Lights, Action and I made it to the movies!

In Theaters Oct. 3rd, 2024!!

Well, I’ve been keeping a secret but now I can talk about it! This has nothing to do with the house, but I just had to share.

Over the summer, I had an opportunity to film with YouTubers Sam and Colby for a motion picture movie!! Yep, grab your popcorn and sit in front of a big screen kind of movie!

That’s right, Deak and I will be flying to Los Angeles next week for the premier of the Legends of Skinwalker Ranch. We get to walk the red carpet and everything!!! WTH? Me on the Red Carpet!!!

So excited!

Tickets are on now!

The Legend of Skinwalker Ranch 

Horror movies based on REAL LIFE EVENTS

Sometimes life can be scary.  But when they make a horror movie out of a real-life event, you realize there really is EVIL out in the world today!!!  Here are a few REAL-LIFE EVENTS that you may or may not have known had a movie made of them.

Don't read this at night!  You may never go to sleep!

Evil Does Exist

Van's World Podcast-Goatman's Bridge

Check out Van's World Podcast! We had a spooky time talking about Goatman's Bridge.

CAN YOU SEE GHOSTS AND SPIRITS IN THE DAYLIGHT?

Can you see ghosts and spirits in the daylight?

One of the most famous apparitions' photos taken was at Bachelor's Grove in Chicago, Ill. during the day. (Photo by GRS)

Many times, people just think about seeing ghosts at night.  They only come out when it is dark, quiet and spooky.  Right?  Wrong.  Ghosts don't hide until you go to bed at night and then say "Ok.  They turned out the lights, that's our queue to go haunt them".  lol

Nighttime does provide more contrast to see an apparition or spirit.  The IR camera uses an entirely different light wavelength that makes it easier to capture things in the dark that we just can't see in the daytime.  There is no doubt that during the daytime, outlines of apparitions, spirits or orbs are faint and harder to see, but that doesn't mean they can't be seen at all.

Think about it.  At night, when you are ghost hunting, you are very aware of your surroundings.  You notice every little sound.  You notice every shadow that crosses a light.  You are "expecting" to see and hear things.  During the daytime, you just aren't.  Your busy with the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.   Here's an example of what I mean by being aware of "your surroundings."  In a room full people, talking and moving around, you may not notice a ball on the floor.  But if the room was empty, quiet and calm, you may see the ball on the floor right away.  That's kinda what it's like between the difference of seeing an apparition in the daytime or at night.

I want to share a quick story with you to prove when you are least expecting it and in broad daylight, that's when it can happen the most. 

I work very close to a cemetery.  Which I may add, my office is VERY HAUNTED to!  Wonder why???  Ok.  Back to my story.  One day, I decided to grab some lunch and take it down to the cemetery.  It was a beautiful, bright sunny day and had just enough of a breeze to make it perfect.  The Swisher Cemetery in Lake Dallas, Tx. is a small cemetery that has some beautiful big trees that make wonderful shade.   The cemetery is very well maintained with beautiful tombstones and lots of green grass.  The perfect place to have a nice quiet lunch.

I pulled up to the very back of the cemetery, parked my car under a huge shade tree, rolled down my window and turned off the radio.  Ok.  Full discloser...I turned my phone on that had a ghost app on it, so I was just letting it run while I ate my lunch.  What can I say?  It's in my blood.  Nevertheless, I was alone and enjoying myself very much.

Even though my car was at the back of the cemetery, it was facing the street where I could see the cars going by.  

Now, this is where I would say, "all of the sudden" but every ghost story starts that way, so I want to be different and say, "Suddenly" (lol) I looked up and could see a very tall, old man walking along the side of the road.  He was extremely skinny and was looking down kicking the dirt up as he walked with his old, worn leather cowboy boots.  Here's something else.  HE WAS NOT TRANSPARENT!  I could see him in full color.  I could see dried, caked on dirt on the side of his boots.  I could see his jeans were dirty and worn and he had a dirty off-white long sleeve shirt on. The top two buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned. His face was very dark brown as if he had been in the sun a long time.  It was wrinkly, and leather looking.  He looked like he had been working in a field or something.  I noticed him in detail because there was nothing else going on as I was just sitting there eating my lunch in my car.  NOT FOR A SINGLE SECOND did I think he was anything but a living, breathing old man walking down the road.  As I watched him walk along the side of the road, I thought to myself, "He must be someone that watches out for the cemetery and is wondering what I am doing down here.  I better go tell him I am just eating my lunch here."  

Now, I want you to know that I watched this man for probably, about 30 secs before I decided I better go tell him what I was doing in the cemetery.  I put down my hamburger (yes, it was a burger, don't judge. lol) and sat my drink in the holder in the center of my car.  I started to drive up the gravel road to the main street.  As I looked up, I couldn't see him anymore.  I thought, "well, he must have just walked over the hill and I just can't see him anymore".  I didn't think anything about it and continued to drive up the road.  But when I got to the top of the hill, he was GONE!!!  Like vanished!  He wasn't anywhere to be found. Where did he go???  It didn't take me but a minute to get to the street and for sure he would have not had time to walk anywhere without me seeing him.  I literally, stopped and looked around for probably five minutes before I started to realize what I had seen, might have been an apparition!  This guy did not seem like someone "of today's times" for sure.  Had I seen an apparition in the middle of the day?  And why?

On the other side of the cemetery and street, is an open field.  Huummmm.  Maybe what I saw was an apparition of an old farmer walking back across his field.  He was walking very slow, and the ground was so dry, that the dust was kicking up around his old boots as he walked.  Maybe he had been plowing or something like that.  Whatever he was doing, I saw him!    

The moral to my story?  Is that you CAN see ghosts and spirits in the daytime.  But why?  How is that possible?  Again, at night, it is much quieter, and things are settled down.  There are also, not so many distractions.  You are more relaxed and focused and that makes it much easier for you to have an experience or to realize that something may not be a normal occurrence and could be paranormal.

The same rules apply for ghost hunting during the daytime as they do at night.  Always take more than one picture.  Taking two or three pictures back-to-back can help prove your evidence.  Protect yourself.  Whether that is praying to a higher power or something else that you believe can protect you by surrounding you with love and light, then please don't forget to do that.

Below are just a few of my favorite daytime photos of mist and two apparitions in a window. Enjoy. 

So, pay attention to your day.  If you think you saw a ghost in the corner, you just may have. 

The Battleship Texas

The Eason Cemetery

Eason Cemetery

McPike Mansion

 

CAN OUR LOVED ONES REALLY SEND US MESSAGES?

Dedicated in memory of

Sean Lucero

July 25, 1988-February 15, 2016

Can our loved ones really send us messages from above?  Man, wouldn't that be great if they could?  Guess what?  They can and DO!  When we lose a loved one, our hearts break and sometimes we feel we can't go on without one LAST word, touch, kiss or hug.  We just need one more minute with them! 

I want to share a VERY PERSONAL story with you.  I work with this very nice gentleman that lost his son about 4 years ago.  He is still struggling with the loss and we talk about it every now and then.  He came in my office the other day and ask if we could talk.  I said of course.  He came in and sat down in one of the chairs that sit in front of my desk and almost in a hesitant way asked could he ask me a question.  

This gentleman's name is Ron Lucero.  I have known Ron for years and he knows that I am very into signs, paranormal, spirits and that stuff so for him to act a "little shy" about asking me anything was a little weird. Ron says, "do you think Sean could send me signs that he is still around?"  I looked at him and said, "of course he can!"  He said, "oh do you think God would let him?"  This question hit me like a ton of bricks.  My heart physically hurt.  Did this man think that because his son was in heaven that he could never see or hear from again?  My heart was breaking and I was thinking...how many other people must think this way?  That their loved ones can't give us a message or sign because they are in heaven?  

Ron continued to tell me that over the Christmas holiday's he was at home with his wife and was feeling very depressed about Sean and was struggling to shake this bad feeling.  He said it was just one of THOSE BAD DAYS that we have all experienced when we lose someone close to us.  He said his wife was asking if he was ok. He said yes just a little sad but the longer he sat there the sadder he was getting.  Then all of the sudden a music box sitting on the mantel close to Sean's picture just goes off by itself!!!  It just starts playing music.  He said he looked at his wife and was like what the heck and she looked just as surprised as he was!  Neither of them had touched it all day....it just started to play all by itself!!!  Was this Sean?  Simple answer.  In my opinion, yes.  Without a doubt.

Two things about this story, says to me Sean was trying to send his Dad a message from above.  First, the minute his Dad heard the music going off his first thought was how did that happen and was it Sean? So what does this do?  It makes Ron STOP thinking about the loss and the sad thoughts and focuses on it might be Sean trying to give him a message.  What's the message?  The music symbolizes...something happy.  Something SPECIAL.  It is a distraction from the sadness.  Is that a coincidence?  Nope.  I don't think so.  Second thing, it makes Ron think about Sean in a different way.  That he is near, that he is still with him in spirit and trying to let him know that.  Now, Ron's heart is a little less heavy thinking about Sean in a positive way.

So, back to the question Ron asked.  "Does God let our loved ones give us signs?"  Ok.  I want people to understand what I'm about to say.  God is a loving God.  When you die and go to heaven PLEASE don't think that...…. that's it.  Your loved one's are gone.  If you are struggling or maybe you just need some guidance... of course, God will let your loved ones come for a "visitation".  He actually allows them to be with us always.  He would never want you to surfer and neither would your loved ones.

Here's the thing about signs.  I could write for days about ALL the signs we get from above but for this, I'll keep it short.  Sometimes we get signs from above when we don't even realize we need one but when you ask for a sign.....and get it...……..don't blow it off!  Don't dismiss it as a coincidence.  They are HERE for us and doing everything they can to let us know that.  Signs are given to validate they are still with us.  Whether it's a penny on the ground, a feather in an unusual place, something misplaced that shows up somewhere it shouldn't be....whatever the case may be...accept it.....be grateful and say "Thank you."

One more thing, ASK for signs!!!  If you remember nothing of this story.....remember to ASK for signs.  Make it something that you normally wouldn't see.  For example......Ask to see a purple pig.  You know that isn't something you see everyday SO when you DO see it....you'll know that it is TRULY a sign from above. :)

I want to thank Ron Lucero and his family for letting me share this very personal story and hopefully it helps someone else. :)  RIP Sean.  

FAIRIES. IS THIS PROOF THEY REALLY EXIST?

 

 

Do you believe in Fairies????  No.  Not the tooth fairy.  REAL FAIRIES.  Like the ones that live in the forest and flutter around?  Huumm  That is a tough one for me.  I believe in ghosts so why couldn't there be fairies? Right? 

The definition of a Fairy is (also fata, fay, fey, fae, fair folk; from faery, faerie, "realm of the fays") is a type of mythical being or legendary creature in European folklore (and particularly Celtic, Slavic, German, English, and French folklore), a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural, or preternatural.   See if the definition of a Fairy it does seem to have a lot to do metaphysical things and you know me, I'm into that! lol

I saw a video on TV the other day and it really peaked my interest in fairies.  I openly admit I do not no much about fairies and have not encountered a one.  But I like the idea of them.  Check out the video below and see what you think?

According to realfairies.net these are the kind of fairies you may encounter.  If you have encountered a fairy, please email me, I would love to hear about your experience. :)

The Well-Known Pixies

No taller than 6 inches,  the winged pixies can shape-shift the size of their humanoid form as needed. Although they can be very curious, fun-loving creatures, they do have another side. They feel a great responsibility toward other, similar-sized fairies (brownies and gherrings) and often become involved as peacekeepers.
Pixies love flowers and gardens and, like hummingbirds, they love to sip nectar from flowers like honeysuckle. They have a very high metabolism, so they frequently enjoy high energy foods like sweets, milk, and cream.
These hard-working, industrious people live in large colonies designed to ensure their safety. They build their cities high up in trees and magically cloak them, so they are unlikely to be discovered. When encountering danger, they like to face their enemy as a massive cloud of angry pixies, similar to a swarm of bees.
Despite their fierce defensive posture, they are very friendly, kind and helpful to many different types of beings, including humans. Pixies can live to be 100 years old and are ruled by a king or queen.

Trooping Fairies 

Trooping fairies are generally similar in appearance to brownies (see below) and do not have wings. In fact, a brownie we spoke to told us trooping fairies are actually brownies that troop together in long lines. This formation often happens when they are going to war.
Trooping fairies tend to be a bit different from the average brownie. They are more serious, organized and sophisticated in lifestyle compared to the more rustic, and friendly brownie.
To stay out of sight, trooping fairies prefer to travel through the woods where there is a lot of underbrush.  Some people also believe they inhabit trees which are often referred to as “fairy trees.”

Brownies

Brownies are brave, adventurous people that can reach a height of 6 inches tall.  In their world, they are also known as “nims” but are more commonly known as brownies from wearing brown clothing and living close to the earth. They do not have wings but are quite capable of getting to high places when needed, with the help of a bird or one another.  In the wild, brownies live in the woods or high grass where they often build hidden or underground homes.  They do this to protect themselves from beings who are larger and more powerful than they are.
Brownies are very social and prefer to live together in towns or large family groups. They scavenge to survive and spend their days hunting for food, household goods, and other items they can use for trade. When it comes to humans, they are usually friendly with those who are like-minded.

Fauns

With horns on his head,  a human torso and the body of a goat below the waist, the faun is a unique creature. Found in woodland forests, fauns tend to be alluring, seductive and quite compelling. To get what they desire, they often prey upon their unsuspecting victims by using mind control and magic they’ve conjured from their pipes or flute.
According to the elves, if you see a faun, you should avert your eyes because as soon as they have your attention, you are under their control.  They are neutral but can be very dangerous.

Merpeople

Commonly known as mermaids and mermen, those we have spoken with prefer to be known as mer, or merfolk.  Unlike humans, merfolk do not live in structures or houses. They swim together as a family unit but are also part of a larger community united under one ruler. Merfolk spend much of their day together hunting for fish, and other sea creatures to eat. They intentionally have large families because living in the sea is very dangerous and many of their young do not make it to adulthood.
Lately, the mer have been more visible in our world because they are concerned with the overwhelming number of oil spills and pollution that has seeped into their world from our world. They are generally unhappy about this pollution and destruction of their waters and they tend to hold humans wholly responsible. Right now, the point they are trying to communicate to us is that the health of the oceans affects us all.

Leprechauns 

Leprechauns are typically between 2-3 feet tall and are master craftsmen, often specializing in shoemaking. Legends sometimes depict them as loners, but that is not true. Found mainly in Ireland, they live together in villages well-protected by their magic. They have a great love for gold and ale and spend a good deal of time thinking about collecting and enjoying both!
Leprechauns are known to be information brokers, selling information they’ve acquired for a fair price. They have a reputation for being tricksters, but they are generally honest, good-hearted people that have a strong regard for honesty.

Gnomes

Shy and cautious by nature, gnomes seek only the company of their own kind.  At 9 inches tall, they believe their small size makes them vulnerable to bullies and always try to go unnoticed.  Known for their iconic red, pointy caps, they actually wear a variety of different clothing besides that single color and style.
You will find gnomes in most natural areas around the world in small isolated communities. They eat fruit, mushrooms, nuts, root vegetables, eggs, and meat only occasionally. Being deeply connected to nature, they are master healers and are known for healing sick and injured animals.

Grundels 

Frequently found in the homes of larger elves, grundels and elves have a symbiotic relationship. Grundels gladly work in service for the elves in exchange for a safe and happy home.  They are dedicated to their host family of elves and generally stay with the same family for generations, moving with them as necessity dictates.  For their part, elves have great respect and love for grundels and consider them family. Grundels are about 3 feet tall and often wear striped clothing. (Sorry, no picture yet available)

Hobgoblins 

The hobgoblin is a solitary,  dark brown creature who inhabits the forest and lives in trees.  In general, this neutral fairy is a peaceful fellow who enjoys keeping to himself (or herself). He is not usually aggressive unless provoked but he can get especially nasty when his tree is at risk. Since his temper can flare easily, it is wise to try and stay on his good side.

Elves

Elves are a very long-lived race found in many places throughout their world.  Gifted with sharper senses, grace, agility, and perceptions than humans, they excel in the arts and crafts. This also includes the art of magic which they define as the gathering, focusing and directing of natural energy.  In general, elves avoid technology and live close to nature in an idyllic setting, respecting and working with all aspects of nature.
Physically, elves are approximately the same height as humans but slighter in build. Their faces are similar to humans but noticeably different. They have high cheekbones, more angular features, mesmerizing eyes, and the pointed ears so often depicted in books and movies.
Elves belong to two main groups: the Seelie or light elves and the Unseelie or dark elves. In general, the Seelie elves want to work with humans to heal the planet we both share while the Unseelie would prefer to solve their problems by eliminating all of humanity.
The Elves of Fyn, the source of the information on this site, belong to the first group (Seelie) and you can find a bit more information about them here. To be safe, humans should try to avoid contact with the Unseelie altogether.

So, do fairies exist?  I believe they can.  Just like UFO's, ghosts, and Bigfoot there are things we may never be able to prove 100%.   Just like having "hope".  We can't PROVE that "having hope" helps us through life events, but we do it anyway.  So if we can have "hope" why can't we "believe"?

ARE WE STILL BEST FRIENDS WHEN WE CROSS OVER?

Are we still BEST FRIENDS when we cross to the other side?  This was a question I was asked this past weekend and I thought I would blog about it because I can only assume many people wonder about this after losing a best friend.  What will they do without them?  Right?  This is probably the number one concern of people that feel they have a  "soul connection" to another human being.  The one person or multi people that you feel know you the best and love you unconditionally.  The person that has been there for you through the good and the bad.  The person that made you laugh when all you wanted to do was cry.  The person that screamed the loudest when you succeeded and was your biggest fan.  Guess what?  Those feelings never change!

The Golden Girls 

One of my FAVORITE shows about Best Friends(Does that tell my age? LOL)

 

When a person dies this doesn't mean you never get to see or speak to them again.  Of course you still can!  And want to know something else.....they are ALWAYS there for you and even though you may not directly hear the voices you can feel their presence when you need it the most and sometimes when you least expect it.

Here's the deal.  Many people think that once you cross over and go to Heaven....that's it.  No more communicating with the living because they are in Heaven. Right? Wrong!  I am going to say this in a "Beckyism".  When people go to Heaven..... God doesn't say, "You are in Heaven now, you can not go back and help your friends and family in their time of need or sadness".  God is a loving God.  So he absolutely allows you to "visit" your friends and family to give them comfort or guide them in some way and then return "HOME".

So, the next time, you feel sad about losing your Best Friend, know that your Best Friend is not gone.  Think of it this way.... he/she is only in another room next to you.  You can't see them but you can hear them and feel that they are near.  So....talk away!!!!  Say what you need to just as your friend was right next to you (because they probably are) and take comfort in knowing they are not "gone" they have just stepped in the room "next door".

They still know when you do something silly and are laughing right along with you.  They know when you are doing something you love and they are right there supporting you.  And when you are sad and lonely, they have their arms wrapped around you gently as they always did.  The "soul connection" is NEVER lost are gone it's just how you see them now.  And one more thing.....every time you smile...…….so do they!!!!!!!!!  So don't forget to smile. :)

Losing someone close to you can be so overwhelming that it is hard to move forward.....so I want to share a little secret of mine that I hope will make you smile at least for a moment.  When you see a beautiful sunset or sunrise in all the beautiful pinks, purples, blues and yellows....that is JUST FOR YOU!!!!  No one else.....but YOU!!!!  It is a way that your loved ones can show you how they are feeling and how much love they are sending directly to YOU!!!!!!

 

Just for ME at one of my favorite

places from someone I miss dearly.

I couldn't help but smile.  Thank you.

 

 Because I am such a huge fan of The Golden Girls I wanted to share this video of Rue McClanahan (Blanche) talking about a sign that she received from her Best Friend Rill.  Don't forget to ask for a sign from your loved one they just may be waiting for you to ask.  :)

Sorry, A&E blocked me from sharing the video, but you can look it up on Youtube. :)

For those of you who need a sign!

 

DO OUR DEPARTED PETS GIVE US SIGNS THEY ARE STILL HERE?

Your heart is breaking.....and the tears come pouring down your face like a raging water fall.  You can't believe how much it hurts.  How real the pain is!  If you have ever lost a believed pet like I did this past weekend, you understand completely what I'm talking about.

If you are a pet owner, no matter what the pet....a dog, cat, bird or even snakes (sorry, snakes scare the crap out of me) you develop a love for them that is unconditional.  When you had a bad day.... you've wrecked the car, and have no idea what to do now....you were still greeted with a long, wet kiss on the face when you walked through the door and suddenly what you thought was the worst day ever...doesn't seem so bad after all.  Or your are sobbing at that sad, sad last episode of Friends,  and your "best friend" jumps in your lap and looks up at you with those big brown eyes and gives you THAT SWEET look of "it's going to ok" and you can't help but smile.  Yep.  That's the power they have on us.

So, what happens when we lose them?  We grieve and grieve.  You think about them everyday and can hardly look at a picture of them without breaking down.  Suddenly, strange things start to happen.  You think you see something run through the hall.  You see something jump on your bed that isn't there.  But here's the deal.  Sometimes when we see apparitions or ghosts of a living person, they are here for several reasons.  Maybe because of a tragic event, unfinished business and sometimes the person doesn't even know they are dead.  But pets are different.....
 

There is only one reason their spirit stays behind.  And that's YOU!  Our pets entire lives are built around us and being our companion.  Nothing makes a pet happier than pleasing their owner.  So, guess what?  When they die....that doesn't change. And let me tell, thanks goodness it doesn't!  

Me and Holly-My sweet girl that died in 2015

My boy Tanner.  RIP 

This post is dedicated to my beloved Tanner.  My best friend for 15 years.  RIP my sweet boy.  You take a piece of my heart with you. (Feb. 2004-Feb.2019)

So, if you think you have lost your "best friend" you haven't.  The shadow in hall or the dog toy that suddenly shows up out of know where....is just he/she paying you a visit.  They will give you signs in many different ways to let you know they are still right by your side.  

I want to tell you about my personal experience of a message Tanner gave me the day he died.  My poor boy, Tanner was 15 years old and even though his body was still going strong in spite of wobbly legs and being blind as a bat.  I always thought I would be able to make "that HARD decision" when the time came that he couldn't walk or move anymore BUT NEVER did I think I would have to make that decision because of his MENTAL state of mine.  He started pacing about a week ago.  He would scratch on the doors like he wanted out, but the doors where open.  He would stare into the corners of the room and seem to be so lost.  I wasn't sure what was happening so I took him to the vet who diagnosed him with Dog Dementia.  Who knew that was even a thing!!!!!  She said he just doesn't recognize where he is and it could be scary for him.

She gave me some medicine to try....but it didn't help at all.  After about a week of this, I couldn't take it anymore.  The thought that he was scared and didn't know where he was and being blind on top of that...was more than my heart could take.  I called the vet Friday morning and said, "today is the day".  I feed him his favorite food and gave him his favorite treats and in my mind tried to make it just like any other normal day.  Talking and playing with him first thing in the morning.  But then it was time.  I drove to vet and let my boy go to Heaven without me.  I had never had to make this kind of decision before.  And for anyone who has, even though you know it is the right thing to do, making this kind of decision is the worst feeling ever!!!!  

I walked to the car and began to sob uncontrollably with my hands over my face.  Had I done the right thing?  Did he have more time?  Should I have waited?  I needed help.  I needed a sign.  I let my hands drop and looked to the heavens and said, "Tanner, PLEASE I need a sign that I did the right thing.  I can't move on unless I know."  I slowly started the car and just by habit I turned on the radio.  And there was only ONE sentence that came on.  It was Carrie Underwood singing Amazing Grace...but I didn't hear the whole song only the last sentence...……………..I was blind, but now I see.  And not another thing was said.  Not  a commercial...…..not a DJ for a few seconds.  There was definitely a pause before the DJ began to talk.  And with that, I raised my head and said "Thank you" and drove home with a smile on my face.

Now, I wanted to include an article written by Stanley Coren Ph D., that I just read that has nothing to do with ghosts, or ghost spirits, but it does have to do with death and how when we have more than one pet that the other pet grieves as well.  That's right.  Your other pet.  The one that will stare into the kitchen looking at the dog bowl as if they are seeing something.  Maybe they are!  But lets not forget them in this process.  They grieve as well.  And you know, as much as your pet loved you...they loved your other pet to.  So, it is no surprise that they would come back to say "hi" to them as well.  The article below talks about your pets grief.  I thought it was really good and just wanted to include it with this blog.

Do Dogs Grieve Over the Loss of an Animal Companion?

A poignant study confirms what many owners suspected about pets and grieving.

Posted Nov 10, 2016

• It's well-known that dogs form strong emotional bonds with members of their human family, and often suffer grief when a loved one dies or moves away. However, one might wonder if dogs suffer an equal sense of loss when an animal companion who has lived with them in the same home suddenly disappears. 

I recently visited the home of some friends who have always had Boston Terriers as their companion dogs, usually in pairs, and always in the traditional black and white coloration. Quite often, they also had a cat as a pet, which was usually black-and-white to match the dogs. I always felt that it was Violet's work as an interior decorator that compelled her to have color-coordinated pets. On this visit, I found only one dog in the house. Lou explained that in the course of a few months they had lost one of their Boston Terriers (Lily) and shortly thereafter their cat (Rosie). Lou went on to say, "Now we only have Daisy. She took the loss of Lily and Rosie pretty hard, so we are looking to get a puppy companion for her as soon as possible."

I sat down on the sofa where Violet was sitting with Daisy. She said:

"Daisy was really upset when Lily passed. She kept checking the places where Lily usually took her naps, and when she didn't find her she would whine or whimper. She also got really clingy and demanded a lot of affection from me. Things got better after a month or so but then Rosie, our cat, died. I was surprised to find that Daisy showed the same kinds of behaviors when she couldn't find Rosie. Daisy kept looking for her in her usual spots, began whimpering again, and seemed to want to be close to me. She even stopped eating as enthusiastically as she usually did, as though she had lost part of her appetite."

Although Daisy's behavior at the loss of her canine companion was familiar to me, I was a bit surprised to learn she showed signs of grief at the loss of the cat as well. However, a recent study published in the journal Animals attempts to catalog the behaviors of dogs and cats when they suffer the loss of an animal housemate, and what the study found suggests that Daisy's behavior is not atypical. The study was conducted by a team of researchers headed by Jessica Walker of the New Zealand Companion Animal Counsel who collected data pertaining to 159 dogs and 152 cats. The data consisted of questionnaire responses from pet owners in New Zealand and Australia who owned multiple pets at the same time and had lost one within the past five years. The pet owners were asked to recall how the surviving pet responded to the disappearance of their companion.

One of the most common behaviors observed in dogs was to continually check the places where their lost housemate normally napped or rested. This behavior was found in 60 percent of the dogs (regardless of whether the lost companion was a dog or a cat) and 63 percent of the cats. Virtually the same proportion of surviving pets demanded more affection or became clingy and needy (61 percent of dogs and 62 percent of cats). Increases in whining and whimpering was less frequent, occurring 27 percent of the time in dogs. However, increased vocalizing was much more common in cats (43 percent). Roughly one in three dogs and cats reduced the amount of food they ate and the speed in which they ate it (35 percent in dogs and 31 percent in cats). Dogs were more likely to increase the amount of time that they spent sleeping (34 percent), which was less likely in cats (20 percent). The interesting thing is that these are all behaviors one might observe in a young human child experiencing grief and stress because of the loss of a human family member.

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Two aspects of this data surprised me. The first is that the cats seem to show grief-like behaviors to the same extent as the dogs. The second is that the dogs seem to show an equal amount of grief-related behavioral changes when the animal companion they lost was a cat rather than another dog.

One particularly interesting finding is that some animal behaviorists believe that the grief response in dogs can be reduced if the animal has a chance to view their deceased companion's body. The idea is that this provides closure: The dog will understand that their companion is no longer alive and is not coming back. In the study, 58 percent of the dogs and 42 percent of the cats got to view the body of their companion. The majority (73 percent) took the time to sniff and investigate their deceased housemate. However, no one reported behavioral differences between the animals that saw, and those that did not see, a dead companion's body. This seems to confirm that dogs act very much like human children younger than four, in that they do not have a concept of death as a final and irrevocable separation. Instead, they simply feel the loss of the presence, friendship, and companionship of their loved one; that loss causes their stress and grief-like behaviors.

Source: Anna Baburkina/Shutterstock

The conclusion to draw from this study is that dogs and cats suffer from stress when a companion animal from their household dies. Because of this, they show behaviors which can be interpreted as grief. Further, a dog is just as likely to grieve over the loss of the household cat as it is for the loss of a companion dog.

From me Becky:

Give them extra attention, toys and treats.  Remove or put away all the toys played with prior to the death of their companion.  Anything to do with the scent on it from the companion that died should be put aside and new things brought into the home to bring in new scents and memories.  

And may I offer this suggestion if you lost your only pet.  The love that you had for them, doesn't go away...but the love can also be used to give to another.  The thing you notice...is the loneliness.  The dog not at your feet, no barking, no toys to pick up, no one to greet you when you come home..... it all makes the silence deafening!  Consider getting another pet that needs a good, loving home. 

HAWAII- MORE THAN JUST BEAUTIFUL-HOW ABOUT REALLY HAUNTED!!!

 

The vacation season is fast approaching and if you're like me, you are looking for haunted placed to go.  Because in MY WORLD it isn't vacation until you go somewhere spooky with tales of ghost and all kinds of paranormal activity!

 

Most people when they think of Hawaii....they think of the beautiful blue ocean with swaying palm trees outlining a white sandy beach with tons of people.  Right?  Well, there is no doubt that Hawaii is a place of beauty but what if it were haunted as well????  Wouldn't that be the perfect place for a vacation????

 

Check out these 10 locations that may just have you packing your bags for a beautiful beach resort and equipment!

 



1. USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor - Oahu, HI

Photo by Andrew Currie, via Flickr
Pearl Harbor is probably one of the most significant World War II sites in the world and is located on the island of Oahu. It is the headquarters of the United States Pacific Fleet and features the USS Arizona Memorial. The USS Arizona suffered the most casualties after the ammunition inside detonated causing it to explode. Those that visit the memorial have taken photos with misty human-like figures in them.

2. Volcano House Hotel - Volcano, HI

Photo by J. Stephen Conn, via Flickr
The iconic Volcano House Hotel overlooks Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kilauea and is set inside a building that dates back to 1846. A former private residence, the location is said to be haunted by an elderly woman's apparition who has been seen in the halls and guest rooms. A ghostly white dog is also known to be spotted on the entrance road to the lodge.

3. Hawaii's Plantation Village - Waipahu, HI

Photo by Beautifulcataya, via Flickr
This tourist attraction in Waipahu gives visitors a tour of a re-created 1900s sugar plantation and features 25 buildings and homes. Witnesses have reported apparitions at the village, curtains that move on their own in the Portuguese home, pots and pans banging in the Japanese home, doors that unlock on their own in the Filipino Camp and the apparition of a woman in 1930s-style clothing.

4. Honolulu Airport - Oahu, HI

Photo by Nekonomist, via Flickr
Local legend says the Honolulu Airport, also known as Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, is haunted by "the Lady in Waiting" who stands at the gate at night, peering out at the runway. She is a blonde woman in a white dress, and sometimes appears in secure areas where most people don't have clearance to go. Stories say she fell in love with a man who promised he would marry her, only to take off on an international flight and never return. She was heartbroken and committed suicide, and still waits for him to return. Other haunting reports at the airport include toilet paper rolls that unravel on their own, toilet seats that slam down, toilets that flush by themselves, a choking ghost who sits on people's chests to make them feel as though they are choking and on the Wiki-Wiki shuttle, a ghostly passenger appears in the back during the middle of the night.

5. Manoa Falls Trail - Manoa, HI

Photo by Daniel Ramirez, via Flickr

Parts of the Manoa Falls Trails were featured in Jurassic Park and TV's LOST, where it is believed to be haunted by spirits who inhabit the banyan trees. Also said to haunt the area are night marchers, ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors. Witnesses say they've heard their drumming at night.

6. Iao Theatre - Wailuku, HI

Photo by Jimmy Emerson, DVM, via Flickr
This Spanish Mission style theater opened its doors in 1928 and was originally both a movie and vaudeville house, until it fell into disrepair in the 1980s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and has had a number of haunting reports. A misty apparition has been reported sitting in the seats around the theatre, as well as on the stage during closing hours. Many believe it is a female apparition, who has a friendly presence. The other ghosts at the theater include that of Hawaiian soldiers and on the lower level of the theatre is where people have claimed to feel cold spots and see shadow figures.

7. Wahiawa Botanical Garden - Oahu, HI

Photo by Sodai Gomi, via Flickr
Located between the Wai'anae and Ko'olau mountain ranges, the Wahiawa Botanical Garden features 27 acres on a high plateau. The area is said to be haunted by The Green Lady, who is also seen at Wahiawa Gulch. Stories say she was visiting with her children years ago, and when one got lost in the forest, she set out to look for her missing child. Although some versions of the story differ from others, she was said to have disappeared with her other children after wandering into the forest. She has been described as being green in appearance with fish-like scales and jagged teeth, hair covered in seaweed. The Green Lady is also said to come with a very bad smell, like rotting plant matter.

8. Nu'uano Pali Highway - Honolulu, HI

Photo by Kansas Sebastian, via Flickr
There are several ghost stories and legend surrounding this highway, including the story that says Pele and the demigod Kampaua'a - a half man, half pig, and a bad breakup and agreed to never see each other again. Legend says that you cannot take pork over the Pali Highway, because it means that you are symbolically taking Kamapua'a from one side to the other. For those who try to bring pork across, supposedly your car will stop at some point along the way, and an old woman with a dog will appear. In order to continue on your journey, you must feed the pork to the dog.

9. Oahu Community Correctional Facility - Honolulu, HI

Photo by Glenn F., via Yelp
Located on Kamehameha Highway in Honolulu, the Oahu Community Correctional Facility is the largest jail in the State of Hawaii. Situated on 16 acres, the prison is on the site of the former Oahu Prison. The gallows, where 47 men were hanged, was converted into an office and guards say they have difficulty sleeping in the squad rooms, which is located right next to the execution chamber. Prisoners have also reported hearing cell doors rattle on their own.

10. Hulihee Place - Kailuna-Kona, HI

Photo by Calbear22, via WikiCommons

Located in historic Kailuna-Kona, the Hulihee Place was a former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty, and was transformed into a museum that showcases artifacts and furniture. It dates back to 1838 and is said to be haunted by Hawaiian monarchs and the ghost of a young boy. 

 

Just a little video of a news cast from last October about a few of the haunted locations you can visit.

 

 

I don't know about you, but lookout Hawaii.....here I COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



 

 

GHOST HUNTING IN CEMETERIES - GREAT PLACE OR NOT???

Going to a cemetery?  Count me IN!!!!  A bunch of dead people and caskets!  YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
Man, I do love me some haunted cemeteries!!!  Many people will argue that a cemetery IS NOT a great place to go ghost hunting.  That the spirit of the body buried in the ground is more than likely at a location if there is to be a haunting.  I beg to differ.

Some of the best EVP's and photos I have ever gotten have been in a cemetery.  You've heard of attachments?  Spirits that attach themselves to an object like a favorite chair or toy, right?  Then why would they not want to attach to the one thing that truly represents them?  There outer shell....the physical body.

Many times when you investigate a location you one of the things you look for is places with "Great emotion". Well...….hello......what a better place than a cemetery to have a ton of true emotions!  Think about it.  Some people are sad, because their loved one is gone, some maybe happy because  their loved ones are in a "better place", some maybe confused because they don't fully understand the loss of their loved ones and some maybe angry, angry that they are left alone.  All that emotion in one place...You betcha ya I'm in!!!!

It's like a party for the dead!  I have actually gotten EVP's in a cemetery that sounded like two spirits interacting with each other.  And if you have captured that then you know it is soooo exciting an amazing to witness.  Another time, up in Alton, Illinois some friends of mine and I went to check out one of the local cemeteries.  We started seeing dark shadows dart from tombstone to another.  We were all seeing them!  We started walking through the cemetery and one of guys stepped on a grave (which we always try and walk around instead over just walking over the graves) and just a natural response said, "Oh, I'm so sorry about that" and we all heard at the same time a soft woman's voice say, "That's ok".  Even better, we caught it on our recorder as plain as day!  A class A EVP!!!

Many times if you just sit still and look around you will be able to see the dark shadows.  The shadows are darker than the dark.  And if you are lucky enough, you may even be able to capture one in one of your pictures.  If you do go to a cemetery, this is a great place for trigger objects.  Bring a toy to a child's grave or choose a coin with and older date that matches someones death year.

Here is one of my favorite videos that we captured a ball rolling of the edge of a wall that surrounded an old grave.  

                             

                                                        The Skinner Cemetery

Also, here are a couple of my video's of EVP's and paranormal evidence we have received at cemeteries.

                             

                                                  The Channing Park Cemetery

                             
                                                            Lane Cemetery

I definitely think a cemetery is an awesome place for ghost hunting.   But please be respectful when you do investigate.