There’s something magical about exploring wherever the mind takes you. The poem created by Candy and Mindy in the Houses Asunder treasure hunt offers searchers that freedom. You are encouraged to roam through history as you like, and discover what you may! It really is the most charming way to learn about new and exciting things, incredible places, and mysterious people.
I appreciate Candy and Mindy inspiring such a journey. And wonderfully, at the end of the intended trail is a treasure valued at over $5,000 to claim! Who will claim it? Let’s find out more the adventures! I hope you join the fun. (join discussions on the MW Forum!)
Six Questions with Candy and Mindy:
- 1Q) It’s been over one month since the release of the poem in the Houses Asunder treasure hunt. The treasures remain to be claimed! Can you share how to get involved? Do you feel someone just getting started has a chance to win?
CANDY ANSWERS:
Mindy and I wanted to find a way to create something magical-yet historical for people to participate in and enjoy. I’m aware that many people find it hard to travel to far off lands, so we built a website where everything needed to solve our hunt can be found in one location on the page, no boots on the ground required. I’m not saying that the website holds helpful information to solve the poem, but I will say you ignore the details at your own peril.
To begin the Houses Asunder Treasure Hunt, you will need to send a $30 Pay-to-Play fee to my PayPal account which can be found here: http://paypal.me/chasingfables Once sent, you select “FRIEND” and provide me with the best email to reach you. You will be added to the Pay-to-Play list ( found on the website) and we will send you downloadable images to help with the hunt upon confirmation of purchase. The fun thing about this list is that you can see how many players are participating in the hunt and who you’re up against. When the poem is solved we will be having a giveaway for one lucky individual on that list.
We have also decided to add another prize to the hunt- a magic potion bottle. We actually purchased 3 gorgeous potion bottles, the other two bottles will be given away to TWO lucky Pay-to-Play players. One will be from the original but-in list, and the other will be completely new- meaning if you buy-into the Houses Asunder hunt today- up until December 15th- you will be on the new list.
This is what we do, we add to the prizes whenever we feel like it. We hope the puzzle alone will draw you in, but the prizes are also a great reason for you to try and solve it. We designed this puzzle to be a slow one. No rushing or worrying about the hunt being solved over night. This is an experience we want everyone to enjoy at their own pace- especially newcomers ready to experience this magical quest.
- 2Q) One of the treasures to claim is a painting by Eric Sloane. What is the story behind this enchanting piece? What are the other treasures involved in the hunt?
MINDY ANSWERS:
When James and I got engaged, we wanted a unique piece of art to go into our new home. So we found this painting by Eric Sloane. The piece did not have provenance attached to it, although it is listed on several art websites. I wasn’t exactly comfortable buying the painting without the provenance, so I went to the only expert on Sloane I knew—Forrest Fenn. He assured me the painting was genuine and he thought it might have been in his gallery at one time. He said it was one of Eric’s early pieces, and he loved the clouds in that particular painting. So, his word in this case was good enough for me and James, so we bought it.
However, now that we have moved to a rural country house in VA, the painting doesn’t exactly fit in our decor and when Candy said she wanted to do a treasure hunt, I couldn’t think of anything more special to give as a prize than this wonderful painting. We are also giving away a very fine Scottish whiskey with a truly unique decanter and glass set, a signed first edition Eric Sloane book, a replica crown of a foreign land, and maybe even a few other things as well!
- 3Q) What advice do you offer someone new to your puzzles? Where, or moreso how, might they start exploring? What are they supposed to do? Can all be found through internet searches and online? Or might some obscure manuscript or some other physical item be needed?
MINDY:
Everything you need to solve this puzzle can be found online through some research. My advice would be when you find a theme that seems to fit, research it, and then dig as deep as you can into that research. Some of the information is somewhat obscure, but you can find it if you go as far down the rabbit hole as possible!
- 4Q) What are your hopes for the hunt? What are you enjoying most so far? Are you surprised by any paths the searchers have gone down and explored? Are you willing to let the hunt go on for years, without giving hints? Will you allow searchers to roam through history forever? (which is fine) Or do you plan to offer guidance now and again?
MINDY:
Our hopes for this hunt is to inspire people to learn about the history that shaped the world…to learn the history of people who helped shape our world today. I’ve had so much fun writing the poem with Candy—she is a whirlwind of energy I find refreshing. She and I are passionate about history and forgotten lore and legends, so this treasure hunt was born out of that passion.
Many people jump to Harry Potter as the answer to our puzzle, and it’s funny because we knew that would happen. So, it wasn’t exactly surprising, but certainly amusing! We will not let this hunt last for many years. I think we have given out one extra hint already, and as the hunt plunges on, we hope to keep stirring the interest by upping the prize pool with more tantalizing trophies!
- 5Q) How did you pick a theme? Was it a history you were familiar with? Is it actual legend and myth, or have you imagined it yourself?
CANDY:
This question seems innocent on the surface, but I see what you did there. I will answer your question- to an extent. ( LOL ) Mindy and I both share a passion for the whimsical and strange. We love to go down “research rabbit holes” that are a combination of myth and history. Some of the most beautiful stories can be found hidden within those details.
We hope that others will eventually learn the secret within the poem, after all, magic runs deep in the days of old.
- 6Q) Please share what else you are doing on your Creative Creations website. What else might you have planned?
CANDY:
I’m proud to say that I have transformed my website into more than just a place to enjoy our treasure hunts, it is also a place where you can request custom made treasure hunts, puzzles & riddles of your choosing. I think this is a great opportunity for anyone to experience launching their own treasure hunt- especially if they don’t have the time or resources to do so. The treasure hunt packages vary in pricing and include everything needed to launch a fun and enjoyable hunt.
The reason why I built this website and collaborated with Mindy was because I wanted to differentiate myself from the Chase and really step outside of my comfort zone. I want people to see who I am and what I’m capable of- telling stories. I can’t quite explain it, I just get this overpowering feeling to just CREATE. I love that the mind is capable of so many things, so many opportunities- so I decided I to challenge myself. I wanted to make something that would bring others happiness, excitement, adventure and so much more. I hope that everyone who participates in this hunt will appreciate how much detail and imagination that we put into the words, the imagery and the website. To many it may just be another rabbit hole, but to us it is a small achievement that shows we are capable of so much more.
As you can see, I have been very busy and can’t wait to see where this new venture takes me. I will say this- Mindy and I are absolutely delighted by the response our hunt has been getting within the community and we can’t wait for it to be solved so that we can launch our next one- oops, did I just write that? I guess the cat is out of the bag. Get ready because something WICKED this way comes!
Well, I want to thank you Jenny, for allowing Mindy and I this amazing opportunity to share our hunt with the community and for asking these wonderful and very clever questions. I hope everyone truly enjoys this hunt and will continue to look forward to our future hunts as well. Happy chasing everyone.
Join the Adventures: Houses Asunder Treasure Hunt!
