bare tree outside. branches stretching towards the slate-gray sky. Lily smiles, turning over in bed, despite the inevitably damp walk to work that awaits her. She has to admit the weather is perfectly atmospheric on this October morning. She just hopes the rain will let up later in the day. By the time the children begin making their way through the neighbourhood, and the sound of little voices, calling trick or treat, rings out on every doorstep. She stretches, reaching her arms up over her head and pointing her toes out as far as they can go. She makes her hands into fists, clenching and unclenching them a few times over to warm up her fingers.

Starting point is 00:08:01 Then, with a sigh, she hangs one leg over the side of the bed, followed by the other. Her feet find their fuzzy slippers that are always waiting in the perfect spot. Sitting up now, she glances out of the window, just in time to catch another flash of lightning. Once again, the autumnal branches are lit up in white. How wonderfully ghostly she thinks to herself, as she wraps herself in her soft robe and pads out to the kitchen. She considers what she'll be making as a special treat for the children, who will stop by the bakery this evening.

Starting point is 00:09:10 Every Halloween, she closes the, bakery an hour early. And instead of heading home, she dresses up in a fun costume and puts together dozens and dozens of treat bags. The local kids know that the bakery can always be counted on as a stop along their route. One year she made candy apple slices, easier to bite into than traditional food. full apples. Another year, it was little caramel pumpkins. One of the town favorites was the time she'd made marshmallow ghosts. This year, she thinks she's feeling something of the cookie

Starting point is 00:10:09 persuasion, perhaps iced sugar cookies, decorated to look like jackalantons, bats, ghosts, and witches's hats. Maybe she'll even make a few that look like Halloween trees, inspired by the one outside her window. Lily is doing something else differently today as well. She's decided to bring in some help. One of the local high school students, Jerome, came into the bakery a little while ago, asking about part-time jobs. Today, Jerome will have a go at working the front counter and making the drinks. Giving Lily more time to prepare the treat bags, she's looking forward to having the help, but is also a bit trepidious. She doesn't know him well, and they'll be working in close quarters all day.

Starting point is 00:11:32 For a while now, her friends have been suggesting. suggesting that she bring on someone to help occasionally, particularly on holidays or for special occasions when there's more to do. She's always thought she could handle it alone. But maybe it is time to give it a try. After all, it's just a test run for one day, Lily thinks. Jerome was very excited when she'd proposed to the Halloween. shift. Luckily, the holiday falls on a weekend this year, so he can come in and work during

Starting point is 00:12:21 the day and head off in time to join his friends at a party later in the night. Ah, the joy of high school Halloween parties, Lily Muses. She remembers those days when she had a bit more energy than she does now and could really look forward to a whole night to a whole night. of dancing and socialising. She still enjoys the occasional night out, of course. But to be a teenager again, that is on a whole different level. With a smile, she puts on the kettle for her morning tea. She measures out her perfect amount of tea leaves. And when the water comes to the boil, she pours it carefully over the top of the leaves. Once it's finished steeping, she stirs in a swirl of milk and then carries it over to the window seat.

Starting point is 00:13:41 As she gazes out the window, she's greeted by another flash. The lightning brightening the tree once more. Beyond it, she can see the outline of her neighbour's house. Then darkness falls once again as the lightning passes, a flash of white, followed by the yinkiest black. The cycle continues as she sips her tea. It becomes almost meditative, counting the seconds until the next flash of lightning, the next roll of thunder. The storm is close, but is gradually moving further away. The worst of it might

Starting point is 00:14:44 already pass by the time she has to leave for work. While she enjoys the thunderstorm, she prefers a more typical rainstorm for her walk. Lily washes up her cup and sets it to dry on the bamboo rack. Then she returns to her bedroom. where she picks out a special Halloween outfit, she has a full costume for later, but these clothes will give her the freedom of movement she needs to work safely in the kitchen. She wears a long black skirt and a flowing orange top, with the black eyes and mouth of a jackalantone on it. She even puts on a pair of themed earrings. long white dangling skeletons.

Starting point is 00:15:53 They aren't the most practical for the bakery, but today isn't about practicality. It's about getting into the spirit of things. Dressing up for the holidays has always been fun for Lily. But as she gets older, she realizes the even greater importance of not lose, using a sense of playfulness. She will never be too old for a whimsical pair of earrings and a themed top she resolves. Perhaps I will have to do a Halloween party again one of these years

Starting point is 00:16:40 after all, she thinks. In her own small way, recognising the months that pass and the holidays that go by with them keeps Lily grounded in the ever-eastern. a changing year. She feels a part of the seasons, bright and fresh with a renewed sense of purpose in the springtime, and a little bit eerie with a few tricks up her sleeve come autumn, smoothing her top in the mirror. She admires the cheeky pumpkin's smile and returns its little grin. Heading to the door, she grabs her ring coat, an orange scarf and boots, along with a bag full of orange, black and purple ribbons, and a bunch of smaller, clear bags to pack the cookies in. She hopes she hasn't forgotten anything,

Starting point is 00:17:57 but even if she has, Jerome will be there to help, so she can always make a quick trip home if she has to. She turns the key in the lock, pops open her umbrella, and heads out into the storm. A single flash of lightning illuminates the road in front of her as the rain patters on her umbrella. It sounds like a thousand tiny marbles, spilling out onto the floor, she thinks. Smiling at the image, it conjures in her mind. A distant boom of thunder follows not too long after. She glances over at the window that usually features her neighbour's cats. But today, it seems they've taken refuge from the thunderstorm in cosier places.

Starting point is 00:19:15 The rain begins to subside as she continues. her walk towards the bakery, just as its colourful door comes into view. She notices a lone figure standing beside it, Lily squints trying to make out who it is. They're wearing a long, black and red cape and dark trousers. And as she gets closer, she can see that they're smiling at her with a pair of sharp, pointy white teeth. With a laugh, she realizes it's Jerome. Not only has he shown up earlier than expected, he is fully dressed as a vampire,

Starting point is 00:20:14 but with a backpack slung over his shoulder. He's certainly enthusiastic, Lily thinks. She told him he didn't have to arrive for opening. He was welcome to sleep in a little longer and just planned to help with the midday rush. But she supposed she had left the metaphorical door open for him to come earlier if he wanted. As Lily approaches, Jerome waves to her and flashes a big, pointy grin. Great costume, she says, unlocking the bakery door. and holding it open for him as he walks inside.

Starting point is 00:21:13 Thank you, he says. I made it myself. And it has pockets, he adds. Slipping his hands into the cape, Lily lets out an unexpected giggle as his s's catch on the vampire teeth. It's a bit strange, walking into the bakery behind someone, she muses.

Starting point is 00:21:43 She's almost always by herself at this time of morning. There's a part of her that misses the quietness of being alone and waking up the space, turning the lights on in silence. But that's also just what she's used to. And it's good to mix things up every once in a while, she considers. Not to get too set. in my ways. She has to admit that Jerome's enthusiasm is infectious. Almost grudgingly, she realizes that they'll probably have quite a bit of fun together this morning. Lily directs Jerome

Starting point is 00:22:39 to the fairy lights, asking him to please plug them in. He walks over and bends down, His cape sweeping behind him dramatically. With a smile, Lily heads behind the counter. She finds her Halloween apron, which sports a similar jacolentum pattern as her top. Then she slips her head through the top loop and secures the ties around her waist. She passes a plain black apron to Jerome. It matches his costume, without detracting from the overall look. Lily spends a few minutes acquainting Jerome with the space, showing him the mugs, the espresso

Starting point is 00:23:43 machine, the refrigerators, ovens, baking sheets, mixer, and supplies. She explains how to set up the display case with the day's offerings and where to find the prices. Jerome tells her he's worked at a coffee shop before, so he knows the basics of making drinks and using a cash register. That's helpful, because it means there are a few things Lily can go through a bit faster. She motions for him to follow her to the walk-in pantry and explains where all the basics are kept. He won't have to come in here. at least not today. But he should know where everything is,

Starting point is 00:24:47 just in case he comes back for another shift. Like I said, it's just in case, she thinks. But the little voice inside her knows better. Lily smiles to herself, realising something in her is already planning for him to be more of a regular fixture at the bakery. While she's in the pantry, Lily gathers what she needs

Starting point is 00:25:25 to make pumpkin bread. Today's special. She'll come back for the ingredients for the sugar cookies later. As she's preparing the pumpkin bread batter, she asks Jerome to begin cutting the colorful ribbons for the treat bags. He sits down at one of the tables,

Starting point is 00:25:52 with a pair of scissors and keen determination. Do you mind if I play some music, he asks? Lily nods, thinking he'll put in a pair of ear butts. But Jerome gets up, walks over to where he left his backpack behind the counter, and pulls out a wireless speaker, which he sets on the window ledge near the furthest table. He uses his phone to cue up some songs. Moments later, the high-pitched opening strains of night on Bald Mountain begin to fill the bakery.

Starting point is 00:26:45 I have a Halloween playlist, Jerome says. Something to get us in the spirit. Lily raises an eyebrow. Well, this is certainly different, she thinks to herself. And yet, as the eerie music rises and falls, she finds herself mixing and prepping with a little more gusty. The pumpkin seeming extra pumpkin-y, and the sweet smells emanating from the oven.

Starting point is 00:27:24 That bit more autumnal, Lily recognizes the next song as tocarta and fugue in D minor, which she, like many people, associates with Dracula, as if on cue Jerome smiles and strikes a pose. Crossing his arms over his chest, like he's lying in a coffin. Lily laughs and shakes her head as she returns to the pantry for the sugar cookie ingredients. The haunting sounds of the pipe organ are muffled in the narrow space. But she can still make out the notes clearly enough. She gathers granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, salt and vanilla for the cookies,

Starting point is 00:28:35 and confection as sugar, corn syrup and food coloring for the icing. She also grabs a bag of mismatched Halloween cookie cutters. shaped like pumpkins, ghosts, witches, hats, vampire teeth, as well as trees, bats, and cats with arched backs. She brings everything over to her workspace and then goes to the refrigerator for butter and eggs. It's a fairly simple recipe she's using today, but it will be perfect for the kids who come by tonight. With Jerome occupied at the table, Lily carries the first ingredients over to the mixer. She creams together the butter and sugar, then adds the eggs one by one, and the vanilla. In a separate bowl, she mixes together the dry ingredients, the flour,

Starting point is 00:29:57 baking powder and salt, and then adds them slowly to the wet mixture. Once everything is incorporated, she covers the bowl of the mixer in plastic wrap and sets it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. By this time, the pumpkin bread is ready to come out of the oven. When she lifts out to the loaf pans, the most incredible aroma of sweet pumpkin rises with the steam. It's one of of Lily's favourite smells, and judging by the look Jerome gives her from across the room, he is enjoying it too. Just then, the bell over the front door jangles. Briefly, Lily can hear the rain pounding the street outside, before the door swings shut. Then Seamus's face appears above the counter.

Starting point is 00:31:19 What's that heavenly smell? He asks with a bright smile. Pumpkin bread, like every Halloween, Lily calls to him from the oven. Then she gently nudges Jerome by asking, could you please help our first customer of the day? Jerome carries the bags and ribbons, all paired, back to the counter, and sets them down before taking Seamus's order. Normally, Seamus doesn't even need to tell Lily what it'd like,

Starting point is 00:32:04 as he gets the same thing every day. But he gladly recites his slightly amended Halloween order, To Jerome, one slice of pumpkin bread and a coffee please, he says. If it won't kill you to do it, Seamus adds with a dramatic flourish and a nod at the vampire costume. Lily glances over to see Jerome looking absolutely delighted. Coming right up, he says, grinning with his fake teeth. Lily slices the hot, fresh pumpkin bread,

Starting point is 00:32:53 taking extra care with the knife so as not to crumble the edges of the cut. Usually, she'd let the bread sit for a little while before slicing it. But she knows how much Seamus likes it straight out of the oven. Jerome pours the coffee and sets the mug and plate in front of Seamus at his usual seat. In the background, the music shifts to a more fantastical instrumental piece

Starting point is 00:33:33 that makes Lily think of ghostly branches and flashes of lightning, and shadows falling this way and that. For the next couple of hours, customers come and go. Jerome manages the register and espresso machine well, Lily notes, only pausing to ask a question every now and again. Once the dough is sufficiently chilled, she brings it out of the fridge and preheats the oven. Then she lightly dusts the counter with flour and uses a rolling pin to roll out the dew until it's all a uniform thickness, perfect for cookies. Using the cookie cutters, she makes several of each shape and lines them up on prepared baking sheets. Soon, metal sheets full of unbaked cookies cover every available space. Jerome glances over and says,

Starting point is 00:35:01 Hats and bats and cats. Oh my, Lily laughs in spite of herself. He really is having a great time today, she thinks, feeling her cheeks rising into another smile. She realizes that she hasn't laughed this much in a long time. But it's hard not to with someone like Jerome around. One by one, she places the cookie sheets in the oven to bake and sets a series of timers. A while later, when they start coming out, she sets them to cool on wire racks. Once they're no longer too warm, she'll make the icing and decorate them.

Starting point is 00:36:11 Just then, a familiar face appears in the doorway separating the bakery and bookshop next door. It's Simon in search of his usual hot chocolate. I've got something special for you today, Lily tells him. I think you're going to love it. Simon mimes being suspicious. But with a little playful reassurance from Jerome, he decides to try whatever surprise Lily has planned, out of sight behind the counter.

Starting point is 00:36:57 She mixes a bit of pumpkin puree into his hot chocolate and dusts the top with pumpkin pie spices. Lily doesn't usually drink hot chocolate herself, but one of the ways she enjoys it is when it's prepared just like this. It's a seasonal treat that she has at home some evenings, curled up on the couch with a good book when she hands the mug to Simon.

Starting point is 00:37:38 He inhales. deeply, and then sighs happily, taking his first sip. I don't know how you've done it, but that smells and tastes like autumn in a cup, he says, turning back towards the bookshop. Then, looking over his shoulder at Lily, he adds, see you tonight. I won't be here, but a certain wit. which will be, she replies with a wink, checking that Jerome is still feeling good about tending the register and espresso machine. Lily washes her hands. It's time to make the icing. She takes some milk out of the refrigerator and mixes it with a large amount of confectioner's

Starting point is 00:38:44 sugar until they're fully combined. Then she adds the cornstall. She adds the cornstall. syrup and stares until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and slightly runny, almost like glue. She divides the mixture into several bowls and adds a few drops of food coloring to each of them. There's black for the cat and bat, white, green, red and brown for detailing, purple for the witch's hat and orange for the pumpkin. Next comes the part that Lily considers the hardest to do. It took her quite a long time to learn how to ice sugar cookies, nicely enough that she felt comfortable selling them, or giving them away like she's doing today. In the past, her colours would sometimes run together, or the edges would get a bit messy.

Starting point is 00:40:07 But now, years later, she's got it down to a science. One by one, and with a lot of care, Lily decorates each and every cookie. Halfway through, she balls up the hand that holds the icing piping bag, and then strings. stretches the fingers out. She balls and stretches a few times over to loosen up her hand after holding it steady for so long. Finally, after what feels like a month but was only a couple of hours, Lily steps back and wipes her hands on her apron with satisfaction. The dozens of bright and colorful Halloween cookies will now sit out to dry before she bags them up at the end of the day. The rest of the afternoon passes smoothly. People come and go. Some dressed in fanciful costumes

Starting point is 00:41:34 with kids in tow and others in regular clothing with maybe a little black or orange accent somewhere. Several of them comment on the festive playlist, and Lily takes note. When Myrna stops by just before closing, she gives Lily a significant look and mentions what a lovely addition Jerome is to the bakery. Lily laughs. I know, she says, he really is. Jerome grabs a cloth and wipes down the tables as the last few people trickle out. He packs up the leftover baked goods from the display case and puts them away for the night. Anything else I can do before I leave, he asks. Lily shakes her head. You've been wonderful, she tells him. See you another time? I'll be needing some more weekend helps.

Starting point is 00:42:59 soon. Jerome beams at her and adjusts his false teeth. Then he grabs his backpack, and, lifting his cape with a flourish, he opens the door. Lily spends the next few hours cleaning up, bagging the cookies and transforming the bakery for her evening guests. From the small storage room, she pulls out her well-loved Halloween decorations. There are fake spiderwebs, an old broom, and of course, her costume. She stretches the spider webs over the door and windows. The rain has lightened up significantly. Now it's more of a drizzle, the thunderstorm of this morning, a mere memory. When she's done, she heads to the storeroom to change. Putting on the witch outfit is always a delight for Lily.

Starting point is 00:44:30 It has a full skirt that she has to have at least one good twirl in, as well as billowing sleeves and a laced-up bodice. She also has a large, pointy hat, tying a bow at the back of the bodice. she inspects herself in the room's small mirror. Perfect, she whispers, before giving her best cackle to her own reflection. She keeps a selection of candles in here for Halloween and other occasions

Starting point is 00:45:15 when special lighting comes in handy. Like the storm that knocked out the power a little while back, Lily carries the candles out to the bakery and lines them up along the window cells and across the tables and counter. One by one, she lights them until the whole bakery is a glow with tiny flickering lights. It's nearly time, she muses. As she's stacking the cookie bags in a large cauldron, she hears a full. faint rustling behind her. Lily gasps as a flash of white darts into the bakery from the bookshop door, but soon she realizes it's only Ziggy wearing an old bedsheet with little eye and nose holes cut out.

Starting point is 00:46:31 What a scary ghost you are, she says, giving the dog a friendly pat on the head, the flowing end of Siggie's ghost sheets swishes back and forth, propelled by her excited tail, then in the doorway, Simon appears. His face painted green. He has a large metal bolt, seemingly going through the middle of his head. I'm Frankenstein's monster, he says. And after a pause, lots of people. People don't realize Frankenstein was the scientist, not the monster. Lily laughs and shakes her head.

Starting point is 00:47:31 Leave it to the bookshop owner, she says teasingly. Simon motions for her to follow him into the bookshop. The shelves are dark and seem somehow taller and more imposing, hidden in shadow. At the front of the shop near the door, Simon shows Lily the laboratory is set up. There's a metal table and various sharp-looking scientific instruments, along with a series of bubbling test tubes. Can you tell I love Halloween, he asks her. Lily smiles. The kids will love this, she says. Through the open door, the distant sound of children's laughter floats into the bookshop, along with the rhythmic sound of knocking, peeking out, Lily notices the rain is gone. Even the cloud cover has lifted, revealing an enormous yellow moon. They're almost here. I'd

Starting point is 00:49:06 Better get back, she says. Giving Ziggy one final pact. Here we go, says Simon, adjusting his bolt. Lily sneaks back into the bakery, making sure all the lights are turned off, leaving just the flickering candle flames, illuminating the windows. Just then, three loud raps sound at her front door. followed by several little voices shouting, Trick or treat, Lily takes a deep breath,

Starting point is 00:49:57 puts on her best witch face and opens the door with a cackle.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Tricks and Treats on a Moonlit Night (Rainy Day Bakery #11)

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